Monday, April 26, 2010

Congressman Bob Goodlatte's April Job Fair

Jobs and the economy seem to be on the minds of everyone these days. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Shenandoah Valley where businesses have been hit hard the past several years with numerous layoffs and closings.

On April 30, just one week before seniors graduate from James Madison University, Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th CD), who represents western Virginia from Winchester to Roanoke, will hold a Job Fair at the JMU Convocation Center in Harrisonburg. Representatives from local businesses, corporations, and federal agencies will be available to speak with those who attend.

The timing may be just right for a Job Fair.

While many graduates search online for jobs, it is more important than ever to use every available resource while looking for employment, according to Mike Helsen, vice president of student services at Baker College's Muskegon campus. He suggested, "Make direct contact with an employer, use family and friends and people you meet to develop leads."

Fox Business reported that 2010 college graduates will still face a highly competitive job market but with a slightly improved chance of employment and higher wages.

Looking to bring more jobs to Virginia, Congressman Goodlatte believes in helping small businesses expand so they can hire more workers. Eliminiation of the capital gains tax could encourage firms to hire and retain workers, and keeping taxes low could encourage families to invest and save. Unemployment benefits should not be taxed, in his opinion, because that money could be used to pay the rent and put food on the table.

In addition, Congressman Goodlatte would like to see federal spending reined in and the budget balanced, and he has introduced bipartisan legislation that would amend the United States Constitution, forcing Congress to cut spending and balance the budget.

Similar job fairs have been held in other parts of the Commonwealth by Congressman Eric Cantor (R-7th CD) and U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D).

Many local businesses will be represented next week including Massanutten, Wintergreen, and Bryce ski resorts, The Homestead Resort, James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, and RR Donnelly. All participating companies can be found at the website which will be updated as additional companies sign on.

The Job Fair is free and open to the public and will be held Friday, April 30, from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm, at the James Madison Convocation Center on University Boulevard in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Contact Congressman Goodlatte's Harrisonburg office for more details at (540) 432-2391.

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