Text Box: versity of Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center, and a popular table available for resume review. Over 400 job seekers attended the fair, shopping around a variety of education levels, skill sets, and work experience. ‘Tonawanda Works’ will be an annual event at the Community Building and all of the employers that completed a feedback survey indicated they would like to attend in the future. Text Box: First Annual Tonawanda Works Job Fair Draws a Crowd

Employment

Featured Zone Board Member

Q & A  with Jody McGee
Text Box: Employment Resources Available in Community Building Text Box: Job Seekers enter the gym at the Sheridan Parkside Village Community Building

Jody has been a highly active resident of the Sheridan Parkside Village Courts for 9 years.  She volunteers her time for groups serving Sheridan Parkside including the Stewardship Council, as Vice President, and the Adult Board.

 

Jody also ran the annual Drug Free Carnival for seven years; served on the Planning Committee for Friendship Park; and has been involved with the HOPE homeownership program.

 

The following  is a summary of a brief interview the Zone Staff conducted with Jody:

Certified Zone Companies

Since Tonawanda received Empire Zone designation in November 2001, 55 companies have certified for the program benefits.

 

Zone benefits vary depending a company’s specific situation, however most Zone companies are finding that certifying for the program is an easy way to make investment a reality.

 

Congratulations to the following recently certified companies:

·    BCO Industries

 

·    By Design Inc,. d/b/a Buffalo Granite and Marble

 

·    Gibraltar Steel Corporation of New York

·    Guildcraft, Incorporated

 

 

seling.

 

‘Ways to Work’ Loan Programs

Child and Family Services will be offering an informational session on their low interest loan programs designed to help get people into the workforce.

 

The loans, up to $4,000, can be used for repair or purchase of a vehicle, to  help pay for child care, or to address a variety of other employment

related needs.

 

The first workshop will be Thursday June 26th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.

 

Durham Staffing Service

Durham Staffing has begun recruiting out of the Community Building.  Recruitments will be advertised on the Community Building front sign for a week in advance (see back page for recruitments that are already scheduled).

 

 

·    Hydraulic Development and Manufacturing

 

·    Kinsley Power Systems

 

·    Reliance Building and Equipment

What do you hope to see come out of Empire Zone Designation?

"I'd like to see the Empire Zone boost the local economy, bringing more quality jobs to the residents of Sheridan Parkside - to give our residents a brighter future, and a higher quality of life".

 

How do you feel about the early returns?

“I'm happy with the way that the Board has focused on Sheridan Parkside and has used the Community Building as a resource.  It's encouraging to see programs in the building ranging from G.E.D. classes to the spring job fair. And I can see much more on our horizon, not only for adults but for our children also.”