Rep Meeks' Job Fair to Assist Older Job Seekers

(JAMAICA, NY)–There is an estimated 2.1 million workers 55 and older, nationwide, who are now out of work. The Sixth Congressional District’s Job Fair & Conference, hosted by Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, will include an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) workshop at which constituents over 50, who may be delaying retirement due to the recession or are attempting to re-enter the workforce, can get advice about the challenges unique to older workers. The Job Fair will be held on Friday, May 6, 2011, from 10:00AM-3:00PM at York College, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, in Jamaica, NY.

Twenty five percent of the respondents to an AARP survey between the ages of 45 and 54 said they planned to delay retirement. A third stated that money is so tight they’ve stopped contributing to their retirement accounts. More than one in four of these respondents indicated they’re finding it difficult to pay the mortgage or rent.

Congressman Meeks points out that, “The economic situation has forced many mature workers back into the job market. The Job Fair will bring older as well as younger job seekers into direct contact with employers, while the workshops will provide them with resources and tools on how to apply for jobs, craft a resume and market themselves.”

Government agencies and private companies expected to participate or will be represented at the Sixth Congressional District’s Job Fair & Conference include: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Food Drug Administration (USFDA); United States Secret Service; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); United States Small Business Administration (SBA); United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB); Time Warner Cable; Con Edison; Council for Airport Opportunity; Frito Lay; New York Life Insurance; New York City Police Department (NYCPD); New York City Fire Department (FDNY); Sovereign Bank; Lowe’s Home Improvement and the United Parcel Service (UPS).

Attendees are asked to bring resumes and to dress professionally. The Sixth Congressional District’s Job Fair & Conference is Free and Open to the Public. For more information and to pre-register, please visit: www.house.gov/meeks or contact the office of Congressman Meeks: (718) 725.6000.