Pocono News Section

Hazleton Job Fair Surprises Unemployed

Hazleton Job Fair Surprises Unemployed - Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:21PM EST

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Hundreds of people packed into the Genetti's here for a job fair hosted by the Greater Hazleton Area Chamber of Commerce and Career Link.

"The economy is beat and going downhill. It's hard to find a job around here," said Kyle Setley of Hazleton, who applied for a handful of jobs. "I'm hoping for a job in a warehouse, anything actually. That's better than nothing."

"We opened the doors at 11am, and people were waiting in the parking lot," said Donna Palermo, president of the chamber. "So, the event is good, it's a one stop shop. On the other hand, it's not good to have this many people out of work."

We spoke to several people who recently lost their jobs. They were surprised to know 30 area businesses are hiring for several positions.

"I've been looking for two months, looking everywhere, including some places that are here today," said Dennis Yost of Hazleton. "They weren't hiring at that time, but now they are, and I hope they hire me."

Palermo says the city's unemployment rate is around 7.5 percent.

"Here in Northeast PA, we haven't been as hard hit as other areas, and we're fortunate for that," she said.

But Nicole Hinkson of Berwick was hard hit with a recent job loss.

"I'm now going to Career Link in Bloomsburg to look for jobs," Hinkson said. "I have three children, and I'm trying to get money to go back to school."

Money she knows will only come in after landing a job.

Palermo encourages unemployed people to sign up with their local Career Link and check in with their chamber about job possibilities.