Senator Jeff Klein, along with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and local elected officials, hosted the first Bronx H.I.R.E. job fair at Hutchinson Metro Center Wednesday night, drawing more than 400 job seekers. Attendees were given an opportunity to connect with Bronx-based employers - big and small - that are currently hiring.
Bronx H.I.R.E (Help Identify Real Employment) is a unique jobs program aimed at connecting Bronx workers with real jobs through a comprehensive, direct approach developed by Senator Klein’s office and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The Bronx H.I.R.E. program, announced in July, is made possible through a $200,000 grant secured by Senator Klein in this year's state budget.
State Senator Jeff Klein said, “For too long, the Bronx has had the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the state. However, there are real signs that business is investing in the Bronx and with our new H.I.R.E. program, we are investing in the Bronx worker. We had an amazing turnout at our first job fair and a handful of on-site immediate hires - which only proves that this program has the potential to really make a difference in getting Bronxites working again.”
The program consist of two parts - one that will make sure that the new and existing Bronx businesses and institutions are employing Bronx residents and the other that will establish a hands- on worker development program. The second part of this program, known as the “Opening Doors Initiative” will give Bronx workers an opportunity to receive support for additional certifications, help with resumes, interviews, applications and assistance with follow-up for positions to which H.I.R.E. participants have applied. The program will be facilitated by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, Bronx Chamber of Commerce Chief-of-Staff and H.I.R.E. administrator said: “The Bronx Chamber of Commerce was thrilled with the response to our first Bronx H.I.R.E job fair where the enthusiasm and excitement was felt both by job seekers and potential employers. We are so grateful for Senator Jeff Klein’s support to launch this program, which is off to a running start. We look forward to continuing to connect employers looking to hire with these great candidates.”
For more information and to enroll in the Bronx H.I.R.E program visit: http://www.bronxchamber.org
Senator Klein, Assemblyman Luis Supulveda, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Bronx Chamber of Commerce Board
April Horton (Verizon), Joseph Kelleher (Bronx Chamber of Commerce), Kevin Cacho (new employee) Peter Martinez (Master Fire), Nancy Santiago (MasterFire) Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro (Bronx Chamber of Commerce)
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