Ulster County Legislative Chairman Richard A. Gerentine in cooperation with Robert Mathews, Manager, New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and Fawn Tantillo, Director of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training (OET) announced an Informational session and Job Fair to be held on Wednesday, August 11 from 9am to 1pm at the Nevele Grande Hotel in Ellenville.

Imperial Schrade, one of the larger manufacturers in the region, closed its doors July 29, laying off an estimated 280 workers at its Ellenville factory. "The Department of Labor and OET began pulling this together the moment we got the news," Tantillo said. "We are working with everyone from the State level to the Town and Village to bring services to them."

Issues that will be covered at an Information Session from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. will answer the questions

"How do I apply for unemployment insurance?"

"Where do I look for work?"

"Is training available?"

"How do I handle my bills? Where can I go for services?"

"What kind of job should I be looking for?"

"What does the local job market look like?"

"This is usually covered in a 'Rapid Response' if the company gives us some notice," Tantillo explained. "The Nevele Grand Hotel has graciously offered to host the event and has several good job openings as well."

The Information Session will be followed from 10-1 with a Job Fair featuring numerous employers with job openings. In addition several government agencies and private sector organization will have relevant information for job seekers and their families.

"We have many of our partners who want to be there, " said Mathews, "SUNY Ulster, BOCES, Hudson Health Plan, Ellenville Housing Authority, the list keeps growing."

Ulster County Legislative Chairman Richard Gerentine has authorized Ulster County Area Transit to offer free public transportation to and from the job fair. Participants interested in using the bus can board at Liberty Square at 9:00 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:05 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. All buses will return to Liberty Square after dropping passengers off at the Nevele. Return trips will be at 9:05 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:10 a.m. 1:25 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Passengers must call 340-3333 for special pick up requests or ADA accessibility needs. As always, Ulster County Area Transit offers safe, reliable affordable public transit. Passengers interested in a free bus pass should call 334-5046 and 340-3333 for schedule and fare information.

Ron Stonitsch from NYSDOL is coordinating the numerous aspects of this effort. Many local businesses have contacted the OneStop with job openings that are being listed for free on America's Job Bank. Businesses interested in a being at the Job Fair can contact Ron Stonitsch directly at 845-338-4696 extension 3004.

Ron encourages job seekers to bring plenty of resumes. "Although this is being done primarily for the Schrade people, everyone in the community is welcome."