News from New York State Department of Labor

For more information contact: Leo Rosales, 518-457-5519

Governor Paterson Opens Job Fairs Across New York State For Veterans And Their Families

5,500 Job Opportunities Made Available to Vets Across New York State; Four Veterans Career Fairs Open Today in New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and Western NY

ALBANY, NY (11/13/2008; 1201)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson announced that four career fairs opened today to veterans and their families in New York City, Albany, Syracuse and Western New York. More than 150 employers are attending the four job fairs, offering approximately 5,500 job opportunities for veteran job seekers and their families. To commemorate the occasion, Governor Paterson has also proclaimed November 13 as "Operation Hire: Veterans Career Fair Day" in New York.

The New York State Department of Labor, through its Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists, is providing intensive services to meet the employment needs of disabled veterans and other eligible veterans. Emphasis is being placed on serving those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, including homeless veterans and veterans with other barriers to employment. In addition, Local Veterans' Employment Representatives are conducting seminars and outreach for employers to assist veterans in gaining employment and job search workshops for veterans seeking employment.

"For generations, veterans and their families have embodied the meaning of sacrifice through their selfless dedication to our state and nation. More than one million veterans call our state home, and it is our obligation, both as New Yorkers and as Americans, to make sure they are afforded every opportunity to succeed when their time in the military has passed," said Governor Paterson. "Especially during these uncertain fiscal times, job fairs like this represent a tremendous opportunity for veterans and their families to explore exciting new careers that will make an immediate impact on the future of our state's economy."

State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said: "Providing veterans' services have always been at the forefront of our mission at the Department of Labor. Nearly 50,000 veterans are served annually by Labor Department programs, including hundreds who have participated in our bi-monthly Warriors in Transition Job Fairs for disabled veterans at Fort Drum in Jefferson County. Our Operation Hire: Veterans Career Fairs will enable employers in this state to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy."

James McDonough, Director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs said: "Given the current economic climate, it is very important that we as a state serve those who have served our country. Providing information and assistance regarding employment opportunities as well as state and federal benefits is an important part of the responsibility we have to assist New York's veterans."

Workshops at the job fairs will cover a variety of topics, including interviewing skills, entrepreneurship, as well as health care and other related services for veterans.

Job Fairs will be taking place at the following times and locations:

Western New York - The Leonard VFW Post #6251, 2450 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, New York - 1 to 4 p.m.

Capital Region - Joseph E. Zaloga Post #1520, 4 Everett Road, Albany, New York - 1 to 5 p.m.

Central New York - Horticulture Building/Veterans Park, 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse, New York - 1 to 5 p.m.

New York City - The New Yorker Hotel, 481 Eighth Avenue at 34th Street, New York City - 1 to 5 p.m.

To find out more about the Labor Department's services on behalf of veterans, please visit www.labor.ny.gov.

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