Local news

Area organizations team up for Clinton County Connects Career Fair at university

LOCK HAVEN -- With the impact of COVID-19 on the job market, Clinton County residents are looking to reevaluate their careers.

PA CareerLink Clinton County, in partnership with the Clinton County Government and the Clinton County Economic Partnership, held their Clinton County Connects Career Fair on Wednesday at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven Parsons Union Building.

There were over 100 students and potential employees in attendance to browse over 60 local businesses and nonprofits and learn about the opportunities from sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, education, recreation, service, financial and government. The event promised to be a significant resource for individuals seeking employment options, career changes, improved job prospects or supplemental income.

"I want to give thanks to everyone for putting the career fair together, it was a nice (event.) The Career Fair offers residents an opportunity for employment and a chance for those who might be underemployed to find employees," said Mike Flanagan, president and CEO of the Clinton County Economic Partnership.

The career fair represented jobs from entry-level to technical and professional positions, including both full and part time work.

Around 15 of the top 50 employers in Clinton County were in attendance. Some of these employers include Bucktail Medical Center, UPMC, Clinton County Government, STEP, Inc., First Quality Tissue and Consumer Products, Keystone Central School District, Lock Haven Rehab and Senior Living and more.

There were also tables offering information on the Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

According to Flanagan, Clinton County's August 2023 unemployment rate was 4.4 percent. One year ago, that number was at 5 percent. The state estimates around 800 adult-aged residents are looking for work in the county.

The Clinton County Connects Career Fair aims to bridge the gap between jobseekers and the wide array of career and training opportunities that are available in the region.

All of this was made possible through the use of a Rural PA Health Initiative Grant.

"First and foremost, I am grateful to the PA Office of Rural Health for awarding Clinton County the Rural PA Health Initiative Grant. We've been able to have so much impact in Clinton County and this career fair is just one example. I would be remiss without calling out Lori Gunsallus (PA CareerLink), Beth Whitty (Clinton County Planning) and Jessica Abernathy (CU-Lock Haven). Without them, this event would not have been nearly as successful as it was," said Commissioner Angela Harding.

Commissioners Harding, Miles Kessinger and Jeff Snyder all thanked the over 63 employers from the region for attending.

Whitty, Grants Program Coordinator for the Clinton County Commissioners, explained the grant during the event.

"The grant was part of a COVID Coalition (advisory group) that was originated by Angela Harding. She put the group together and got this grant to do pandemic relief projects. We did some things for the schools, we got mental health items for school kids, we have the mental health virtual speaker series and (this fair) is a Return to Work Incentive to try and help those who lost jobs during the COVID Pandemic and get them back out there," said Whitty.

The COVID-19 advisory group consists of the Clinton County Commissioners, Commonwealth University, Department of Emergency Services, Clinton County United Way, Keystone Central School District, Clinton County Housing Coalition, Keystone Counseling, Bucktail Medical Center, UPMC and PA Department of Human Services.

Local high school students were also bussed in for the event, and were able to plan for their future.

Harding spoke to the students about building the county's future through their careers and the importance of staying in Clinton County.