Senator Carlucci and RCC Host 18th Annual Job Fair

Suffern, NY - Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester) joined Rockland County Executive Ed Day and representatives from Rockland Community College and Workforce Investment Board of Rockland to kick off the 18th annual RCC Job Fair at the Eugene Levy Fieldhouse this morning. 

Since the Great Recession ended we have seen the economy of the Lower Hudson Valley rebound and develop into an attractive area for employers to set up their business. According to the New York State Department of Labor February Jobs and Unemployment Report from February, New York’s private sector job count increased by 18,700 to a total of 7,884,000, a new record high for the state. 

Looking at job growth in the Lower Hudson Valley, specifically Rockland, Westchester and Orange counties, there were 16,300 private sector jobs added during February, an increase of 2.4% and the highest increase outside of New York City for that month. Additionally, the unemployment rate in Rockland County dropped to 4.2% over the past year, making our County among the lowest across our state in terms of the unemployment rate. Representatives from over 100 businesses and organizations were in attendance at the job fair, ranging from small “mom and pop” stores to large, multinational corporations. With this eclectic mix of businesses, job fair attendees networked with employers to discuss meaningful employment opportunities. 

“Since the recession ended we have seen the economy of the Lower Hudson Valley rebound and develop into an attractive area for employers to set up business. With unemployment in Rockland County dropping to 4.2% over the past year, now is the best time for potential employees to find work. I am proud to work with my partners in government and Rockland Community College to host our annual job fair and I look forward to next year,” said Senator David Carlucci.

“Rockland’s economy is strong and getting stronger,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. “We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state and we have a large population of well qualified individuals who are seeking employment. We are glad to bring together companies that are hiring and people who are looking for jobs. Let’s hope they both find what they are looking for at this job fair.”

"Rockland Community College is very pleased to host the Job Fair, which provides excellent opportunities for job seekers of all backgrounds. Like community colleges around the nation, RCC plays a major role in helping people prepare for and obtain satisfying and gainful employment. We are proud to contribute to the economic vitality of the region," said Dr. Cliff Wood, President of SUNY Rockland Community College.

"Rockland Community College's Job Fair provides a rare opportunity for job seekers to meet with multiple employers under one roof.  It is truly exciting to witness the growth of our Job Fair into a highly-anticipated annual event in the County,” said Irene Deutsch, Director of Career Services at SUNY Rockland Community College.

"The Workforce Development Board of Rockland County is pleased to participate in this event which brings together qualified job seekers and businesses with job opportunities. The collaboration exhibited here today serves to meet the employment needs of the community," said Lucy Redzeposki, Director of the Workforce Investment Board of Rockland County.