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MIRANDA GILBERT Managing Editor Guymon Daily Herald
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Here's local state representative Gus Blackwell.
Gone are the days of hearing, “nobody’s hiring.” At least for the Panhandle of Oklahoma, that is. Consider its recent economic growth — especially in Guymon which will have added nearly a dozen new businesses in two years time — the rich oil beneath its topsoil and the promise of the winds sweeping in “green” money. Now combine that with the substantial status quo of big beef and pork industries, plus global agriculture production and new biodiesel plants. Lastly, add in the new immigration law with stiff penalties all around and — Voila! You get an employee shortage. Yes, employee shortage. While most of the country discusses job shortages and the need for an economic stimulus, House Rep. and President Pro Tempore Gus Blackwell put it best when he said anyone in the Panhandle who wants to work is working. Unemployment is at an all time low and the need for employees continues beyond that beautiful Plains horizon. As a result, over 20 regional employers are coming together to call in those who haven’t found the right “fit” — yes locals can even be selective about their jobs — or those who may be new to the area, and even those looking to relocate to the area. The Panhandle Regional Job Fair Committee met recently with concerns of filling job vacancies throughout the Panhandle. “While the rest of the state and country appear to be in an economic slow down, that trend does not yet relate to the Oklahoma Panhandle,” said Betty Viljoen, Executive Director of PREDCI. “If our economy is to continue to thrive, we need to address the issues of employee shortages. The job fair is only one effort to help in this area. We’re always looking for ways to assist area companies.” The job fair will be held March 5, at the Texas County Activity Center in Guymon. It is being organized by a joint effort of PREDCI, the City of Guymon’s Community Development Department; and the Northwest Workforce Investment Board. Representatives from Workforce Oklahoma will be on hand to assist job seekers in other areas as well. For more information, call PREDCI at 580-338-8500 or Guymon Community Development at 580-338-5838.
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