The Roanoke Connect eNewsletter #58 is now available for job seekers. Check out the latest on jobs in the RNR. To receive this directly, submit a profile.

Today marks the first of many weekly sessions for job seekers starting at 4 pm at the City of Roanoke Economic Development office at 117 Church Ave. Local recruiters will be attending to discuss job search strategies and techniques. For more information visit the city’s job help site.

Olivia Watkins wrote a fantastic piece for the Baton Rouge Business Report highlighting the commitment of the YP movement in Baton Rouge, LA. They also highlight one of Richard Florida’s 4 Ts of economic development – tolerance.  It is a good read.

Yesterday, the City of Roanoke announced a strategy to help job seekers turning this downturn in the economy. The website – www.roanokeva.gov/jobhelp - offers a four-prong approach to helping job seekers.

1. The plan offers better connections to employers through existing programs the Roanoke Connect database and the upcoming Roanoke Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair on December 30.

2. Job search strategy technique seminars will be held each Monday and Blue Ridge PBS is offering JobQuest a live monthly television show starting on Tuesday, January 6 at 7 pm.

3. Encouraging lifelong learning options is essential to filling vacant position in the fields of health care, information technology, engineering, accounting and the trades. The Roanoke Higher Education Center will be holding an open house on February 5 showcasing the continuing education options.

4. Start businesses. Now may be the ideal opportunity to start a new venture and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance is offering a free workshop in February to help aspiring entrepreneurs.  

For more information and to see a list of resource links and programs, go to www.roanokeva.gov/jobhelp.

The Roanoke Times’ Matt Chittum created this Google Map, chart and links outlining the recent job status of several companies in the RNR since October of this year. It was good work in compiling all in one location.

In addition, it would be equally interesting to see the same format for new jobs that have been created in sectors such as health care, information technology, engineering, accounting, the trades – or - positions that have not been filled because job seekers do not have have the skill sets or do not want to acquire the skill sets for positions in clusters such as mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, etc.

The 900 number quoted is one side of the equation and no doubt the number will still be negative as it probably is in all regions in the U.S., but let’s lift up job creation in industry sectors that are available and let’s help people get them through connections and continuing education.

One way to do this is to attend the Roanoke Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair on Tuesday, December 30 from 9 a.m. – 12 noon sponsored by The Renick Group, Express Employment Professionals and WDBJ7.