UNEMPLOYED NO MORE

Since 1991, Chamber’s workforce prep initiative puts people back to work locally

MIDDLETOWN » Eugene Witter was looking for a second job to supplement his income and didn’t know where to turn. That’s when a friend told him about the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Worker Preparation Program.

Witter, 40, a Middletown resident, said Lorenzo Marshall, who also works with the chamber’s Middlesex County Substance Abuse Council/ Workforce Programs, helped him put together a resume and coached him on job interviews. Marshall and chamber staff member Haley Stafford guided him in completing job applications. As a result of his sessions at the chamber, Witter, who is also a delivery driver for Oak &Velvet Furniture on Johnson Street in Middletown, said he was hired earlier this year as a maintenance worker by Price Chopper.

“My wife Heather and I have a 5-year-old son, Abel Mark Witter,” he said. “After being

unemployed, I heard about the chamber program. I made an appointment with Lorenzo, who helped me get back into the job market.”

Witter’s wife, Heather, also found a job through the program. She works for DATTCO as a bus monitor for special needs kids.

Marshall, a program coordinator for the past six years, said the computerization of nearly everything has made a big impact. “We can now get information out quicker and faster,” he said. “We can post information in minutes and put job opportunities in front of job seekers at the click of a button. They have access to jobs through our in-house database.”

Marshall said the chamber database also keeps him up to date on job availability in the area. Industry sectors include retail, manufacturing, hotel management, nursing and health care. Job seekers complete an intake form and put their resume on file. Then a follow-up meeting is scheduled to determine where the person is in the job-hunting process.

Witter credits the program for helping him “become more focused on my job hunt and positive that there are more employment options.”

Suburban Stationers, Inc., an independent office supply retailer on High Street, has hired two employees through the program, Jaylen Woodberry and Josh Arroyo. They fill customer orders with an emphasis on quality.

Jeremy Bourret is Suburban’s chief executive officer. Since 1979, Middletown-based Suburban has partnered with business, nonprofits, municipalities and government agencies throughout Connecticut and other states.

“We have seen great success with the program,” Bourret said. “The two members of our team that have come through the program are a pleasure to work with and solid in every way. We very much appreciate the chamber’s help connecting us with people.”

For information, see middlesexchamber.com or contact Lorenzo Marshall at 860-347-6924 or lorenzo@middlesexchamber.com.

LORENZO MARSHALL PHOTO Eugene Witter, 40, of Middletown took advantage of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s worker prep program, which helped him put together a resume, coached him on job interviews and helped guide him in completing job applications.

FILE PHOTO Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce in Middletown.