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JUNE 2016

It has certainly been a busy spring and today - June 20 - at 6:34 p.m. EDT we officially welcome summer. While many will enjoy vacations and a slower pace, we know that it's business as usual for employers in our region. From job fairs and YouthBuilds to partner workshops on diversity and the new overtime regulations, you'll find there is a lot going on in our region.
 
Job Fair Success: 1000+ Job Seekers, 100 Employers

For anyone who might think today's youth aren't motivated or just want a hand out, the third annual Youth Job Fair offered 342 reasons why that's just plain wrong. 

The Youth Job Fair, held June 2, was the fifth job fair in just two weeks throughout the region. A total of 342 youth age 16-24 attended the event. All told, 1,100 job seekers and 100 employers turned out for the job fairs, which began May 18 with the annual Hire A Grad for post-secondary graduates, and included spring events in Citrus and Levy counties as well as a Manufacturing and More job fair in Marion County. Click on the links below to read more and see photos from the events.

Youth Job Fair (June 2)  
Employment Report: Jobs Up, Joblessness Down
OCALA MSA POSTS 2ND FASTEST GROWTH RATE IN EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES
The unemployment rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 5.3 percent in May, down 0.3 percent over the month and 1.5 percentage point lower than the region's rate of 6.8 percent a year ago.
Confounding expectations that the jobless rate would rise slightly, as is typical at this time of year, the decline appears to be driven both a drop in the number of unemployed as well as an increase in the number of those with jobs, which resulted in expansion of the labor force.
That bucks the national trend which saw the unemployment rate drop because people left the labor force, said Rusty Skinner, CEO of CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion.
Levy County continues to hold the lowest unemployment rate in the region at 4.5 percent, down 0.4 percentage points; followed again by Marion County with 5.2 percent, down 0.2 percent; and Citrus County at 6.0 percent, a drop of 0.4 percent.
While he is "cautiously optimistic" about the numbers, Skinner "wonders if the May report doesn't reflect the kind of seasonal impacts we normally see."
Citrus County Phoenix Rising Graduates Honored
TWO MORE CLASSES WRAP UP PROGRAM
Phoenix Rising graduates traded in hardhats for mortar boards and hammers for diplomas earlier this month in celebration of Citrus County's second and third YouthBuild projects and completion of a fourth home. 
The alternative education program helps revitalize economically-challenged neighborhoods while making a positive difference in the lives of young adults, age 18-24. 
Graduate Brianna Vargulish, who spoke during the June 10 graduation, said, "Phoenix Rising gave me an opportunity, an education, but most importantly a second chance."
Through the program, income-eligible participants receive hands-on and classroom training designed to develop workforce skills that lead to employment. A key feature of the program involves construction of Habitat for Humanity homes for deserving families in Citrus Marion counties.

Learn More & View Photos
Inaugural Career Exploration Day Drew Hundreds
SUPERINTENDENT: 'GREAT OPPORTUNITY' 
Hundreds of Marion County high school and middle school students, as well as parents and school staff, participated in the first ever Career Exploration Day featuring face-to-face interaction with representatives from the key industries of Healthcare, Information Technology, Manufacturing and Transportation/Logistics.

Marion County Public Schools Superintendent George Tomyn said the May 11 offered a "great opportunity for kids and a great marriage between the business community and the education system to see what's available right here in Marion County."
Diversity Workshop Offered by Citrus Chamber  
Diversity
GROW YOUR BUSINESS BY 15-35 PERCENT
The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and SCORE will show you how a diverse and inclusive workforce drives economic growth, can capture a greater share of the consumer market, helps businesses avoid the high cost of employee turnover and fosters a more creative and innovative workforce.
The workshop is open to all businesses and takes place Wednesday, June 22 from 8-10 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 903 E. Gulf-to-Lake Hwy, in Lecanto. Breakfast is included. compliments of Holiday Inn Express. To learn more or register call 352-795-3149 or visit  www.CitrusCountyChamber.com

Are You Ready for the New Overtime Regulations?  
OHRMA and CEP PARTNER ON WORKSHOP 
Is your business ready for the new changes in overtime eligibility regulations? Learn how the changes will affect your business and what you should do to prepare at a free breakfast workshop hosted by the Ocala Human Resource Management Association (OHRMA) and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP).
The workshop takes place Wednesday, June 22 from 8-10 a.m. at Cone Distributing, Inc., 1551 NW 44th Ave., in Ocala. RSVP is required: call 352-629-8051 or email felecia@ocalacep.com

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is dedicated to connecting employers with qualified, skilled talent and job seekers with employment and career development opportunities. At no charge.

Best wishes for your continued success,

Kevin Cunninngham, chairman
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
(352) 873-7939
lbyrnes@careersourceclm.com
http://www.careersourceclm.com