Bell appeals to firms to participate in jobs fair

Event to help youths find summer work

3/14/2012

Toledo Mayor Mike Bell made a pitch to local businesses Tuesday, asking for their help to make an upcoming Youth Job Fair a success.

Mayor Bell said the city needs more firms to participate in the fair, which is to be held March 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Erie Street Market.

The mayor said the purpose of the fair is to help young people find employment for the summer. About 14 employers have signed up to participate, he said.

"A lot of people sit on the sidelines and they watch. But here's an opportunity to do something for our young people," the mayor said, standing next to a group of local high school students. "We want to make sure this next generation of youth doesn't leave our town."

The mayor said he also expects to announce a youth apprenticeship component to the city's street improvements project for this year within the next couple of months. Mayor Bell met with contractors earlier in the day to discuss ways to organize the initiative. He said the effort would provide needed employment to young people in the short term while creating a new generation of skilled workers for contractors to draw upon.

"People are aging in our system, and this is our future," the mayor said, gesturing at the young people beside him.

Businesses interested in participating in the job fair are asked to contact Bill Stewart at 419-245-1004.