To the Editor,

Yesterday the town of Fairmont hosted its 12th job/career fair in the past 17 months. According to an official with whom I spoke recently at N.C. Department of Commerce, this is a milestone not often reached in our state, let alone by a town of 2,600. Most events such as this are undertaken by state employment agencies, educational institutions, or nonprofits.

These 12 events have resulted in 909 citizens being exposed to dozens of employers from our county and region. Of this total 289 were Fairmont residents, many of whom have obtained employment from these opportunities. These job opportunity events began during the last three years I was mayor when 27 were held from 2011 to 2013. Over 1,500 attended these, which were held in both the Heritage Center and town hall courtroom. In 2014 and 2015 no job fairs were offered by the town but they were re-initiated in May 2016 with yesterday’s featuring 25 employers.

I have been very proud to have organized these valuable employment opportunities for area residents in the past and was determined when I returned to the town board in December 2015 to see their continuance. I have kept very accurate records of both those attending and statistics of those hired when they become available, which I have shared publicly at each monthly town board meeting and through the media. At a time when unemployment is both a major town and countywide issue, now is the time for government officials to band together and rally around any opportunity for the betterment of its citizens.

I applaud Director Peggy Davis, Veterans Service representative Renee Duramus, and all other officials at the N.C. Works Career Center in Lumberton and each employer who has taken the time to visit our community and make themselves available for these valuable experiences. They are as committed as I am to making and finding jobs for our citizens. I have enjoyed working closely with them over the years we have hosted these events and look forward to future opportunities in the coming year.

Charles Kemp

Town commissioner