Career Fair Wrap-up

Congratulations are first in order to all of our young people in the county who have closed out their high school careers last week in the many graduation ceremonies that took place.  As these young men and women begin the next stage of their lives—either in college, trade school, public service, or the workforce—I wish them all the best.  I am confident that these bright individuals will be able to rise to the occasion in no matter what route they choose. Those who choose to enter the workforce now certainly will face some significant challenges.  It is no secret that the job market is as tough as it has ever been, creating more and more competition for fewer and fewer jobs.   I am convinced, though, that these young people—who are smart, resilient, and savvy—will find a way to make it happen for themselves.  As the economic situation begins to improve, more and more doors will open for them. It is not only the young people in our area for whom I am optimistic.  I am optimistic about all our residents in Middlesex County.  The Middlesex Career Fair, held last week in the Crowne Plaza’s grand ballroom in Cromwell, is a case in point to this statement.  At the fair, over one thousand job seekers turned out to put themselves in front of over 40 businesses that sought to fill positions. As the businesses set up booths in the ballroom, the line of job-seekers grew by the minute.  All told, as the ballroom doors finally opened, the line extended all the way to the parking lot outside of the hotel.  From the many talented and qualified individuals at the Fair, one thing is clear:  our workforce is strong and, as jobs open up, there will be many talented individuals to fill these positions.   Big thanks to Governor Rell for visiting with all of the job seekers on this day.  The Governor, much to everyone’s surprise, arrived during the peak of the afternoon and wished everyone well. It was great to see that she was indeed well received that afternoon.  Many people gave her words of praise and let it be known that the state is very much behind her.  This type of reception was absolutely unbelievable. These well-wishers are all people who are seeking employment and have every reason to be pessimistic about the situation in the state.  The support that everyone showed for Governor Rell is a true testament to her great leadership ability and the faith that we all have in her to move the state forward. One way that Governor Rell has always worked to move the state forward is through the support of its business community.  She has been really holding the line on taxes and continues the fight against costly state mandates, mandates which burden the business community.   I would certainly not be afraid to name anyone who does support an unfunded mandate as a skunk of the week.  As far as this distinction goes, I have not named a Sunk of the Week in several weeks.  This is not to say that our community is completely free from those who hamper it.  I have thought very hard each week to choose a Skunk, but  have not found a person or organization that is a clear-cut Skunk of the Week.  With that said, I do not want to trivialize the “award” by simply naming a name just to have a Skunk of the Week. In order for me to devote time and energy in naming and reflecting on our “Skunks,” there must be a serious negative impact on the business community or community at large.  Rest assured that I have been mulling over some candidates, and will have another Skunk of the Week very soon. For more information on Chamber activities, please contact Matt Fraulino at (860) 347-6924 or email him at

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