Fair provides a portal to jobs: LOGISTICS: Nearly 100 firms meet with applicants during event at the Long Beach Convention Center.

LONG BEACH, Nov 22, 2008 (Press-Telegram - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- T | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Dressed in business attire and casual wear, more than 1,600 job seekers attended the Goods Movement and Logistics Job Fair at the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday.

The free, first-of-its-kind job fair was hosted by FuturePorts and the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network in partnership with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Pacific Gateway provides resources and services to businesses and job seekers helping to build a competitive work force and support economic growth.

"We are a resource for the job seeker to assist them with their job search," said employment specialist Cynthia Patron of Pacific Gateway. "We go to other job fairs to find employers and employees, and we make that match."

Pacific Gateway also provides some of the training needed to enter the work force.

"We are trying to help people get attuned to the skills that are needed to get these jobs," said Kathy Parsons of Pacific Gateway.

FuturePorts brings together business, community and government leaders to work toward integrated solutions resolving port, industry and community concerns.

According to Parsons, jobs may not be plentiful, but the retirement of many baby boomers will create jobs for some.

"We do job fairs on a regular (basis) because there's always people looking for jobs," Parsons said.

Even in a troubled economy, organizers were able to bring in nearly 100 employers for the

fair.

"It's the most rewarding job I've ever had," Patron said. "You not only make a difference in someone's life, but you get someone a job. It's a win-win."

Some attendees entered the fair with optimism.

Ramaan Shotwell, who was recently laid off from AT&T, has seen his share of job fairs.

"I've been to a lot of career fairs and I'm just trying to stay positive," he said. "I'm trying to keep my spirit alive and stay motivated and hopefully I'll find the right opportunity."

For others, the search seemed never-ending.

"I'm here looking for a job because of the economy," said Marques Jordan.

Jordan received his master's degree in marketing this year. After attending 20 to 30 job fairs in the past year alone, he's more open to going outside his field.

"I'm even looking at law enforcement because it gets you above the check-to-check," he said. "I never envisioned myself being a cop, but you got to do what you got to do these days."

With his degree, Jordan didn't think it would come to this.

"I'm just looking for a decent paying job to stay afloat," he said. "We live in California, and California housing cost, and we have to pay for the day to day."

Pacific Gateway also provide opportunities for the youth in the work force.

"We have a program geared toward the youth 14 to 24, like internships while in school to get experience and exposure to the work industry," Patron said.

According to Patron, after the job fair is over, there will still be work to do.

"The secret is not only to introduce themselves to the employer, but to follow up with them," Patron said. "The end result is a career."

For more information on the Pacific Gateway visit www.pacificgatewayworkforce.com.

For more information on FuturePorts visit www.futureports.org.

pam.hale@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1476.

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