Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 24, 2003
Contact:  Kirsten Kendrick, Governor’s Communications Office, 360-902-4136;
Alt Contact:  Kristin Alexander, Employment Security Department, 360-902-9307

Gov. Gary Locke Encourages Use of WorkSource to Help Spur Economy

In an effort to accelerate Washington’s economic recovery, Gov. Gary Locke today encouraged Washington employers to take advantage of WorkSource, the state’s comprehensive employment services network.

“WorkSource centers offer solutions employers are looking for to help them save time and money,” Locke said. “They’re part of our efforts to improve the state’s economy by helping businesses operate more efficiently. The better we assist businesses, the better we can help job seekers. Everyone wins.”

Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell slightly last month to 6.6 percent, but state economists predict a slow recovery. Locke said tools like WorkSource are vital for workers and employers during this challenging time.

WorkSource is a public-private partnership of business, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and colleges that provide all the resources job seekers and employers need in one place. Services to businesses include:
· Qualified workers. WorkSource maintains the state’s largest database of job seekers and their qualifications.
· Advice and help from experts. Business representatives who specialize in the local labor market can work directly with employers to find and pre-screen job applicants. They also can help find new jobs for workers affected by downsizing.
· Free job listings. Employers can easily post an opening or search for qualified candidates online at www.go2worksource.biz.
· Information. Experts can help employers understand regulations and explain how to take advantage of tax credits. They can provide wage norms and other current labor market data, by industry and county.
· Training. WorkSource can provide skills training for employees.
· Resources. Small business planning and financing resources are available.

“I encourage businesses to inquire about WorkSource – it costs them nothing to use these resources,” Locke said. “By simply listing their job openings with WorkSource, for example, employers are doing themselves a service by tapping into the state’s largest database of job seekers. They’re also supporting a system that will play a key role in Washington’s return to prosperity.”

Locke’s message to employers coincides with a cutting edge outreach campaign to inform businesses about recruiting, hiring and placement services provided by the more than 50 WorkSource centers and affiliate sites statewide.

The five-month campaign is part of a nationwide pilot designed to increase awareness and usage of WorkSource and similar one-stop career resource centers in six other states – Alaska, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, Missouri and New Hampshire. The seven states were chosen to receive a special grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to help pay for increased marketing and public awareness efforts, with Washington serving as the lead state in the project.

Over the next several months, employers in target areas of Washington will receive more information about how WorkSource can meet their needs.

Employers interested in obtaining additional information about special business services available through WorkSource are urged to contact a local WorkSource center or check out WorkSource services online at http://go2worksource.com.

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