RUMFORD — An established Maine shoe company is interested in locating in Rumford, according to George O’Keefe, the town’s economic development director.
He said the company is considering coming here because “we have a history of shoe making, and more importantly, we have a workforce that has experience in making shoes.”
But before a decision is made, there will be a shoemakers job fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 9 in the Rumford Falls Auditorium at 145 Congress St. Both the front and rear entrances will be open.
“The employer is making their decision about whether or not to come to Rumford based on the response to the job fair. And they’ve made that very clear to us,” noted O’Keefe.
He said the job fair is especially geared to former G.H. Bass employees in the area.
There are 15 to 20 fulltime positions available at $12-$20 per hour for stitchers, machine operators and mechanics.
“This is not a start up (business). They are in production right now,” said O’Keefe, adding that the primary product would be dress shoes, with possibilities of moccasins and loafers.
He feels this would be a really great employment opportunity for a lot of people.
“I have made it very clear to the employer that we have this workforce here. I know it because I’ve done a fair amount of research on the operation of G.H. Bass in Rumford,” said O’Keefe.
He said the employer has made it clear that they are committed to training new employees. There are also opportunities for anybody who has any exposure, experience or idea of shoemaking.
For people who have machine operating experience, but have not done shoes before, there are training opportunities available.
O’Keefe said the employer has indicated that in the future, they intend to work with folks at the high school level.
“We are being very careful to make sure this employment opportunity is available to people of the Rumford area first. And once we have the job fair, it will then go out from there,” he said.
The job fair is sponsored by the Town of Rumford and CareerCenter.
If anyone needs more information, contact the Rumford Town Office at 364-4576 and ask for George O’Keefe, or email gokeefe@rumfordme.org.
bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net
Rumford Economic Development Director George O’Keefe stands beside a flyer announcing a Shoemakers Job Fair on Feb. 9.
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