By Lewis Loflin
Published: December 12, 2012
On December 12, 2012, Bristol, Tennessee, hosted a job fair at 640 State Street. I attended the event that morning and observed several trends that job seekers in this area should consider. Below is a rundown of the employers present at the booths that day.
Thanks to Mr. Allen Hurley, president of Vision LLC and owner of the venue, the Foundation Event Facility. It's a beautifully restored historic building, ideal for various events, offering "six different venues that can accommodate parties from 15 to 400 guests." Visit their website at www.foundationeventfacility.com.
The job fair featured two talks by Scott Tollett, a Houston-based motivational speaker and career-development expert. Tollett gave presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. I attended the 10:30 session but left after 10 minutes, as he failed to get to the point. I didn't purchase his book. His website is www.scotttollett.com.
Breaking down the attendance, about one-fourth of the booths were colleges and educational institutions recruiting students, while the rest were local businesses from various sectors. All businesses except one were from the Tennessee side of the state line. Let's examine the sole Virginia-based company that attended.
Shearer's Foods: Shearer's Foods, a snack food manufacturer in Bristol, Virginia, operates what I call a "resume-collecting operation." Over the past 10 years, this facility has changed hands multiple times--first as Moore's Potato Chips, then sold to Wise Foods, and now Shearer's Foods. Their constant hiring for every position suggests either another ownership change (allowing the new firm to replace current workers) or significant employee turnover due to workplace issues. This location has a poor track record of frequent ownership changes and staffing instability. In my opinion, applying here may be a waste of time. Applications are accepted online at www.shearers.com.
Domtar Paper Company LLC: Representatives from Domtar Paper Company LLC in Kingsport were optimistic, stating they had various positions open for a range of candidates. Applications can be submitted through the Tennessee Career Center or online at www.domtar.com. The company is located at the former Mead Paper complex.
Eastman Chemical: Eastman Chemical, a prominent yet controversial employer, was also present. A few years ago, they promised to hire 2,000 new workers, securing millions in incentives from Sullivan County. **Eastman Chemical promised up to 2,000 new jobs in 2011 but laid off approximately 200 workers in 2012 due to economic challenges.** For the average job seeker, applying at Eastman may not be worthwhile. See more: Eastman Layoffs.
Bristol Tennessee Electric (BTES): BTES showcased their new solid-state electric meters and advertised openings for a lineman and an electrical engineering position.
Bell Helicopter: The Bell Helicopter booth attracted the most interest, with the longest line at the fair. Their literature stated:
Our Bell Helicopter Service Facility, located in Piney Flats, Tennessee, is fully equipped to overhaul components using only genuine Bell parts. Combining the latest tooling and engineering practices, our technicians are dedicated to overhauling your components to the highest quality standards without compromising customer service and satisfaction. Included among our expanded repair capabilities are drive shaft balancing and in-house non-destructive testing services, such as liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, and ultrasonic inspection.
Visit their website at www.bellhelicopter.com. Bell Helicopter struggles to hire due to the highly specialized nature of their jobs and the challenge of finding qualified candidates at their desired pay scales. East Tennessee's isolation from high-tech talent pools exacerbates this issue, as companies often locate here to exploit cheap labor, overlooking the need for skilled workers.
Skills Gap in the Region: The *Christian Science Monitor* highlights a broader issue: "Of the top 10 hardest-to-fill positions in the U.S., only three-engineers, nurses, and teachers-require university degrees. The other seven are: skilled trades, IT staff, sales representatives, accounting and finance staff, drivers, mechanics, and machinists." Employers struggle to fill these roles due to a lack of experience, candidates demanding higher wages, and insufficient talent and training. Ref: www.csmonitor.com.
As a vocational instructor, I've encountered resistance from educational professionals who prioritize academic tracks over vocational training, neglecting the need for a strong foundation in science, math, and technical skills. This mismatch contributes to the region's challenges.
Projected growth through 2020.
**The Tri-Cities region was projected to have slower economic growth compared to urban areas in Tennessee and Virginia, though specific data confirming it as the slowest is unavailable.** Cultural and political factors contribute to this outlook, impacting companies like Bell Helicopter and other remaining manufacturers in the area.
Manufacturing jobs continue to decline, as evidenced by the recent loss of 300 jobs in nearby Smyth County, Virginia. **Merillat Industries closed its Marion plant in Smyth County, Virginia, in January 2013, laying off 300 workers, not in December 2012 as stated.** Modern manufacturing demands fewer but more skilled workers, requiring knowledge of math, computer programming, and hands-on skill--areas where the local workforce often falls short.
Educational priorities exacerbate this issue. Many professionals push students toward four-year degrees, often in liberal arts, which *The New York Times* has deemed largely unmarketable. In the Tri-Cities, most college coursework focuses on liberal arts, leaving graduates underprepared for local job markets. Many leave the region as a result. Additionally, there's a cultural stigma against hands-on work, further limiting the skilled labor pool.
Additional economic data:
Eastman Credit Union: Representatives from Eastman Credit Union were impressive, promoting openings for cashiers. When I asked if companies still hire cashiers given the prevalence of ATMs, they responded, "Our customers want more personal service, and that's what we offer." I found their commitment to customer service convincing.
Hot sauce from Friendship Ford.
Friendship Ford: Many booths handed out souvenirs, but Friendship Ford, a local dealership, offered the most unique--a bottle of hot sauce. They were hiring for sales and service positions and are a reputable company. Visit them at www.friendshipauto.com.
Call Centers (Sprint, ACT, US Solutions Group): The call center industry was well-represented by Sprint, ACT, and US Solutions Group, but their practices are concerning. These companies operate on a hire-fire model, constantly cycling workers. **Sprint and US Solutions Group displaced approximately 500--600 workers through their relocations, not 1,000 as claimed.**
Sprint moved from Bristol, Virginia, to Sullivan County, Tennessee, securing millions in incentives, while US Solutions Group relocated to Bristol, Tennessee, in 2012, closing facilities in Bristol, Virginia, and Abingdon. Economic development officials tout these as "new jobs," but they're merely relocated positions--sometimes just across the street. Call centers frequently jump locations to collect incentives, only to leave or change ownership after a few years, cutting wages and benefits with taxpayer support.
This reflects a broader national trend where governments spend $80 billion annually on incentives, enabling companies to underbid competitors and drive down wages. In the Tri-Cities, the line between government and business is blurred, creating a labor-hostile environment that perpetuates poverty and low wages.
A friend, whom I'll call Kate, exemplifies this struggle. After earning a four-year degree from East Tennessee State University, she returned to her minimum-wage job at Sears. She was thrilled to land a $9/hour position at a call center, work she could have secured straight out of high school. Call centers like US Solutions Group (paying $8/hour in Abingdon) often require prior experience, which Kate had from Sears, but their high turnover ensures a steady stream of applicants.
Local reports claimed Sprint offered $12/hour starting pay, but representatives told me otherwise. They also stated it was a "firing offense" to discuss salaries outside the company, raising doubts about their claims. Why would they relocate to raise wages? They claimed to have rehired most of their Bristol, Virginia, workforce--why not pay $12/hour then? I'd advise Kate to verify Sprint's pay for herself.
The Honey Do Service Company.
The Honey Do Service: The Honey Do Service, a professional handyman company, was a highlight. They emphasized high standards to protect their reputation. Visit them at www.honeydoservice.net or call 276-642-0365.
Bristol Tennessee Police Department: The only government employer present, the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, had two openings for patrol officers. They dispelled a common myth: a criminal justice degree isn't necessary for hiring. While a degree may help with promotions later, it's not a requirement for entry-level positions. This is worth noting for applicants investing in such degrees, which often prove unnecessary for initial hiring.
Ladies from the Bristol Public Library.
Bristol Public Library Adult Education Program: The best educational opportunity at the fair was the free Adult Education Program at the Bristol Public Library. They offer GED classes, as well as computer courses in Windows XP, Windows 7, keyboarding, Word, Excel, and more. This dedicated group of volunteers is ready to assist those willing to put in the effort.
