Sunday, January 30, 2000
Going the distance for job-poor Ohioans
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS — A businessman and job recruiter wants to help people in an economically down part of southern Ohio find work, but that may mean leaving home.
Ken Halloy says he can find jobs for dislocated workers through one of 18 Columbus-based home-improvement companies he represents. Though he welcomes any dedicated workers with good work ethics, he is focusing on the Appalachian region, where he grew up.
“I've long spouted off that the work ethic in Appalachia is outstanding, some of the hardest-working people in America,” said Mr. Halloy, of All Pro Exclusive in the suburb of Westerville. “They just don't have any opportunities.”
Mr. Halloy's clients include a carpet cleaner, a roofing company, kitchen and bath remodelers, painters, pavers and plumbers. “I can fill almost anything in any imaginable area,” he said.
He estimates that the jobs pay between $12 and $15 an hour. Some companies may offer travel and lodging and provide flexible working schedules. That way, employees won't have to spend too much time away from their homes.
Lawrence County, 85 miles south of Columbus, had an unemployment rate of 7.2 percent in December. That is nearly twice the state average. Recent layoffs or plant closings in the area have involved Ironton Iron, Cabletron, Ashland Oil and Allied Signal.
Mr. Halloy, who grew up in Bridgeport in southeastern Ohio, emphasizes that his help is only a short-term fix. For longer term economic improvements, communities need to attract larger manufacturers, he said.
With that in mind, Mr. Halloy has offered Lawrence County a $2,000 advertisement in a home-improvements guide so the county can promote itself. He said the guide will reach about 350,000 households in Columbus.
“Just one CEO needs to see it,” he said. “That's what they need.”
But for some workers, a new job might mean leaving home.
“We'd like to keep our talented workers here, but until we can offer an alternative, they will have to do what they have to do,” said Betty Driskell, deputy director of economic development for the Lawrence Economic Development Corp.
Mr. Halloy's offer, however, could help temporarily, she said.
“It helps from our marketing effort and getting the word out,” Ms. Driskell said. “We have many avenues that need to be traveled. Any one that opens, we need to jump on board and go with it.”
Mr. Halloy said good workers from Appalachia are needed in the Columbus area, where the unemployment rate is under 4 percent.
“We can help them, and they can do a great service for our companies that need the help,” he said. “It's a perfect match.”
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