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Frank Coley, 65, didn’t go to Tuesday’s town hall meeting on jobs because he’s looking for work. He is retired.

“I am here to receive some information to pass on to my neighbors and relatives who have been working all of their lives and are now near distraught because they are not able to find a job,” he said. Coley said he knows a growing number of people who have worked hard for their education, received degrees and training to be qualified for work but now have no where to go. “The dream is evaporating. It’s escaping,” he said.

Finding a job isn’t easy in this economy.

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx hosted the first in a series of town hall meetings Tuesday to discuss job creation and receive feedback on how the city can help the unemployed.

“Putting Charlotte back to work is my number one priority,” Foxx said. “I want to hear what’s missing from our current services that would help people in a meaningful way.”

The series of meetings will culminate with a Job Creation Summit in which Foxx will bring together business leaders and other local, state, and federal government representatives to identify barriers and opportunities to improve job growth.  “Private sector companies create jobs, not government,” he said. “By convening decision-makers in both areas, we can keep taking concrete steps to get more Charlotte families back to work.”

With unemployment rate in the Charlotte metro area at 12.1 percent, Foxx said too many people are out of work.

“We want to make sure those currently unemployed and underemployed know about the services and resources available to them through local and state government agencies, non-profits, and educational providers,” he said.

Those who attended the first meeting at Park Expo and Conference Center came for different reasons. Many wanted to voice their frustration with their endless search for work after being let go from their jobs. Some were hurt that their years of experience and education were not enough to secure jobs. Others felt their age or criminal history created insurmountable barriers.

Coley said it’s not enough to be the best in your class or the smartest kid on the block. “I’m afraid we are not teaching our children to be internationally competitive,” he said. “The student sitting next to you is not your competition; they are sending our jobs abroad.”

Surveying the dozens of people filing into the room for the meeting, Coley said, “A lot of employed people should be here. Just because you are employed today doesn’t mean you will be employed tomorrow.”

Urban League President Patrick Graham said job preparation programs are necessary to educate people on what jobs and industries are coming available. “One the biggest issues we have with the unemployed and underemployed is that there is an information gap in terms of where the workforce development is going, what types of jobs are available and what they need to do to get those jobs,” he said.

The next meeting will be held Feb. 10 at 2 p.m at Goodwill Industries, 2122 Freedom Drive. Space is limited. To register call the Urban League at (704) 373-2256 extension 206, or email info@urbanleaguecc.org.

Free resources for a job search:
• The JobLink Career Center has five locations throughout Charlotte to assist with filing for unemployment benefits, developing a job search strategy and connecting you with training opportunities. Log onto www.joblinkcenter.org to for more information.

• Central Piedmont Community College also offers several programs. The Career Professionals Center (CPC)l provides one-on-one sessions, assessments, and skill development. Eligible participants may also qualify for stipends to fund training or education. Log onto www.cpcc.edu or call Kelly DeMarte at (704) 330-4679.

• ProNet Charlotte offers links to financial and unemployment assistance, career and skills assessment, education and training information and small business and entrepreneurial opportunities. The new online tool helps professionals transition into a new job or new career. Log onto www.pronetcharlotte.com.

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