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Long Island

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Long Island

Surprisingly Strong Hiring Outlook For Long Island in 2009

Although the U.S. economy is officially in a recession, many Long Island businesses are still experiencing growth and continue to hire. Some of Long Island's largest employers -- including North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System (27,000+), The Diocese of Rockville Centre (17,000+) and Stony Brook University (13,000+) -- continue to offer opportunities in a diverse range of careers. In addition, many Long Island companies are in industries that are essentially "recession proof." These industries include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, rental real estate, insurance, tax grievance, do-it-yourself stores for building supplies/home repair, energy, police/security, and discount retail stores. With a spike in tourism, employment in the hospitality industry is still viable on Long Island. In fact, three new hotels finished completion in 2008.

Another area with healthy talent demand is in the "Green" industry sector. Long Island is host to an expanding number of companies involved in businesses that range from solar energy design and bio-fuel supply to green power marketing and geothermal energy. Growth in these areas is projected to reach triple digits over the next 10 years, with related jobs in engineering, agriculture, energy, natural resources, environmental education, sciences, sustainable business and development, and green transportation.

Although many of their clients seem to be more cautious about their current hiring practices, recruitment firms are still seeing high demand for healthcare, education, insurance and engineering talent on Long Island. In addition, Long Island employers are using more creative, integrated approaches to attract the passive job seeker through email blasts, direct mail, banner campaigns, niche sites and employer referral programs, along with major boards and print ads.

Peter Simone of the Suffolk County Dept of Labor states "although the job market continues to tighten up, with more people looking for work and less jobs available, some bright spots still exist in healthcare and education...the trick still is in matching job seekers' skills with available positions."

Although home construction took a plunge in 2008, the infrastructure economic plan that President Obama has proposed is expected to create an unprecedented demand for engineers, surveying and mapping technicians, and highway construction workers. Even though road projects appear to be the majority of the work, other planned Long Island projects include upgrades to sewage treatment plants at Cedar Creek and Bergen Point and new sewers in Wyandanch.

Another plan that would stimulate hiring, and currently awaiting federal approval, is the Shinnecock Indian Nation Casino. This project has been labeled as an "economic jackpot for the County, for the construction industry and job seekers." Estimates are that the gaming establishment could produce over 10,000 new jobs and over $400 million in local salaries. In addition, the effect on local businesses that would result from Connecticut visitors could contribute an estimated $200+million to the east-end economy, and consequently stimulate more hiring.

About the Author

Tricia Folliero is a Vice President for Sanna Mattson MacLeod Inc. (http://www.smmadagency.com), a marketing and advertising firm, and directs their recruitment advertising division. She has more than 15 years experience in such areas as employer branding, recruitment marketing, hiring process re-engineering, web solutions and staffing technologies. She holds a BA in Business Administration from Stony Brook University, is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management, and serves as Chairperson of the One-Stop Committee of the New York State Department of Labor's Workforce Investment Board.