BUSINESSPERSONS BETWEEN JOBS

 

BBJ maintains its commitment of 48 years to reach out to all in our community who are in job transition. We’re committed to providing the tools, resources and support required to assist job-seekers in their search for employment. During 2020 we continued to add content and event information to the BBJ.org website for additional resources available to the unemployed. BBJ operates as a free service to job-seekers and we are grateful for the ongoing support from the Deacons and contributions from friends and job-seekers who have landed in new positions. 

At the beginning of 2020, attendance at weekly meetings continued at a reduced level. Every week we had a steady influx of one or two new people, offset by people steadily getting jobs. In early March when St. Mark closed for in-person services and meetings, BBJ began virtual meetings on Monday mornings on Zoom. Utilizing Zoom and other virtual platforms immediately became a topic for many presenters as companies and recruiters transitioned from in-person interviews to virtual interviews. Employers and jobsseekers are learning how to utilize this visual medium and it is becoming clear that video skills are a 20 necessary skill that companies desire and will continue to utilize in the coming years, even after Covid-19 is behind us. 

We did see a sharp increase in attendance, however there was not the massive increase that many had predicted as many companies used furloughs rather than layoffs in the early days of the pandemic, particularly in professional and management areas. Toward the end of 2020 hiring became quite strong in many fields even as many sectors of the economy remain partially shutdown or very weak. Many jobs offers are part-time, independent contractor, or significantly below their skill level. which has become the new-normal of the employment scene. Frequently we see familiar faces returning after the seasonal work or the special project has ended. Many are realizing that this may be the “bridge” until they can retire, or perhaps the “new normal”. A continued trend in 2020 was the appearance of more young people and more women in attendance. 

BBJ is blessed with many dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who give freely of their time and talents insuring that our organization provides an effective support base for our membership. We are thankful to all of the following people for their efforts in helping us accomplish our mission: • The BBJ Board of Directors: Dick Wallace, Roger Stoll, Mike McCarty, Nicole Meyer, Dwayne Miller, Bob Bohn, Ron Kremmel and Mike Hoffey. • The volunteers/consultants who are sometimes present on Mondays: Vic McCool, and John Meyer. • Pastor Dave Burgess for his strong support with weekly prayers to start our meetings. • All of the wonderful presenters (too numerous to list) that so graciously speak and share their expertise with us each Monday.

 Respectfully submitted, 

Jack Martin BBJ Board President