Louisiana Department of Labor Opens One-Stop in Slidell

August 9, 2001
Contact: Darin Mann at (225) 342-7969 or Allison Carpenter at (225) 342-3035

News Release

Secretary of Labor Garey Forster cuts the ribbon marking the grand opening of the East St. Tammany Job Center. From Left: Martin Bruno, Representing Mayor Caruso for the City of Slidell; Chris Jean, Builder of the East. St. Tammany Job Center; James Smith, Special Asst. to St. Tammany Pres. Kevin Davis; Steve Baras, Asst. to Rep. A.G. Crowe; State Rep. A.G. Crowe-R Slidell; Sec. Garey Forster; Al Waller, Workforce Investment Area (WIA) Director of St Tammany, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes; Bruce Clement, WIA Board Member; Rudy Stahl, Manager, of East St. Tammany Job Center and Pam Thomas, Supervisor; Dr. Courtney Cheri, Head of Adult Education, St. Tammany; Parish School Board, Kendra Caronne, Administrative Asst., West St. Tammany Job Center and Wilma Hoppe, WIA Administrator, East St. Tammany Job Center

On July 9, the Louisiana Department of Labor's (LDOL) East St. Tammany Job Center combined forces with its regional partners to create a one-stop career center to serve customers better in East St. Tammany Parish.

"The new career center is another example of how we are working to make government more customer-focused and to make services more easily accessible," said Governor Mike Foster.

"The one-stop concept of including more than one partner in a centralized location is something we are working to establish across the state," said Sec. Garey Forster. "All of the services that we offer in our regular offices, like computer training, placement services and Internet access, will now be available at the East St. Tammany Job Center. This is just another way that we are making things as easy as possible for anyone needing assistance."

Employers visiting the one-stop will be able to list job openings, recruit and interview applicants, and receive certifications for tax credits. They will also be able to acquire information on subsidized training programs, local labor market information, the Welfare-to-Work Partnership and LDOL's $50 million Incumbent Worker Training Program.

"The One-Stop helps our citizens save time and effort. This is going to be very, very successful and will save the state money," said Representative A. G. Crowe, R-Slidell, who attended the opening of the one-stop.

Jobseekers, whether employed or unemployed, will be able to receive career counseling and job skills training. Computers are available for Internet job searches and resume preparation. Assistance on topics ranging from how to prepare for a job interview to how to obtain community services is also available.

"The one-stop concept was started three years ago, and they are the only places in town where everyone can go if they're looking for a good job or a good worker," said Sec. Garey Forster. "Over 300,000 people come through our offices looking for work every year. This is a place of opportunity, not just an unemployment office."

The East St. Tammany One-Stop's regional partners are La. Technical College - Slidell Campus, St. Tammany Community Action, Louisiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Office of Family Support, Louisiana Department of Veteran's Affairs, St. Tammany Workplace Investment Area and East St. Tammany Parishes' Adult Education Services.

"We are excited to be able to offer more employment services to people in the Slidell area," said Wilma Hoppe, manager of the East St. Tammany One-Stop. "Our primary goal is to get everyone in a working environment where they are happy and can do a good job."

The East St. Tammany One-Stop is located at 316 Howze Beach in Slidell. Services are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, contact Pam Thomas at (985) 645-3537.