Contacts:  Stephanie McManus, Communications Advocacy Manager, 360-956-7279
                    Janelle Guthrie, ESD Communications Director, 360-902-9289

SEATTLE, May 1, 2017 - Gov. Jay Inslee has declared May 2017 as Hospitality Month. This is the first such honor for the Washington hospitality industry, recognizing the nearly quarter of a million people employed by the industry in the state. Employment Security Department (ESD) Commissioner Dale Peinecke will read the proclamation at a hiring event at 9 a.m. on May 5, 2017 at Motif Seattle, 1415--5^th Ave. Seattle, WA 98101.

“Hospitality Month is a chance to celebrate all that the industry can offer Washington’s workforce and the many contributions it makes to local communities,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Hospitality jobs are key to Washington’s economy, pay more than $5 billion in wages, provide important training and serve as a vital path to entrepreneurship for immigrant families.”

“Our industry provides career opportunities at every level and takes people from zero to $50k and beyond. We are not successful unless our employees are successful,” said Anthony Anton, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association. “This hiring event, and Hospitality Month, is a chance to lift people up and even provide a new generation a chance at the American Dream.”

The Washington Hospitality Association, ESD and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Employment Pipeline are all jointly hosting the hiring event with other partners in the WorkSource system, including the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC). WorkSourceWA.com also features a new site focused specifically on opportunities in the hospitality industry.

“At ESD, we are partners in the WorkSource system, connecting businesses and jobseekers and supporting transitions to new jobs and empowering careers—and that’s what makes Hospitality Month so great,” said Dale Peinecke, Commissioner of the Employment Security Department. “We love it when we can introduce jobseekers to new opportunities in exciting and fulfilling careers—and we are excited to unveil our new “Welcome to Hospitality” website specifically for those who want to learn about jobs in the hospitality sector.”

“We stand ready to assist businesses and jobseekers across King County,” said Marlena Sessions, Chief Executive Office of the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC). “The hospitality industry is a major employer in our county, providing opportunities for thousands of people to enjoy rewarding careers.”

This hiring event is different from a typical job fair as it removes roadblocks to employment such as lack of transportation, certifications, permits, uniform needs, food assistance, Orca Lift cards, childcare assistance vouchers and more. These resources will be available for 12 months to help new hires be prepared to go to work immediately and stay engaged.

“The DSHS Employment Pipeline program is proud of our work to remove barriers for low-income employees to help them succeed in the workplace,” said Babs Roberts, Community Services Division director in DSHS’ Economic Services Administration. “We work with WorkSource to provide valuable training to help people find and get jobs—then we support them after they find that job so they can continue to be successful.”

For King County workers who want jobs, this is an opportunity to start a lasting career with critical support. The day will connect hundreds of vetted, employable, ready-to-interview candidates with businesses in need.

###