Job fair held for laid-off Prineville millworkers

Woodgrain Millwork held a job fair Thursday to help find employment for 200 plus employees they recently laid off. More than 30 employers from all over Central Oregon participated in the event at the Crook County Fairgrounds.

“It was going to be my last job, you know, until I retired,” Carl Hollinger said.

In a matter of seconds, Hollinger’s retirement plan was through the roof, literally. After a weather-related roof collapse, the mill let go of most of its employees. All of them now are looking for employment before the new year.

“That’s all I can do — and pray,” Jasson Dickson said.

When workers first heard the news, many were in despair.

“You know, I’m 50 years old. I’m no spring chicken anymore,” Hollinger said, “You know who’s going to hire me?”

The job fair turnout shows some will at least try.

“I can’t give people full-time employment right now, but I figure any work I can give them is better than nothing,” said Laura Chick, the owner of Incredible Events.

Many were signing up for company information at booths and entering resumes for employment.

“I’m disappointed, but I’m man enough to deal with it,” Dickson said.

Nearly 30 area businesses and agencies offered booths and 18 other businesses who could not attend provided information on openings.

Woodgrain Millwork officials declined to comment on camera, but they say they have placed nine workers into jobs outside of their company. They also say they’ve taken 19 workers to tour their Idaho mill.

A Woodgrain Millwork spokeswoman later said she was “happy to report that several employees were offered jobs at the fair and many more will be receiving offers very soon.”

“It’s been an emotional roller-coaster,” Hollinger said.

It’s a ride they didn’t want to take, but many are buckling up to see what’s next.

“I think I have a lot going for me,” Hollinger said.

In a time of trial, many are finding the silver lining.

I have experience that I gained from the mill,” Hollinger said. “I get to use that to find another job.”