As part of her on-going efforts to maximize employment opportunities for Queens residents, Borough President Helen Marshall hosted the first job interview session for concession positions at the US Open yesterday at Queens Borough Hall. The Borough President and Amerivents Event Staffing & Management are partnering on an initiative to keep the lion’s share of 700 concession jobs in Queens during the 2009 U.S. Open Tennis Championships in Flushing next month.

In describing the effort, Borough President Marshall said, “This partnership is the latest in a series of initiatives by my office to provide Queens residents with employment opportunities. The jobs created by the 2009 US Tennis Open will provide critical support to many residents who need to make it through these tough economic times. That is why I have partnered with Amerivents to invite borough residents to apply for these jobs right here in Queens in a world-class venue.”

Noting the efforts of her partner, Marshall said “Amerivents community based efforts in connecting Queens residents to these jobs not only exhibits their commitment to filling the positions locally, it will boost the local economy particularly today when jobs and resources are scarce.”

Through the initiative, Amerivents is looking for Queens residents first to fill positions including concession stand managers, cashiers, cooks and line servers. The U.S. Tennis Open runs from August 31 to September 13. The jobs are available from August 25, to cover qualifying tournaments and Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on the 29th.

To be considered for these employment opportunities, applicants must first register online at www.amerivents.com (go to “Talent Registration” and submit a profile). Additional follow-up interviews will be conducted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Flushing Town Hall located at 137-35 Northern Boulevard in Flushing, on Friday, July 31, 2009 at LaGuardia Community College’s Workforce 1 Center and August 10th, 2009 at the Queens Workforce 1 Center in Jamaica.

Joining the Borough President at the event , James Della Pace, Amerivents Managing Partner (in photo) said “Having grown up in Queens, I especially welcome the opportunity to work with Borough President Helen Marshall and to keep jobs local during one of the city’s biggest events.”