DEARBORN — With the job market as tough as it’s been in decades, the first ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) job fair of 2009 is expected to be as packed and competitive as ever.

The spring job fair, one of three held during the year at ACCESS, will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at the Dearborn One Stop Service Center at 6541 Schaefer.

Doors open at 9 a.m. but ACCESS Director of Employment Training Najweh Hadous said that applicants often arrive as early as 7 a.m., and if the line is too long by the time noon rolls around, some people might have to be sent home. While applicants don’t need to be there that early, timeliness is strongly encouraged.

The good news with the job fair, however, is that a large turnout is expected by employers as well.

Employers of many different backgrounds will attend and some new companies are expected to show this year after some old standbys from the past have declined invitations.

Even though some companies that are attending, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, are currently in the middle of layoffs, that doesn’t mean they don’t still have some hiring to do.

“We don’t bring companies to the job fair unless they have jobs to offer,” said Hadous. “We have some new employers coming in this year especially in the areas of health care, retail, and customer service, too.”

Some other companies Hadous mentioned as looking for employees include Valvoline, Kraft Foods, and Fairlane Mall for security officers. Other employers will pitch programs for training employees for positions down the line.

Prospective job applicants will have the chance to stroll from booth to booth to meet with employers in person and to pass out resumes at the job fair, which is scheduled to run until 1 p.m.

With the job fair expected to be ultra-competitive, Hadous said that applicants should be ready to make an impression and bring plenty of resumes.

“People should dress for success because appearance tells a lot about the individuals looking for work,” she said. “The job fair gives them an opportunity to interact with the person they are hiring, and if they like what they see it could lead to a great opportunity.”

The job fair is open to all applicants regardless of background. Registration is not necessary but applicants can register for reminders on //www.accesscommunity.org/site/Calendar/ by clicking on the job fair event on the 18th. For more information, call 313.842.7010.

Last year’s ACCESS Job Fair at the ACCESS office in Dearborn brought in a diverse crowd of about 1,000 people seeking employment.

White House announces internship program

President Obama has launched the White House Internship Program for his administration and announced that applications are currently being accepted for the summer of 2009. Those selected to participate in the program will gain valuable job experience and an inside look at the life of White House staff while building leadership skills.

“This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I’m proud that they will have this opportunity to serve,” said President Obama. “I look forward to working with those that are selected to participate and I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country.”

In addition to normal office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, help at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects.

The 2009 Summer Internship program runs from May 22 to August 14, and the submission deadline is March 22, 2009.

Those interested in applying to the White House Internship Program must be:

• U.S. Citizens

• Eighteen years of age on or before the first day of the internship

• Enrolled in a college or university (2-4 year institution) or must have graduated from college in the past two years

Interns will be placed in a departmental office for their internship. Below is a list of departments in the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President where interns could be placed.

• White House Department of Scheduling and Advance

• The Office of Cabinet Affairs

• The White House Communications Department

• The White House Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs

• The Office of the First Lady

• The White House Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA)

• The Office of Political Affairs

• The Office of Management and Administration

• The Office of White House Counsel

• The Domestic Policy Council

• The White House Office of Presidential Personnel

• Office of the Vice President

More information on the White House Internship Program, including application instructions, can be found at: www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships.

Networking event planned by Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce

BIRMINGHAM — The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce (LACC) is pleased to announce its Spring Networking Event and Business Mixer on Thursday, March12, 2009 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The event will take place at The Townsend Hotel Ballroom, One Hundred Townsend Street, Birmingham, MI The hotel’s telephone number is 248.647.2958.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free business and social event. You can exchange business cards, satisfy your appetite, and network with corporate members, associates and friends! Savor The Townsend Hotel’s mouth watering unique hors d’oeuvres with Asian flare, meet with metro-Detroit’s movers & shakers, listen to the posh sounds of DJ Matt Aubrey, and receive fun giveaways and surprise gifts – courtesy of our sponsors, when you arrive at The Ballroom!

Chamber President & CEO John Akouri will present a quick update on exciting events for 2009 — as you experience great conversation, available specialty drinks at the award winning premium cash bar, socializing and networking.

The LACC is a nonprofit U.S. business organization headquartered in Detroit, with offices in New York, Houston, Chicago, and Washington, DC. The Chamber serves to actively develop, promote and advance Lebanese American business and to enhance the economic, social, educational, trade and cultural interests by providing leadership, legislative advocacy, social and philanthropic activities, business networking, special projects and the exchange of business and information. It also seeks to promote economic growth and development, expand business opportunities and heighten awareness between the Lebanese and American communities throughout the United States and Lebanon operating as an American-based nonprofit corporation linking business professionals locally, nationally, and globally.