Job Fair Offers Support for Pyramid Mountain Lumber Workers

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Pyramid Mountain Lumber is currently in the process of shutting down, leaving some employees uncertain about the future. As a way to help the 99 employees directly impacted by the closure the Missoula Job Service is hosting a job fair in Seeley Lake.

In March, Pyramid Mountain Lumber announced their closure due to workforce shortages. The high cost of living in western Montana was cited as one of the main reasons for closure. Pyramid is the largest employer in Seeley Lake and has been family-owned for the last 75 years.

The job fair is taking place at the Seeley Lake Community Hall, just north of town, on Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m. Local employers have been invited to participate in the job fair so that mill employees affected by the closure can see what other employment opportunities may be available to them.

As of Aug. 3, 24 mill employees have been laid off and 75 are still working, according to Darlene Troutwine, personnel director at Pyramid Mountain Lumber. Pyramid has completed the first two phases of its shutdown, Troutwine said, which included bringing in the last load of new logs and running all the logs through the sawmill. The company is nearing the end of the third phase, which involves running all the products through a planer, which is scheduled to be completed in the middle of August.

After that, there will be two phases remaining. The fourth phase of the closure is to distribute all the remaining product, like boards, and the fifth and final phase is to auction off the mill equipment, Troutwine said.

With the final phase nearing, there have been multiple efforts to support mill employees. The Seeley Lake Community Foundation has provided a weekly space for employees to meet with the Missoula Job Service.

"They can help with resume writing, help you explore your interests and abilities and go over interview skills. Employees who are unable to find suitable employment with the current skillset they possess may qualify for training assistance through the Job Service," Troutwine said.

Troutwine also said the job fair is a great opportunity for employees to meet with potential employers and see what opportunities are available.

 Courtesy: www.seeleylake.com