Job fairs begin for those affected in International Paper layoffs

RICEBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - It’s a race against the clock for many here in Riceboro as workers look for a new job after years, some even decades of working for the now-closing International Paper.

Brynn Grant with the Liberty County Development authorities says the closure of paper mills in Riceboro and Savannah is a huge hit for many in the community but hopes these events will help keep good workers in Georgia and in the region.

“There are a lot of employers who need a good, disciplined, seasoned, skilled workforce,” said Grant.

Some of the workers here Wednesday say they could not speak with us on camera due to legal reasons.

But they say they feel a real sense of loss since they received the news about the closing. Now they are searching for new opportunities in different lines of work, from warehouse work to law enforcement.

SNF is a specialized chemical company who says they have received dozens of phone calls and resumes since the announcement of the Paper mills closures.

“Its really important for us to reach out to the community and help find these people some jobs,” said SNF spokesperson Kirk Thomas.