Branson to continue recruiting workers from Puerto Rico

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Taney County Partnership are extending a recruitment effort for Puerto Rico workers into 2018.

Branson officials in November met with Puerto Rico partners to assess the city’s recruiting following Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico officials indicated the program should continue as conditions have improved on the island, according to a news release.

First launched this year, Branson’s OnPoint Talent Attraction Program brought to the city more than 200 seasonal workers from Puerto Rico.

“We continue to be aggressive with the OnPoint Talent Attraction Program with a goal of striking a balance between placing qualified residents, J-1 students through the Summer Work & Travel Program and Puerto Rico recruits to fill more than 2,000 job openings,” Branson chamber President and CEO Jeff Seifried said in the release.

According to OnPointMo.com, Branson has a need for workers in the hospitality, health care, and industrial manufacturing and contracting industries.

Branson officials are planning to launch recruitment events in mid-February.