Task force now in place to help displaced workers

The motorsports industry is dealing with the ongoing economic downturn as nearly all race teams have made some level of cutbacks. It is estimated that nearly 700 jobs have been lost in recent weeks and its possible the layoffs will continue into 2009.

Initiated by Humpy Wheeler and administered by the North Carolina Motorsports Association, a Motorsports Employment Task Force has been developed to address the job loss issues.

Attendees of the initial meeting included associates from NASCAR, the North Carolina legislature, Centralina Workforce Development Board, Career Transition Consultants, N.C. Biotech Center, NASCAR Technical Institute, Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports, Community College Consortium, Belmont Abbey College, Compass Career Management, The Wheeler Company and The NCMA.

The group discussed ways to immediately provide support and information to current displaced workers. In addition the task force discussed plans for a promotional campaign to other industries that would showcase the skills and benefits to hiring someone from the motorsports industry.

For Wheeler this situation is not new. He's seen this before in the 1970s and '80s. But his concern in this cycle is that the numbers are much larger.

"In the '70s and '80s I think it was even worse economically, but teams were much smaller then," Wheeler said. "Some teams back then were letting go 50 percent or more of crew members. But that was only five or six people. Today cut backs might be less percentage of the team, but could equal dozens per organization."

"When you count up the small teams too that we don't hear about, the Nationwide teams and smaller Truck teams we likely have over 1,000 people losing their jobs," Wheeler said. "Historically those who lost jobs in the past moved back to their hometown states and we lost them from the area. The main thing is that we don't lose them from the region. This has major economic impacts to all of the community including non-motorsports related business."

The Motorsports Employment Task Force is working toward the development of a central clearing house that will support displaced workers with information and steps to guide them in their sudden career path changes. It also will provide potential employers information and access about the benefits of hiring from the industry. The group is currently developing an immediate plan of action along with a long-term plan to support future workforce changes. All at the meeting expressed the urgency of taking some level of action immediately.

NCMA executive director Andy Papathanassiou, a 17-year veteran of the industry, said, "In all the years I've been involved in racing, it's always been trending up with jobs, sponsors and support organizations. It's important to remember that even in all those good years, there were still times when teams closed down and sponsors pulled out. Now, with the whole economy in recession, we are bound to be affected and even more aware of the bad news we hear."

"The industry will be poised and ready to take advantage when the economy inevitably rebounds," Papathanassiou added. "Our immediate concern is to help those individuals in distress due to our current state."

Tips for those who have been laid off in the motorsports industry in North Carolina:

• If you find that you can't pay your bills on time, contact your creditors immediately. Try to work out a modified payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level; visit www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/credit/debt.shtm.

•Being laid off is a stressful situation. If necessary, seek counseling. United Family Services: 704-786-7918.

•Visit www.centralinaworks.com for more information and direct connection to these local resources:

→ Unemployment Insurance info
→ Health Insurance options
→ Resumé preparation
→ Interviewing skills
→ Skills upgrades information
→ Career counseling
→ Training resources
→ Local Labor Market information
→ Free use of computers, Internet, fax and phone

•Visit your local JobLink Career Center for access to employment services: www.centralinaworks.com/joblink