Arcata flower company looking for workers

An Arcata flower grower is extending its search for agriculture workers to Colusa and surrounding counties as unemployment continues to skyrocket in rural areas.

Sun Valley Group, the leading grower of cut flowers in the U.S., is hopeful that agriculture workers here will consider relocating to Northern California's coast for full-time, year-round employment.

"We have a shortage of agriculture workers," said David Aronovici, Sun Valley's director of human resources. "We've pretty much exhausted our work pool."

Aronovici said like all businesses affected by the downturn in the economy, Sun Valley Group is stepping up its efforts to increase production.

"We have to work harder and smarter," he said. "That means increasing the number of employees, or team members as we like to call them."

Representatives from Sun Valley will be taking applications from workers in Colusa, Glenn, Sutter and Yuba counties over the next few weeks until it fills approximately 100 new job openings. Colusa County will serves as the contact point for applications and interviews.

The full-time positions come with medical, dental and vision benefits, participation in the company's 401K program and vacation after six months, Aronovici said. The company will also provide a relocation allowance, and a list of temporary and permanent housing opportunities.

The jobs start at minimum wage with an opportunity for advancement.

"We have families that have worked for us for 20 years," Aronovici said. "Fathers and sons; mothers and daughters. We offer good jobs and it's a good company to work for."

Aronovici said North Humboldt County is a very pleasant place to live, with unlimited recreational opportunities and mild weather conducive for bulb flower production.

Work consists of planting, cultivating, cutting, bunching and shipping the variety of bulb flowers grown by Sun Valley. The flowers, mostly tulips, lilies and irises, are sold in mass market to companies like Safeway and Trader Joe's nationwide.

"Our busiest time of year is between Valentines Day and Mother's Day," Aronovici said.

An orientation meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Colusa Business and Visitors Center for company representatives to meet prospective employees. North Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce representatives will be available to help with translation for Spanish-speaking applicants. Anyone in welcome to apply.

All applicants who are offered a job will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test, and be authorized to work in the United States as verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify system.

Colusa County Supervisor Tom Indrieri said the Sun Valley's offer to search for workers in counties with historically high unemployment rates is a blessing.

"It is more beneficial to our county and businesses if our people have jobs, even if it means relocating outside the county," Indrieri said. "My main concern is for the people."

WHERE TO APPLY

Colusa County One-Stop, 146 Market St., Colusa.
458-0323
Kathy Craigo Media Consulting, 430 Market St. Suite A, Colusa.
458-3704
Williams Family Action Center, 901 E Street, Williams.
473-5400
Orientation meeting: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Colusa Business and Visitors Center
2963 Davison Court, Colusa