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Health & Fitness

What and Where Has the Workforce Turned Into/To?

How do we fix the workforce dilemma sweeping the Hamptons?

With the 2012 summer season and the "opening" of the Hamptons, there is an air of uncertainty with myself, other restaurateurs, shopkeepers and business owners about the lack or outright absence of applicants and potential employees. Even with the residential population at a year-round status, it is not responding to the desperate need for workers. Then there is the "illegals" sector that any upstanding employer struggles with. Do I or don't I?

Another growing trend among business today is "importing" students with temporary visas and housing them for the summer. This seems like a captive audience type of thing, but then again desperate times call for desperate measures.

When I was young (still am at heart...lol), my parents had the talk on how I was going to be "responsible" for my dreams and desires of the summer season when there was the beach, movies, friends and good times. Even with the first car, I was taught that gas wasn't free. With college, I learned that money "didn't grow on trees"; especially for funding the pledging and "keg night." These were lessons I learned, and still today think create the work ethic and character of who we are.

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I watch some nieces, nephews and friends' children with the iPhone, "Status" clothing, and "branding" of goods with no idea of cost or appreciation. There is no attachment to earning something outside the words "Mommy or Daddy." Don't get me wrong, while I am the favorite Uncle David in and around my family as I am known to spoil them...it always comes though, with a conversation of grades, friends and "responsibility" as I was taught.

We need to remind ourselves of the renaissance that creates character and strength from which makes this country great. Inspire others to grow and learn, offer opportunity, but most of all don't give it to them on a silver platter...tell them to go and earn it...tell them to go to work!

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And that's the Last Bite.....

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