State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera today joined Whole Foods Regional President Christina Minardi, customers and new team members, to announce new jobs coming to the Capital Region with the opening of Whole Foods Market’s newest location at Colonie Center. Today’s Grand Opening and “Bread Breaking” Ceremony marks the company’s 15th location in New York State, with more than 380 locations nationwide. Through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s New York Works program, the State Department of Labor hosted and conducted candidate recruitment services for the new store online and through the New York State Career Centers.

“We’re so pleased to again be partnering with Whole Foods Market, a company deeply committed to our state’s world-class workforce, to bring more than 260 new jobs to the local community here in our state’s capital,” said State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera.  “Through our extensive talent bank, we were able to provide Whole Foods with the kind of quality staff they need. New York’s best and brightest are here with us today to open this new location.”

The talent recruitment, specialized for Whole Foods Market, was conducted by the State Department of Labor beginning in February. Additionally, Whole Foods Market took advantage of Governor Cuomo’s Jobs Express website (www.jobs.ny.gov) as well as 11 customized recruiting events hosted by the Department of Labor. After two months, through a three-tiered application process that included online applications, group interviews and individual interviews, all job orders for the new store have been filled, with a total of 264 hires in the Capital Region.

“Partnering with the Department of Labor for our hiring process has been a key tool in identifying the very best new team members for our new locations in New York,” said Michael Sinatra, Whole Foods Market’s Northeast Regional Spokesperson. “As we continue to grow our footprint in the state, we’ll continue to look at these programs to help us find talented team members right in our local communities.”

With more than 20 different job titles, from butchers to cake decorators and fishmongers to chefs, Whole Foods Market has been ranked on FORTUNE’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” for all 17 consecutive years since the list’s inception.  The jobs all offer competitive benefits, beginning with a full complement of medical and other traditional group health plan coverage, 401k plans and discounts at their stores.

The Department of Labor led the intensive recruitment process, which included staff assistance at career fairs throughout the region, such as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Career Fair.  This is the seventh partnership between the New York State Department of Labor and Whole Foods Market for recruitments for new stores.

To find more information about these jobs or other jobs in your area, visit your local Career Center - www.labor.ny.gov/career-center-locator/ - or visit the Jobs Express website at www.jobs.ny.gov.