In an effort to recruit workers to the Albert Lea area, Greater Jobs Inc. and a local workforce collaborative have sent out 3,500 postcards to alumni of Albert Lea High School who live outside of Freeborn County.

&uot;We are hoping to attract good, quality workers to Albert Lea,&uot; said Carol Cerney, who is heading the marketing effort for the project. &uot;These are people who grew up in the community, know it well, and might want to return home to work.&uot;

The marketing recruitment collaborative has been working on the project for two years, according to Cerney. She said the great economy then created a worker shortage in Albert Lea, and they wanted to recruit more.

Now, with a sagging economy, Cerney said she hopes the program can work to find jobs for those who’d like to return to the community.

The 3,500 postcards each have on the back a Web site address, www.albertleaworks. org, which lists local jobs available in the community and gives people the opportunity to put their resume online.

The funding for the project is coming from almost 20 local companies. The Web site is free for companies and job seekers.

The site, so far, lists around 40 jobs. Most of the jobs listed are at Albert Lea Medical Center.

Cerney said she hopes that more companies will use the site.

Cerney said a response from 350 people from the first mailing is the goal for them. She said the collaborative will be sending out different postcards every four months.

The catch phrase of the postcards and the Web site is &uot;Big city opportunity, small town character.&uot;

Cerney said she hopes that people will see Albert Lea as a place of opportunity.

&uot;There is a lot to offer here. We have some wonderful opportunities,&uot; she said. &uot;It’s really a wonderful place to live with a high quality of life.&uot;