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A new staffing agency is now open in downtown Suffolk and ready to pair residents with jobs.

Venture Staffing is an employment agency located at 131 N. Saratoga St. and is prepared to get the business up and running.

This new agency is owned by Ricky Conner, who also owns Shiloh Landscape & Mulch Company and Roy’s & Ricky’s Catering on Holland Road. He spends his days bouncing back and forth, making sure all three businesses are running smoothly. According to Conner, he has wanted to open a staffing business for a long time and likes the challenge.

“I’ve always been interested in that type of work,” said Conner. “I’m very excited about starting this. I love being and working with people and have always had a passion for helping people.”

The agency opened at the end of June and is looking for employees to work in a warehouse. Conner hopes to expand into more professional career opportunities in the future once the business gets fully under way. For now, Venture Staffing needs warehouse workers and is hiring for multiple positions to work with California Cartage in Suffolk and Chesapeake.

“Apply today, qualify today, work tomorrow,” said Kenya Ryan, one of Venture Staffing secretaries. “This is a great second chance for those who need it.”

The positions include clamp operators with two years of experience needed, forklift drivers, loaders and unloaders preferably with conveyor belt experience, verifiers, and maintenance techs, preferably with previous experience. According to Ryan, previous experience for most of the positions is a “plus, not a must.” The peak pay ranges from $18 to $21 an hour, depending on the position.

“Ricky is a sensational and dynamic businessman,” said Patricia Boyles, who plans to work for Conner and is a regular at Roy’s and Ricky’s Catering. “He is such an asset to this community and looks out for all people. This business is a phenomenal opportunity for the community.”

Join the Venture Staffing team by going to the office or visit the “Workforce on Wednesdays” job fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Hilton Garden Inn, 100 E. Constance Road.