County job/housing fair is Oct. 15 years ago
It started as a meeting between Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman, Hillsboro Development Corporation/Hillsboro Venture Inc. Director Clint Seibel, and Marion Economic Development Director Jami Williams.
From that meeting, the idea of a countywide job and housing fair was born.
Since the three are members of Marion County Economic Development Council and this is a countywide project, it made sense to involve the council.
The free job/housing fair will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 in the 4-H building at Marion County Fairgrounds, Hillsboro.
Local businesses are encouraged to have booths at the fair to promote their businesses or to attract qualified employees. It is recommended that businesses have individuals at the booths to answer questions and provide job applications as requested.
Realtors also are encouraged to have booths with information about available properties.
Caterers and non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate as food vendors.
There is no charge for booth or vendor space.
Representatives of Emporia Small Business Development Corporation, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, USDA Rural Development and work force center will be in attendance.
"We have businesses wanting to expand," Huffman said, but there is a concern about an adequate work force.
"I've talked with manufacturers who say their biggest struggle is finding suitable workers which is needed for expansion and to attract new businesses," she said.
The other side of the issue is finding suitable housing for these entry-level workers to live which is the reason for including Realtors in the fair.
"We want all kinds of businesses at this fair who are looking for employees," Huffman said, not just manufacturers.
Work Force Investment Area One will work with Kansas Department of Commerce and can provide training to employers and also will be at the fair.
Booth space is limited. Contact Huffman at (620) 382-8830 or Williams at (620) 382-3703.
