Several area organizations are partnering to host the first Etowah County Community Job Fair on Thursday, May 2, from 8 am til noon at The Venue at Coosa Landing.

“There is a huge need in our community to match employers with open positions to employees who want to work,” said Katrina Herring, Assistant Site Manager for the Gadsden Career Center. “We hope that this event will bring those two groups together.”

Several of the same partners have worked to produce a similar job fair in the fall, spurred by Gadsden City Councilman Thomas Worthy several years ago. That job fair will continue, but the partners saw a need to have an additional opportunity in the spring, especially as high school graduates that wish to transition direct to work will soon be available.

“This job fair will have an increased emphasis on attracting employers who are able to hire second chance applicants, high school students and veterans” Heather Brothers New, president of The Chamber of Gadsden & Etowah County, Inc., explained.

“While all job seekers and employers are encouraged to participate, we want to make sure that these categories, who traditionally have trouble finding employment are able to find some through this event.”

“We will all benefit from this event,” Jeff Allen, chairman of the board of directors for The Chamber, said. “Results and benefits for our employers and job seekers can only grow with a partnership like we have for this event.”

Allen added that the City of Gadsden will be providing the space for the event, Etowah County Commission will be sponsoring the hospitality suite for the employers, The Chamber and Career Center will be recruiting employers and job seekers to participate in the fair. Other partners include Gadsden State Community College and East AlabamaWorks. Both will promote training programs and scholarship opportunities, along with the Gadsden Career Center.

“Our community is really coming together to support this event,” he said.

The event is open to the public and is free of charge. Candidates of all ages, experience and skill levels are welcome. According to The Chamber, employer registration is ongoing, but the event will be able to accommodate more than 100 employers at The Venue.

Attendees should bring copies of their resumes and be prepared for on-site interviews from some employers. Anyone wishing to receive assistance in updating or creating resumes or practice with mock interviews can schedule an appointment beforehand with the Career Center.

Employer registration is now open for the Etowah County Community Job Fair. Employers can register online at etowahchamber.org/jobfair. Pre-Registration is required for employers. For more information, contact The Chamber office at 256-543-3472 or The Gadsden Career Center at 256-546-4667.Job Fair Flyer