2008 Holmes County Job Expo    

      One could say that the employment prospects for more than 100 people just took a big step forward in Millersburg. During the Holmes County Department of Job and Family Services Job Expo held on May 13, 2008, employers and employees united to help each other find exactly what they were seeking.

      According to Sundee Porter, Employment Training Connection Coordinator for HCDJFS, who coordinated the event, the expectations were two fold for the job fair: To help employers meet their need to find qualified employees, and for those seeking employment to be able to find multiple opportunities in one place.

      "This truly allows job seekers to see the diverse number of opportunities here in Holmes County "said Porter. "In addition, employers can not only have the chance to find prospective employees, but it provides a perfect networking opportunity for them to connect with other businesses, which could play a role in future business together."

      For an entrepreneur like Allan Zink, who runs multiple businesses, including textile retail and outlet store, a hotel, and an embroidery shop to name a few, the networking process is as vital as fulfilling the current employment needs in his sales staff. "I'm here hopefully finding prospects to fill those roles in sales, but this provided a great place to network with other businesses," said Zink. "This kind of multi-faceted situation, which features all kinds of different businesses, is perfect for me. That interaction between business people is great, and you never know where you may make an important connection for down the road."

      From banks and insurance companies to health fields, retail business and volunteer organizations, there were many possibilities for those in the market to find a career. Nearly two dozen employers set up shop and more than 120 prospective employees signed in to see what was available in Holmes County

      In addition, according to Holmes County JFS Director Dan Jackson, not only did the event provide job seekers with ample local companies seeking employees, but it also reached out into surrounding counties as well. "We've got numerous job listings throughout Holmes County and the contiguous counties, with more than 100 other job possibilities aside from the ones which are here today," said Jackson. "One of our main goals was to have people leave today with a sense that they feel very good about what they expected, and that there are ample opportunities out there for them." 

      Jackson went on to say that with so many career opportunities available through the fair, the event was meeting immediate needs for job-seekers and providing a base for the employers for down the road. "We were very pleased with the turnout, both from the standpoint of vendors and possible employee's," said Jackson. "Were looking forward to next year's event being even bigger and better."

      Nena Miller, of Weaver Leather, said they were pleased with the turnout, noting that they were seeking to fill several positions, and that the qualification of those stopping in at their table was encouraging. "It's been a nice, steady flow of people, and we've had a chance to meet and connect with some good applicants," said Miller.

      Even job opportunities that one might not associate with a job fair were on hand. Trooper Ivy with the Ohio State Highway Patrol was there to provide information on joining the OSP.  She said that anyone who is self-motivated and driven would be a possible candidate for a law enforcement position. "This is not just change to find a job, but a career," said Ivy. "Law enforcement may not be something that comes to mind for a lot of people, but it is a great career choice, and people would be surprised that the qualifications are not as rigid as they might think. "

      Whether seeking employment or employees, the JFS Job Fair provided an outlet for many from within Holmes County to explore options in the career world and to make connections.

      "I definitively think our expectations were fulfilled with today's event," said Porter, "It is such a diverse community of business opportunities, it's nice to see people taking advantage of it."

      Article from the The Journal, May 2008

2007 Job Fair Results  

2008 Job Fair Results

Are you an employer interested in participating in the 2009 Job Expo?

The ETC (Employment and Training Connection) is dedicated to assisting any person, employer or organization to secure employment share information and maintain a stable workforce.  

Our goal is to fulfill our brand promise “Everybody Works” by preparing the job seeker like no other employment resource.  

ETC has offices in Ashland, Holmes and Wayne Counties.