Regional Job Fair

Job Fair Brings in Record Numbers

More than 1000 jobseekers – a record number - took advantage of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce’s Regional Job Fair on March 18th at the Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarene.

Six hundred job seekers turned out to the Job Fair within the first two hours of its opening. Employers and exhibitors were enthusiastic about the number and quality of jobseekers. National College, a sponsor, was pleased with the opportunities available for its graduates, and also saw lots of interest in their programs from prospective students.

New Chamber member Best Buy, which will open a Harrisonburg store in June, had a line in front of their booth as soon as the Job Fair opened. General Manager John May took the opportunity to address the crowd all at once, letting them know about the company’s culture and expectations, and how to apply online.

Chamber member Dynamic Aviation said they will be hiring as many as 100 new people over the course of this year. Staffing agencies Adecco and Adams & Garth are noting the nascent expansion in the economy as their demand increases. Other employers, such as American General Life and Accident Insurance and Primerica Financial Services, are always looking for good candidates to represent them, especially as they seek to move into new markets.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer this service, not only to our members but to the community at large,” said Chamber President Frank Tamberrino. “Based on the enormous support and demand for these types of employment resources in our area, we expect to offer this event more frequently than just once a year.”

Included as part of the Job Fair this year were seminars on How to Prepare Your Résumé and Conduct Your Job Search; Everything You Need to Know About Unemployment Benefits; What Do I Do With My Retirement Plan?; and Diversity in the Workplace. All were offered in both English and Spanish.

 

2010 participants included:

• National College
• Verstandig Broadcasting
• Forward Adelante
• AFLAC
• Adams & Garth Staffing
• Adecco Employment Services
• American General Life & Accident
• Associated Training Services
• Best Buy
• CVS
• Dynamic Aviation
• Good Wealth Management
• Goodwill of the Valleys
• James Madison University
• Primerica
• Rockingham County Schools
• State Farm Insurance
• WHSV TV 3
• and More!

Special Thanks to our 2010 Sponsors:

• National College
• Daily News-Record
• Forward Adelante Bilingual Business Magazine
• Verstandig Broadcasting