All tables taken for Emporia job fair
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Originally published 09:55 a.m., February 9, 2008
Updated 09:55 a.m., February 9, 2008
Emporia’s Job/Community Fair scheduled for Feb. 16 is full.
Tara Freeman, public relations coordinator for the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, sent a release this afternoon stating that all the vendor slots are taken. The job fair, which features Emporia area employers, outside employers and social service agencies will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at Flint Hills Technical College, 3301 W. 18th Ave.
The job fair was planned after the Tyson layoffs. Tyson will cut more than 1,500 jobs following the cessation of slaughter operations in Emporia.
Freeman said in today’s press release that tables for Emporia and Emporia-area employers will be in the Conference Center at the technical college. Outside employers will be located in the hallways. Social service agencies will be in the commons area.
“The hope for the outcome of the Job/Career Fair is that Emporia and the Emporia area can provide jobs for as many former Tyson Fresh Meats employees as possible, as well as retain as many Emporia and Emporia area residents as possible,” Freeman said in the press release.
The Job/Career Fair has attracted many employers from outside Emporia. An article in the Winfield Daily Courier stated that Cowley County’s Cowley First — an economic development community partnership — announced it plans to participate in the job fair.
“We know as a community what it is like to have employees displaced due to plant closures during the last decade,” said Debra Tuefel, Cowley First director. “A layoff of this magnitude is more than 10 percent of the Emporia area’s jobs.”
Tuefel was quoted in the Winfield Daily Courier article as saying Cowley County’s biggest challenge has been finding skilled workforce for existing employers. Low unemployment rates in central Kansas has made it difficult for companies in that area to fill open job positions.
“By coordinating an effort with our businesses, we look forward to the chance to showcase the opportunities available locally, as well as providing information about our quality schools and communities to families that need to relocate,” she said.