Expo is Golden Opportunity for job seekers ♥

Published in the Courier-Tribune on September 24, 2011

by Hugh Martin

TROY — With unemployment at 13.1 percent in Montgomery County, news of job openings is welcomed by anyone looking for employment.

On Thursday, Sept. 29, the Think Montgomery First Business Expo & Job Fair will be held from noon-6 p.m. at the James H. Garner Conference Center in Troy. The event, designed to showcase local businesses and the products and services they offer, was organized by the Montgomery Economic Develop Corp. (EDC) and the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.

Judy Stevens, executive director of the EDC, said that nearly 40 businesses will be on hand to meet and greet Expo attendees. She encourages job seekers to dress appropriately and bring resumes.

“Many of the businesses are hiring new employees,” Stevens said. “This event is an excellent opportunity to see the various products that are produced locally and to talk with representatives of local service agencies.”

Entry to the Expo is free and there will be drawings for door prizes throughout the afternoon.

At the September meeting of the Town of Star Board of Commissioners, Richard Hinson, town commissioner and coordinator of the Small Business Center at Montgomery Community College, said he hopes that job seekers will take advantage of this opportunity.

“People who are out of work need to come,” Hinson said. “They need to look sharp, not with their pants drooping and acting out.”

Hinson said that a lot of companies that have recruited in Montgomery County in the past have been disappointed in the quality of the applicant pool.

“I have seen some recruiters just pack up and leave,” he said.

Hinson said that any business in the county that is hiring will be at the Expo. The event will offer the opportunity to meet and network with businesses that may or may not be hiring at the present.

Sponsors of the event include Montgomery County JobLink, Montgomery County Schools, Montgomery Community College, N.C. Employment Security Commission, Montgomery County government, Towns of Biscoe, Candor, Mount Gilead, Star and Troy, Montgomery Tourism Development Authority and FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital.

The Garner Center is at 210 Burnett St. in Troy. For more information or to participate in the expo, contact the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at (910) 572-4300.