Many attend local Job Fair

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

More than 300 job seekers attended a Job Fair sponsored by the Alice Chamber of Commerce, Alice Jim Wells County Economic Development Corporation and the Workforce of the Coastal Bend on Tuesday, July 09, 2013.
“I was very pleased with the turnout from both the employers as well as those seeking employment,” Nancy C. Ewing, Industry Outreach Coordinator/BSR with the Workforce said.
More than 50 employers took advantage of the Job Fair.
“I think overall this was very successful. We were able to take in some applicants,” Ofelia Hunter with Alice Echo-News Journal said.
The Job Fair was a result of a Workforce Summit held by the three sponsors in April.
“As the demand for employees increases due to the Eagle Ford Shale activity and improving economy, the existing labor force is increasingly taxed.  This demand presented a good opportunity for those looking to "move up" in their industry or for those looking to change jobs,” Alice Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Juan A Navejar Jr. said. “The most difficult part of this process can be connecting the prospective employee with an employer.  Thus, a job fair provided that connection. Overall the event was quite successful.”
The group is planning another Job Fair next summer.
"This successful event could not have happened without the support of the participating employers.  Many thanks to all the prospective employees who stopped by, the Alice Chamber and Workforce Solutions for co-hosting with the EDC office and all the in-kind supporters.  Special thanks to Roger Saenz who offered the venue," EDC Executive Director Warren Ketteman said.   I know several persons accepted employment "on the spot" and all our employers received applications from many qualified candidates."
A special thanks to Roger Saenz for the use of the building, VFW Post 8621 for the use of the tables and chairs and Direct Auto Insurance for sponsoring the lunch.Re