Ditch the Commute, Work where you Live: Community Job Fair returns March 23rd

Following a well-attended Community Job Fair last June, the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend and Umpqua Bank in partnership with WorkSource Seattle-King County are bringing the event back –  Friday, March 23rd from 3PM to 5 PM at Si View Community Center.

Organizers Roleta Batiste and Denise Barbour of WorkSource expect more than 20 local employers to be represented at the Fair including Snoqualmie Valley Transportation, Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie Valley Hospital, United States Postal Service, Zetec, Costco, Bartell Drugs and Safeway.

Job seekers need to enroll prior to the event HERE and come ready to interview. Organizers are encouraging participants to bring at least 30 resume copies.

Employers may still be able to secure space at the job fair by contacting Monica Lynne at the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber office, 425-888-6362 or by emailing monica@snovalley.org.

[There is no cost for either job seekers or employers as the event is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.]

The Job Fair idea originated from the Snoqualmie Economic Development Commission (EDC), with Umpqua Bank Manager and EDC commission memberRob Wotton, leading the effort and hosting last year’s event. Wotton said at the inaugural event they only expected a handful of employers to participate, but it became so big that it spilled out into the bank’s parking lot – with nearly 30 employers participating.

“What we found is that we have over 12,000 people leaving the Valley to work elsewhere, and 4,000 inbound commuters,” Wotton mentions. “The thing that resonated at our last Job Fair, was a lot of people who commute out of the community for work would prefer to live and work here. This gives our community the chance to see what jobs do exist here which might be a good match.”

WorkSource representative Batiste adds that this may also provide someone the opportunity, if they have been a stay-at-home parent, to consider either a part-time or full-time employment. At any given time, there may be 100 or more open positions.

The Chamber’s role is to support local businesses, governments and other organizations to create a more vibrant community, explained Chamber Membership Director Lynne. She added, “The Chamber Board is an enthusiastic supporter of helping businesses find local people to fill positions whenever possible.”