Despite recession, Valley companies still hiring

PALMER — Alaska may be in an economic recession, but don't tell that to the nearly 100 businesses and organizations that showed up at Mat-Su College on Wednesday for the 2017 Mat-Su Employer Expo.

The expo is sponsored by the Mat-Su Job Center, part of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Participating fields ran the gamut from travel and tourism to plumbers and pipefitters to federal and state agencies. Marking its 17th year, the expo is intended to give employers and job seekers a venue to contact one another.

Tamika Ledbetter, a job center employee services manager for the Mat-Su and Anchorage offices, said the event has experienced marked growth since its inception at the turn of the 21st century.

"We've grown tremendously," said Ledbetter. "This year, we have close to 100 employers at the expo. Back in the day, 60-70 was a good turnout. Part of that is because of the college. They donated the space and we have more room."

Ledbetter said despite the state's current economic situation, the Mat-Su Valley continues to experience economic growth. Ledbetter said the Valley provides more and cheaper housing options than the Anchorage area, which just adds to its marketability.

"It's been great to see the Valley grow. Not only as a place to live, but as a place to work and play as well," she said. "A lot of people live here and commute to Anchorage where the wages might be a little better. But then they return here and spend their money here. Thirty-two percent of Valley residents commute elsewhere."

Regardless of where Mat-Su residents work, the expo's purpose was to increase that number. Job seekers had the opportunity to interact with employers hiring for entry-level, technical, professional and seasonal positions. Additionally, representatives from state universities, vocational and technical schools, and unions, along with businesses offering apprenticeships were included in the mix. Ledbetter said the expo date was chosen to coincide with many students enjoying some time off.

"We wanted to hold it during spring break. That way, we get college students but also those high school seniors who want to see what's available," Ledbetter said. "We estimate that 400-500 job seekers will be here for the expo today."

Many jobseekers showed up dressed for success with resumes in hand. Sarah Weintraub recently moved to the Mat-Su from Washington state. Weintraub said she was pleased to see both the large number and variety of businesses and organizations that set up shop.

"I came up knowing that the state is not doing the best, economically speaking," Weintraub said. "But here in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, things don't look all that bad. I found three different jobs I'm interested in."

Joe Knowles, a Mat-Su job Center employment services technician, said the event wouldn't be possible without the more than a dozen sponsors. He said costs for the event run between $6,000-10,000, and given the state's current financial situation, the necessary funding wouldn't be available.

"They (the sponsors) make it possible to do it and do it well," Knowles said. "There is no cost to the state. The businesses bring in everything necessary. Some of them come from as far away as Juneau. We provide a good breakfast and lunch. "

Knowles said the process is symbiotic with businesses and job seekers coming together for the betterment of both. He said expo planning begins in October and with help from his staff, which he called a "well-oiled machine". He said about 25 percent of this year's business participation is "new faces", or first-time participants.

In addition to the college donating space, other 2017 sponsors included the Mat-Su Borough School District Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Nine Star Education and Employment Services, Public Employees Local 71, University Of Alaska Southeast (School of Management), Knik Tribal Council, Northern Industrial Training (NIT), Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau, Governor's Council on Disabilities and Education, New York Life, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Three Bears, and Department of Labor and Workforce Development.