Job center hosting annual fair Wednesday

PALMER — The annual Mat-Su Job Fair is expecting record numbers of participants filling the halls of the Mat-Su College, according to Joe Knowles, manager of the Mat-Su Job Center. He said that 125 different vendors have registered and he anticipates 900 or more people to attend.

“It’s outstanding seeing the community together at one time and make such a wide variety of workforce development options available to our people,” Knowles said.

Knowles said this is the sixth year in a row partnering with the college, calling it the ideal venue. He said that spring break is the perfect time because it leaves the school open for use. He said that the central location and large, professional building can handle the vast series of booths, parking and general flow of the event.

“There’s a lot of variety in one spot,” Knowles said.

He said that the pool of employers and resources is diverse, with representatives from BER-R offering instructional sessions in how to get a federal job to a woman who teaches a Linked In/networking class.

The Valley continues to be the fasted growing area in the state. Knowles said the workforce grows alongside the population, with more employers, opportunities and job seekers than ever before. He said that in 2015, they had 85 registered participants and just over 250 job seekers attend.

Each year, vendors are offered feedback forms. Knowles said that over the years, they’ve noticed a trend in the feedback. He said that as the number of attendees has escalated, so has the number professional and organized job seekers.

“They appear job ready,” Knowles said.

Like much of the state, the Valley is home to a large number of U.S. military veterans. Knowles said that the event provides accommodations for attending veterans, offering them a designated area catch their breaths and regroup with finger food, drinks, and support nearby.

“We take great pride in helping our veterans be successful,” Knowles said.

Knowles said that there are nine members on the job center team and he wanted to give credit to the Job Center Business Connections Lead, Tina Mariner who oversaw this year’s event.

The Mat-Su Employer Expo runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 13 at the Mat-Su College. Admission is free and the various booths are sure to have souvenirs, advice and opportunities abound.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com