2009 Career Fair aims to help workers, businesses

PONDERAY — With more than 750 job seekers last year, organizers of the 2009 Career Fair expect continued growth at the fourth annual Career Fair slated for April 29 at the Bonner Mall.

The event is designed to support businesses with their workforce needs and is open to businesses and organizations in the North Idaho region.

“This Career Fair is especially important to promote economic development by matching employers with job seekers,” said Sandpoint office manager Bridgette Bradshaw-Fleer of the Idaho Department of Labor, which is hosting the event with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. “Although the economy is tough, businesses have available to them one of the largest pools of highly qualified and skilled workers in years. We hope the Bonner County Career Fair will help to boost employment in this area.”

New this year are a couple of free workshops leading up to the event for both employers and job seekers. On April 17, the Chamber’s Business Development committee hosts “How to Make the Most of the Career Fair” as a free workshop to help employers in recruiting efforts at the fair. On April 23, the Idaho Department of Labor hosts “Job Search Workshop for Job Seekers – Preparing for the Career Fair” as an all-day event to help job seekers standout against other candidates.

The event is sponsored by Horizon Credit Union, Litehouse Inc., 95.3 KPND, and Bonner County Daily Bee. Organizers have extended the early bird rate to April 15, so businesses are encouraged to register early.

To learn more about job listing information, please contact the Idaho Department of Labor at (209) 263-7544 and for registration for the Career Fair, contact the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce at (208) 263-0887 or visit www.SandpointChamber.com.