If you are looking for a job or a business looking for employees, Peace River is ready to welcome back its popular Peace River and Area Job Fair on Sept. 16.
Event organizer and Peace River business owner Brandon Dous says the event is a great opportunity to connect Peace River and area potential employees with employers looking to hire.
“The job fair started out originally as a Town of Peace River economic development initiative four years ago,” explains Dous.
“Since it was in the interest of the business community the chamber was always a natural partner, right from the beginning they have done all the administrative work for the job fair, and eventually over time their involvement grew. Now it’s a chamber event and is organized through them with a separate job fair committee.”
The fair will take place at the Riverdrive Mall in Peace River at 10122 – 100 Street on Sept. 16 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Dous says the employer booth registration and job seeker registration will begin on Aug. 4.
“Any type of business that is looking for easy access to job seekers should attend,” says Dous.
“In the past, we have had everything from small companies seeking one individual to grow their team, to national franchises, to local trucking companies, all the way up to large forestry companies looking to hire for a number of positions.”
Dous says they continue to host the event at Riverdrive Mall because the management team has provided a great partnership.
“They are always willing to work with us to make our vision a reality,” he says.
“They have a large space, right downtown that can accommodate nearly 40 employer tables. Plus, they are right downtown, allowing easy access to people who are walking and there are several parking lots nearby and it brings in additional traffic to the mall.”
Dous says employees drive the economy and the job fair provides a great opportunity for businesses to realize the benefit of added emloyees.
“When you don’t have the proper workforce, companies struggle,” he explains.
“They can’t meet deadlines, take advantage of opportunities, and in the case of small businesses, it might even stop them from opening. So having access to a multitude of individuals who are actively seeking employment is a great use of a business’s often stretched time and resources.”
He adds the event is a cornucopia of available jobs for anyone looking.
“Where else can you gain access to over 30 employers in one spot?” Dous asks.
“Rather than having to walk up and down the street stopping into businesses to see if they are hiring; you are in one spot and you know the companies there are looking for people.”
This year, the organizational team are trying to make the Peace River and Area Job Fair a regional affair.
“We are in partnership with our neighbours, Northern Sunrise County, and would like to extend an invitation to businesses in the surrounding region to take part in the job fair,” he notes.
“We were also fortunate to receive grant funding through the chamber, so they are the main sponsor for the event.”
Dous says everyone looking for an employee or a job should consider attending the event, simply for the ease of access the event provides.
“It brings people looking for jobs together with companies looking for staff,” Dous concludes.
“This is the fourth year for the job fair and we feel like we have a good handle on the event, so we are reaching out to our neighbouring communities to make it the biggest job fair yet.”
Table registration opens Aug. 4. For more information on the event, please go to peaceriverchamber.com. To book a table email info@peaceriverchamber.com or phone (780) 624-4166.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter