Clark County’s big annual job fair will include 60 employers, many opportunities

Ashley Clarke, left, talks to Darlene Carpenter, from Cascade Corp., during the Clark County Job Fair at the Hollenbeck-Bayley Conference Center in 2017. Bill Lackey/Staff

Ashley Clarke, left, talks to Darlene Carpenter, from Cascade Corp., during the Clark County Job Fair at the Hollenbeck-Bayley Conference Center in 2017. Bill Lackey/Staff

An annual job fair in Clark County will draw about 60 area employers next week at a time when unemployment rates are at a 17-year low.

The eighth annual Clark County Career Fair will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Hollenbeck-Bayley Conference Center in downtown Springfield. The job fair will include businesses in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, distribution and retail, said Amy Donahoe, director of hiring and employer services for the Chamber of Greater Springfield.

MORE: Honda has a huge impact on Clark and Champaign counties. Here's how huge.

OhioMeansJobs-Clark County organized the event with assistance from the chamber. More than 60 employers have expressed interest in the job fair, but the event is at capacity, she said.

“We’ve really stretched the space and that’s the full amount we can hold in a room for an event,” Donahoe said.

RELATED: What should workers be paid Clark County? A study is asking that and other questions

Additional companies that have expressed interest will also be able to post available jobs for no charge at the OhioMeansJobs-Clark County booth, but no spaces are available.

It’s difficult to predict turnout for the event, Donahoe said, but about 100 job seekers have pre-registered for the event at the OhioMeansJobs-Clark County website.

MORE BUSINESS NEWS: Growing from gas and cigarettes: How Enon-based Speedway is adapting for the future

This year’s event will also include more opportunities for area high school seniors who are looking for summer work, internship opportunities or entry level positions with local companies, Donahoe said. The event runs from 2 to 6 p.m., but local companies will meet with area high school seniors from 1 to 2 p.m. before the event opens to the general public.

DETAILS: Here are the biggest employers in Champaign County and what they do for the area

“Some individuals do choose to go right into the workforce so it’s a good opportunity to get engaged with companies,” Donahoe said of local high school seniors.

Unemployment rates in Clark and Champaign counties each hit their lowest level in 17 years in March, according to a state report released last month.

Clark County’s unemployment rate was 4 percent in March, while Champaign County’s unemployment rate fell to 3.3 percent. For both counties, that’s the lowest unemployment rate since October 2000, according to information from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Information regarding April’s results is expected to be released later this month.

Staff at OhioMeansJobs-Clark County is also available to provide assistance to job seekers who may need assistance with a resume before the event, Donahoe said.


If you go:

What:The eighth annual Clark County Career Fair

When: 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15

Where: Hollenbeck-Bayley Conference Center in downtown Springfield.

The Springfield News-Sun will continue to provide unmatched coverage of jobs and the economy in Clark and Champaign Counties. For this story, the paper previewed an upcoming job fair expected to draw more than 60 local employers.

About the Author