Big Clark County job fair this month

The Chamber of Greater Springfield and OhioMeans Jobs-Clark County will host a job fair next month with more than 50 employers on hand.

The job fair is scheduled from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 at the Hollenbeck-Bayley Conference Center in downtown Springfield. The event has provided space for 54 companies in the past, but local officials are looking for ways to add a few more employers due to high demand, said Amy Donahoe, director of workforce development for the chamber.

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“We’re trying to figure out how to squeeze in just a few more so I think we’re going to be able to max out at 60 tables this year,” Donahoe said. “It’ll be a little tight but I think we’re going to be able to do it.”

The agencies have only been promoting the event with area employers for about two weeks, but about 80 percent of the available spaces are already booked, she said.

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“Employers are in need of quality workers and the job fair has proven to be a successful place to do recruiting in the past,” Donahoe said. “We also keep the cost down, which employers like. It’s something a lot of the employers in the area really look forward to.”

Employers are increasingly competing for the same workers, Donahoe said. Five regional counties, including Clark and Champaign, are undergoing a wage and benefit study to provide businesses with a picture of whether they are offering competitive pay and benefits to their employees.

Various industries will be represented at the event, including local manufacturing firms, health care and service industry companies, Donahoe said. In past job fairs, organizers have had to turn down requests from some employers who wanted to rent a booth because the venue was full, she said.

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In those cases, organizers still ensure jobs those companies offer are highlighted at OhioMeansJobs-Clark County’s table.

“We will host their jobs, it’s just because of space we’ve not been able to have them in the room with us,” Donahoe said.

Early bird registration is $50 for companies who register by May 5. The cost is $75 after that deadline, assuming space is available, she said.

If you go:

What: Seventh annual Clark County job fair

When: 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23

Where: Hollenbeck-Bayley Conference Center, 275 S. Limestone St., Springfield

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