More than 14 area businesses with immediate openings in our area will be there
TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Job Fair on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Merrill Enrichment Center, 303 N. Sales St., in Merrill.
Clyde R. Nelson, Executive Director of the Chamber said that with so many businesses in Merrill in need of employees, the Chamber of Commerce decided offering a Job Fair in the community would add value for Chamber members as well as other businesses and the community in general.
This event will be different from other job fairs, because at least 14 of the businesses that will be in attendance have immediate openings in our area. Attendees will be able to complete applications and talk to the respective companies that are seeking employees on the spot, Nelson said.
“Those seeking employment can make one trip and speak with over 14 different employers rather than running all over town or county,” he said. “It provides a one-stop job hunt location for those looking for employment.”
With unemployment at a record low, Nelson is hopeful area companies can attract employees and talent from both our area and outside of Lincoln County.
“The most recent unemployment numbers indicate that Lincoln County has a 1.7% unemployment rate, which indicates that the County is considered fully employed. Those individuals that can work are already working,” Nelson said. “We are not alone in this situation.”
In adjacent counties, unemployment rates are similar. Langlade County is 2.1%, Taylor is 1.5%, Marathon is 1.5%, Price is 2.1%, and Oneida is 2.1%.
“It is important that we broaden our geographical reach on attracting and retaining new employees,” Nelson said. “We are currently advertising from the Upper Peninsula to Wisconsin Rapids and Wittenberg to Clark County. It is our hope that we attract individuals from these areas that may want a change of scenery and choose Merrill for a great place to work and live, in addition to those right here in our community who may still be seeking employment.”
As an added bonus, individuals who attend will be eligible to win door prizes, two drawings for $25.00 in Chamber Bucks gift certificates.
This is the first-ever Job Fair the Chamber has sponsored and Nelson anticipates there will be others. “Given the current climate of employers having a difficult time filling positions, the Chamber is looking at sponsoring these at least annually and possibly on a semiannual basis,” he said.
“The Chamber would like to invite all those that are reading this to attend and talk to over 14 businesses about the jobs that they have available in this great community of Merrill,” Nelson said.
Attendees just might find themselves on a brand-new exciting career path in Merrill.