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Today Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler shared some of the positive results from her September 28 jobs fair.  Jaime personally spoke with and listened to participants and employers for the entire five hour event that was attended by more than 1,700 job-seeking residents of Southwest Washington. 

Jaime’s office is still receiving feedback from participating employers, but has learned that at least 217 interviews and 30 hires have resulted from her jobs fair.  Several more candidates are still in the interview process, she learned. 

In addition to these statistics on number of hires, hundreds of residents received free professional resume assistance, signed up with employment placement services like Goodwill Job Connection, and networked with area employers who are hiring. 

“Southwest Washington is in need of economic recovery, no question.  But we have a talented, skilled workforce and a diverse range of employers, and putting them together was bound to yield positive results,” said Herrera Beutler.  “I’ll continue to do everything I can to get folks in this region back to work.  And my efforts will definitely include holding more jobs fairs.”

JOBS FAIR EMPLOYERS SPEAK OUT:          

Sandi Huffman, Prestige Care:

“I was really impressed with the amount of people who came. It was really nice as an employer to be able to get such a wide range of candidates for every area we hire in.”

Paul Johnson, Applied Motion Systems:

“We hired an engineer that we met at the job fair. This is a fairly unique role, so we were surprised to find a suitable candidate there. We are also considering a candidate for another position.”

Jack Baranowski, Con-Way Freight:

“Overall, it was a very positive experience and I believe that given the opportunity that we would want to join again. If we get one new employee and do so as a result of the jobs fair, it is worth it.”

Marilyn Delano, Goodwill Job Connection:

“We thought it was well run and there was an excellent turn out of employers and participants. It would be fantastic if there was another jobs fair in 2012.”

JOB SEEKERS SPEAK OUT:

Email excerpt from Olympia resident who has been unemployed since 2008:

“I can sum my opinion up in two words, "THANK YOU"! It seems you are the only representative actually doing something real and significant to try to get people back to work.”

Email excerpt from Southwest Washington mom:

“My 24 year old daughter found a job through it. It wouldn't have happened otherwise.”