Eddy County employers, meet job seekers

The New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation (NRABC) will host a Job Fair on Thursday, May 16 from 3 - 6 p.m. at the New Rockford-Sheyenne School. The event is free and open to job seekers of all ages.

NRABC Executive Director Amanda Hegland said the idea came from discussions within the organization to highlight the many open positions available in Eddy County, from part-time and seasonal jobs with the city and park district to full-time, benefited positions with local firms. She said many business owners had expressed challenges finding employees, and the NRABC sought a way to help them promote their open positions. All firms with a presence in Eddy County have been invited to showcase their open jobs and meet with potential candidates. The New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce has offered advertising support for the event.

By holding the job fair at the local high school, the NRABC can serve another purpose, raising awareness among NR-S students about the various careers available right here at home. According to Superintendent Jill Louters, "The school is thrilled to partner with NRABC to host this job fair which will not only benefit our students, as potential employees, but our community as well. It is essential that our students learn and develop the skills and competencies necessary to be successful and satisfied in their work. One of the new standards that guides our work is ensuring that our students are choice ready upon graduation. One of these choices is employment. We want well equipped graduates and employers who provide learning opportunities and business growth for our smaller communities. Small business; that is what keeps these communities robust and special."

According to Job Service of North Dakota, our region had 479 open jobs as of March. For reporting purposes, Eddy County is part of Region 3, which is composed of Rolette, Towner, Cavalier, Benson, Ramsey and Eddy counties. On average, there have been 433 open jobs available in the region at any given time over the past 24 months. That number peaked at 604 openings last April. While Eddy County may have fewer openings than the other larger, more populated counties in the region, there are still dozens of job opportunities available in various industries.

Businesses who wish to participate in the event should call Amanda Hegland at (701) 947-2205 or email [email protected].

The event will be held in a open house format, with job seekers encouraged to stop by as their schedule allows to see what employment opportunities Eddy County businesses have to offer.