West of the River Chamber hosts job fair on May 22 at Storrowton Tavern

May 18, 2018 | Jordan Houston
jordan@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West of the River Chamber of Commerce Job Fair is coming to West Springfield on May 22.

Big-name local vendors – such as Big Y, Baystate Health and Six Flags – are scheduled to set up shop at the fair, which will take place at the Storrowton Tavern & Carriage House. The companies will be seeking potential future employees to fill both full-time and part-time positions. The event is in its second year, and allows individuals to connect with prospective companies and learn more about different career paths. Human Resource contacts will be available on-site for questions and mock-interviews with qualified candidates. Most vendors will have job applications at their stations as well.

The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. to accommodate individuals of all ages, such as current high school and college students, and adults working full-time, according to West of the River Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Robin Wozniak.

“It’s open to all age groups and we wanted to give as wide of a spectrum as we could as far as vendors go,” she said. “I think it’s going to get bigger and bigger going forward. It takes an organization to pair the two and bring them together. We’re working toward keeping residents and students here in Western Massachusetts, and keeping businesses here as well – it’s a win-win.”

Wozniak suggests participants “dress to impress” and come prepared with updated resumes.

Although the event is free for attendees, vendors are required to pay either a member or non-member fee to enter. For members of the Chamber, the fee is $100. The entry fee for non-members is $200. However, the executive director added that there is a current $50-off discount for any vendors who choose to register for the fair before May 20.

The Chamber represents a diverse group of businesses within Agawam and West Springfield. Its mission is to act as both an advocate and resource for the towns’ local businesses. The organization strives to deliver value to its members and communities, explained Wozniak, while working to maintain and improve quality-of-life by gaining strong support for the existing industries. Its purpose is to promote economic development and advocate for issues that affect the business communities on a state and local level.

“It goes back to being that middle man between employers and employees and keeping everybody in Western Massachusetts – to keep the business community thriving and growing,” said Wozniak. “If we don’t provide job opportunities in this area for students and young adults, they’re going to go elsewhere, which is going to hurt our business economy, which will hurt our community as a whole. It’s important to show value in keeping the citizens of Western Massachusetts and residents here.”

Some of the services and benefits the Chamber provides to its members include advertising opportunities; discounts on OfficeMax, UPS and other beneficial resources; a subscription to Business West Magazine; a featured logo on the Chamber’s website and networking lunches.

To learn more about the?Chamber’s membership opportunities, head over to http://www.ourwrc.com/.

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