Around 400 people seeking employment attended the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce's fall Job Fair and Career Expo yesterday, according to Chamber officials.
The event saw representatives from 74 companies and organizations attend to speak with potential employees. Companies from industries including healthcare, food services, education and logistics set up booths inside the Gainesville Civic Center ballroom and surrounding areas.
Some event attendees like Megan Swinson, a Clermont native looking for a job in administration, said the large turnout of local companies gave her a sense of hope.
"I've been applying on Indeed.com on top of the job fair, I heard about the job fair and I was so excited to come and be a part of it and see all of the opportunities that are available," said Swinson.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment in Georgia and nationwide reached record highs. However, one of the latest reports from the Georgia Department of Labor states the unemployment rate in Gainesville/Hall County has decreased to 2.1%, compared to 5.5% this time a year ago.
Nikki Chandler, vice president of Existing Industry for the chamber, said she has seen employment picking up in the area as well.
"I can see that it's definitely picking back up, in Gainesville and Hall County it seems like the manufacturers and processors and all of these other businesses as well are staying very, very busy," said Chandler.
Chandler said the chamber started allowing members to post job opportunities on its website last year.
She added this year's job fair was booked at a record pace, with 30 additional companies spilling over into a waiting list.
The event took place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
