SOLON, Ohio — The City of Solon and its chamber of commerce hosted a job fair Thursday afternoon to try to fill the more than available 600 jobs at over 70 Solon businesses. City officials say that COVID-19 has left many businesses dealing with labor shortages, and wanted to do something to help.
"Some people aren’t even aware of all of the businesses that are right here in Solon, and hiring," said Angee Shaker, economic development director for the City of Solon.
According to officials, so far this year, 20 new businesses have opened. Now, established businesses and new ones are growing, and desperately looking for workers.
Solon's 2020 job fair was scrapped because of COVID, but 2019 saw about 300 job seekers. This year, despite the rain, turnout was decent.
"I feel like now, with the vaccinations, people are ready to go back to work. And, like I said, we have a lot of jobs to fill," said Shaker.
"It’s hard to find people that are going into that industry, but it’s very lucrative," said Lisa Deboe of HVAC company Gardiner, one of the businesses at the job fair. According to DeBoe, Gardiner currently has dozens of open positions that pay "very well."
"Having this collaborative event really showcases that we’re committed to helping employers fill their open jobs," said Tom Bennett, President & CEO of the Solon Chamber of Commerce.
The City of Solon and its chamber of commerce host the job fair only once a year. If you missed it, organizers say Solon businesses are always holding their own individual job fairs and that people interested in certain companies should reach out to that business.
Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a story published on March 31, 2021.