Even With Low Unemployment, Employers Hopeful To Attract Talent

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Mahaska Chamber and Development Group Executive Director Deann De Groot says that area employers are lining up to participate in Thursday’s job fair at Penn Central Mall Thursday.

As of Monday, there are 48 employers with a wide variety scheduled to be in attendance. In addition, manufacturing, government, service, and more will be in attendance starting at noon on Thursday.

It’s unknown how many individuals are getting ready to rejoin the workforce after the pandemic sidelined them for the past year.

Other job seekers are looking to take advantage of the job market right now and a new career into something they may enjoy more or provide the resources they’ve been searching for. “There is a wide range of positions that are looking to be filled,” said De Groot.

De Groot says that the fair is one way for the chamber to help employers struggling to fill open positions. “This certainly is only one piece of a very large puzzle.”

The struggle to fill positions isn’t just a local problem; it’s common around the state of Iowa. “Statewide, we’re working with our regional partners and our economic development partners on the ‘Iowa South’ campaign. So that’s another piece.”

One of the most significant pieces of advice from De Groot is that those interested in that new job bring along their resume.

The job fair is scheduled from noon to 6 pm in the center court of Penn Central Mall on September 2nd, 2021.