March 2019 - Community Futures North Okanagan

With some job-seekers getting hired on the spot and attendance of more than 500 guests and nearly 60 organizations, the inaugural Multi-community Employment & Business Fair was an overwhelming success.

“This event exceeded our expectations and all of the organizers are so pleased with the response from both businesses and attendees,” says Connie Viszlai, business services advisor, Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO). CFNO supported organization of the March 11 event, led by the Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce and the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.

Held at the Splatsin Centre in Enderby, the fair was created as an opportunity to connect job-seekers and employers from across the region all under one roof, and give businesses a chance to showcase their products and services. The fair also featured presentations from employers such as Kohler, Kingfisher, Interior Health and others. Employer workshops were also held on cannabis in the workplace and wage subsidy services.

“Some job-seekers were fortunate enough to be hired on the spot, and our North Okanagan businesses were also impressed with the turnout of serious job-seekers. They received a great deal of value from meeting job-seekers from across the region,” says Viszlai.

“Thank you to everyone in the community who attended and a big thank you to the organizations for their willingness to participate. Together, this is what made the event such a success.”

Organizers would also like to thank sponsors and supporters (Chambers of Commerce, cities of Armstong and Enderby, the township of Spallumcheen, Interior Health, Vernon InfoNews, and CFNO); and, in particular, the Splatsin Community and the team behind their beautiful community centre.

“It was a fabulous venue for this event and planning has already started for next year, so plan on attending!”

ENDERBY—Organizers behind the upcoming North Okanagan-Shuswap Employment and Business Fair say this event will be a unique and valuable opportunity for local job-seekers to meet dozens of potential employers from across the region.

More than 50 businesses and organizations will have booths at the inaugural event, taking place March 11 at the new Splatsin Centre in Enderby.

“We are very excited to be part of such an incredible collaboration and to bring so much opportunity under one roof. It’s amazing! ,” says Ali Maki, executive director, Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you are looking for a job, a career change or educational opportunities—or you’re showcasing your business, there is plenty to see and learn.”

Organized jointly by the Splatsin Development Corporation, Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce and the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, along with support from Nexus BC and Community Futures North Okanagan, the fair gives prospective employees a chance to learn more about specific companies as well as future opportunities and how to secure those jobs.

“This can be anything from training to what they look for on a resumé to how they expect their employees to conduct themselves, etc. Employers, in turn, will get a sense of what job-seekers have to offer and are looking for,” says Connie Viszlai, business services advisor, Community Futures North Okanagan.

Several major employers will also host presentations, including Interior Health, Kohler, Agri-Trans, Kingfisher Boats, the Splatsin Development Corporation and Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land) LLP, a cultural and natural resource management company that provides a complete range of environmental, archaeology and forestry services.

“Together, with the support of all of our partners, we feel this event will benefit job-seekers, employers and businesses. We hope this is the beginning of an annual event,” says Patti Noonan, executive director of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.

“Whether you are looking for a job, a career change or educational opportunities—or you’re showcasing your business, there is plenty to see and learn.”

All job-seekers should come prepared to talk about their skills and bring along their resumés.

The North Okanagan Shuswap Employment and Business Fair is a one-day only event and takes place Monday, March 11 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Splatsin Centre, 767 Old Vernon Rd. Enderby.

For more information, visit the NOSEBF Facebook page or contact the chambers in Armstrong-Spallumcheen or Enderby.

Multi-community Job & Business Fair a Success!

Multi-community Job Fair Connects Job-seekers with Employers