Release Courtesy of Burlington County:
The Burlington County Commissioners are teaming with Rowan College at Burlington County, the County Workforce Development Board and the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce to host a first-of-its-kind business and job fair designed to connect workers with jobs and training opportunities and businesses with resources to help them recover and grow.
The Get Back to Business Burlington County Job, Training and Entrepreneurship Fair will be held Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rowan College at Burlington County Student Success Center, 900 College Circle, Mount Laurel.
“From the start of the pandemic, our County has been 100% committed to helping our residents and businesses get through this crisis. We’ve made a lot of gains during the past 18 months, but we know the job isn’t finished until everyone is back to work and all our businesses are fully recovered,” said Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Hosting this event with RCBC, the WDB and the Chamber can help us get there. It provides a way for both workers and employers to connect and for both to learn more about the services and training available to them.”
Nearly 30 local and regional employers have already registered and requested space at the event, which will feature a traditional job fair space where businesses can make contacts with potential employees.
The event will also feature an Entrepreneurs Alley, where small business owners and those interested in starting a new business can meet with government representatives from the state, federal government and Burlington County Department of Economic Development and Regional Planning to learn about available assistance for businesses. The representatives will also be able to answer questions about launching a new business in New Jersey and how to best navigate government regulations and permits.
Officials from Rowan College at Burlington County, the Burlington County Institute of Technology’s Adult Education Program and the Burlington County Workforce Development Board will also be present to help workers looking to enhance their skills or receive training or certification for a new career.
Kristi Howell, President and CEO of the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the event offers all these resources in one space.
“So many people in Burlington County are looking for a new start, whether it be a new job, continuing their education and training or starting a business. That is why this unique event is so important to help get back to business and give our residents the options they need and want,” added Howell. “We are proud to partner with RCBC and the Burlington County Board of Commissioners on this first-of-its-kind event. Together, we will ensure that recovery in Burlington County is strong and our residents have the resources they need to get back to work.”
Rowan College at Burlington County President Dr. Michael A. Cioce said the fair would be a must-attend event for people seeking immediate work and those interested in developing new skills for career advancement.
“Rowan College at Burlington County was thrilled to welcome a larger number of students back to campus this month and we’re looking forward to helping the County and Chamber’s effort to get people back to work,” said Cioce, who also serves on the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Trustees. “This job fair will provide access to immediate employment, but will also provide resources for those who are looking to gain new skills for the careers that will be in demand as we emerge from the pandemic.”
The event is free but attendees are encouraged to pre-register via a form on the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s website, www.bcrcc.com/. Attendees are also asked to wear masks and social distance at the event.
Employers and exhibitors should email [email protected] to register. The Job, Training and Entrepreneurship Fair is one of several actions undertaken by Burlington County to assist residents looking for work or new careers and businesses.
The County recently launched a new Burlington County Business Portal on the County website to provide businesses and start-ups with a single destination site for useful information and links to agencies and programs.
The County and Chamber are also teaming to hold a series of Burlington County Business Connect seminars for business owners and leaders.
The Workforce Development Board has recently launched a new Engage by Cell service allowing residents to sign text message alerts about new job openings and career training on their cell phones. To enroll, text the letters WDB (Workforce Development Board) to the 56512. Residents can opt out anytime.
“Burlington County is a wonderful place to live, work and to operate a business, and our Board will continue to work with partners like the Chamber and RCBC to make sure businesses here have the resources they need to succeed,” Hopson said. “We’ve heard that what many businesses are lacking most is skilled and trained workers, so we’re doing everything we can to connect them with those looking for work and to make sure those residents also have easy access to the training and education that is so critical.”
