‘ComeBack’ Job Fair Attracts Local Employers, Potential Employees

For hundreds of job seekers in the tri-state area, Thursday’s “ComeBack Job Fair” in Hopkinsville’s Bruce Convention Center held rife opportunity — more than 80 various businesses and a veritable mix of jobs up for grabs.

For vendors, it was a near-emotional experience, as applications, resumes and eye-to-eye contact — something that’s been missing during the pandemic — turned what used to a be a run-of-the-mill scenario into anything but.

Joquela Smalls, a human resource generalist for Jennie Stuart Hospital in Hopkinsville and native of Guthrie, said she collected more than 40 resumes and phone numbers in 2 1/2 hours for a myriad of positions within the facility.

Autumn Thomas, a human resource generalist for Stanley in Hopkinsville, had the same luck, too — receiving at least 20 applications for six open positions over a 90-minute span.

Nathan Dean, a human resources agent for Hankook Atlas BX of Clarksville, picked up 11 resumes and eight email addresses before lunchtime. More than 20 jobs are available inside of the startup company, which is responsible for the assembly of lead acid batteries designed for original equipment and the aftermarket.

And it was the personal, human interaction that made all the difference. Vanessa Taggart, training manager for Continental Mills of Hopkinsville, noted a handshake — paired with an online application — helped put two-and-two together for one memorable imprint.

With nearly 60 positions available at Metalsa of Hopkinsville — a manufacturer of chassis structures for light and commercial combustion engine, hybrid and battery electric vehicles — Human Development Manager Sharon Chilton noted there have been concerns in the area about people failing to return to work.

After snagging more than 20 applications and resumes in the first half of Thursday’s job fair, however, she’s feeling a little more comfortable about the future of the area job sector.

Of the 86 scheduled vendors and organizations on site for the job fair, 43 of them were second-chance employers — meaning applicants had an equal opportunity for employment following prior incarceration.

Those who explored new job opportunities on Thursday need to follow up on any leads in the coming weeks — as general commerce and business returns to normal following the reopening of Kentucky on June 11.

For many businesses, Thursday was only the beginning of replenishing the local workforce. While prospective hires and second interviews took shape, hundreds of the jobs will remain open in the coming weeks.

And at some point, they’ll need to be filled.

Vendors/Organizations