The Valley’s First Career Fair: A Strong Start Toward Workforce Recovery

Last week, the Black Mountain–Swannanoa Chamber Foundation hosted the first-ever Career Fair in the Valley, bringing together local employers, community partners, and residents looking for work. What started as a simple idea to address a growing gap quickly became a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community shows up for itself.

In the aftermath of the storm, many residents experienced job loss, housing instability, and transportation challenges. At the same time, local businesses were struggling to find reliable employees. The Career Fair was designed to meet both needs in one place by connecting employers directly with people who are ready to work.

In the News
We were honored to have the Career Fair covered by local media, helping amplify the importance of workforce recovery in our region.
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The event brought together local employers and workforce partners, representing industries including retail, transportation, nonprofit services, education, and financial services. Employers met face-to-face with job seekers, answered questions, shared information about open positions and support services, and provided support.

“Our community has been through a lot,” said Wesley Hoffman, Director of Business Services for the Chamber Foundation. “Many people had to relocate because of housing or the loss of transportation. We are trying to help businesses and job seekers find support services through partnerships like NCWorks, which helps connect folks to jobs and resources.”

By the end of the day, the impact was already tangible. One job seeker was hired on the spot by Tyson Furniture, marking the first confirmed job placement from the event. For a first-time effort, it was a meaningful step forward.

This Career Fair is not intended to be a one-time event. The Chamber Foundation hopes to host quarterly career fairs as an ongoing workforce development initiative, continuing to connect employers with talent and provide residents with access to opportunity. To make that possible, community support and sponsorships will be essential.

Events like this take planning, coordination, and funding. With the right partners, we can expand the reach of future fairs, bring in additional employers, and offer more wraparound resources for job seekers.

This is just the beginning. Together, we are rebuilding a stronger, more resilient Valley where businesses can grow, and families can thrive.