MichiganWorks! West Central to host 'hiring party' in Reed City

Event will connect job seekers with potential employers

Michigan Works! West Central assisted local companies in applying for the Going Pro Talent Fund, and will help winners with training and developing employees. (Submitted photo)

Michigan Works! West Central assisted local companies in applying for the Going Pro Talent Fund, and will help winners with training and developing employees. (Submitted photo)

REED CITY — MichiganWorks! West Central is inviting job seekers to a “hiring party” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 15 at the Reed City service center, 240 E. Church Street.

“There is something about food that always seems to bring people together,” communications manager Jonathan Eppley said in a news release. “In an effort to connect job seekers with employers looking to hire, MichiganWorks! West Central is hoping a free lunch will attract community members looking for work.”

The job fair will be set up like a block party-style event where attendees can stop at each booth to grab a portion of their meal and talk to employers about positions they have available, the news release said.

“We feel these ‘hiring parties’ are a great way to bring job seekers and employers together in a more relaxed, casual setting, all while sharing a meal together,” said Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene. “We will be providing hot dogs, and participating employers are encouraged to provide side dishes, snacks, drinks, etc. We also have invited area service organizations, such as Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency and veterans’ services, to talk to attendees about any support services they have that may benefit those in attendance.”

Employers participating in the event include, Chippewa Plastics, DT Construction, DT County Line Service, DT Logisitcs, Eagle Village, Ebels General Store, Employment Services, Inc., Grand Oaks Nursing Center, Kirby’s Adult Foster Care, military recruiters from the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, Reed City Group, Seven Slotte Grille, Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital, Subway, Ventra, Wesco and Yoplait.

Additional employers are still being added as the event gets closer. 

According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Michigan’s unemployment rate in May 2022, was 4.3% (the most recent data available), which is slightly higher than the national average at 3.6%.Unemployment was 4.2% in  Osceola County and 5.4% in Mecosta County during the same timeframe. 

“COVID-19 case numbers continue to remain low and unemployment rates are at pre-pandemic levels,” Keene said. “However, there still are a number of employers across all industry sectors struggling to hire. We encourage all those looking for work or to advance their career to come to one of our Hiring Parties to help bridge the hiring gap. 

“Our staff also will be available to help assess job seekers’ individual circumstances to potentially enroll them in programs and services we offer that may be able to help them advance their career.”

The team at Michigan Works! West Central held its first-ever hiring party in mid-June at its Baldwin service center. The event was so successful, the organization decided to host similar events at all of its service centers, the news release said.

Another hiring party event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Big Rapids service center,14330 Northland Drive, in Big Rapids. Additional events are being scheduled in August at the organization’s Ludington, Newaygo and Shelby offices. 

For the most up-to-date list of employers participating in the upcoming hiring parties check the organization’s social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

For more information about Michigan Works! West Central’s programs and services, visit MWWC.org.