Community Wide Job Fair on Tap

Marco’s businesses are not immune to the difficulty employers are experiencing, nationwide, in finding workers to fill open jobs. It’s a conundrum the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce plans to address with a job fair set for June 26. 

“I think given the current circumstances with staffing, not only in Florida, but across the nation, most of our businesses are having trouble finding people to work in whatever industry we’re talking about,” said Dianna Dohm, the chamber’s executive director. “Especially here, with as much hospitality as we have on Marco Island, there is definitely a shortage of workers.”

The job fair had only recently been announced at press time, so only 10 employers had signed-up to participate. But Dohm expects many more to commit as the event-date approaches. The event is only open to businesses located on the island, members of the chamber and nonmembers, explained Dohm, because “They’re really suffering.  It’s across the gamut. It’s not only restaurants. It’s also other types of businesses.”

Among those that will be present are YMCA of South Collier – Marco YMCA, the Tuscany Village of Naples senior living community, Island Chicken, a new business that will open in August, and Comfort Keepers Home Care. 

Dohm theorized that the island’s location in southern Collier County can hamper attracting and keeping employees. 

“We’re a little bit different here because people have a little bit longer to travel,” said Dohm. “We’re the end of the road here and so there are a lot of open positions that people have to pass before they get here.”

The event is being marketed to residents throughout Collier County, as well as at Florida Gulf Coast University, Hodges University, and other local educational institutions, along with St. Matthew’s House, Justin’s Place and Habitat for Humanity. 

Mackle Park will be the site for the job fair, which will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $35 for nonmembers. The registration deadline is June 23. To register, call the chamber office between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM at 239-394-7549.