This week during Workforce Development Month, we're focusing on ways CareerForce is reaching people who could use career exploration and job search services through community events.

Leading CareerForce partner Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) recently went above and beyond with a super engaging, fun and unique way to reach community members. RMCEP staff dressed up as Ghostbusters characters – to chase away fears about engaging in a job search – and to connect community members with employers in a rolling job fair in Pierz, Minnesota. RMCEP’s rolling job fair drew attention to positions at nine local employers who are actively hiring. The companies included: AirBorn, North Freeze Dry, One Wabash, LakeShirts, Pierz Villa, Central McGowan, Anderson Custom Processing, Smude Oil, and Virnig Manufacturing.

The sponsorships/donations were used to purchase decorations, supplies, and goodies for the float. In addition to this, a handful of these employers chose to contribute advertisement goodies to pass out during the parade with their hiring info. Items included: stickers, jumbo chalk, crayons, hats, shirts, coasters, etc. This creative approach helped parade watchers feel comfortable asking for help while also learning about open positions at local employers. RMCEP staff say the event was successful at community outreach, partnering, and collaboration that ultimately lead to several job referrals.

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