The 14th Annual Central Minnesota Job Fair wasn’t the busiest ever, but there were lots of people and businesses in attendance at Monticello High School on Tuesday.

 

Tim Zipoy of Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services (CMJTS), the main organizer of the annual event, said there were 71 businesses this year and people were waiting outside the door for it to start.

 

“We had a good group of people waiting to get in,” he said. “When jobs were tough, we’ve had them lined up 50 deep to get in, but not necessarily this time.”

 

Each person who arrived was given a directory of businesses that included a description of the company and some of the positions available. That helped direct people to jobs they were interested in, and companies were happy to see the job-seekers.

 

By 3:30 p.m., 90 minutes into the event, many businesses had already gotten good leads.

 

“I believe it’s our first time here,” said Melanie Teschendory of True Friends, the parent organization of Camp Friendship and Camp Courage. “So far there’s been a lot of activity.”

 

They had hospitality positions available for both summer camps, including dishwashing and housekeeping.

 

“I bet we’ve had a dozen people,” said Melanie.

 

“It’s been good activity - positive,” said Sam Brose. “We’ve gotten three strong leads. That’s more than I expected.”

 

Cargill has been a regular at the job fair for the past few years. It was Taylor Fry’s second time there representing the company. He’s the production recruiter.

 

“It’s actually been really good. It’s been kind of a mix between people who are looking for hourly (wages) and some looking for more professional salary level jobs,” he said.

 

Cargill was promoting a third shift production position in sanitation.

 

“It’s getting the plant ready to produce food for the next day,” said Justin Hubbard, human resources generalist.

 

“It’s a direct-hire position starting at $17.55 per hour, eligible for benefits, 401k, paid vacation and tuition reimbursement,” said Fry. “It’s definitely a good role for someone who wants to go back to school. Third shift hours would really work for that kind of person.”

 

Cargill was holding its own hiring event Thursday. They were directing people to attend that event also.

 

At the job fair, people were encouraged to apply online.

 

“They’ll be contacted within the week to set up an interview,” said Fry.

 

Julia Nguyen from T.O. Plastics in Clearwater said there was a steady flow of people at their booth. And they were ready to hire people in a few positions.

 

“... entry level packers, set-up people, maintenance - anyone who’s willing to work, we’re willing to train.”

 

That’s the way it went at most of the booths at the job fair throughout the day until it ended at 7 p.m.