Anybody who has searched for a summertime parking space in recent years downtown recognizes that Michigan’s Great Southwest has become a highly regarded destination attraction in Pure Michigan. With an ever increasing scrutiny on the quality of customer service, and the ongoing need for entirely new contingents of hospitality industry workers, the change agents at Kinexus are teaming up with Lake Michigan College to host a full-on Hospitality Job Fair & Talent Showcase next month.
The event will be held on Monday, March 27, from 2 to 6pm at The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center.
Lake Michigan College and Kinexus partnered to organize the event with an aim to promote career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry, and to help meet the increasing demand for employees in restaurants, hotels, wineries, breweries, golf resorts, athletic destinations and other related businesses. The event is timed to give employers a head start on summer hiring, while recruiting for long-term positions.
Alex Grumbine is Director of Business & Industry for Kinexus. He says, “Employment in the hospitality industry is projected to grow 14.2-percent by 2024, adding an estimated 1,478 jobs to the tri-county area. To address this need, we are collaborating with employers and educators like Lake Michigan College, to foster a stable community workforce through career ladders to long-term employment within the industry.”
Employers will accept resumes, answer questions and conduct on-site interviews. Jobseekers can participate in breakout sessions to explore options for career growth, education and training, and learn how to effectively highlight their skills in a job interview.
Guests at the event can also enjoy demonstrations of employer products and specialty services. Lake Michigan College hospitality and culinary management students will also demonstrate their skills. Admission is free to jobseekers and guests; details are available by clicking this link: lakemichigancollege.edu/career-center.
LMC Instructor Chris Woodruff, an overtly passionate hospitality leader and one of the industry’s most vocal cheerleaders says, “It’s going to be fun because this event goes way beyond the typical job fair, and we’re helping people to develop their long-term, professional careers. Our students are professionally trained, and passionate about giving great service, and we want them to be able to put their skills and talents to work right here at home.”
Up to 60 employer booth spaces are still available for $60 including electricity or for $50 without. Information and online reservations are available by clicking this link through March 1st:
lmc-hospitality-fair.eventbrite.com
For more information, contact Debbie Gillespie at gillespie@lakemichigancollege.edu or Samantha Gizzi at gizzis@kinexus.org.
