Largest Job Fair in Valley Draws More Than 17,000

Annual Job Fair Honored Fourth District Supervisor V, Manuel Perez

INDIO – More than 1,700 job seekers attended the 31st Valley-Wide Employment Expo on Wednesday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, where nearly 100 employers offered thousands of job opportunities across a variety of industries.

The annual event began with the committee honoring Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez with the Valley-Wide Partner Recognition Award for his continued support over the past three decades.

“Thank you so much. This is for the community, workers and the staff who make all this possible,” Supervisor Perez said while accepting the award. “For many years now, the Valley-Wide Employment Expo has been improving the lives of our residents by making sure they have access to good-paying jobs where they are happy and can support their families.”

By 9 a.m., a line had formed outside the Special Events Center as job seekers waited to meet employers and learn about available positions. A steady stream of attendees entered once the doors opened.

The event is a partnership between the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Housing and Workforce Solutions’ Workforce Development, and the California Employment Development Department. Nearly 100 employers participated, representing industries including hospitality, gaming, health care, government, transportation, and education.

For employers, the Expo provided an opportunity to meet potential candidates face-to-face and expand their teams.

“Being part of the HR team and recruiting, it is such a great resource for us,” said Dulce Herrera of ABC Recovery Center, a nonprofit treatment center in Indio. “As an employer, we are able to meet the person one-on-one, really interact with them and see if a role would be a great fit.”

According to the latest available labor market data, Riverside County’s unemployment rate was 6.2% in August, with several cities in the Coachella Valley and nearby communities reporting higher unemployment rates.

For some attendees, the Expo was their first experience at a job fair and a day to learn new ways to search for and apply for jobs.

“I have never been to a job fair before,” said Marlon Felix, 53, of Cathedral City. “It is kind of cool to see all these different companies in one spot. It’s encouraging to see all different age groups here. We are all trying to get ahead in life and provide for our families.”

Find upcoming job fairs at www.RivCoWorkforce.org/events.