COLUMBUS — Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio(WDBCO), OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County, One Columbus, Columbus Chamber of Commerce and media sponsor WBNS 10TV have partnered to provide an avenue for businesses to connect with individuals who have been impacted by layoffs due to COVID-19. The Central Ohio ReEmployment & Resource (CORRE) Virtual Hiring Event was created to provide employers an opportunity to post open positions and interact with jobseekers through a virtual portal in real-time.
“It is a critical time for our community, and we want to do our part in helping those impacted by layoffs due to no fault of their own find gainful employment,” says Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Chief Executive Officer of WDBCO. “With social distancing being important to stop the spread of COVID-19, we took a unique approach and developed a series of virtual hiring events that are designed to connect businesses and jobseekers together without leaving the home or office.” Central Ohio is seeing a significant number of companies initiating layoffs and a higher number of unemployment claims associated with Governor DeWine’s necessary stay-at-home order due to COVID-19. Recent reports show a higher increase in unemployment cases in the state than ever before. While some businesses are decreasing operations, many companies are still open and looking for jobseekers ready to work to fill their positions.
“We are in an unprecedented time. While many are losing their jobs, other industries are in greater need of trained workers more than ever before,” says Don DePerro, President & CEO of the Columbus Chamber. “With our partners, we at the Columbus Chamber are committed to connecting these workers with our member businesses. These Virtual Job Fairs are as important as ever. Please join us.”
The CORRE Virtual Hiring Events are designed to be three (3) days long, starting on Thursday and concluding on Saturday. The virtual portal will be available to registered participants from 8AM Thursday until 11:59PM Saturday to allow jobseekers adequate time to review all available positions from participating employers. The first virtual hiring event will kick-off on Thursday April 2 thru Saturday April 4 with additional dates scheduled throughout the month: April 9-April 11, April 16-April 18, April 23-April 25 and April 30 – May 2.
“This initiative is a terrific example of how our community must adapt, using any and all resources in order to help our neighbors connect to job and career opportunities in this great region,” said Kenny McDonald, President and CEO of One Columbus.
Businesses who have positions available and who are interested in participating are encouraged to email the WDBCO Business Solutions Team at BusinessSolutions@wdbco.org . Job Seekers who have been impacted by a lay-off due to COVID-19 can register for the Virtual Hiring Event at www.omjcfc.org.
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About Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio The Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio is a nonprofit organization serving as the Strategy and Policy Board for Ohio Workforce Area 11, Columbus and Franklin County. The Board assists in-demand sector employers with developing a talent pipeline and jobseekers with acquiring the skills and credentials for in-demand careers. To learn more visit www.wdbco.org.
About the Columbus Chamber
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization serving over 2,000 organizations throughout Central Ohio. The Chamber, founded in 1884, is committed to advancing a thriving Columbus Region and provides support in the areas of research, government affairs, marketing, education and workforce development. To learn more visit www.columbus.org.
About One Columbus As the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region, One Columbus’ mission is to lead a comprehensive regional growth strategy that develops and attracts the world’s most competitive companies, grows a highly adaptive workforce, prepares our communities for the future, and inspires corporate, academic and public innovation throughout the Columbus Region. One Columbus expertly guides companies through the location decision process. Through strategic business outreach and customized research, the One Columbus team leverages public, private and institutional partnerships to grow the Columbus Region’s economy and strengthen its national and international competitiveness. Funding is received from more than 300 private organizations, local governments, academic institutions and JobsOhio. Learn more at ColumbusRegion.com.