EDITOR'S NOTE: The location of the job fair has changed from the Chamber office to the Osburn VFW Hall.

KELLOGG – It's no secret that North Idaho is right in the middle of a serious employer crisis/employee shortage. To make matters worse locally, the Idaho Department of Labor recently reported that Shoshone County shows the highest unemployment rate of any county in the state. Sitting at 6.2%, Shoshone's rate is more than double the state's average of 3% for the month of May.

To help get employers some relief, the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Shoshone News-Press are teaming up next Wednesday to host a job fair for chamber members and anyone looking for a job.

Shoshone News-Press Publisher Keri Alexander explained that the upcoming job fair on June 30 at 3 p.m. is crucial for many local businesses who are struggling to hire employees.

"While this may be a national problem, we're hopeful that working together with the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce, we can create positive connections and solutions for local business owners."

Silver Valley Chamber President Tara Lodi says that the idea to hold the fair at the chamber office in Kellogg was conceived recently in an effort to help alleviate the extensive need for job applicants in the Silver Valley.

"Many of our chamber members were eager to open their doors as we transition through the tail end of this pandemic, but they found themselves struggling to fill open positions," Lodi said. "This has been a challenge for businesses across the U.S."

The fair itself will feature local businesses that are members of the Silver Valley Chamber or those who wish to be members. Anyone looking for employment, regardless of age group or demographic, is invited to attend and should bring a copy of their resume.

The Chamber plans on raffling off gift cards from local businesses for anyone who attends and they encourage businesses to bring swag or have their own raffles/giveaways.

News-Press staff will also be on hand to conduct live interviews to help businesses spread the word about what positions are available.

"At the end of the day, the Silver Valley thrives off deeply rooted small businesses," Lodi said. "Without our local communities we wouldn’t have such a beautiful place to call home. Everyone has been through a lot this past year and we all have to support each other. Please help spread the word, create interest, and help your community fill these open positions!"

Alexander added, "Our small, quiet mountain lifestyle is attractive and we're blessed to have many companies who are offering living wages, excellent working conditions and attractive benefit packages."

For more information or to set up a booth, contact the chamber at (208) 784-0821. The chamber office is located at 10 E Station Ave in Kellogg.