MOSES LAKE — Friday’s job fair at the Moses Lake WorkSource office highlighted, in part, the evolving nature of the local economy.

Among the approximately 50 prospective employers was Loenbro, an industrial construction company based in Black Eagle, Mont. Human Resources Director Bob Schaefer said they’re new to Grant County, drawn by the opportunity to diversify the business. Previously the company focused on industrial projects in the Intermountain West and Southwest, Schaefer said; they were drawn to Grant County by a contract with REC Silicon. He said there are opportunities for construction workers as well as construction companies.

“Very much so,” Schaefer said.

The job fair drew industrial employers, food processors, healthcare facilities, nonprofit agencies and restaurants, among many others. Emily Anderson of WorkSource, the organizer, said 50 companies and organizations had booths, and she estimated about 250 people attended, looking at the job possibilities.

Sarah Kirby said it paid off for her.

“I actually found a couple of things,” she said.

Along with submitting some applications, she got leads on additional job possibilities.

“Very useful,” she said.

Mathew Sharrah, training manager for Simplot Food Group, said it’s his belief the job fair allowed the company to get its name out to prospective employees.

A job fair seems to generate interest in a different way than online postings, Sharrah said.

“It does help with brand recognition,” he said.

Jennifer King-Christensen, HR manager for Chemi-Con in Moses Lake, agreed that finding employees is a challenge right now. From her experience people who apply through events like a job fair are more likely to follow through, she said.

“It is very much a job seeker’s market,” Anderson said.

If people are ready and able to work there are jobs out there, she said.

A job fair is a semi-annual event at WorkSource, once in the spring and once in the fall. Anderson said there are exhibitors who come back every year, and WorkSource always invites new ones. It’s grown in a competitive job market. Typically the businesses set up in a conference room and the nonprofit organizations outside on the lawn. But this year so many businesses signed up that organizers ran out of room inside.

Anderson said the goal is to connect potential employers and employees.

“Historically, this event is very effective in doing that,” she said.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached via email at [email protected]. Find more of her work on the Columbia Basin Herald app, available for iOS and Android devices.