WISCONSIN RAPIDS – During his weekly update, Mayor Shane Blaser talks about the Sept. 2-3 job fair and what it is like to see the two Wood County cities working together on this type of event.

On the upcoming job fair

In response to Verso’s decision to idle operations at the Wisconsin Rapids mill, the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry to host an Employment and Resources Fair.

Nearly 50 businesses will be on-site recruiting for professional, technical, and service-related job opportunities. In addition to job recruitment opportunities, educational and resource organizations will be available to provide training, financial planning, health and mental wellness resources.

The city of Wisconsin Rapids is one of many sponsors for this free event.

The event will be hosted at East Junior High School Field House on Sept. 2, noon – 6 p.m., and Sept. 3,   8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn more at wisconsinrapidschamber.com/events/details/employment-and-resources-fair-09-02-2020-27456

Seeing the two community chambers work together

Angel Whitehead, president of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, said, “After the initial notification about the idle of Verso, the chambers began communicating on ways to assist the workforce that would be directly affected.

“The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry recently hosted a Job Fair when Figis announced its closure. Their success rate was high with this event. So, with a successful framework already established, the Heart was able to very quickly plan and begin promoting an Employment and Resources Fair.”

The chambers collaborate often, but now – more than ever – their partnership is poised for impact. Their collaboration will help us to provide resources to impacted workers and limit out-migration in the wake of Verso’s decision.