Business Expo expands at TCCC

Last year's Business Expo/Job Fair was so successful that organizers have expanded this showcase of businesses and employment to two days this year, Friday, Sept. 14, and Saturday, Sept. 15. The Sixth Business Expo and Job Fair will again be held at Tri-County Community College's (TCCC) Enloe building on the main campus.

Another addition to this event is that on Friday, Sept. 14, the Business Expo will be open to ninth-grade students in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. Ninth graders are beginning to think about careers and the expo will provide a window on the job opportunities following high school and college graduation. The students will visit the show from about 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Doors will open to the general public from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Early participants include Farm Bureau Insurance, Carolina Farm Credit, Moog, Miller Well Drilling and Deborah C. Garrison, Independent Shaklee Distributor. Planning to participate are local fire departments and emergency medical services along with recruiters of the Armed Forces.

The Tennessee Valley Authority has stepped up to sponsor the Sixth Business Expo/Job Fair at the Chamber Champion level - businesses donating $1,000 and up - to help the Cherokee County Chamber promote its business members through the expo and job fair.

Patrons include Murphy Power Board, Blue Ridge EMC, Macon Bank, Murphy Medical Center and Eller & Owens. At the sponsor level are Betsy Lane State Farm Insurance, Scenic Realty of Murphy, The Cherokee Scout/Andrews Journal, Snap-on and Tri-County Job Link.

Several businesses and industries are expected to offer career information and will be hiring. According to the Economic Development Office and TCCC Business Center there is a need for more machinists today. Free training is available. Call Paul Worley, Project Manager, Small Business Center, TCCC, 828.837.6810.

This event is a collaborative effort of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, TCCC and N.C. Employment Security Commission JobLink. Admission is free along with free popcorn, balloons, and giveaways from the exhibitors and door prizes. The TCCC Student Government Association will work at the event to assist as greeters and other tasks.

Also planned is a Taste of Cherokee County Restaurants to showcase their eateries and to sell food and refreshments during the event on Saturday. Emcee will be Ed Cloud of WCVP-WCNGTri.

For more information about the chamber, events and member benefits, call 837-2242.