Highlights of the Job Opportunities Forum

Sawmill Inn
March 14 th, 2008

Sponsored by: Itasca Economic Development Corporation

IEDC sponsored the Jobs Opportunities forum on March 14, 2008 to allow job seekers the opportunity to hear from local employers about which jobs are currently available, or will soon become available, and what jobs skills are required for those jobs. More than 300 people attended the forum and heard from five local mangers from some of Grand Rapids’ largest employers.

Presenters were:

• Deb Young, Vice President of Human Resources – Arrowhead Promotion
• Lauri Gomez, Sales & Marketing Manager – Timberlake Lodge Hotel
• Katie Frank, Co-manager – Wal-Mart
• Madelen Schuemann, Thermal Business Operations Manager – Minnesota Power Clay Boswell
• Bob Buescher, Senior Human Resources Manager – UPM Blandin

Each presenter talked about their respective companies and the benefits offered and how job seekers could apply for available openings. Timberlake Lodge Hotel and Wal-Mart are scheduled to open this Spring and are seeking new employees. Wal-Mart could hire as many as 330 associates and UPM Blandin expects that nearly 85 workers will retire in 2008 and will need to be replaced.

IEDC President Peter McDermott served as panel moderator and facilitated the question and answer period following the presentations.