Jose Linares of Hydro Solutions, one of the organizers of the event, stated that it was a major success. He made sure that every company got a chance to present and also via video for at least 30 seconds to provide an overview of who they are and what they do.

“This morning’s job fair witnessed a spectacular turnout, as our sponsors, our participants and job seekers flocked to the event to explore the fantastic employment opportunities available,” Linares said. “The job fair provided a platform for non-profit organizations to roll out their messages about the importance of hiring professional staff and private companies to help applicants navigate the employment landscape as a one-stop shop.”

Linares said that personally his company did well in showcasing several of the interested attendees about what it does to ensure people have safe and clean water in their homes. He said the opportunity was great for those that attended as well as he and his colleagues, as they got to meet prospective employees and get firsthand information they might not have known. 

Other exhibitors featuring their respective organizations praised the work done to make the event happen. They also stated that the organizations allowed for more people to get a job. This helps Laredo’s economic development continue, as most of the companies present focus on developing the local economy. 

“MileOne takes pride in participating in community events like these,” MileOne Program Director Cesar G. Hernandez said. “We get an opportunity to recruit local talent and spread the word about the MileOne program.”

Representatives of real estate companies were also present at the event and showcased how many people — no matter their current career or age — can make a living out of real estate if they simply apply themselves and get licensed. 

“It’s a tremendous honor to be asked to be here amongst other great organizations in our community,” said Jordan Tomerlin, who represented Keller Williams. “There is no greater feeling than giving back to our community, and I know I speak for every individual here at this Health & Job Fair. It’s time that Laredo stands by it’s people, and I believe this is the first step in that direction. Let’s grow Laredo!”

People who attended the fair were also delighted to see the various opportunities that they were offered and what they could potentially find a career in.

“I was really impressed to see a lot of companies here offering new types of employment to the people of the city, and also very glad that this event was hosted in the south,” Angelo Torres said. “I take the bus almost daily to downtown to then just take another bus somewhere else into the city, but by being downtown one could easily walk and be here quickly. We definitely need more events to the south, as we need more economic development in this area of the city.”

Torres said that during his visit to the job fair, he heard various propositions. And he was relieved that a few potential employers actually offered him an interview on-site. 

“Although I do feel that for some employers you must get some level of experience or technicality in efforts to be good — as some jobs were based on making money by commission like those in the real estate industry — I do believe that they offered a good look into what the job entails, how to get the job in the first place and then how to do well,” Torres said. “And finally, many employers allowed us to leave our contact info to make sure we will be considered for the job.”

Sylvia Bustamente said that she enjoyed seeing the various employers as she wants to get experience so she can then enter back in school during the fall. She said she wants the experience simply to build more on her resume.

“I really want to become a nurse,” Bustamante said. “I came here looking for several opportunities to work better in the nursing field and found some quite interesting options that I will certainly apply for. It was a good event, and I hope more like these get done now that COVID is out of the picture because applying online is really a hassle.”

Linares said the event would not have been possible if it were not for all those who attended, as well as the organizations and businesses that helped bring people as those interested in working or collaborating with them knew they were going to be present. 

“We’re very excited about the results of the event and the opportunities presented to all of our participants,” Linares said. “We hope to continue hosting events like the one today in collaboration with all of the participated organizations.”

Some of the businesses and organizations that attended the fair to help recruit potential new employees were Erus Energy and Zero Energy, Royal Reception, Hydro Solutions, PILLAR, Joe Jackson Funeral Chapels, Universal Staffing, Fired Up Staffing, Rock Fitness Center and more.. 

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com