Job Fair Still Needs Exhibitors

The health care industry is not noticing the slumping market.

It seems to be happening without the participation of local hospitals, assisted-living homes and medical offices. They, in turn, are expanding their work forces.

Organizations like Hernando-Pasco Hospice are actively seeking more full-time and part-time workers.

That is why the nonprofit group is one of the few early signups for the Sept. 18 Hernando County Job Fair.

"We're a part of that community, so we want to hire employees from that community," said Doug Freeman, human resources director for Hernando-Pasco Hospice. "That's why we're there."

Other exhibitors include Kinematics and Controls Corporation, Manpower, Interim Healthcare and Staffing, the U.S. Army, Nature Coast Community Center (Health Department) and Heartland of Brooksville.

Many more are needed.

As unemployment continues to climb in Hernando County - 7.5 percent as of July 1 - a high turnout of applicants is expected.

As of today, the fair itself remains in limbo until more companies agree to take part.

Oak Hill Hospital, one of the largest employers in the county, will be a sponsor, but it will not have a booth at the fair, said spokesman Richard Linkul.

The same goes for HealthSouth and Spring Hill and Brooksville Regional hospitals.

Career Central, the Office of Business Development and the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce all will have a presence there.

"Even though there are not a lot of jobs available, people who need to look for work can go there to network and improve their interviewing skills or find out what skills they need to have," said Pat Crowley, executive director of the chamber and member of the Job Fair Committee. "There are a lot of advantages."

Hernando-Pasco Hospice has grown by 10 percent during the last year and currently has 10 full-time and 10 part-time openings across three counties, Freeman said.

"We want to (participate) not only because we can meet good applicants, but it's good to put our names out there in the community," he said.

The 13th Annual Hernando County Job Fair is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at St. Anthony Heffernan Hall, located at 20428 Cortez Blvd.

Vendors can register for $89 if they do so prior to Aug. 15.

For more information, call Dennis Nohejl at 352-544-5206.