Save the Date for the 2025 McMinn County Job Fair on August 7

Job seekers and companies across McMinn County can enjoy a full day of networking on Thursday, August 7, at the Athens Regional Park Conference Center at 101 Regional Park Drive. The job fair starts at 9 a.m., runs through 3 p.m., and is free for vendors and applicants.

“Our job in economic development is to reduce hiring barriers for companies while making it easier for job seekers to find meaningful career opportunities,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director of the McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA). “By hosting a free, all-day event, anyone can attend regardless of schedule or financial situation.”  

Learn more about the job fair to confirm that it would be a good fit for your organization. If you are a job seeker, get to know the companies attending the event and use a few helpful tips to put your best foot forward. 

All Registered Vendors Are Actively Hiring 

Registration is still open for companies that want to set up a table at this event. All registered vendors are currently hiring and will accept résumés and applications from job seekers. Many of these companies are looking to fill positions immediately or within the next three months, and some will even be conducting on-site interviews.

Here are a few confirmed employers who plan to attend the job fair:

• Crescent Sock Company
• Evonik
• Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
• Primient
• Southern Construction Group
• Starr Regional Medical Center
• Storm Power Components

Several staffing agencies, including Aerotek, Customer Driven Staffing, and Staffmark have also registered for the job fair.

All types of job seekers are invited to participate in the job fair. This is a great opportunity for recent graduates, experienced professionals ready for the next step, and career changers who want something new. 

Representatives From Local Colleges Will Attend

If you aren’t sure what the next steps in your career will be, talk with the representatives from the Adult Education department at Cleveland State Community College and the Educational Opportunity Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. These programs are designed for busy adults who need to balance their education goals with their current jobs, childcare responsibilities, and other parts of life.

“Not everyone has the time to attend school full-time,” says Ferguson. “We try to share resources that recognize the busy lives of adults while supporting their educational needs. Tennessee is rich with job training programs, online learning opportunities, and hands-on certifications.”  

In early 2025, the McMinn County EDA debuted MCWorks to create a hub for education partners and training centers in the region. This is another part of the EDA’s commitment to supporting the local workforce, so companies have deeper applicant pools to hire from. 

Job Seekers: Bring Resumes and Come Prepared to Network

Job seekers looking to impress potential employers can take steps today to prepare for the upcoming fair. First, print out extra copies of your resume to hand out to employers, and work on a 30-second elevator pitch that introduces yourself and your experience. Rehearsing this pitch can make you sound confident when networking while ensuring you cover any relevant information employers need to know.

Also, remember to dress professionally for the event. This doesn’t mean you need to buy an expensive outfit beforehand. Instead, make sure you and your clothes are clean to create a positive first impression with companies.

“Hiring managers are people too, so don’t be afraid to approach them,” says Ferguson. “The more you talk to representatives at different companies at this job fair, the more comfortable you can become showcasing your skills.”

If you are still nervous before the job fair, ask someone you know to help you practice. A friend or family member can review sample interview questions or hold mock conversations so you will know what to expect. 

Contact the EDA to Register and Ask Questions

Job seekers do not need to register for the job fair ahead of time. Businesses are asked to register through this Google Form to ensure there are enough booths to accommodate everyone. Companies will be provided a table and two chairs for their booth. Businesses only need to bring any materials they want to display or hand out. Spots are limited, so sign up while there is still room.

If you have questions or want more information about attending, contact Aryn Stewart at Aryn@MakeItInMcMinn.org or 423-745-1506. She will be happy to assist you.