The 11th annual City of Fort Pierce Job Fair recently concluded with impressive numbers, highlighting both the vitality of the local labor market and the pressing employment needs across the Treasure Coast region. Held at the Havert L. Fenn Center on Tuesday, January 27, the event drew a massive crowd, connecting nearly 1,000 residents with dozens of local businesses eager to hire.
Organized through a strategic partnership between the City of Fort Pierce, CareerSource Research Coast, and the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, the fair served as a critical hub for workforce development. The event underscored the strong demand for employment opportunities in the area, with data showing a significant level of engagement between the workforce and local industries.
Over a three‑hour period, 964 job seekers engaged with more than 90 employers and community partners, underscoring the region’s strong demand for workforce opportunities.
Industries and Economic Trends
The high attendance among job seekers coincides with reports of a recent uptick in unemployment figures. This shift in the economic landscape resulted in a candidate pool larger than employers have seen in recent years. However, this volume provided businesses with a robust selection of motivated applicants. A diverse array of sectors was represented at the venue, seeking to fill positions in:
Employers reported steady traffic and meaningful conversations throughout the day. William “David” Snyder, owner and CEO of Evergreen Private Care, described the event as invaluable. He noted that beyond receiving strong applications, the fair helped strengthen the relationships necessary to build a sustainable local economy.
Focus on Veterans and Career Transitions
A significant focus of the event was supporting military veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. Veterans were granted entrance 30 minutes prior to the official opening, allowing for dedicated networking time. In total, 63 veterans were served during the event.
Chris Rainey, a local veteran employment representative, emphasized the role CareerSource Research Coast plays in helping veterans translate their military experience into meaningful career paths. Rainey noted that facilitating these in-person connections is a responsibility the organization takes seriously as they help veterans navigate major life transitions.
Community Impact
Local officials hailed the event as a success for the region. Fort Pierce City Commissioner Michael Broderick reflected on the personal significance of such gatherings, sharing that he was once hired at a job fair early in his career—an experience he cites as a pivotal moment in his professional journey.
Dawn Riccardi, a Business Navigator for CareerSource Research Coast, highlighted that many local employers are facing immediate staffing needs. Events like this provide businesses with direct access to candidates who are ready to work, a connection Riccardi described as essential for keeping the regional economy moving forward.
For job seekers in Vero Beach and the surrounding Treasure Coast areas who missed this event, or for employers looking for workforce solutions, CareerSource Research Coast continues to offer training programs and information on upcoming hiring events through their website.
