Hollister
– Local vendors and business owners took center stage at the
annual Spotlight on Hollister Trade Show and Job Fair, a tradition
that has united the businesses and citizenry of San Benito County
for 11 years.
Hollister – Local vendors and business owners took center stage at the annual Spotlight on Hollister Trade Show and Job Fair, a tradition that has united the businesses and citizenry of San Benito County for 11 years.
“We’re out here rockin’ and rollin’,” said Menuel Barreda of Faultline Power Sports, Inc. “We want to support the community, but really this is a great way for us to meet the people we serve and for the public to get to know us.”
Over 80 businesses, nonprofits and government agencies set up shop at the Veterans Memorial Building Wednesday to look for employees, hand out promotional items, spread the word about their services and network with other movers and shakers in the community. Dee Brown, candidate for County Superintendent of Schools this spring, set up a booth promoting her campaign, making her the first politician to man a space at the Trade Show, according to event organizer Al Martinez of the Economic Development Corporation.
“I think this is a good event this year because everybody’s having a good time, even if it’s a little slow,” he said early in the afternoon. “But we sold out all of our spaces and it’s good for the community, that’s what’s important.”
The event is particularly attractive to those new to the area and in need of work, according to representatives from the county’s 1-Stop Career Center.
“We’ve seen over 100 people today, easy,” said Grace Orta. “Everybody wants to know where the jobs are and what they have to do to get them. They want to make sure there are jobs available before they move here.”
Right now, the most positions are available in the light industrial and home care fields, said Orta.
Many businesses and organizations have been attending the trade show since its inception over 10 years ago, and look forward to the event as much for the chance to see old friends as to promote their business.
“The one year we didn’t come out for the trade show, people were mad, they wanted to know where we were,” said Tracy Martin of Marich Confectionery, while passing out candy samples.
The highlight of the event each year is the social hour, a popular mingling spot for the after-work crowd, when attendants sample hor d’eurves from Ridgemark and San Juan Oaks. The social portion of the event lasts until the evening closes at 7pm.
“I think that’s everyone’s favorite part, it’s a nice thing we do each year,” said Martinez.
By three o’ clock most participants said they had spoken with over 100 people interested in learning more about their services. But more importantly, said event organizers, was the opportunity for people from all areas of expertise to meet in one place and connect with one another.
“Look around you,” said Martinez. “Everybody’s happy, they’re bonding, they’re getting to know each other and what they do. That’s what we’re all about.”
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or dsmith@freelancene
