Employers from a wide range of industries met job hunters at the inaugural Snoqualmie Valley Job Fair, put on by the Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Mount Si High School.

Recruiters came from Redmond, Bellevue, Seattle and the Valley to gain exposure for their businesses, and meet potential employees.

“That tells me what’s going on with our economy: We are a place of interest. We are starting to show up on that bigger picture of King County,” said Karen Granger, executive director/CEO of the chamber.

Granger had been wanting to hold a Valley career fair for years, she said.

The timing for this event was spot on, according to many recruiters.

“The way gas prices are, people are looking to work close to home, and here we are,” said Bob Shimer, human resources director for the Salish Lodge and Spa. He listed 15 open positions, ranging from spa manager to food and beverage workers.

“A lot of the people who helped out in the summer are heading back to school, so we have a lot of opportunities right now,” Shimer said.

Beverly Root, who directs personnel for the Snoqualmie Valley School District, said she was impressed by the talent pool at the fair. She was also pleased to have the chance to network with other businesses and organizations.

“We’re going to swap notes,” she said. “We can do a little teaming and planning and help each other out.”

Other employers sponsoring tables included H & R Block, Kelly Services, and Snoqualmie Casino, which is slated to open in November.

Prospective employees also got tips on resumes, interviewing skills and how to dress for success.

Granger said the chamber was excited to hear feedback about the first job fair to help with planning future events.