Making Connections between Active Retirees and Employment or Volunteer Opportunities

The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a new event designed to help address the current workforce challenges in the Bedford County region.  Our new Senior Job Fair will allow local companies to make connections with one of our area’s greatest assets: our community of vibrant seniors/retirees.

The Chamber will host a breakfast program which will include a panel discussion on the topic of hiring seniors, including the benefits for companies and for the employees, as well as the financial guidelines relative to social security and other benefits.

The business leaders participating in the panel include Brian Jeffries, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones; Dedra Pembrooke, HR Director for Omni Bedford Springs Resort; and Matt Hicks, Manager with Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI).

Following the breakfast, the participating businesses will be available to meet with seniors from 9am-noon.  Seniors wishing to stop by during those hours to visit exhibitors do not need to register.

According to the national hiring platform, Monster, workers aged 55 and older are not only under-recruited, but hiring from this demographic comes with unique advantages, including:

• Older workers stay in jobs longer and take less time off.
• By providing unique perspectives and cognitive diversity, multi-generational teams perform at a higher level than teams made up of only younger workers.
• Workers with more experience can help mentor less experienced employees.
• Older workers tend to give customers more focused attention, which can help attract more business.

Companies like Omni Bedford Springs and REI have enjoyed success in hiring senior workers, and will share their positive experiences, as well as reasons for recruiting a multi-generational workforce, and the benefits to the senior employees. Additional companies are welcome to participate, along with organizations who may be seeking volunteers from the senior demographic.

Businesses and seniors interested in registering for the Senior Job Fair breakfast or who would like more information should contact the Chamber at 814.623.2233.

Deadline to register is Tuesday, April 5^th.

Click here for more resources/info on recruiting strategies and tips for hiring seniors.