The Grande Event Centre in North Bay was packed as dozens of area businesses hosted the Bay Works Job Fair on Thursday morning.
The event was coordinated by the City of North Bay and the Labour Market Group as part of Workforce Week in North Bay.
"We had 140 people come in under 20 minutes and I think people are looking for jobs and vice versa employers are looking for people and it's just about matching those people with the employers," said Sarah McGowan, with Labour Market Group.
See related: Workforce Week promoting jobs in the region
McGowan believes the event provides an opportunity for in-person interactions, which are crucial for successful matches for the close to 30 employers that set up at the event.
"I think that face-to-face has been missed since COVID," she said.
" And I think that that's what people are really looking for. So the more that we can provide opportunities for people, both employers and potential employees, I think it's it's the best way to kind of go."
McGowan believes employers and potential employees face numerous challenges in the labour market, including flakiness and scheduling conflicts.
"It's good too because it gives employers more freedom to be able to do things and go out and meet with customers and potential people," said McGowan.
"I think there might be a misconception within the community that local companies don't hire newcomers, but I think we've seen today that they're really keen to be hired and you know, do a good job. And so I think it's a good mix of potential employees here today."
