The Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building was full of both job seekers looking for their next career path and businesses looking to provide them with said path Wednesday afternoon.
Kansas WorkforceONE and the United Way of the Flint Hills teamed up for the latest job and resource fair, which saw over 120 individuals and more than 30 businesses from both in and outside of Emporia and the local area in attendance. According to Digital Communications Coordinator Nadia Qureshi, of the more than 30 businesses in attendance, most had pre-registered for the event, with others showing up the day of.
Qureshi says they were so pleased to see the turnout of vendors, saying it shows that the local and regional areas are well aware of the need for quality jobs in and around Emporia.
This is just the latest job fair organized over the last year and a half in the midst of notable business closures after similar efforts early and mid 2025, following the closure of Tyson Foods and Holiday Resort. On each of those occassions, Kansas WorkforceONE teamed up with other local entities as it did Wednesday with the United Way.
Qureshi says the United Way is an obvious partner for the event as they have been front and center in helping to provide services to individuals affected by the closures over the past year plus. She added it’s also a natural fit, as employment and unemployment often play a large role in residents seeking assistance from United Way.
United Way Community Impact Manager Maddie Craig agreed with Qureshi, saying there is a correlation of sorts between the two, noting that within their office the typically don’t see the immediate effects of major business closures until it gets to “critical levels.”
With that in mind, Craig stated that in addition to the individuals seeking jobs Wednesday, they also interacted with several residents seeking information on resources and services available “just in case,” which she commended.
If you were unable to attend Wednesday’s job and resource fair but would still like additional information, find Kansas WorkforceONE on social media or visit their website, ksworkforceone.org. For information on resources and services through the United Way of the Flint Hills, visit Unitedwayoftheflinthills.org.
