News Summary
The Job Palooza Job Fair is set for September 11-12 at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, aimed at helping those impacted by the recent International Paper mill closures. Organized by RISE, the fair will connect regional job seekers with potential employers, especially focusing on the approximately 1,000 job losses affecting the local community. Attendees do not need to register and can take advantage of free parking. RISE is partnering with local organizations to provide invaluable support and resources for job seekers.
Savannah, Georgia – The Job Palooza Job Fair is set to take place on September 11 and September 12 at Enmarket Arena, located at 620 Stiles Ave., Savannah. Organized by the Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE), the event aims to provide career opportunities for regional job seekers, particularly those affected by the recent closures of International Paper’s mills in Savannah and Riceboro, which have resulted in the loss of approximately 1,000 jobs.
Of these job losses, 792 jobs are directly impacted in Savannah alone. In light of this significant employment disruption, RISE is focusing on supporting outgoing employees of International Paper as they transition to new careers. The job fair, which is promoted as the largest hiring effort in Coastal Georgia, is designed for all job seekers, with a special emphasis on individuals affected by the mill closures.
RISE is collaborating with various local entities, including the City of Savannah, Chatham County, WorkSource Georgia, and Savannah Technical College, to make the Job Palooza a success. The event draws participation from eight member counties: Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, and Screven.
Event Details
No specific employers have been confirmed for attendance yet; however, local manufacturing organizations are expected to participate. Job seekers planning to attend are advised to dress professionally and bring multiple copies of their resumes. They should also be prepared for potential on-site interviews with hiring representatives.
In addition to facilitating connections between job seekers and employers, a variety of workforce and community partners will be available on-site to offer support, resources, and guidance for job seekers navigating their career paths.
Access and Participation
Attendees do not need to register to attend the job fair, making it easily accessible for all individuals seeking employment. Additionally, parking at the Enmarket Arena will be free for all attendees. Employers interested in participating in the Job Palooza can complete a company interest form available on the Job Palooza webpage.
Background Context
The recent announcement of the closures of International Paper’s Savannah and Riceboro mills has raised concerns over the significant economic impact on the local community. With the loss of around 1,000 jobs, many workers are left seeking new employment opportunities. RISE has stepped in to assist those affected by creating a platform for job seekers to connect with potential employers and explore various career opportunities.
RISE operates a regional job board at risesavannah.com to assist job seekers by providing filters to refine their searches based on county, industry, and job type. This resource is aimed at helping individuals navigate the job market efficiently during their transition.
Overall, the Job Palooza Job Fair is a crucial initiative that seeks to mitigate the fallout from the mill closures in the region and provide a lifeline to those in need of employment. More details regarding the event can be accessed on the RISE Savannah website.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Job Fair After International Paper Closures
- Statesboro Herald: Job Palooza Set for Sept 11-12
- Bryan County News: Multi-County Hiring Event
- Bryan County News: Singleton Announces Bid for Richmond Hill Council
- Bryan County News: Pembroke Mayor Joins Georgia Municipal Association’s 400 Club
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Google Search: Savannah Job Fair
- Google Scholar: Job Fair Savannah
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah, Georgia
- Google News: Savannah Job Fair
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
