There’s something about food that always seems to bring people together.

In an effort to connect job seekers with employers looking to hire, Michigan Works! West Central is hoping a free lunch will attract community members looking for work to one of its upcoming Hiring Parties.

The team at Michigan Works! West Central has held Hiring Parties this summer at its Baldwin and Reed City service centers, and is organizing its next one for this week in Big Rapids. These large-scale job fairs are setup like block-party-style events where attendees can stop at each booth to grab a portion of their meal, as well as talk to employers about open positions they have available.

“We feel these Hiring Parties are a great way to bring job seekers and employers together in a more relaxed, casual setting, all while sharing a meal together,” said Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene. “We will be providing hot dogs, and participating employers are encouraged to provide side dishes, snacks, drinks, etc. We also have invited area service organizations, such as Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency and veterans services, to talk to attendees about any support services they have that may benefit those in attendance.”

Michigan Works! West Central will be hosting its next Hiring Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 22, at its Big Rapids service center, located at 14330 Northland Drive. Additional events are being scheduled in August at the organization’s Ludington, Newaygo and Shelby offices.

More than 30 employers and service organizations are expected to participate in this week’s event. Employers still are being added as each event gets closer.

According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Michigan’s unemployment rate in May 2022, was 4.3 percent (the most recent data available), which is slightly higher than the national average at 3.6 percent. Unemployment was 5.4 percent in Mecosta County during the same period.

“COVID-19 case numbers continue to remain low and unemployment rates are at pre-pandemic levels,” Keene said. “However, there still are employers across all industry sectors struggling to hire. We encourage all those looking for work or to advance their career to come to our Hiring Parties to help bridge the hiring gap. Our staff also will be available to help assess job seekers’ individual circumstances to potentially enroll them in programs and services we offer that may be able to help them advance their career.”

For more information about Michigan Works! West Central’s programs and services, visit MWWC.org, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Be sure to check the organization’s social media profiles for the most up-to-date list of employers participating in the upcoming Hiring Parties.