Job fair at Merrell Center stimulates both employees, employers

Katy and Houston residents had a chance to view and interview for more than 2,000 available jobs during the Congressman Michael McCaul Job Fair Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Leonard E. Merrell Center.

"I think the best stimulus program we can provide you with is a job and that’s what this program is all about," McCaul said during a short speech at the fair.

"It’s a job fair to provide jobs right here in Katy, Texas. And we have many employers from the military to investors, all different professions."

Armed with a suit, a resume and a smile, jobseekers from the Katy area and beyond tried to land a job they’ve been searching for.

One job seeker was northwest Houston resident Themetta Turner, who is currently serving in the U.S. Army. Her service will be completed on September 11 this year and she said she wants to be proactive and look for a job before her time with the army is done.

"The job market is really bad out there so I just want to see if I can find something before my last day with the army," Turner said.

Tuner said her stepson, who recently graduated from college, would also join her at the job fair.

Among the participating private employers were Comcast Cable, Igloo, CenterPoint Energy, Walmart, Tax Masters, and Omni Hotel.

Many government employers were also present during the job fair including the FBI, Secret Service, local law enforcement agencies, Houston Fire Department, Federal Bureau of Prisons, etc.

Staffing agencies also interviewed many candidates for available positions during the fair.

The Katy Economic Development Council also participated.

"One of the principal objectives of the Katy Economic Development Council is to partner with key organizations to develop a well-trained, available, workforce as well as to promote Katy as a sought after talent center for key employers," KEDC president and CEO Lance LaCour said.

"This event will not only bring relief to the many unemployed across our area and state, but also will prove once again that Katy is a prime location to find well educated, well prepared employees that will substantively contribute to the success of any business or government entity."

McCaul also thanked the Katy Independent School District for their participation and for the usage of the Leonard Merrell Center.

"I think a job signifies self reliance, independence, dignity, and self worth," McCaul said.

"We’re going through some tough economic times but I hope that through this job fair, many of you out there can find a great paying job and build a future for yourselves, for the city of Katy and for Texas."