The Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce hosted a job fair today to help businesses find employees. 

More than 40 local businesses packed the Central on Main Ballroom to get a look at eager job seekers looking to find their next job in Broken Arrow. The jobs available go from entry-level retail and hospitality jobs, all the way to management and manufacturing positions.

Amber Smith with the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce says COVID's impact on the job market motivated her to get this job fair put together.

"The pandemic showed us a lot of things and one of those was a need for a skilled workforce," Smith said. 

Job seekers say they've been feeling anxious because of how COVID affected the job market. But after talking to employers today, they're feeling optimistic.

 "I got a bag full of goodies and then I got a pocket full of business cars....the networking opportunities here have been amazing," said job seeker Levi Copelin. "It's incredible."

Smith says the job fair comes at the right time with Governor Stitt announcing a $1200 back-to-work incentive this week.

Oklahoma unemployment benefits are also expected to expire in a month.

Jobseekers and Employers here say now is the time to be on the job market.

They also say they are enjoying the process.

"I think it's really cool that all the businesses came to the people here in Broken Arrow," Copelin said. "There are so many opportunities out there right now and it's just a unique experience. Why would you pass up on it you know?" 

"You get a lot of energy from other people," Tammye Johnson with Paccar Winch said. "They're excited to be here. They're excited to learn what's available in Broken Arrow."

The job fair was only for today, but Smith says she is available to provide job search resources for anyone who is looking to work in Broken Arrow.