In September 2024, the Summit and Medina Workforce Development Board selected KRA to provide Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services and One-Stop Operator Services, part of the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center Network, with offices in Akron [Summit County] and Medina [Medina County].
Recently, both offices hosted extremely successful Job Fairs, as commented on by Cory Vojack, Program Director, “KRA Corporation is strengthening Ohio’s workforce by connecting jobseekers with employers and equipping individuals with the tools needed for career success.
Kicking off 2025 with strong momentum, KRA’s efforts in Summit and Medina Counties are already creating new career opportunities and contributing toward economic growth. The recent OMJ Job Fairs were more than hiring events; they provided jobseekers with direct employer access, career coaching, and networking opportunities, helping individuals take real steps toward employment.”
The Summit Fair welcomed 130 jobseekers and 31 employers, including the Ohio DOT and the Fallsway Equipment Company, supporting customers in securing high-demand jobs. Event highlights included employers engaged directly with candidates through networking, resulting in six new partnerships for future direct- and -OJT hiring programs.
Employers provided positive feedback, i.e., “A worthwhile business-networking event with a great turnout…” – Chris Slabbert, Hannecard Roller Coatings, Inc. “The foot traffic was steady, and we were pleased with the turnout.” – David Kaiser, Fallsway Equipment Company.
[Pictured left to right: Claire Sadler, Career Coach; Cory Vojack, CWDP, Project Director; Erica Williams, Career Coach Lead; Melvin Jackson, CWDP, Career Services Manager]
The Medina Fair attracted 59 jobseekers and 16 employers, including Plastipak Packaging, Inc. and Akron Children’s Hospital. Highlights included jobseekers receiving on-site career coaching and resume support, as well as three new OJT employer partnerships.
Also, employers reported high satisfaction with strong candidate connections, including, “We’ve advanced two candidates with relevant skills. This was an excellent event, and we’ve had success at both Summit and Medina career fairs.” – Zach McCord, Akron Children’s Hospital.
Mr. Vojack concluded, “These events were life-changing for many customers, including a Dislocated Worker, who had been struggling to find employment, heeded his Career Coach’s to attend the Summit Fair, and after a second interview was offered a full-time job with competitive wages and benefits. At Medina, hoping for new employment opportunities, a customer was able to engage with employers, securing multiple interviews—one of which resulted in a job offer.
KRA is building on the momentum provided by these Fairs, increasing employer participation to expand job opportunities and enhancing career-readiness workshops to better prepare jobseekers. By strengthening employer relationships, providing essential jobseeker support, and creating hiring opportunities, KRA will continue to drive impactful workforce services in Ohio.”