The Career Connections event, sponsored by Augusta Business Daily, brought together large and small business representatives to share information and develop new relationships.
Vendors ranged from small businesses like Nothing Bundt Cakes to Aurubis Richmond, LLC, one of Richmond County’s newest, large employers.
Among the vendors were Elite Events and Tickets, which can arrange hospitality, travel, lodging, and tickets for clients. Ali Quinn, Director of Housing, said it was a good opportunity to get out into the community and tell people their story.
“Small businesses are so important to our community. We have a lot to offer,” she said. “We’re the ones that are sponsoring kids’ sports teams. We are the ones that are wrapping our arms around the community when you know there are tragic events. Small business connections are just crucial to growth as a community.”
Set up in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Augusta, the spacious room allowed vendors space to set up their booths while attendees stopped to chat.
“It is the widest variety. It’s fantastic. You don’t have anybody in other people’s areas, so everybody’s getting the exposure that they need. And this layout here is fantastic. The room is perfect,” said local photographer, Addie Strozier, who added she enjoyed the opportunity to network.
“Getting to know other businesses locally and let them know that I’m here as well. This is my first trade show to come to, so I’m putting myself out there, and that’s always hard to do, but everybody’s so nice,” she said. “I do gallery work, and I do headshots and imagination stuff.”
One of Tuesday’s vendors was a veteran. It was the second time Spherion Staffing and Recruiting participated in an event sponsored by ABD.
Chelsea Ramsey, Recruiting Manager, said they wanted to come back because of what they learned the first time.
“What you get from the people that you meet, even just the business to business, but also with the candidates, that you get is really meaningful work,” she said. “You don’t get this from sitting behind the desk in our office. You really get to put your feet in the community and really just get that personal touch and the meeting with people.”
While most vendors represented small businesses, Ramsey said it was good to see a big business like Aurubis participating.
“I think that small businesses and large businesses, they feed off of each other. One can’t work without the other, so we just like to make the connection, so we are always ready when and if they do need staffing and recruiting help,” she said.
Both Ramsey and Quinn said they especially enjoyed talking with people who inquired about employment opportunities.
