The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the city of Washington, East Central College, Washington School District and St. Fancis Borgia Regional High School are planning a Manufacturing Expo for next month.
Letters have been mailed to area businesses inviting them to participate in the expo set for Thursday, Nov. 8, from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at Washington High School in the Nix cafeteria and library.
“The idea is for companies in and around the Washington area that manufacture a product to come together in one location and display what they produce for local high school and college students, and the general public,” said Mark Wessels, Chamber president.
The expo also will be an opportunity for companies to distribute job applications and accept resumes, Wessels said.
Wessels said there is a $25 nonrefundable registration fee for companies participating. The deadline for companies to register has been extended.
To reserve a spot, company representatives can call Wessels at the Chamber office, 636-239-2715, or email mwessels@washmo.org.
The expo is a project that grew out of the school-business partnership facilitated by the Chamber.
Wessels said it is primarily an educational event and career exploration opportunity for students, but the expo is open to the general public as well.
“We want the students to see industry in Washington as it is today,” he said. “We want to attract young people into these kinds of careers.”
The expo will be open to students from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Then company representatives will have time to network and the expo will remain to the general public from 5 to 7 p.m.
Although not a job fair, Wessels said students will be able to gather information on career opportunities, expected salary ranges, education, training, experience and skills.
It also will be a networking opportunity for industry participants, instructors, city officials, sponsors and other guests.
Wessels said many in the general public do not realize what kinds of industries are in the Washington area, and neither do some of the industries. The expo will be open to the public in the evening.
