Northeast Tennessee Hiring Expo Connects Employers With Job Seekers in Sullivan County

More than 500 job seekers attended the Northeast Tennessee Hiring Expo during its opening hours on Feb. 19 at Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center in Kingsport. The one-day event connected job seekers with 88 employers from Sullivan County and the Tri-Cities region. Attendees brought resumes and met directly with hiring managers to discuss available positions and career opportunities.
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Employers represented several industries including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, education, finance, public safety, technology, and business services. Many companies conducted on-site interviews and provided information about open positions.
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The event was organized in partnership with NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, the Kingsport Economic Development Board, and the Industrial Development Board of the City of Bristol, Tennessee. Sponsors included Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, 98.5 WTFM, and Bristol Broadcasting Company.
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Participating regional employers included BAE Systems, Ballad Health, Eastman Credit Union, Strongwell Corporation, LeClerc Foods, Microporous, and the United States Postal Service, among others.

Event Supports Regional Workforce Needs

The Northeast Tennessee Hiring Expo enables employers to engage candidates at all career stages, including recent graduates, experienced professionals, and individuals seeking new training or career changes.

Clay Walker, CEO of NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, stated that the event highlights the importance of workforce development in economic growth. “Our goal is to get the right people aware of the career opportunities that are open right now,” Walker said. “There are a lot of jobs available. We want everyone who wants to work to be able to work.”

The event also offered access to workforce support services. Organizations such as the Tennessee Department of Labor’s American Job Center, and the Bristol Public Library provided assistance with resumes, job searches, and computer skills.

Collaboration Drives Workforce Connections

Workforce initiatives in Sullivan County depend on collaboration among employers, economic development organizations, and public agencies. Events like the Hiring Expo strengthen these partnerships.
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Abby Mease, Workforce Development and Special Projects Coordinator for NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, noted that the event fosters direct engagement between employers and job seekers. “This event allows people to speak directly with employers who are hiring now,” Mease said. “It gives job seekers a clear view of the types of opportunities available across Northeast Tennessee.”
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By bringing together multiple industries, the event helps employers expand their recruiting reach and allows job seekers to compare opportunities in one location.

Regional hiring events also support long-term workforce growth by connecting individuals to training resources and education providers, including Northeast State Community College and East Tennessee State University.

​NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership

For more information about workforce events and programs in Sullivan County and the Tri-Cities region, visit the NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership website.