South Florida Local News
Business leaders and job seekers gathered at the Broward County Convention Center for the second annual State of the Workforce event hosted by regional chambers of commerce and CareerSource Broward
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The 2nd Annual State of the Workforce Breakfast & Job Fair, hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, and CareerSource Broward, took place on January 29, 2025, at the Broward County Convention Center. The event provided business leaders, job seekers, and community members with critical insights into the current labor market while fostering connections between employers and potential employees.
The morning began with an informative breakfast session, where attendees gained valuable knowledge about the local workforce and employment landscape. Keynote speaker Beth Elletson, Vice President of HR at Banyan, delivered an engaging speech focused on bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. She shared strategies on increasing employee engagement and implementing innovative talent development approaches. Additional speakers, including Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, CareerSource Broward President & CEO Carol Hylton, Florida Atlantic University AVP Colin Polsky, Ph.D., and Outplex President & CEO Jim Ryan, also contributed their expertise, shedding light on labor market trends, economic conditions, and workforce development initiatives.
“The Broward County State of the Workforce Event brings a tremendous value to our business community,” said Heiko Dobrikow, EMCEE & Immediate Past Chair of the Broward Workforce Development Board. “During the breakfast, employers received detailed data about our current economic and labor conditions, tools to thrive with their workforce development, and a record-breaking job fair with top talent.”
Following the breakfast, the CareerSource Broward job fair proved to be a highlight of the event, attracting an impressive turnout. More than 200 hiring employers actively recruited from a pool of over 2,500 pre-registered job seekers. The atmosphere was electric as job seekers networked with representatives from a diverse range of industries, hoping to secure meaningful employment opportunities.
We were thrilled to return with the 2nd Annual State of the Workforce Job Fair,” said Jim Ryan, Broward Workforce Development Board Chair. “This event created a bridge between employers seeking top talent and job seekers ready to contribute to Broward’s economic success. It was an incredible opportunity to connect, inspire, and support growth for businesses and professionals alike.”
Some of the region’s most prominent employers participated, including Broward County Government, Broward County Public Schools, Broward Health, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Riverside Hotel, Coca-Cola, Hotwire Communications, and Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, among many others. Positions spanned a variety of industries, and numerous candidates walked away with on-the-spot job offers.
“At CareerSource Broward, we understand the importance of connecting job seekers to the many thriving businesses here in Broward County,” said Carol Hylton, President/CEO of CareerSource Broward. “This event was designed to help employers find skilled, motivated talent while providing job seekers the chance to meet top organizations and take their next professional step.”
As the event came to a close, it was evident that its impact would extend beyond just one day. With meaningful connections forged and valuable workforce insights shared, the gathering reinforced its importance within the Broward County business ecosystem. Looking ahead, organizers are already making plans for the 2026 State of the Workforce Event, ensuring that local businesses and job seekers will continue to benefit from this dynamic initiative.
For more details about the event and to watch a news report by WSFLTV, visit: www.wsfltv.com/inside-south-florida/careersource-browards-state-of-the-workforce-job-fair-showcases-career-opportunities-across-industries.
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