First in series of Frisco hiring fairs to take place at Preston Trail Community Church

Regional organizations are working together to tackle a widespread workforce shortage.

A community hiring event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Preston Trail Community Church, 8055 Independence Parkway. The event is being coordinated by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, the Frisco Economic Development Corp. and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas.

The job fair will be the first in a series of fairs, a news release from the chamber said. Jobs in focus will be restaurant, retail, hotel and other service industries.

In addition, employers at the event will receive information on the new Service Industry Recovery (SIR) program. The Texas Workforce Commission approved $500 million to help low-wage workers in certain service-related industries. Qualifying parents under this program may qualify for free child care for a year.

The Frisco Chamber said it is currently creating a new strategic plan “to remain relevant and essential” to businesses. Of the three main focus areas in the new plan, the Chamber said one of them is workforce development and advocacy.

“The pandemic accelerated already emerging employment trends, and this ‘new’ world now calls for employers to think innovatively and strategically about the hiring process, consider new talent pools and seek creative solutions,” said Tony Felker, president and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, in the release. “We will continue to help our employers navigate the new challenges.”

A total of 35 employers have registered so far, the chamber said. Job seekers should register for the fair at www.friscochamber.com/jobfair.