In a 3-mile stretch of South 11th Street on my commute to work this morning, I spotted more than a half-dozen neon colored posters, vinyl banners and marquee signs featuring variations of the same words.

“We’re hiring.”

Business owners of all shapes and sizes, in all industries — from manufacturing to hospitality, retail to services — are struggling to find help. While we can all celebrate the obvious improvement in our economy as businesses expand, this is a frustrating conundrum for business owners unable to keep up with the growing demands of their customers. 

With so many available opportunities, filling positions is a challenge for both the manager and the applicant. Job seekers are overwhelmed with choices, but too many businesses are struggling to reach those potential applicants.

As any good business development agency would, the leaders of EXPOsing Greatness have responded to this need and will offer the perfect opportunity for job seekers to connect with employers next week.

When EXPOsing Greatness returns to Summit Church from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, booth renters will have the opportunity to connect with potential employees as the event acts as both a business expo and a job fair. Job seekers will have the opportunity to scout out a wide variety of jobs all in one place, and hiring managers will be given access to a large pool of applicants.

Of course, plenty of professionals throughout Michiana are already comfortable with their current positions and are not in search of potential applicants. Others may be new to the area and interested in learning what is out there for commercial opportunities.

Guests will still be able take advantage of the business-to-business opportunity created eight years ago with the intent to provide networking between area businesses and put business owners in front of potential customers.

More than 50 vendors have already signed up to showcase their businesses. Guests will be able to collect tons of free stuff, free information, free food and free contacts. There is no admission to attend the event.

Even people who have lived in Niles and Buchanan all their lives will likely find a handful of businesses they never knew existed, or learn new facts about what businesses in their backyards offer. With an influx in new businesses popping up all over the place, it is difficult to keep up with all the new opportunities. EXPOsing Greatness fills that need, too.

Ultimately, this event is the perfect event for anyone who lives in or frequently visits Niles and Buchanan to become more connected with their community, make new friends and find new opportunities. I look forward to seeing you there.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7700 or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.