CENTREVILLE - Glen Oaks Community College students and members of the public had the chance to visit with employers from nearly 30 representatives from various industries and educational institutions Thursday during the Job and Business Expo held on the college’s campus.

"I think it’s a great opportunity to touch base with community employers and contacts that can open doors toward the job market," said Karen Newhouse of Three Rivers, who put in her resume at three different booths.  "If you’re talking to employers and they know you’re a good fit for another person, they will introduce you to that person."

Employers from Sturgis Hospital to Penguin to Manpower to Bair Lake Bible Camp, and schools from Tri-State to Goshen to Glen Oaks Community College, had booths at the fair.

"We’ve had a lot of nursing students come by," said Erin Anger, Human Resources Manager at Heartland of Three Rivers.  "They seem to be good candidates."

Mary Moretto, director of adult programs at Goshen College, said she had come because her program is for people who have completed two-year degrees - as are offered by Glen Oaks - and wanted to pursue further education.  In fact, about half of their students come from Glen Oaks.

Newhouse said that having so many employers in one place was a good opportunity.

"I highly encourage people in the community to take advantage of opportunities like this - the first door you knock on may not open but it may connect you to the next."

Fran Thompson, service coordinator at Perry Personnel Plus, said that business had picked up in the afternoon, and in a half-hour they got six applications.

"Every little bit helps," she said.

Lisa Swope of Sturgis came to the Expo because she was "curious as to what’s available jobwise."

She put in her resume at a few booths, but said she wished there had been more opportunities available both in the number and the kind of jobs.

But she did get to learn a little more about some area groups she wasn’t familiar with.

"It was interesting to find out more about certain organizations like the Economic Development Corporation," she said.

The fair was organized by Michigan Works!, Glen Oaks Community College, the St. Joseph County Economic Development Corporation and its Manufacturer’s Council.