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By KAREN THIEL

For the Washington Daily News

Job seekers and those needing assistance from community services will be able to directly — and safely — contact 20 potential opportunities during the first week of September, at a virtual Career and Community Resources Fair organized by the Rivers East Workforce Development Board.

“We’re excited to be able to offer services through his unique platform,” said Jennie Bowen, the board’s Workforce Development Director. “Virtual fair-goers can connect through their mobile devices from the safety of their homes, using the live chat feature to ask questions and network with the exhibitors about job opportunities, services and programs.”

The event is free and will run continuously from 8 a.m. Tuesday through 5 p.m. Wednesday. Opportunities for live chats with exhibitors will run from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. both days. Registration is required, and can be accessed at riverseastwdb.easyvirtualfair.com from now through the end of the event. Workforce Development staff members will be online to answer questions and help with the public chat option. NCWorks will also be available, as well as information sites for those needing help using the technology or connecting with employers.

“We do a lot of cool stuff,,” Bowen said of the many opportunities offered by the Rivers East Workforce Development Board. “Since 2013, we have always done job fairs in different formats and fields, some for specific employers, some that are industry-specific and lots of regional events. What we’ve always done we are now doing in new ways.”

Participating employers include Flagstone Foods, Iconic Marine Group, Jack A. Farrior Inc. Steelworks, Manpower, Nutrien, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Thermo Fisher Scientific and VITRA. Participating resource agencies are Beaufort County Community College, Eastern Carolina Vocational Center Legal Aid of Ncm, Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children, NC Career Pathways, NC DHHS Division of Services for the Blind and Vocational Rehabilitation, NCWorks, Pitt Community College, Pitt County Coalition on Substance Abuse, Pitt Department of Social Services and RAMP East.

Bowen said she is excited that “at least four new employers, perhaps actually more than that” are participating this year, and that several area residents have already been hired directly through previous virtual job fairs.

“The innovations are working. Anyone looking for a job, trying to increase their skillset or find services during this pandemic season will find options here,” Bowen said.