Job fair highlights economic turnaround in Caldwell Co. – WSOC TV

LENOIR, N.C. — Hundreds lined up Thursday for a chance at one of 2,000 jobs positions now available in Caldwell County.

It's a huge turn around in the county that suffered during the recession.

Eyewitness News reporter Dave Faherty talked to job seekers excited for the opportunity.

"They're filling out applications," organizer Deborah Murray said.

Murray has witnessed the turnaround first hand in Lenoir where the unemployment rate has plunged from 17 percent in 2010 to 6 percent now.

As the economy has recovered, she has seen the difference at the annual job fair held in Lenoir.

"Folks came originally years ago it was because they need a job.  Now you have people who have gotten jobs and it's not the recession any longer and they want a better job," Murray said.

Some of those jobs include advanced manufacturing in plastics and pharmaceuticals.

There are nearly 50 employers with nearly 2,000 openings here.

We asked organizers of the 2,000 jobs how many need to be filled right now.

They told Channel 9 every single one of them matching the sign they hung out front.

Many of those who came out today said they already have jobs.

"I'm looking for a better job with better benefits.  I talked with Heneydon and Drexel Heritage and hopefully I'll be hearing from then shortly," job seeker, Brian Coffey, said.

“I’m looking for a change, something different. A better job. I can say that. A better job," job seeker Kenya Dula said.

Justin Harris works for the Marlin Company in Lenoir, which has openings in production, quality control and customer service.

"We're finding that the applicants are much more prepared with resume building and proper interviewing skills,” Harris said.

Even those out of work are hopeful that the recovery will help them land a job soon.

"The shops have opened back up, the economy has turned around I hope so," job seeker Blaine Law said.

Just six years ago, the unemployment rate was in the high teens. Currently, the rate is down to around 6 percent in Lenoir.

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