Submitted by The San Juan County Economic Development Council

The San Juan County Economic Development Council urges businesses and residents to hire local workers and contractors as the economy starts to reopen. In an effort to connect island workers with local businesses, the EDC has created a Virtual Job Fair from 10 a.m. until noon on May 8, via Zoom.

Instead of turning to imported H1B, J1 and H2B visa workers, or off-island contractors and providers, businesses and property owners are urged by the EDC to ‘hire local’ during the upcoming recovery period. This will ensure that our local workers have income as our economy picks up – in some cases enabling them to stay in the community – and will keep much-needed dollars circulating in the islands.

“The multiplier effect of keeping money in the county means that dollars spent here will continue to support the community far beyond a primary transaction,” noted Victoria Compton, EDC Director.

Business owners and workers are invited to join the EDC’s Virtual Job Fair on May 8th from 10 a.m. until noon, via Zoom. Reservations required; please register here: https://forms.gle/nDNCnKjtsoaYU8o99. After registering, Zoom instructions will be emailed to you.

For more information, please email info@sanjuansedc.org.

The EDC thanks San Juan County; the Raynier Foundation; the Town of Friday Harbor; the Port of Friday Harbor; the San Juan Island Community Foundation; Kings Market; Marketplace; Walt Corbin; the Orcas Island Community Foundation; Islanders Bank, Heritage Bank; and the Washington State Department of Commerce for their support of EDC initiatives.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.