Photos: Congressman Eric Cantor Hosts Job Fair, More Than 3,000 Attend

Congressman Eric Cantor hosted a job fair on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Deep Run High School. At a time when Virginia’s unemployment rate is still creeping higher, many saw the the event as a practical approach to solving the problem. The job fair attracted more than 3,000 individuals, but also a few critics as […]

July 14, 2010; 9:19 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Congressman Eric Cantor hosted a job fair on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at Deep Run High School. At a time when Virginia’s unemployment rate is still creeping higher, many saw the the event as a practical approach to solving the problem. The job fair attracted more than 3,000 individuals, but also a few critics as well.

Protesters, including Democratic opponent Rick Waugh, demonstrated outside the school, displaying signs criticizing Cantor for voting against the economic stimulus package, then bringing in government and other employers who benefited from the funding.

Cantor stood outside and greeted line of job seekers, which wrapped around the building, at the four-hour long event.

Inside were thousands of individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds seeking employment. Michael Auditore, a recent Randolph-Macon graduate, was just browsing to see what’s available in the current market. “I’m just looking for various things, I want to see what’s out there really,” Auditore said as he waited in the queue line to enter the fair.

Dennis Jackson, who was laid off from his joh as a loan officer at a local mortgage company, was open to any and all opportunities, even those outside his field. “I’m just looking to expand my options. There’s a great mix of employers here,” Jackson said about the event.

More than 90 employers, including Northrop Grumman, Mondial Assistance, Elephant Auto Insurance, CarMax, Home Depot, the FBI, Richmond, Henrico and Ashland Police, and many local colleges were on hand with booths at the fair, which sprawled throughout the expansive school.

None were hiring on the spot, but all took resumes and many took applications.

“This continues to be a very tough economy for the hard-working people of Virginia. Families, small business people, and young workers are struggling with high unemployment,” Cantor said. “During these challenging economic times, I continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to establish common sense solutions that will put Virginia families, businesses, and workers back on the path to long-term financial stability.

July 14, 2010 9:19 AM 0