Building connections, fostering futures: Emery Village BIA’s Job Fair is back for 2024

By Sean Delaney

Emery Village, celebrated as Canada’s largest industrial zone, is excited about its upcoming Business Improvement Area (BIA) Job Fair this April. As final details are being polished, the community’s enthusiasm is beginning to build—a sentiment echoed by the more than 3,200 businesses and 30,000 workers that call Emery Village home. This event isn’t just a fair, it’s a testament to Toronto’s industrial heart, its economic vibrancy, and its collective future.

Adding a layer of prestige to the anticipation for the April 2024 second Annual BIA Job Fair, on December 8, 2023, the Emery Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) was honoured with the 2023 Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) award in the “Member Support” category for the successful completion of the 2023 area Job Fair. This esteemed accolade recognizes the BIA’s unwavering dedication to supporting the local business community, setting a celebratory backdrop for this year’s job fair.

Reflecting on the inaugural job fair, the community’s excitement and nervous anticipation were mirrored by the hopeful attendees who had gathered early, eager to explore various employment opportunities. The fair opened at one o’clock on Thursday, April 13, 2023, revealing an upscale setting where some of Emery’s finest employers had set up their stands, ready to engage with job seekers. The welcoming presence of Emery’s Executive Director, Sandra Farina, at the front registration desk ensured a smooth transition for attendees to the stands and positions they were keen on exploring.

The job fair’s lively atmosphere was enhanced by colorful signage, white tablecloths, and exemplary business displays, fostering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere conducive to meaningful conversations and information exchange. Feedback from attendees and employers alike was overwhelmingly positive, with one visitor, Muhammed, highlighting the clarity and organization of the event, particularly appreciating the visible job titles posted alongside company signs.

The 2023 job fair, a first for the Emery Village BIA, added to a legacy of successful events that serve the community’s interests and spotlight the economic significance of local businesses. The fair’s success was made possible by the active participation of member businesses and the invaluable support from community partners like COSTI Employment Services, which provided additional resources, placement assistance, programs, and counselling.

Stay tuned for more details on the job fair, including the exact date and location. For Emery businesses that want more information, don’t hesitate to contact Al Ruggero at: al@emeryvillagebia.ca.

Let’s continue to build upon our successes, fostering a vibrant, supportive community where businesses and individuals thrive.