New website highlights local job opportunities

A recently launched eastern Indiana employment website could help local job seekers and employers connect with one another.

The portal, HoosierOpportunity.com, is aimed at giving those living in Wayne, Randolph and Jay counties a new way to find potential employment options without having to search a multitude of job websites.

Hoosier Opportunity, which is a result of a partnership between each of the counties' development groups and was launched April 26, is free for employers and job seekers alike.

As of May 2, a total of 27 listings on the site — 13 of which were located in Wayne County — were open to applicants. Valerie Shaffer, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, said she's hopeful that number will continue to rise as more employers are contacted about the possibility of posting jobs through the service.

"We are in the early stages, but it has been very well received by our local partners," she said. "I think it's going to become an asset for us as we move forward with attracting local talent to the area. I expect more jobs will be added to the site each week as word continues to get out about (the portal)."

The website was first proposed by Randolph County EDC Executive Director Bruce Hosier, who got the idea from a similar, Ohio-based site. He presented the eastern Indiana site as a potential partnership between his county and others along the U.S. 27 corridor, with considerations to expand into other areas in the future, Shaffer said.

"This site got its name because we ultimately want this area to be one where anyone in the state can come look for work and good opportunities," she said. "Our region has quite a bit to offer, and we want to showcase that."

The focus of the site is on positions offering at least $10 an hour. There's a filter on the site for those looking to narrow options based on a particular work field or educational requirement. Job seekers also can search by internships and part-time or full-time positions. Employers must fill out a detailed company profile before posting on the site.

EDC partners, including the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Richmond and an anonymous donor, each gave $5,000 to the development and launch of the site. The EDC also was able to allocate $10,000 in its 2016 budget for the site's development, but that money wasn't used then because the site wasn't completed until recently.

Shaffer said each of the counties will be financially responsible for various aspects of the site, and each will contribute $10,000 per year for three years to the site's continued development and growth. The EDC, for its part, will be responsible for marketing the site in each of the three counties and elsewhere around the area.

"It's a very easy-to-use website, and I think it's going to help a lot of people find work opportunities," Shaffer said. "It's really important that our county and region's jobs be accessible to all those who are searching for work. This was a great route for us, and we are looking forward to the partnership."

To reach Palladium-Item business reporter Mickey Shuey, call (765) 973-4472. You can follow him on Twitter: @MickeyShueyPI and at facebook.com/mickeyshuey.