Asheville, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce organized a job fair at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, aiming to connect job seekers with over 50 employers. With an unemployment rate of 4.2%, higher than the statewide rate, the event featured resume workshops and resources to support job seekers, especially those affected by Hurricane Helene. The fair highlighted critical recruitment needs in sectors such as healthcare and public safety, emphasizing the community’s commitment to rebuilding the workforce and addressing unemployment challenges.
Asheville hosted the “Back to School, Back to Work Job Fair” on Thursday, organized by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and aimed to connect job seekers struggling to find employment more than a year after Hurricane Helene.
Over 50 employers and community partners participated in the job fair, which is critical as Asheville currently has an unemployment rate of 4.2%, slightly higher than the statewide rate of 4.0% and significantly increased from 3.1% one year ago. Approximately 8,000 individuals are currently unemployed in Asheville, compared to a pre-Hurricane Helene rate of around 2.5%.
Diana Blackett, the director of workforce partnerships for the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the ongoing need for workers in various sectors and the job fair’s role in presenting life-changing employment opportunities. The fair was designed to do more than just list job openings; it also featured resume-building workshops, interview practice stations, and resources geared toward community jobs.
Employers from multiple industries attended, including healthcare, hospitality, advanced manufacturing, and public safety. One prominent participant was the Asheville Police Department, which is currently facing a critical shortage of 67 officers, or nearly 28% of its force. Engaging with potential recruits from diverse backgrounds is important, as many may not have considered law enforcement as a career option.
Micah Hayes, an advocate for fair-chance employment from Operation Gateway, focused on providing resources for formerly incarcerated individuals. Highlighting the significance of second chances, Hayes noted that employment opportunities can greatly affect recidivism rates, with his organization achieving a rate of less than 10%.
Additionally, the U.S. Postal Service announced plans to host a job fair on November 26 at the Asheville Sorting & Distribution Center. They are seeking to fill a variety of positions, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles as part of their long-term plan, “Delivering for America.” Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old, clear a drug screening and criminal background check, and be open to working weekends and holidays.
This robust involvement by different sectors illustrates the community’s commitment to rebuilding and enhancing the local workforce after the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene. The job fair provides not only immediate employment opportunities but also facilitates future workforce developments.
Job Fair Highlights
- Event name: Back to School, Back to Work Job Fair
- Date and time: Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location: Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Downtown Asheville
- Participating employers: Over 50
- Current unemployment in Asheville: 4.2%
- Number of people unemployed: Approximately 8,000
Additional Opportunities
The Asheville Police Department is in urgent need of recruits, while the U.S. Postal Service job fair on November 26 aims to provide stable employment with attractive benefits.
Background Context
Hurricane Helene has had a significant impact on the Asheville economy, leading to a rise in unemployment since 2022. The city is actively working to rebuild its workforce, with initiatives like the job fair serving as a vital resource for job seekers and employers alike.
FAQ Section
What was the purpose of the job fair?
The job fair aimed to connect job seekers affected by Hurricane Helene with potential employers across various sectors.
What industries participated in the job fair?
Participating industries included healthcare, hospitality, advanced manufacturing, and public safety.
When will the next job fair be held by the U.S. Postal Service?
The U.S. Postal Service will hold a job fair on November 26 at the Asheville Sorting & Distribution Center.
What is the current unemployment rate in Asheville?
Asheville’s unemployment rate is currently 4.2%.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Back to School, Back to Work Job Fair |
| Date & Time | Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Location | Harrah’s Cherokee Center, Downtown Asheville |
| Employers Participating | Over 50 |
| Current Unemployment Rate | 4.2% |
| Number of Unemployed Individuals | Approximately 8,000 |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Back to School, Back to Work Job Fair
- USPS: Job Fair in Asheville on Nov 26
- WLOS: WNC Career Expo on April 9
- 828 News Now: NC Mountain State Fair Gears Up
- Google Search: Asheville Job Market
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
