Record Turnouts Highlight Central Missouri’s Commitment to Workforce Growth

Rolla, Mo., October 20, 2025 – The Central Workforce Development Region continues to make a powerful impact on Missouri’s workforce. In October, local hiring events in Rolla and Columbia set new records, connecting more job seekers and employers than ever before. These events are part of the Central Region’s ongoing effort to bridge the gap between skilled talent and in-demand industries across Central Missouri.
The Rolla Regional Fall Hiring Event brought together more than 30 employers and 116 job seekers at the Rolla National Guard Armory, hosted by the Rolla Job Center. Industries represented included manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and public service.
Job seekers had the opportunity to connect face-to-face with hiring managers, learn about open positions, and even apply on-site.
“Events like this show that workforce development works best when communities come together,” said Sundi Jo Graham, Communications Coordinator for the Central Workforce Development Region. “We saw real connections happen, and that’s what it’s all about.”
See the full event photo gallery on the Rolla Job Center’s Facebook page here.
The final Walk-In-Wednesday Job Fair of 2025 also saw an outstanding turnout, with 10 employers and 104 job seekers participating. The event was held at the Columbia Public Library and hosted by the Columbia Job Center in partnership with Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI).
Participants met with employers across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and technology industries. The approachable, drop-in format continues to make Walk-In-Wednesday one of the region’s most accessible and successful hiring initiatives.
See the full event photo gallery on the Columbia Job Center’s Facebook page here.
The Central Region’s hiring events reflect a larger regional effort to strengthen Central Missouri’s workforce pipeline. By hosting consistent, accessible opportunities for both job seekers and employers, the region is helping reduce barriers to employment and promote long-term economic growth.
Partnerships with organizations like the Missouri Job Centers, local chambers of commerce, and community employers ensure that every event creates meaningful impact — not just numbers, but connections that lead to careers.
Job seekers and employers can find upcoming hiring events, success stories, and workforce resources at cwdregion.com and on the Central Region’s social media channels.
The work done to assist mid-Missouri communities is a collective effort of the Central Ozarks Private Industry Council (COPIC), the Office of Workforce Development, the Central Workforce Development Board, and numerous community partners. Services are provided through three comprehensive Job Centers, multiple satellite locations, and an administrative office.
 
To learn more about the Central Workforce Development Region, visit cwdregion.com.