The following piece appeared in the Roanoke Star-Sentinel promoting the upcoming Roanoke Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair on December 30…

Some college students or young professionals may be considering a simpler, less hectic life, when compared to living in larger metropolitan areas, or may fantasize about living closer to loved ones. They may imagine new experiences and professional opportunities, and ponder if a change is needed. What then does Roanoke offer these out-of-towners, many of whom grew up here?

Roanoke City Manager Darlene Burcham created a vision three years ago, reaching out to people home for the holidays, perhaps from college, those who may be unaware of the career and lifestyle opportunities now existing in Roanoke. This outreach is carried out in part through the 3rd Annual Roanoke Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair sponsored by The Renick Group, Express Employment Professionals and WDBJ 7 on Tuesday, December 30 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall.

This year, the focus of the event is not only natives visiting for the holidays, but it will also be an outlet for local job seekers. The Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair will include local employers, educational institutions to further skill development, entrepreneurial organizations offering assistance to start a business and cultural organizations demonstrating the unique work/life balance Roanoke has to offer.

The number of individuals seeking employment in Roanoke via the Roanoke Connect database has risen sharply in the past few weeks. Pessimists will paint a hopeless picture for job seekers. Optimists will take the current economic environment and find opportunities. Let’s be optimistic and opportunistic.

Let’s not forget the advantages our region does have: affordable housing, relatively low cost of living, access to quality health care, short commute times, numerous cultural and outdoor amenities, and a can-do spirit of persistence, determination and action.

Ultimately, we must have existing employers committed to long-term growth. We must have individuals committed to lifelong learning. We must encourage and support individuals in business creation. We must leverage our unique recreational lifestyle as part of our larger economic development strategy.

Finally, in order to be effective, we need your help to make this event successful. First, if you are a job seeker, then please attend. Second, if you are an employer, then register for your free booth courtesy of our generous sponsors. Third, if you are reading this, then send to someone you know locally who can benefit from this event or tell your out-of-town guest returning in December to attend.

Reflecting on the recent Thanksgiving weekend, it is always a blessing to host family members, children and grandchildren who visit us from afar. Perhaps this Thanksgiving we are more mindful of our blessings, especially during these shaky economic times.

Be a blessing to someone else during this holiday season. Tell them about the Roanoke Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair on Tuesday, December 30 from 9 am – 12 noon at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall. Perhaps together we can help a special someone who wants to stay or return to Roanoke.