Capital Area Workforce Development, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Raleigh Convention Center and North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Partner to Fill Hundreds of Jobs

Raleigh, N.C. (August 24, 2017) - With hundreds of job openings in Wake County's growing tourism industry the Capital Area Workforce Development, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Raleigh Convention Center and North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association are partnering together to hold the first ever Wake County Restaurant and Hotel Job Fair on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 10am - 3pm at the Raleigh Convention Center.

"The tourism industry is as large as it's ever been here in Wake County with over 15 million visitors spending $2.5 billion annually and supporting more than 25,500 jobs locally," said Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. "But we need address the workforce shortage our restaurants and hotels are experiencing to sustain and foster the growth expected for the industry."

Attendance is free for job seekers. Vouchers will be provided for free parking at the Raleigh Convention Center underground parking deck (entrance on W. Lenoir St. between Fayetteville and S. Salisbury Sts.).

"We hope that people will see the potential of these jobs because there is opportunity for professional growth. Some people have an immediate need for work right now, while others are trying to move out of a career chosen 10+ years ago into something they're actually passionate about, like food. Here, they will be able to apply for vacancies and learn more about jobs offered by the industry," said Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director at Capital Area Workforce Development.

All hotels and restaurants within Wake County looking to fill both full and part-time positions from entry to management level are encouraged to exhibit at the event. The cost to exhibit is $125 and includes a table, two chairs, two parking passes and two boxed lunches per exhibitor.

"The hospitality industry needs employees like never before. It is an exceptional field to work in whether you have 20-years' experience at the managerial level or are looking for a new career path," said North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association President and CEO Lynn Minges. "I can think of no better way to find jobs in this industry than this event."

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About Capital Area Workforce Development:
CAWD is a public-private partnership and 501(c)3 funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Through collaborations with business, government, education and others, the organization has developed state and nationally-recognized workforce programs, connected businesses to workforce resources and the education system, and helped thousands to gain employment. For more information visit capitalareancworks.com.

About the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau:
The Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau (GRCVB), as the official destination marketing organization of Raleigh and Wake County, accelerates sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business. Raleigh, N.C./Wake County welcomes more than 15 million visitors annually whose spending tops $2.4 billion. The visitor economy supports more than 25,500 local jobs in Wake County and generates more than $242 million in state and local tax revenues, saving each Wake County household $663 in taxes annually. For more information go to visitRaleigh.com.

About the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association:
Established in 1947, the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) works to advance and protect North Carolina's $22 billion restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry. The association provides access to the resources and support restaurant and lodging professionals need to lead thriving businesses, while serving as conscientious, contributing members of an unparalleled industry. To learn more information about NCRLA or its membership opportunities and cost-saving benefits, please visit ncrla.org.

About the Raleigh Convention Center:
A three-time winner of ConventionSouth's Readers' Choice Award, the Raleigh Convention Center is a bustling hub for the culture, commerce and technologies that make the Triangle one of the country's most admired regions. The modern, 500,000 sq ft, LEED Silver-certified facility includes a soaring street level lobby, an elegant, easily partitioned ballroom, a 150,000 sq ft exhibit hall and a 4,100 sq ft mezzanine as well as cutting edge tech amenities and award-winning culinary delights. Convention center staff also operates the nearby Red Hat Amphitheater and Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, which can also be part of an event experience. For more information visit raleighconvention.com.

Media Contacts: 
Scott Peacock, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
Director of Public Relations
(919) 645-2676
speacock@visitRaleigh.com

Brenda Wilkerson, Capital Area Workforce Development
Communications Manager
(919) 856-5390
brenda.wilkerson@wakegov.com

Miranda Kinney, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association
Director of Communications
(919) 747-2205
mkinney@ncrla.org