SLATE staff and board members reviewed a calendar of outreach and recognition events designed to connect jobseekers with employers and community resources. Staff reported the rapid response job fair on June 25 drew more than 150 attendees and 20 employers. A separate job fair on July 9 was described as successful by staff and employers who reported finding candidates through in-person engagement.

SLATE plans a Veterans Expo and Resource Fair on Aug. 6; staff said the event will begin with a ceremonial color guard at 8:30 a.m., include a featured speaker, and run with resource vendors and employers at 9 a.m. Staff reported about 40 vendors and resources committed and said parking validation and shuttle service will be provided. Connie Johnson noted the governor was invited but could not attend; staff said they had procured a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol that will be displayed for the agency.

SLATE also said it will receive the City chapter NAACP leadership and workforce award on Oct. 4 and asked board members to consider participation; staff mentioned the award includes a short video about the agency and a complimentary table for attendees. Congressman (name given as “Bell” in the transcript) invited SLATE to staff a table at a job fair at the University of Missouri–St. Louis on July 31; staff said they will attend.

Why it matters: these events are primary points of contact between SLATE and jobseekers, veterans and partner employers; they are also opportunities for outreach, partnerships and potential recruitment.

Board direction and next steps: staff will circulate sign-up information and event details to the board and partners; members indicated interest in attending and in connecting clients and volunteers to the events.