Interview with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland on Workforce Development, Community Impact, and Upcoming Hiring Events
Charles County Journal caught up with the team behind one of Southern Maryland’s biggest hiring initiatives—the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland’s annual job fair. Now in its 14th year, the event continues to connect thousands of job seekers with employers across the region. We spoke with the Council’s business engagement specialists to learn more about their mission, their approach, and what’s ahead for job seekers and businesses alike.
Q: First, tell us about the organization behind this event. How long have you been doing this?
Absolutely—we’re thrilled to share what we do. This year marks our 14th Tri-County Job Fair, and it’s been a huge success. It’s hosted by the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland in partnership with the College of Southern Maryland and the Rural Maryland Council. We’ve brought together about 65 employers, all actively hiring across a broad range of industries. So far today, we’ve welcomed over 1,000 job seekers.
Our mission is all about connecting talent with opportunity. There’s so much skill and potential in Southern Maryland, and we’re here to help bridge the gap between job seekers and employers.
Q: What is the broader mission of your workforce development efforts?
Our mission is completely community-driven. We serve the businesses and residents of Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties, helping connect people with sustainable employment. Whether it’s through job fairs, targeted recruitment, or ongoing support, we want to be there every step of the way.
Q: Can you talk more about how your team works with businesses beyond just job fairs?
Sure. We’re not just about setting up booths and events—we go deeper. We target specific hiring needs for each business and match them with qualified candidates. We follow up with surveys to see how the events went, what worked, and how we can improve. Today, for example, Riverside Heating and Air Conditioning made two hires on the spot and is close to filling a third role.
Some businesses are discovering these events for the first time and realizing what they’ve been missing. We’re constantly pushing to be more innovative—whether it’s by helping small businesses market themselves or creating new ways to connect employers and talent.
Q: For people who haven’t attended yet, what would you say to encourage them?
Don’t wait. These events are high-energy and high-impact. If you’re a job seeker, it’s one of the best ways to meet employers face-to-face. If you’re a business, it’s a chance to find great talent fast—and sometimes on the spot.
Q: When’s the next event, and how can people get involved?
We’ve got two big events coming up:
Federal Workers Career Fair – July 16, from 10 AM to 1 PM, at the VFW in Hughesville. This one is ideal for federal workers and anyone looking to transition into state or local opportunities.
St. Mary’s County Job Fair – September 4, from 10 AM to 1 PM, at the USMSM SMART Building, near Pax River. It’s hosted in partnership with St. Mary’s Economic Development. Last year was our first time holding it, and it was a huge success. This event is IT-focused due to the local job market, but you’ll also find employers in healthcare, retail, construction, law enforcement, and more.
Q: How can job seekers and businesses get in touch?
Job Seekers: Email us at GetHired@tcc-smd.org
Businesses: Contact our team directly at BESteam@tcc-smd.org
Stay connected with us. Whether you’re looking for work or looking to hire, we’re here to help Southern Maryland thrive.
Stay tuned to Charles County Journal for continued coverage of job fairs, hiring events, and economic development updates across the region. Follow the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland online and make sure you’re in the loop for the next opportunity.
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