Veterans Get In First: Sumter, SC Job Fair on Nov. 10 Brings Up to 60 Employers, Plus Hiring Help in Ridgeway and Walterboro

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Here's some porch-swing news for anyone who is job hunting, hiring, or cheering on a neighbor who served. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Camo to Careers Veteran Job and Resource Fair comes to the Sumter County Civic Center in Sumter, SC, with up to 60 employers expected. And veterans get a head start: their exclusive entry window opens at 8:30 a.m.

Sumter sits roughly 40 miles east of Columbia, so it's a doable drive for many Midlands neighbors. If Sumter is too far for you, we've also rounded up other hiring events in Fairfield, Hampton and Colleton counties over the next few weeks.

What's Happening Around the Village

SC Works Santee-Lynches is organizing the fair in coordination with Sumter Economic Development, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, SCDEW S.T.A.Y.S., Quilts of Valor and business partners. It runs Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Here's the part that makes it special. Veterans get an exclusive entry period from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and doors open to the general public at 9:30 a.m. The fair is designed to connect military veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and community members with employers who value military experience.

Organizers say up to 60 employers are expected. Names shared so far include Continental Tire, Eaton Corporation, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Provalus, Foundever, McLeod Health, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Sylvamo, with more employers from the SC Works Santee-Lynches region expected to join. Employer lineups can change, so think of that list as a preview rather than a promise.

The announcements we reviewed didn't mention an admission fee, and we couldn't confirm one either way. A quick call to Julie Smith at 803-305-6843, the contact organizers listed for more information, will settle it before you go.

Why It Matters

Veterans Day falls the very next day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, and many of us will say "thank you for your service." A job fair that opens its doors to veterans first is a way of turning those words into something practical. Moving from military service to a civilian career can mean translating years of training, leadership and discipline into a new résumé, and it helps to do that face to face with people who are actually hiring.

It matters for everyone else, too. Once the doors open to the public at 9:30 a.m., neighbors of every background can talk with employers in fields like manufacturing, health care and public safety, all under one roof and all in one morning.

How This Impacts Our Community

A fair like this helps several groups at once. Veterans and military families get a welcoming first look at open positions. Job seekers get a low-pressure chance to ask questions and learn what employers really want. And employers get to meet motivated candidates, which keeps paychecks circulating in Sumter County and the surrounding Midlands communities.

Hiring help is also showing up in smaller towns. The SC@Work: Rural Connections calendar lists career and hiring events in rural counties across South Carolina, including a UPS Hiring Event in Walterboro in Colleton County and a Fairfield County Career and Resource Fair in Ridgeway. If you've been following the jobs story in our region, you may also enjoy our earlier look at the 125 jobs coming to Allendale County.

How You Can Get Involved

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Nov. 10, and plan to arrive at 8:30 a.m. if you are a veteran or at 9:30 a.m. if you are coming as a member of the general public.
Bring several copies of your résumé, a pen and a short list of questions for employers. Dress neatly but comfortably, because you may be on your feet for a while.
Call Julie Smith at 803-305-6843 to confirm details, including admission and parking, before you head to the Civic Center.
Share this post with a veteran, a military spouse, a recent graduate or anyone in your circle who is looking for work.
Own or manage a business? Organizers said limited space remains for additional employers, and there is no cost for employers to participate. Contact Julie Smith at JSmith@dew.sc.gov.
Not near Sumter? Check the SC@Work: Rural Connections calendar for hiring and resource events closer to home.

Around the Village Calendar

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.: Estill Fall Festival, Town of Estill, Hampton County. The SC@Work calendar lists 155 Railroad Ave., while the town's Oct. 14 meeting agenda mentions festival dates of Oct. 30 and 31 on W. Railroad Avenue. Please confirm the time and location with the Town of Estill before you go.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: UPS Hiring Event, Palmetto Goodwill, 112 Robertson Blvd., Walterboro, SC.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Camo to Careers Veteran Job and Resource Fair, Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC. Veterans enter at 8:30 a.m.; the public at 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Career and Resource Fair, Ridgeway Recreation Center, 1900 US-21, Ridgeway, SC 29130.

Looking for more neighborhood news? Browse everything in Around The Village, including our recent roundup of a clean-up and shred day in South Congaree and West Columbia.