More Than 170 Jobseekers Attend Third Annual Effingham Employment Expo

June 25, 2026

Brad Griffin and Dave Johnson of Edwards Interiors talk with Expo attendees about career opportunities at their facility.

RINCON, GA – More than 170 jobseekers from across Coastal Georgia attended the third annual Effingham Employment Expo on Tuesday, June 16, hosted by the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) in partnership with WorkSource Coastal. The event connected residents with career opportunities at some of Effingham County's leading industrial employers while providing valuable workforce development resources and career support.

Seven industrial employers participated in this year's expo, representing a variety of manufacturing, logistics, and aviation career opportunities. Participating employers included Edwards Interiors, Georgia-Pacific Savannah River Mill, Aertssen Logistics, Penske Logistics, AeroDynamic Aviation, Sewon America, and Kyungshin.

WorkSource Coastal was on site throughout the event providing resume assistance and career readiness support to attendees. Jobseekers had the opportunity to engage directly with hiring representatives, learn about available positions, and explore career pathways within Effingham County's growing industrial sector.

The expo attracted jobseekers from across the Coastal Georgia region, underscoring the growing interest in career opportunities within Effingham County's industrial sector. While a majority of attendees were Effingham County residents (51%), the event also drew significant participation from neighboring Chatham County (32%). Nearly half of all attendees reported being unemployed at the time of registration, and 7% identified as U.S. military veterans, highlighting the event's success in connecting diverse segments of the workforce with local employers.

"One of the ECIDA's top priorities is supporting the workforce needs of our existing industries while helping residents connect with quality career opportunities close to home," said Jessica Hood, Vice President of the ECIDA. "The Employment Expo continues to be an effective way to bring employers and jobseekers together, strengthen our local workforce pipeline, and showcase the diverse opportunities available in Effingham County."

Among the attendees were several recent graduates of the Workforce PhD program, ECIDA's workforce readiness initiative designed to prepare high school seniors for successful entry into the workforce. The program equips students with workplace readiness skills, industry exposure, and professional development experiences that help them transition successfully from the classroom to the workplace.

"I knew I wanted a hands-on job, possibly in maintenance, after high school," said Benjamin Lynch, a 2026 Workforce PhD graduate. "The Employment Expo gave me a chance to talk with several local manufacturers and learn more about the opportunities available right here in Effingham County. I already have an interview lined up, so I'm excited to see where it leads."

The ECIDA extends its sincere appreciation to WorkSource Coastal, Rincon Elementary School, and all participating employers for their support in making the event a success.

About the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority

The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA) works to support economic growth, job creation, and workforce development throughout Effingham County. Through business recruitment, existing industry support, workforce initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the ECIDA helps create opportunities that strengthen the local economy and enhance quality of life for residents.

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