ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Ohio Valley Job Fair hosted a steady flow of people Thursday at the Ohio Valley Mall, with the goal of connecting employers with job seekers.

This week’s job fair seemed less crowded than prior events, with the event spread out through the mall to lessen the risks of COVID-19 transmission.

There had been some concern about a lack of people applying for work, but Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services Director Jeff Felton said enthusiasm was high among those who attended the event.

“It seems to be going real well. We have 80-plus employers and a really good turnout in terms of job seekers too,” he said. “We’re really happy with the way things are going today.”

Felton added the total number of job seekers would not be calculated until his coming report to the Belmont County Board of Commissioners during an upcoming Wednesday meeting, but he said the employers made positive comments.

“A couple of employers have commented that they have been to other job fairs and the turnout in terms of seekers has been much better here than some of the other places they’ve been. That’s a good sign,” Felton said.

They’re telling me they had really good leads.”

“W knew we were going to have a good turnout of employers because everybody’s looking for employees,” he continued. “I was concerned with whether we were going to have a good turnout of seekers, but those who are here are really looking to either advance their career or for a job or a second job or to get off of unemployment. … Some are already working, some are looking to get credentials.”

Mike Schlanz, workforce supervisor of Ohio Means Jobs in Belmont County, was on hand as well.

“I’ve talked to the majority of the employers and everybody seems satisfied. … With COVID out there, there’s still people not looking for employment for whatever reason, but overall we’re pleased considering everything going on right now,” Schlanz said.

He pointed out that health care agencies, manufacturers, retailers, food service establishments, banks, the oil and gas industry and other employers took part.

Cabela’s was one participant.

“It’s been a wonderful job fair. A lot of ebb and flow. A lot of interest. Well worth our time,” Frank Mozingo, human resource coordinator at Cabela’s, said. “We’re looking for a lot of people, regular full time, regular part time. … We welcome anyone to come in and apply.”

“We’re out here looking for people to fill jobs in our warehouse distribution center in Triadelphia,” Kyla Miller, senior recruiter of Simos Solution, said. “This is the first time we’ve participated in a large job fair like this. … We’ve actually had a lot of applicants come through. We were able to talk to a lot of people and just get people jazzed about going back to work.”

“We had a couple interested candidates … a couple qualified candidates,” Scott Thomas, operations manager of Republic Services, said. “There’s a lot of people looking for driving jobs. … We had 10 to 15 people stop by looking for driving positions.”

“I worked in the automotive industry for 11 years, but I’m looking to branch out,” job seeker James Sayre of St. Clairsville said. “I’m definitely looking to expand my skill set. … It does seem promising. There is work out here.”