InTucker Magazine

Business Boom -June 2021

Emory Morsberger, the Executive Director of the Tucker Summit Community Improvement District, has never been accused of being short on initiatives. When he sees a problem, he wants action. As we gratefully emerged from the pandemic, he heard a crescendo from his businesses – “we need workers!” Partnering with Decide DeKalb, City of Tucker and Georgia Piedmont Technical College on May 12, a Tucker Job Fair was held to great success.

Over 20 businesses including PepsiCo, Prime Meats, Clarian Place Childcare, RAM Tools, Tucker Brewing Company and others participated in the Job Fair at the Stone Ridge Event Center. Local sign company Image360 Tucker supplied all the collateral including flyers, interior and roadside signage, and social distancing decals. 

“It’s a pleasure partnering with Tucker,” said Image360 Tucker President Earl Walker. “We recognize the need for qualified staff and want to see full employment in our community.” 

The Stone Ridge Event Center, led by Laurie Wexel, was a gracious host and the perfect venue for this event. Georgia Piedmont Technical College facilitated the online registration for both the employers and applicants while WorkSource DeKalb/Decide DeKalb not only assisted in logistical planning but also worked with their network to recruit both the companies and job seekers. WorkSource DeKalb even had their Career Mobile Unit available to help the nearly 100 applicants with their resumes and interview skills before entering the venue. 

“This is a textbook example of what can be accomplished when we all have a common goal of facilitating employment; a win we can all be proud of,” said Brandon Ona, Workforce Business Analyst with Decide DeKalb Development Authority. “One applicant came to the Job Fair on his break and was offered a job on the spot for double his current pay!” 

Communications firm communications 21 coordinated all the players to help schedule meetings, plan logistics, and did a hard media push securing national coverage that spanned 41 markets and several local interviews. 

“Tucker’s response to the pandemic and our efforts to prioritize the health of businesses here has led to their being in a great position to run full speed ahead as the pandemic finally eases,” Tucker Mayor Frank Auman said. “Now we have the very good problem of a shortage of qualified, enthusiastic employees for these businesses. We’re grateful to all our partners in putting employers together with potential employees all over the City.” 

Not to rest on their laurels, the coalition is looking to hold another event later this year. 

“We’re connecting employers with job applicants,” exclaimed Morsberger. “It’s incredible!”