Chamber, REDI apply for federal funds to promote job openings in county

A marketing push is planned to help local businesses find needed employees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce President Darrell Pollock said the message will be “Laclede County, Mo. has jobs.” “I would hear on one hand that primary job employees have many potential openings, but not people willing to fill those positions,” Pollock said. “One business had 100 positions available, did a traditional job fair and had 10 applicants.” He said factors including fear of COVID-19, the ability for people to draw additional compensation while not working, and the school calendar affecting schedules all contributed to make it hard to find employees. For more on this story see Wednesday's LCR.