Last year's TCN Career Fair attracted hundreds of job-seekers to Sunnybrook Ballroom. An even bigger crowd is anticipated for this year's event in May

SANATOGA PA – More space. Longer hours. An increase in exhibitors. Bigger crowds.

Hey, that’s what comes from being successful.

After enjoying a winning debut in its first career fair last year, the Tri-County Community Network returns with a second free event May 16 (2012; Wednesday) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Berean Bible Church conference center, 2675 E. High St., Sanatoga, the organization announced Monday (April 2). Planners said the event would be longer than that of 2011, pack a larger number of exhibitors and companies interested in hiring into larger quarters, and was anticipated to draw hundreds of people looking for employment.

The network partners with other non-profits, businesses and community members to improve health, social and environmental conditions in western Montgomery, northern Chester and eastern Berks counties. Its career fair is being sponsored by the Exelon Nuclear Workforce Development Program.

Program Chairman Don Stewart said the event will be preceded by even more pre-fair workshops aimed at equipping the unemployed and underemployed to better compete for available jobs. The network will offer free workshops in various parts of the region, beginning later this month, featuring information on what to expect at this and other career fairs, how to prepare, what to bring, how to engage, and other topics to help make the best impression.

More companies seeking good workers are being sought, too. The 2011 event drew 60 employers. “We know there are employers, even in this economy, who are having difficulty finding suitable employees … There is an abundance of well-qualified candidates,” Stewart added.

For more information, call Stewart at 610-278-5267.

Photo by Aimee Marie Herbert for The Post