Partnership in Action: Leveraging Community Resources to Expand Opportunity in Mableton
Through the power of collaboration, CobbWorks, Michael Owens, and the Riverside EpiCenter came together to launch the first job fair of 2025—demonstrating what's possible when community partners align around a shared commitment to economic self-sufficiency.
The event brought together job seekers, employers, and community organizations for a day centered on opportunity and empowerment. With more than 200 attendees and 20+ employers the strong turnout underscored both the demand for employment resources and the impact that strategic partnerships can have when local leaders intentionally leverage their collective assets.
Hosted at the Riverside EpiCenter—a trusted, accessible hub in the heart of the community—the job fair created a welcoming environment where residents could connect directly with employers representing a range of industries. Attendees explored open positions, engaged in one-on-one conversations with hiring managers, and learned about career pathways that support long-term stability and upward mobility. For many, the event was more than a job search—it was a meaningful step toward financial independence and a clearer future.
The partnership with the City of Mableton was instrumental to the event's success. Mayor Owens' leadership and the City's engagement helped extend the reach of the job fair, ensuring it connected with residents who may face barriers to traditional recruitment channels. By activating local networks and trusted relationships, the City reinforced its role as a strong advocate for workforce access and economic opportunity.
CobbWorks further strengthened the impact by providing on-site workforce support services, including resume assistance, career coaching, and information about training and credentialing opportunities. These wraparound services are critical to effective workforce development—helping individuals not only secure employment, but build sustainable careers with growth potential.
Employers also benefited, gaining access to a motivated and diverse talent pool while deepening their connection to the local workforce system. Events like this foster stronger employer-community relationships and contribute to long-term economic growth by aligning business needs with local talent development.
Together, CobbWorks, the City of Mableton, and the Riverside EpiCenter exemplify how partnerships can maximize resources, reduce duplication, and expand impact. When workforce organizations, local government, and community anchors work in concert, the result is more than a successful event—it is a shared investment in community resilience and economic self-sufficiency.
As we look ahead, the success of this job fair reaffirms the value of collaboration and intentional workforce development. By continuing to leverage strong partnerships, we are building a more inclusive, responsive, and resilient workforce—one opportunity at a time.