742 Students Connect with 40 Local Employers
The Ottawa County Business Advisory Council (BAC), in partnership with the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation (OCIC), celebrated a record-breaking 12th Annual Ottawa County Career Showcase on October 7, 2026, at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. This year’s event welcomed an impressive 742 students and 40 local employers, bringing together education and industry for a day filled with hands-on experiences, career exploration, and meaningful connections.
The annual event provides students from across Ottawa County with an opportunity to explore local career pathways, engage with industry professionals, and gain valuable insight into the skills and education needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Through interactive demonstrations and one-on-one conversations, students experienced firsthand the diverse career opportunities available within their own communities.
High school juniors took their career exploration a step further by receiving personalized career passports highlighting their top career matches and connecting directly with local employers to learn about employment opportunities, internships, job shadowing, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. These meaningful interactions helped students explore potential career pathways and make informed decisions about their futures.
Eighth-grade students participated in hands-on activities designed to introduce them to a variety of industries and career paths. These experiences encouraged curiosity, sparked new interests, and helped students begin thinking about their future educational and career goals.
“What an incredible turnout! Seeing a record-breaking 742 students connect with our local employers is truly exciting,” said Katherine Adams, Director of Workforce Innovation at OCIC. “The energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm from both students and businesses were amazing to witness. Not that we don’t love our juniors, but the eighth graders were highly engaged with our employers. We’re not just introducing students to careers, we’re inspiring the next generation of our workforce.”
Beyond career exploration, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration between education and business. Participating employers shared positive feedback about students’ professionalism, curiosity, and engagement throughout the day.
“We were excited to participate in this year’s Ottawa County Career Showcase and connect with local students about the important work we do at the Health Department,” stated Jerry Bingham, Ottawa County Health Commissioner. “It was a great opportunity to highlight the many career paths available in public health and inspire students as they begin exploring their futures. We appreciate the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council for bringing together so many local organizations to make this event possible!”
By connecting students with local employers early in their educational journeys, the event helps build awareness of career opportunities while supporting the development of a skilled, future-ready workforce.
The Ottawa County BAC extends their sincere appreciation to the 40 participating employers, event sponsors, school districts, educators, and volunteers whose dedication and support made this year’s showcase possible.
