FAIRBURY, Neb. -- The Fairbury community is coming together to take positive steps towards increasing its employment rate. 

With the town only having a 60% employment rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the First United Presbyterian Church hosted a job fair, aimed at bringing those numbers up.

“There are so many amazing people in this community,” said Dave Conde, Ministry Coordinator. “It is a wonderful place to live and a wonderful place to work.”

The job fair saw 25 local businesses including Blue Valley Community Action, Endicott Brick and Fairbury Public Schools.

And it was a huge success, with a big turnout. 

“The Department of Labor folks told me that in the first 15 minutes of this forum that they saw more people than they had at any job fair that they had been to this year,” said Conde.

But those aren’t the only businesses residents should keep an eye out for. 

Laura Bedlan, Development Services Director for Fairbury, says more businesses are looking to move into the town, with the new “Elevate Fairbury” program. 

“I’ve already got businesses reach out to me about expanding their existing businesses to new areas and we’ve also got new businesses that are thinking of coming to Fairbury and setting up in that QCT district if we can assist them,” said Bedlan.

Those new businesses could bring more employment opportunities to those who need it. 

“Business can’t work without great employees,” said Conde. “That is what this is all about. Connecting businesses and people seeking jobs.”