Helping to connect employers with potential workers, the objective behind last weekend's job fair in Butler, is an important ingredient for maintaining a stable local economy.

And in the case of the job fair organized by PA CareerLink, it can be a win-win-win situation, helping not only people seeking work or a new job and companies needing to fill positions — but also helping the larger community by nurturing a healthy and growing economy.

But the thinking behind the job fair and PACareerLink goes beyond just helping to connect job seekers with employers. That's obviously important, but it's only the first step.

Inspired by a 1998 federal workforce mandate and with Pennsylvania in the forefront of the movement, Butler's CareerLink is a nonprofit organization including 15 partners that takes a comprehensive and proactive approach to connecting workers with employers.

CareerLink offices here and elsewhere take a one-stop-shopping approach to help those seeking work to find solutions to whatever obstacles are getting in their way, whether it be the need for additional training or education. The office also can work to find help with transportation or child care assistance.

The 430 people and 97 businesses that participated in last weekend's job fair send a clear message that there are jobs in Butler County, and many are good jobs with growth opportunities. But some of those jobs do require specialized training or education — which is sometimes offered by the employer or can be acquired through a postsecondary education program. And the CareerLink office also works to facilitate whatever additional education a person needs.

CareerLink's recognition that just connecting job seekers with employers is not the end of the story is a view shared by the head of the Community Development Corporation of Butler County.

The traditional CDCrole of finding and developing property for commercial and industrial development is no longer enough. Diane Sheets, CDCexecutive director, expressed a broader view that seems to support the work being done by PA CareerLink when she said, "If people think that economic development means economic success without the workers to fill jobs, they are mistaken."

Peggy Weckerly, PACareerLink administrator of the Butler County office, said this year's strong attendance convinced her that next year's job fair will need some more space.

Helping to connect job seekers and employers with openings is an important part of maintaining a healthy economy. And CareerLink's comprehensive approach appears effective at overcoming many of the obstacles that can get in the way of connecting workers with employers.

CareerLink's spring and fall job fairs are visible reminders of the importance of making employment connections and overcoming obstacles.