The City of Tacoma is partnering with the Washington State Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities, the Washington State Business Leadership Network and Tacoma Goodwill to host “Say Hey Tacoma,” a job fair and celebration of successes for people with disabilities.

This event will take place in Tacoma on Weds., Nov. 14, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., at the STAR Center, located at 3873 S. 66th St., and it is expected to draw around 30 employers, 50 or more job seekers, and business leaders, representatives from community organizations and government officials who have made it a priority to support diversity in the workplace.

“Many employers understand that innovation is key to their success, and that a diverse workforce can help enrich work environments, and positively transform products and services,” said Human Rights and Human Services Director Linda Villegas Bremer. “This is Tacoma’s third ‘Say Hey’ event. The last one took place two years ago. It was hugely successful, and that’s why we wanted to bring it back.”

According to Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator Gail Himes, a number of job seekers have received on-the-spot employment offers at previous “Say Hey Tacoma” events. This year’s event will give some of those individuals a chance to return and share their success stories with current job seekers. ‘Say Hey’ is a really inspiring event,” said Himes. “There’s always great energy in the room, and everyone has a chance to tell their story.”

“Say Hey,” the idea of Lynnae Rutledge, a former director at the Washington State Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, has been hosted by a number of other cities around the Pacific Northwest, including Seattle, Olympia, Renton and Bothell.

To register for “Say Hey Tacoma” as an employer or job seeker, contact Wendy Martindale at wmartindale@tacomagoodwill.org or (253) 573-6629.