Russ Davis Wholesale's introduction to the community continued Wednesday with a visit to the annual spring job fair at Pueblo Community College.

"Excellent," Mike Pickard, a category manager with the company, said of the event.

Another manager, site facilitator Kurt Koenig, said he was struck by the variety of employers in attendance.

"I think it's exciting to see all the different employers come out," he said.

This year's spring job fair drew 69 employers and about 400 job seekers, according to PCC officials. The event ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school's student center. It was co-organized by the Pueblo Workforce Center.

Five months ago, Minnesota-based Russ Davis Wholesale opened its first Western U.S. produce processing and distribution center at the former Mars/Doane plant at the Airport Industrial Park.

The company also markets its own line of packaged produce under the Crazy Fresh brand. Locally, the products are available at the Mesa Lagrees supermarket at 27th Lane and U.S. 50 East.

The company hosted a hiring event ahead of its opening and continues to add workers as its production ramps up, Pickard and Koenig said.

The job fair drew a wide range of employers, including manufacturers such as Vestas, GCC and Mission Foods, law enforcement agencies from Pueblo, El Paso and Arapahoe counties; schools; area hospitals and other health care providers, governments, social services organizations and staffing agencies.

Lisa Morales, an academic adviser for PCC who helped organize the job expo, said the turnout among employers was similar to last year.

Local job seekers appreciate the chance to see the various work opportunities available and meet with company representatives, she said.

"We've had them come over and say they really appreciate the fact that we hold these fairs," she said.

ddarrow@chieftain.com

Twitter: @PuebloBusiness