Pueblo hosting first cannabis career expo

The event, which is described as a speed networking event, will benefit the Growing Pueblo’s Future campaign.

Several Southern Colorado cannabis industry professionals will be on hand at the Pueblo Rawlings Library Thursday evening answering questions about the industry for the city’s first cannabis career expo.

There will be 12 total organizations at the expo, which will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, according to event organizer Lisa LeFevre. The professionals come from several different positions in the industry, she said. Testing labs, dispensaries, a staffing company and associations will all be present.

“The goal is just to get people exposure,” LeFevre said. “It’s going to be very open and friendly. It’s educational and promotional for the industry.”

While there will be professionals who can talk about breaking into the industry, how to prepare a resume for a cannabis job and what qualifications are most sought after, the event is also a place to find fact-based information, LeFevre said.

“When I started hearing about the implications (of marijuana) in the community, I thought let’s have them (the community) meet the professionals,” she said.

The expo, which LeFevre said has already sold out, includes a raffle entry to a Cannabis Trainers education course, resume and interview tips. All proceeds will benefit Vote NO on 200, Growing Pueblo’s Future.

Attendees will receive a passport and get to travel to each station and talk with industry leaders. LeFevre described the event similar to speed networking and “very engaging.”

LeFevre said despite the political climate surrounding cannabis in Pueblo County, there was no question about having the event just a few weeks prior to election day.

“1,300 jobs are at stake (in this election),” LeFevre said. “It’s a big deal.”