It has long been said that one of Lawrence County’s biggest strengths is its people and that potential workplace was on display Wednesday in South Point.

Orica, a steel accessory manufacturing company opening a new facility in The Point industrial park, hosted a job fair in order to fill more than 60 new positions with the growing company. A couple of hundred people showed up and many are considered to be viable candidates for what is expected to be quality jobs with benefits.

This result should send a clear message to existing employers and any company considering expanding or developing here in Lawrence County. Our citizens are willing to work hard and be a part of a team that is invested in the community.

Many local companies are still looking for skilled labor or individuals with specialized training such as welders. The Ohio Strategic Training Center, Collins Career Center, Ohio University Southern and other educational entities in the Tri-State have been trying to address this by offering tailored programs designed to fill local needs.

Far too often, the citizens of Appalachia and southern Ohio are stereotyped as having an entitlement mentality or to be unemployable. Although there are a few proverbial bad apples in every bunch, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Events like Wednesday’s job fair help prove it.