Posted at: 02/27/2013 7:19 PM
Updated at: 02/27/2013 7:26 PM
By: Jenna Lohse

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Rochester Sees Continued Job Growth

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- Part of Mayo's future expansion plans include bringing tens of thousands of new jobs to the area and officials say that would only benefit Rochester that's already seeing growth.

The Rochester Workforce Center job fair had a good turnout for employers like Ricky Benner of Advantage Sales and Marketing, who needs to fill seven positions.

"We've had a lot of good applicants and a lot of good people that want to get into permanent jobs," said Benner.

John Wade, President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, says with the Destination Medical Center in the works, Rochester will see job opportunities continue to ramp up across the community.

"One of the greatest things we have to offer here is meaningful work and we start talking about 35,000 to 45,000 jobs over the next 20 years were going to need everybody we can to do well in school so we can employee them in our community," said Wade.

Senator Carla Nelson also sees great potential in economic development.

"The piece we look at also as policy makers is what type of additional revenue does this bring and generate in the state of Minnesota and again it's over 2 billion dollars in revenue," said Nelson.

"From about any standpoint the Destination Medical Center initiative is a total win for this region. There is no other place in the United States of America that has an economic development proposal like we are looking at here," said Wade.

Many local employers feel the same way.

"This could benefit us because we could have more avenues, more people, easier access. I just think it's going to be a benefit for everybody," said Benner.

More than 200 people interviewed with several local companies at today's job fair.