NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio-- Over a thousand people passed through Wednesday’s job fair hosted by Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio), in conjunction with the Employment Source, Goodwill Industries and WJER Radio. 

However, unlike a lot of job fairs that turn out to be information exchanges or a resume collection for future openings, fair organizers put a prerequisite on employers for this one-- the only way an employer was allowed to attend is if they were actively hiring, and job seekers took full advantage.

“I have two part-time jobs right now but currently I'm looking for something that would be more steady, more full-time, something with benefits, something along those lines," said job-seeker Brian Murphy of Dover, Ohio.

"I've just medically retired from the Air Force, so I just came back home and am using the job fair and resources here with the VA to find employment," said job-seeker Chris Chadwick of Dennison, Ohio.

Some of the bigger companies on hand were also some of the employers with the most openings, according to officials.

KFC had a booth, as did New Philadelphia-based Timken. Oil and gas representative Chesapeake Energy was a big draw.

“With a couple of the oil companies, really big in this area, I think from a company's standpoint, from a business standpoint, from an employer's standpoint, we're really growing in this area," said job development specialist Adam Karam.

“I'm very impressed with the employers that are here and the accommodations for this many people-- big parking lot, lots of employers, lots of people look like they're happy," said job placement specialist Roxanne Santell.

After the fair concluded, an official told NEWS9 that it broke attendance records for their eight-year history. Over 1,200 job seekers turned out to meet with 55 prospective employers.