USCB Hospitality Major Katie Stettler Helps Plan JobsNow Regional Workforce Expo
Meet Katie Stettler, the USCB Hospitality intern on the front lines of planning one of the Lowcountry's largest job fairs ever.
A Savannah resident, small business owner and licensed cosmetologist, Katie had long wanted to earn her college degree. She chose USCB because of its flexible online Hospitality, Resort and Tourism Management (HRTM) program, which allows her to balance work, life and academics. Now a junior, she’s putting her classroom knowledge into action in a big way.
This semester, Stettler is completing an internship with the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, where she’s helping organize "Jobs Now 2026: A Regional Workforce Expo."
A collaboration among the Chamber, USCB, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) and Savannah State University, "Jobs Now 2026" is March 26 from 9:00am to 4:30pm at the Culinary Institute of the South (1 Venture Drive in Bluffton).
Stettler's supervisor, Tom Henz, Vice President of Public Policy & Advocacy at the Chamber, said that as planning for the event got underway, she quickly proved herself indispensable.
“Katie is a go-getter,” Henz said. “She hit the ground running.”
Stettler's role has been substantial. She has coordinated among the four participating colleges and universities and served as a liaison to employers seeking to fill open positions. From managing communications to ensuring employers have the information they need, she has played a key part in bringing the event together.
“I never imagined that as an intern I'd have an important role in such a large event,” Katie said. “I'm learning so much.”
The regional workforce event brings together employers hiring now, education and workforce development partners, and career support services — in the heart of the Lowcountry.
The expo is designed with different audiences in mind. From high school and college students to mid-career professionals and people exploring work in retirement, the Jobs Now Expo will offer oppportunities for everyone.
The event will feature approximately 60 employers hiring for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles, as well as internships and apprenticeships. Career coaches will offer support at the expo with résumés, interviews and career transitions.
The expo will also serve as a college fair, with 600 local high school students expected to attend. Admissions representatives from USCB, SCAD, TCL and Savannah State will host tables with recruitment materials and information about degrees and certifications offered.
Lunches are free to students and will be prepared by award-winning Lowcountry barbecue restaurant One Hot Mama’s.
Beyond job and internship opportunities, the expo offers additional incentives for students to attend. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce will raffle off five $1,000 scholarships to student attendees. Lunch will be catered free during the event.
Expo highlights will include a keynote address by Tim Naddy and appearance by celebrity chef Orchid Paulmeier. Naddy is vice-president of finance for the Savannah Bananas baseball team. He will speak about 9:00am, followed by a meet and greet. Paulmeier, who owns One Hot Mama's and has appeared on The Food Network, will speak during the event.
Students are encouraged to register in advance through the Jobs Now 2026 website and to review the list of participating employers and organizations ahead of time.
Stettler is proud of the work she's done as part of the expo team, and encourages students to talk to their professors about internship opportunities.
"Through my internship, I've met many people who are leaders in hospitality in the region," Stettler said. "I recommend that all students do an internship if they can."
To learn more or register, visit https://www.lowcountryjobsnow.org/.
- USCB -
CW 03/11/2026