LULING, Texas -- More than 300 people participated in this weekend's Hill Country Job Fair, hosted by US Rep. Ron Paul in conjunction with the Luling Chamber of Commerce and Texas State Rep. Rick Green.

"I'm very pleased that so many people were able to participate," said Rep. Paul, who has hosted similar events three times in the past -- twice in Matagorda County and once in Refugio. "Our goal was to bring together employers and potential new employees -- it looks like our goal was met and exceeded."

State Rep. Green added that he was glad to "participate in events designed to boost the local economy."

"By the looks of the crowd, it appears to be working," he said.

Trey Bailey of the City of Luling said the event "exceeded my wildest expectations."

Employers were also pleased with the turn out. Said Wayne McCrary of Labor Finders, "I came with 60 positions to fill and I'm leaving with 40 applications. That's not bad for three hours of work. I would never have been this productive without this event."

Several state and federal agencies were invited to the event, including Nell Alexander of the state Department of Criminal Justice.

"I travel the state to recruit for the department, and I haven't seen an event as well organized or attended in a long time."

Likewise, the US military recruiters were pleased with the response they had. Staff Sgt. Kelvin Mayfield of the US Army recruiting office in San Marcos said "it's truly an honor to be here."

The highest praise for the event, though, came from the men and women who were there looking for employment opportunities.

"I'm not unemployed, but I'm looking for a career change," said one man from Luling. "I handed out about half a dozen resumes inside and I think I've got some great leads."

Rep. Paul said he has instructed his staff to work with other communities around the 14^th District, so similar events can be held in those locations, as well.

"The problem is often not that jobs are unavailable, it is just that employers and applicants cannot find each other. It is an honor to be able to bring them together in this kind of setting."