It wasn't a roaring success, but a recent RV rally at Quartzite, Ariz., did result in a few temporary workers for labor-starved Campbell County.

Susan Jerke, marketing director for the Campbell County Economic Development Corporation, had said she would be happy to find 30 workers at the show, but the yield was closer to 10.

"What we found is a lot of people already had prior commitments by the time we got there," she said. "Which is good to know that people plan ahead."

The reason for pursuing people who spend much of their time living in recreational vehicles to fill seasonal jobs is that they bring their housing with them. Housing in Gillette also is in short supply.

Jerke said RVers interested in temporary jobs are discriminating in that they pick particular locales rather than apply all over the country.

Despite rounding up little help, many people did pick up information about the Gillette area and indicated they might be interested in seasonal jobs in coming years, Jerke said.

"Now we're on their radar screen," she said.

Gillette also is attempting to recruit RVers via RV Web sites and on the Campbell County Economic Development Corporation's Web site.

The Cam-Plex Multi-Event Center pledged to set aside 100 spaces at a fee to working RVers from May 1 through Sept. 30.

Jerke said local businesses are looking for people with a good work ethic, even if they commit to remain on the job for only a few months, and RVers appear to fill the bill.

"They're not going to come all this way and work for a couple of days and decide they're going someplace else," she said.

RVers tend to be retired and between 50 and 65 years old, Jerke added.

Jerke said Campbell County continues to explore creative ways to attract workers, and temporary housing will continue to be a challenge. New projects will mean Campbell County will need temporary housing for about 2,000 workers by 2009.

Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@casperstartribune.net, or call 307-266-0574.