Nearly 50 employers from the area are preparing for the 20th Annual Butler County Job Fair to be held from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday at the Bess Activity Center on the Three Rivers College campus.
The event is sponsored by the Butler County Community Resource Council, with added support from the Missouri Job Center and TRC. CRC Executive Director Karen Crook said the fair is open to the public and on average, approximately 300 job seekers are in attendance each year.
"It's so important for people to be employed," she said. "In order to benefit commerce and for people to be productive members of society, they need to have jobs."
Representatives from the fields of retail, industry and education will be present to talk about their businesses, as will a few others from various locations in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas.
"This is a one stop shop," she said. "You can reach nearly 50 employers in one location."
Crook said she recommends serious job seekers bring an updated resume and brief employment history to the fair. She also said professional clothing helps make a positive and lasting first impression with employers.
"If they are prepared, they will be ahead of the game," she added.
Crook said prospective applicants should research businesses in their specific fields of interest prior to the job fair.
"Know a little bit about the employer. The more you can do before you get there, the better your chances are," she said.
Crook said not everyone who attends the event is unemployed; many folks are either underemployed or are simply unhappy with their current wages or benefits.
"If you're working part time and want to bump up to full time, come on out," she said. "Or if you're unhappy with your wages, come see what else is out there. "
Crook said for the past two decades, the job fair has proven successful. She said each year the vendors are asked to fill out a survey at the end of the day and typically receives positive feedback. She also added that many vendors return year after year.
In accordance with the 20th anniversary, Poplar Bluff Mayor Ed DeGaris granted a proclamation to the CRC recognizing its work to boost employment in the community and to designate Aug. 25 as Employment Opportunity Day.
Crook said the idea of the job fair was born from necessity, adding that while many folks in the community are actively looking for work, gasoline prices and travel costs often prevent searches from reaching maximum potential.