CARTERVILLE -- A record number of employers are turning out for an annual event at John A. Logan College which could be a healthy sign for the Southern Illinois economy.
The 22nd Annual John A. Logan College Job Fair is set for March 22 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Donald L. Brewer Gymnasium and Convocation Center.
"I know that the employers who are coming are definitely looking to fill positions," said Lisa Hudgens, director of Career Services at John A. Logan College. "I can't speak for the local economy itself, but I can say there will be a considerable number of employment opportunities at this year's event."
A total of 84 regional employers will be at the 2017 job fair searching for full-time and part-time employees. There are also some summer positions available.
"The key for a job seeker is to come prepared," Hudgens said. "Come prepared with a resume and dress as if they are coming for an interview because many of the employers will interview on the spot."
Hudgens and her staff began preparing for the job fair in January. It was evident earlier in the process that employers were serious about hiring.
"We even have several new employers who will be at the event for the first time," Hudgens said.
In the past, the event has drawn between 650 to 700 job seekers during the four-hour event. Anyone -- including students, graduates and the general public -- may attend.
Hudgens said the event has opened the door for a number of graduates to obtain career positions over the years.
"One of our graduates went to work for Wells Fargo two years ago," Hudgens said. "One of our criminal justice graduates went to work for the Paducah Police Department."
For job seekers, there is a wide variety of employers to choose from, including manufacturing, service industry, retail and much more. A few of the employers committed to attending the fair include: Aisin Light Metals, Aisin Manufacturing, Aisin Electronics, Banterra Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Century 21, Continental Tire, Dillard's, Harrisburg Medical Center, Helitech Waterproofing, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation, Liberty Village of Marion, Carbondale and Mount Vernon police departments, Parker Heating and Air, Pepsi Mid-America, Regions Bank, Walgreen's, Rides Mass Transit, Walmart, Silkworm and UPS in Marion.
