WEST PLAINS, Mo. – All area business owners are invited to participate in the annual career/job fair hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains and the South Central Career Center.

The event is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Student Recreation Center at the corner of Garfield Avenue and West Trish Knight Street on the Missouri State-West Plains campus.  Booth space is free for participants, according to Alice Smith, coordinator of career services at Missouri State-West Plains.

The career/job fair will feature a combination of career information, educational opportunities and job possibilities for area residents, as well as college and high school students, all of whom will be encouraged to attend, Smith said.  “This year’s fair will provide an additional focus for those individuals seeking employment,” she added.

All area business owners are invited to provide informational exhibits about their businesses, including current and future job opportunities, as well as the company’s business model, vision, mission, operations, etc., Smith said.

“With area businesses participating, visitors to the fair will have the opportunity not only to learn about future career possibilities, but possibly gain immediate employment,” she said.

Smith said she hopes representatives from all area business entities, including all types of company structures and ownership, all types of goods and/or services, and all target market segments (local or international) will showcase their businesses at this event.

“We feel it is essential that area residents and students have a realistic perception of the work world, including current and future demands,” she explained.  “There is no better opportunity than this to showcase what is happening in our area.”

Business owners who would like to participate should contact Smith by calling 417-255-7230 or e-mailing AliceSmith@MissouriState.edu to reserve booth space.  The deadline to reserve space is Friday, Sept. 5.

“We hope all business owners will consider participating, not only as a resource for future employees, but also to provide information to students and other potential employees about the type of skills needed to meet future business and industry demands,” Smith said.

For more information about the career/job fair, call Smith at 417-255-7230.