The annual Governor’s Job Fair will be held Aug. 7, at the Vicksburg Convention Center and organizers are looking for businesses to participate and encouraging people looking for a job to attend the free event.

“We can talk all day long about bringing jobs to Vicksburg, but this is where the rubber meets the road,” program chairman Don Brown said during an organizational meeting last week. “This helps people get jobs, helps the community and helps the tax base.”

Brown, who has been a part of the job fair for the last “20-something years,” said on average 800 to 1,000 people show up for the event looking for a job or a career. The job fair is co-sponsored by the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, WIN Job Center and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

“This is one of the best events the chamber of commerce has to affect the lives of people in our area,” Brown said.

As of last week, there were a couple dozen businesses committed or registered to participate in the job event. Organizers are looking to have 50 companies represented.

“And it’s a diverse group of businesses that come each year,” Brown said.

Among those participating are casinos, medical field, law enforcement, and even the FBI.

Booth space is $195 for businesses and includes meals.

“It’s a good value for your money,” Brown said. “This is not a money making thing. The chamber hopes to break even. This is more a service to the community.”

Several colleges will also be on hand for those looking to continue their education, including Hinds Community College. Brown said about a week before the event, HCC will host a program to assist people preparing for the job fair, teaching them how to prepare a resume, dress professionally and do interviews.

“Basically, help them to come across like they’re ready to get a job,” Lois Vinson, committee member and VWC Chamber of Commerce account manager, said.

Businesses wanting to participate can contact Vinson at the chamber by calling 601-636-1012.

For more information on the job fair, visit mdes.ms.gov.