At least 60 employers will be on hand for the Meridian Area Job Fair set for Tuesday at the Tommy E. Dulaney Center at 915 Highway 19 North in Meridian. The job fair is sponsored by the Governor of Mississippi’s Job Fair Network, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, the Meridian Win Job Center and Meridian Mayor Percy Bland.

    The job fair will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 2 p.m.

    “We have over 60 employers coming and it was still growing, so we are hoping for a big turnout,” Bland said.

    Nellie Satcher, director of the Meridian Win Center, said employers from throughout the region will take part in the job fair.

    “We’re looking to have as many people show up as we can and we’re pulling from all directions, including Alabama and south from the Quitman area and beyond,” Satcher said. “This is the first Governor’s Job Fair we’ve had in Meridian and we think it will be a big success.”

    Job seekers are urged to bring their resumes and to dress appropriately for the Meridian Area Job Fair. Previous Job Fairs in Southaven in November drew nearly 2,000 job applicants. Firms will conduct interviews at the job fair and some qualified applicants could get hired that day.

    Satcher offered more advice for the job seekers.

    “I urge them to make arrangements for child care,” Satcher said. “This event is strictly business. And please dress for success.”

    A list of employers that will set up booths at the Meridian Area Job Fair include: Maple Gas Company; Ace Training Center; Southern Pipe and Supply; Working Solutions; Rush Health Systems; Loves Travel Stops; Alliance Health Center; U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program; Ingalls Shipbuilding; Citizens National Bank; Hol Mac Corporation; Montgomery, Ala. Police Department; Dart Container Corporation; Mississippi Air National Guard; Nissan; Blake International Rigs LLC; Cefco Convenience Stores; Art Catering Inc.; At Home Care; Enterprise Rent a Car; Weeks Marine; Cracker Barrell Old Country Store; Mississippi Power Company; Fugro; City of Meridian; WTOK; and Mississippi State Personnel Board.

    These employers have listed more than 400 jobs that they are seeking applicants for. Some of the skills being sought include: welders; heavy equipment operators; maintenance mechanics; warehouse workers and distribution; clerical positions; electricians; pipe fitters; machinists; manager trainees; customer service representatives; system engineers; geologists; nurses; social workers and information technology.

    “This has been a big deal for us,” city of Meridian Chief Administrative Officer Mike McGrevey said.