PELL CITY — Local businesses and social service agencies are coming together for a Job Fair Plus.

“We call it Job Fair Plus because it is more than just a job fair,” Mayor Bill Hereford said.

Job Fair Plus is Thursday, July 29, at the Pell City Civic Center.

“We will have two sessions,” he said. “One session is from 9 a.m.-noon, and the other is from 4-7 p.m.”

Hereford said there is not a named sponsor for Job Fair Plus.

“A sort of ad hoc committee has gotten together looking at community needs,” he said. “One thing we came up with is a job fair.”

Hereford said companies and agencies that have confirmed their attendance so far include Ford Meter Box Co. Inc., Walmart, Red Diamond Inc, Royal Foods, Alagasco, Garrison Steel Erectors Inc., St. Clair County Department of Human Resources, Jefferson State Community College, Pell City School System, and the Christian Love Pantry.

“We are expecting a number of other companies and agencies to participate as well,” he said.

Hereford said while the main goal of Job Fair Plus is to find jobs for the unemployed, the social service agencies will give information about services available to help those residents until they can find employment.

“There has been positive feedback about Job Fair Plus so far,” he said. “Businesses and everyone in general have been supportive of the idea so far. They like that Job Fair Plus includes more than just potential employers.”

Hereford said by combining the potential employers and social service agencies under one roof at the job fair, hopefully residents can receive the assistance they might need and also find jobs.

“Everything is aimed to help the unemployed,” he said. “But we want to make people aware of educational opportunities that might help with employment as well, such as job training.”

Hereford said refreshments will be provided at Job Fair Plus, and possibly door prizes.

“We hope to have a room full of companies and a big crowd of folks who leave the job fair with some benefit from having attended,” he said.

Hereford said there are no plans yet to hold another Job Fair Plus.

“We feel now is a good time to have a job fair, and will see how it goes,” he said.

For more information or to participate in Job Fair Plus, call Bill Hereford at 205-338-2244.

Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome.com.