From 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Machesney Park

For Immediate Release

BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/May 14, 2011 --- The American Legion Department of Illinois is tackling one of the most pressing issues facing U.S. veterans: unemployment. With a job fair presenting several workshops, the Legion aims to arm veterans with information about what they need to do to get back to work - or what they can do to start a business of their own.

In January, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate among post 9/11 veterans was 15.2 percent in January and well above the 9.6 percent rate for non-veterans; in March 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor affirmed at least 1 in 5 U.S. troops were unable to find a job.

"Our veterans are staring unemployment in the face, in staggering numbers," stated Commander Richard C. Groharing. "After the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces have made, we need to offer them the support and opportunities they need. What complicates finding employment are the physical and mental issues they contend with as a result of their service."

WHAT: Veterans' Job Fair

WHEN: Tuesday, May 17, 2011

TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: The National Guard Armory (10451 N. 2nd St. Machesney Park, IL 61115)

SCHEDULE OF WORKSHOPS

11:00 a.m. Presentations:

- Eiger Lab and TechWorks - Overview of Eiger Lab services including TechWorks CNC machinist training, Business Incubator, Prototyping / Engineering and the new Aerospace / IT Excellerator program

- SCORE - Overview of services, mentoring small businesses, workshops for starting a business and business roundtables

12:00 p.m. Presentation

- American Legion - Veteran benefits workshop

1:00 p.m. Presentation

- Illinois Small Business Development Center at Rock Valley College

- SBA Patriot Express Loans for Veterans, resources available from ISBD and information on the Procurement and Technical Center that helps small businesses obtain government contracts

All workshops will take place in the classroom off the main job fair floor. Seating is limited. Job fair staff members will be available for assistance with any special needs.

For more information and to arrange for interviews, contact American Legion Department of Illinois Headquarters Assistant Adjutant Gary Jenson at 309-663-0361.

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CONTACT:
Mark Sides
American Legion
Department of Illinois
Headquarters PO Box 2910
Bloomington, IL 61701
PHONE. 309-721-3886
FAX. 309-796-2518
EMAIL: Mark@MarkSides.com
http://JointheLegion.org

SOURCE: Department of Illinois