The Selma Times-Journal

Counties in Alabama’s rural Black Belt post the highest percentages of unemployment in the state, according the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. For persons looking for an employment opportunity, the Black Belt Job Fair set for Wallace Community College Selma could be a good place to start.

Local and regional companies will be represented and taking applications for available positions during the job fair scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26.

Information on job training programs, college enrollment, adult education enrollment, and area transportation services will also be available.

“This is a free program and is open to the public,” said Felecia Pettway, event coordinator. “It will begin at 9 a.m. in the Library-Gymnasium on the main campus, and concludes at 1 p.m.”

Pettway said she encouraged individuals to “dress appropriately,” and don’t forget to bring a resume.

Organizers hope the job fair turnout is high, since unemployment throughout the Black Belt region is highest in the state. The unemployment rate in Dallas County was 8.8 percent in August 2006, according to data posted on the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations’ web site.

Perry County’s unemployment rate was highest in the area at 10.7 percent. Wilcox County’s jobless rate was 8.9 percent, and 7.2 percent in Lowndes. Statewide the unemployment rate in August 2006 was 3.5 percent.

WCCS and its workforce training programs is the event’s sponsor, in partnership with U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Alabama, State Sen. Hank Sanders, D-Selma, Mayor James Perkins Jr., City of Selma, and the Selma Employment Office.

For more information contact Pettway at (334) 876-9379.