By JAMIE BUSEN

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Those looking for a job or new career have an opportunity next Tuesday.

In response to a combination of the needs of companies and recently laid-off workers, several businesses are teaming up to host a job fair featuring more than 20 employers at John Wood Community College throughout the day.

Recent layoffs at Methode, Prairie Farms and Movius have prompted the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, JWCC, the Quincy Workforce Service Center and The Herald-Whig to come together to offer the free fair.

"We certainly wanted to not only help those people who had been affected by the recent layoffs to remain in our community, but also there are companies out there that may only need a couple of people, but they still need people," said Amy Looten, chamber executive director.

"We are a matchmaking process in that endeavor."

Looten said that no one needs to make reservations and that job-seekers should bring resumes and be dressed appropriately.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., a time that should accommodate most work schedules, she said.

The chamber hasn't been involved in a job fair for several years, she said, but wanted to put one on. In speaking with people in the business community, Looten realized they wanted a way to meet and greet potential employees.

There are some businesses, she said, that are looking for employees now and others that will need employees in the future. All will be accepting resumes.

-- jbusen@whig.com/221-3385