Orland Park, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) is joining with the Village of Orland Park, and the Orland Park Chamber of Commerce to invite area residents to attend a job fair and a grant and contracting supermarket -- aimed at connecting area job seekers and business owners with new economic opportunities.

           The first event, a Federal Grant & Contracting Supermarket, will give professionals from local businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities a chance to “shop” for federal grants, learn how to contract with the federal government, and fine-tune their grant-writing skills. 

           “Businesses and organizations from around our area are struggling to keep their doors open and prevent layoffs as they wait for an economic turnaround,” said Biggert.  “At the Federal Grant & Contracting Supermarket, economic leaders will learn more about the opportunities that exist, and gain the knowledge and tools they need to apply and compete effectively for federal grants and contracts.”

           Federal agencies that will be on hand to discuss grant and contracting opportunities include: the Department of Education; the Department of Commerce, the General Services Administration, Export Import Bank, the Small Business Administration; and many more.  The grant supermarket will take place on Tuesday, August 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park.

           Biggert also invites area businesses and job seekers to participate in her Road to Employment Job Fair.  The fair will connect job seekers with great career opportunities from a wide spectrum of industries and some of our area’s top employers, large and small.  Attendees also will be able to take advantage of workshops designed to teach job seekers how to write an excellent resume, stand out during an interview, or seek personalized career counseling.   The job fair will take place on Tuesday, September 14th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St., Orland Park.  Area employers seeking the right candidate to fill any position are encouraged to contact Biggert’s office.
 
            “Whether networking, lining up an interview, or signing up for career counseling, job seekers will walk away from the job fair with connections and resources that will help them navigate their way towards steady employment,” said Rep. Biggert. “There are so many great companies right here in the 13th District, and the next rising-star in any one of them could get their shot at our fair.”

Businesses can register to host a free booth at the job fair at RSVPJobs@mail.house.gov.  For other questions or to RSVP by phone, call Biggert’s Willowbrook office at (630) 655-2052.

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