Three local job fair sponsors hope to put a dent in the unemployment rate, which is 9.9 percent in Indiana and 10 percent in Illinois, according to the latest Bureau of Statistics report.

On Wednesday, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Calumet Chapter 112 and Purdue University Calumet Career Services will host a Manufacturing Industry Job Fair, which will include the manufacturing sector providing networking, employment opportunities and information gathering.

On Oct. 20, the Empower To Succeed Network, in partnership with Living Hope Community Church in South Holland, will host a job fair at Westwood College-River Oaks Campus in Calumet City.

The fair will feature employers and business owners providing products, services and employment opportunities in the Chicago area.

"It's a great opportunity for people to get their resources all at one place," ETS Program Manager Stanley Martin said. "With the current economy, it's an opportunity for job seekers to come and apply for multiple positions."

Prairie State College in Chicago Heights hosts two job fairs each year, one of which takes place Oct. 21.

"We provide a great opportunity for job seekers to meet employers who are actually hiring," PSC Communications Specialist Jill Yott said. "All of the employers there actually have jobs they're hiring for. They're not just there for the exposure. We hope the community comes out, brings their resumes, comes professionally dressed and be ready to potentially interview for a job."

Tanya Norfleet, coordinator of career development services at PSC, said attendees should mingle with the employers at the fair and do their homework about companies they're interested in.

"Don't hand in your resume and walk away," Norfleet said. "Take the time to show employers that you're serious."

PSC's Yott said more people have been attending their spring and fall job fairs while the number of employers on hand has "held steady."

The job fairs

* Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m., The Center at Purdue University Calumet, 2300 173rd St., Hammond. For company registration information call (219) 989-2600 or (219) 836-0731.

* Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westwood College-River Oaks Campus, 80 River Oaks Center, Calumet City. (708) 362-3125. For more information, visit http://www.ETSNETWORK.ORG.

* Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Business and Community Education Center, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. (708) 709-3755 or (708) 709-3922.