LWC job fair announced

In an effort to bring perspective employers and job applicants together, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has planned its 2011 Work Pays Job Fair to take place Oct. 11 at the Holiday Inn in Houma. Breakfast for employers will be offered at 8 a.m. and the overall event will be conducted between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Planning the event in conjunction with National Disability Awareness Month, the LWC event will focus on connecting job-ready applicants with disabilities and local employers.

The Houma event is one of several being conducted throughout the state, according to LWC Business Services Representative Cheri Blanchard.

Free of charge to both employers and job seekers, Blanchard noted that the Work Pays Job Fair is intended to promote a diversified workforce. Employers will be offered information regarding tax benefits offered by the federal government and information on work opportunity credits.

Blanchard pointed out that by hiring talented disabled individuals, employers could receive tax credits of up to $2,400. IRS Code Section 44, known as the Disabled Access Credit, offers up to $5,000 for businesses being made handicap accessible, and the Architectural Transportation Tax Deduction offers employers up to $15,000 for removal of physical, structural and transportation barriers for persons with disabilities in the workplace.

To gain more information and register for the event Blanchard said to contact her at cblanchard@lwc.la.gov or visit the designated LWC web site at www.work-pays.org. Registration can also be made by FAX to Cheri Blanchard at (985) 858-2985.