The Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority has partnered with the Suffolk Workforce Development Center to host its annual job and career fair.

The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Workforce Development Center, 157 N. Main St.

In years past, the event has hosted anywhere from 35 to 50 employers, such as Walmart, City of Suffolk and Hampton Roads Transit. This year, the event currently has 36 employers registered.

Both Franklin and Virginia Beach police departments will be in attendance, and Green Mountain Coffee will also be offering jobs at the fair. The Aviation Institute, Smithfield Foods and the Hampton Roads Sanitation District will be a part of the fair as well.

More than 400 people visited the fair last year, and they anticipate the same, if not more, this year.

“It gives people options that are close to home. It helps them find decent employment in Suffolk, and they don’t have to travel too much,” said Larry Brunson, Workforce Development Center coordinator. “The employers are coming to them.”

Mike Smith, resident services coordinator for SRHA, has been involved with this event for the last five years.

“We try and help increase the employment rate in the region,” Smith said. “The population in the region has a lot of manufacturing companies, and we are trying to tap into that market.”

“I would say, because it’s a job fair and some employers have the ability to interview on the spot, to come professionally dressed and have an up-to-date resume,” Brunson added.

The Workforce Development Center will be hosting job fairs and hiring events throughout the year.

For more information on participating as a recruiter or employer, call Smith at 925-6496.