Congressman Jeff Denham (R – Turlock) is hoping to put residents back to work by hosting a Central Valley Job Fair and Veterans Summit.

Job seekers will be able to interface with employers, receive constructive criticism from experts on their resumes, learn innovation techniques for starting a business, as well as participate in breakout sessions.

"This year's job fair provides an opportunity for job seekers to meet one-on-one with some of the Valley's largest employers," said Denham. "As Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties continue to face too-high unemployment rates, this event is one way to bridge the gap between potential employees and employers so we can get Californians back to work," said Denham.

Notable Central Valley employers participating include: E&J Gallo Winery, Blue Diamond Growers, Lawrence Livermore National Labs, BNSF Rail Company, UC Merced, Morning Star Company and Lock-N-Stitch. Several organizations are banding together to bring the event to local job seekers including the Stanislaus Business Alliance, the Alliance Small Business Center, the Alliance Worknet, CALVET, the Central Valley Human Resources Management Association, the Employment Development Department, Gallo Vets, the Heavy Equipment College of California, the Stanislaus County Veteran Employment Committee, the Vet Center, Wells Fargo Bank, and Work for Warriors.

Veterans will be admitted to the event a half hour before the general public.

The Central Valley Job Fair and Veterans Summit will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday at the Sportsmen of Stanislaus Club located at 819 Sunset Ave., in Modesto.