CHICAGO – One of the largest efforts to find employment for veterans kicks off Oct. 18 as the first Statewide Veteran Job Fair of 2012 comes to communities across Illinois. The Veteran-specific effort is a key part of Gov. Pat Quinn’s economic priorities to help veterans compete for newly created private-sector jobs.

“We respect our military families, who have sacrificed so much. And we must continue to help our small business owners, who are leading our economic recovery,” Gov. Pat Quinn said. “Bringing these groups together is a win-win-win. We help a veteran find a job. We help a business owner find a key employee. And, together, we strengthen job creation and economic growth in Illinois.”