The job fairs, called "Let's Put Buffalo to Work," are an effort to connect people living in the city's lower income areas with job opportunities, said Samuel Drago, regional administrator with the New York State Department of Labor.

The Empire Zones are in areas where a high density population of people eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. This tax credits will be refunded to companies for hiring those eligible.

"In general, Buffalo has had a higher unemployment rate than the rest of New York, and Western New York," said Drago. "We wanted to target these areas."

Mayor Anthony M. Masiello said bundling the tax credits will make hiring these people more attractive to employers.

"These (Empire) zones benefit employers," he said. "They go a long way when you're trying to match up employers with potential employees."

The job fairs will host 25 companies from different fields, including Catholic Health Systems, Local 41 Electricians, Client Logic, PSA Health Care, NCO Financial Systems, Key Bank, and We Care transportation, among others.

The fairs are scheduled for 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on:

• Wednesday at Tosh Collins Community Center, at Cazenovia and Abbot roads. The event start with a ceremony with Masiello at the center at 10 a.m.
• Thursday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 701 East Delevan Ave.
• June 25 at West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont St.
• June 26 at North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Sanders St.
• June 27 the JFK Center, 114 Hickory St.

Drago suggests those attending bring copies of a resume and dress professionally.