Shopping for a new job, gathering information about local businesses, industries can be done this weekend at Nittany Mall.

The third annual Central Pennsylvania Business and Industry Showcase will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Saturday, sponsored by the Private Industry Council of Centre County.

More than 75 booths from local and outside businesses and industries will be set up in the area between Sears and Gee Bee, said Tom Dolan, executive director of PICCC.

Booths will highlight unique aspects of each business and show large displays and sales videos, give away random prizes and answer the public's questions about products. Career pamphlets also will be given out at some booths for those seeking jobs.

"I have seen several students walk into the mall with their resumes in hand and the executives will review them and then schedule a formal interview directly afterwards," Dolan said.

"The exchange of ideas between businesses and industries is important since we are so spread out in Centre County," Dolan said, "and this offers an ample opportunity."

Centre County participants for this weekend's event include representatives from Echo Film Lab of Mifflin County, PIEZO Kinetics of Bellefonte, Bell of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin Technology Center and Centre County Industrial Development Corporation.

Chuck Mong, executive director of Centre County Industrial Development Corporation, said the corporation will offer information on starting a business, incubator programs and industrial loans but will be among some who will avoid recruiting.

"The Nittany Mall seemed ideal since 3,000 people generally walk through the mall every day," Dolan said. The recent mall renovation could be a factor for bringing more people to the expo this year.