Daniels opens IU job fair

"My Gov Mitch" has dedicated his term as governor to revitalizing Indiana's stale economy. Thursday Gov. Mitch Daniels came to IU to persuade Hoosier students to stay in Indiana after graduation. \nGov. Daniels kicked off the Indiana Employer Fair Thursday in an effort to eliminate the Hoosier "brain drain" that is washing intellectual capital from the state. The employer fair, held in the Indiana Memorial Union's Alumni Hall, was intended to be an opportunity for Indiana businesses to market available positions and recruit student talent willing to settle down in the state.\nThe governor's arrival ignited audience applause as well as political protest. \n"I am excited about the possibilities for young persons in Indiana. The greatest state asset (is our) human talent," Daniels said. "Students lives are best built here in this state ... I am here as an exhibitor."\nA pair of Bloomington citizens confronted the governor during his opening remark. Interrupting him mid-sentence, the couple held a banner in front of the podium in protest of the proposed I-69 development program.\n"It's not over," one of the concerned residents said while being escorted to the exit by a representative of the Indiana National Guard. "No new terrain; no I-69." \nYet despite the momentary distraction, Gov. Daniels continued the speech and then joined the crowd as the event began.\nIU board of trustees President Fred Eichhorn said students can put their effort into Indiana's economic development by looking for employment opportunities within the state.\n"I think it's great (Gov. Daniels) puts a high priority on education," Eichhorn said. "He regards IU very highly."\nUnder the glow of camera lights, Gov. Daniels talked media and students for about an hour after his speech, and he handed out business cards in front of the Indiana State Government booth.\n"If you voted for me, thanks for that. I work for everybody -- those who voted for me and those who didn't," Daniels said. "We meant every word we said. We are serious about making this a better state."\nHowever, political drama was not the main item on the fair's agenda.\nLisa Parsley, a health care recruiter for Bloomington Hospital and Healthcare, said she was eager to help interested students since IU produces qualified applicants.\n"We have the wonderful opportunity to work directly with the top talent and keep those skills in Indiana," she said.\nForty-five international, national and state businesses were present at the event. Many employers offered students free pens, highlighters, mouse pads, water bottles, candy and various knickknacks to draw potential employees to their booth.\nSenior Benjamin Miles said he wants to remain in Indiana following graduation. He said he found the fair helpful compared to other career/employer events he has attended on campus.\n"I don't know how much utility (students find at events like this), but it certainly has vitality," Miles said. "It's enlightening in the marginal sense."\nStudents wandered from booth to booth amidst the echoing chatter of sales training pitches, salary figures and job descriptions. \nKelley School of Business graduate Aaron Hobson, a representative from medical device developer Boston Scientific, said several of his friends packed up their talent and shipped it off to "big cities" like St. Louis, Chicago and Louisville when they graduated, but he stayed in Indiana. \n"I met some great candidates here today. I think keeping our talent in Indiana is an important initiative -- keep the talent we develop," Hobson said. "When I searched for a job I was looking for something you can go home from and feel good about at the end of the day."\n-- Contact City & State Editor David A. Nosko at dnosko@indiana.edu and Staff Writer Melissa Sywers at msywers@indiana.edu.