Our job fair was not a success (yet)
WILMINGTON — Though more than 2,200 Delawareans came out to the Chase Center today to connect with potential employers, we won't consider the job fair a success until we start getting word of Delawareans being hired as a result.
Hosted by Senator Coons in Wilmington Monday, the fair featured 80 employers and institutions of higher learning. Most were there because they were ready to hire – a sign of the improving jobs outlook but not enough that we can stop fighting. That's why Chris also announced plans to host a similar job fair on June 1 at a location more convenient for residents of Kent and Sussex counties.
With 38,000 Delawareans still out of work, we still have much to do. But, as today's jobs fair attests, we're on our way. Walking the aisle at the Chase Center, one could hear employer representatives speaking with job-seekers about openings, employment counselors providing résumé tips, and members of Chris' staff talking to Delawareans about ways the Senator has been fighting for investments in job growth. All of us on Chris' team are excited to be able to share stories with him over the coming weeks of folks who were hired as a result of connections they made at the jobs fair.
Chris has been focusing relentlessly on jobs since taking office, so much so that Governor Markell, speaking to those who had gathered at the Chase Center this morning, called him the "Jobs Senator."
Starting with his maiden speech to the Senate in January, Chris has called for strategic, long-term investments in middle class job creation. In particular, he has been urging tax credits for research and development so Delaware's burgeoning community of biotech and clean energy start-ups can scale-up and hire more workers. His focus also includes advanced manufacturing that creates sustainable jobs.
America has always excelled at turning our latest innovations into products that keep us competitive worldwide. Chris believes that by investing in what we've always done best, we can win the future and continue providing opportunities for America's families.