ENGINEERS: COME BACK HOME TO MICHIGAN!

Engineers and IT Professionals, Other Specialties Sought for Oakland Macomb Job Hub 2011: Where Oakland Macomb Employers Meet SE Michigan Job Seekers

Event is February 24 at Oakland University

Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero 248.651.7536; cell 586.817.8414; barbara@eafocus.com; Laurie Johnson, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Auburn Hills; 248.364.6947; ljohnson@auburnhills.org

Auburn Hills, MICH— February 9, 2011 —In an unexpected turn of events, the new Job Hub 2011 planned by Economic Development Departments from cities across Oakland and Macomb Counties has more jobs than applicants, especially in the engineering field. The Oakland Macomb Job Hub 2011: Where Oakland Macomb Employers Meet SE Michigan Job Seekers, will be held on Thursday, February 24th at Oakland University. Laurie Johnson, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Auburn Hills and an event organizer, says 54 employers are signed up thus far and 300 applicants.

“The majority of employers who have signed up to participate in the Job Hub 2011 are seeking engineers and information technology professionals. Bright Automotive, for example, hopes to fill its previously announced 200 engineering jobs largely through the Job Hub,” explains Ms. Johnson. “Many of Michigan’s engineers left the state in 2008 and 2009 for new career opportunities when they lost their jobs here. We want those former Michiganders to come home and apply their skills in our state and our region again.”

Other engineer-seeking companies signed up to participate in the Oakland Macomb Job Hub 2011 include Dow Corning, FANUC Robotics, Magna eCar, Gibbs Technology, ALTe, and Rayconnect.

Johnson adds that other employers at the Job Hub are looking to fill non-engineering positions.

“Health care jobs in customer service and patient care are available from Wright and Filippis; The Art Institute is hiring for faculty, sales and admissions positions; State Farm has a need for insurance agents; and Arvin Meritor has openings for analyst, manufacturing and marketing positions,” notes Ms. Johnson. “While there may be an emphasis on engineers, the need for other specialty areas is still significant.”

The Oakland Macomb Job Hub 2011 is organized to match area businesses that have immediate job openings with candidates interested in long-term employment.
In addition to Auburn Hills, participating communities include Rochester, Rochester Hills, Madison Heights, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Warren and Troy, as well as Michigan Works!, Expetec Technology Services, the Rochester Downtown Development Authority, Young Professionals of Rochester, Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College and host sponsor, Oakland University.

Oakland Macomb Job Hub 2011 employer participants do not need to be based in these cities; nor do career fair participants. Applicants seeking to return to Michigan are encouraged to participate. The event is open to the first 73 companies that have immediate full-time job openings to fill in Southeast Michigan. Participation is on a first come, first served basis and there is a $100 charge for employers. They must have several jobs to fill over the next year to participate and are required to staff a table for the duration of the event, which runs from 10am to 3pm.

Pre-registration for interested companies is required and can be found online at www.mijobhub.com. Staffing companies may not participate in Oakland Macomb Job Hub 2011 unless they have verification of a large customer contract that begins in the immediate future and requires placement of at least one year. Job seekers must register on-line at www.mijobhub.com by February 17.

Out-of-state job seekers that cannot be present should forward their resumes to mgentry@rochesterhills.org so their credentials can be reviewed by participating employers.

Oakland Macomb Job Hub 2011: Where Oakland Macomb Employers Meet SE Michigan Job Seekers

Date/Time: Thursday, February 24^th 10:00am to 3:00pm

Location: Oakland University Student Center, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester 48309 (Note: OU is not in session the week of 2/21 so ample parking is available on campus)

Employer Registration: There is a $100 non-refundable registration fee for employers. Register online at www.mijobhub.com.

Career Candidate Registration: Online at www.mijobhub.com by February 17. Please dress professionally.

Oakland Macomb Job Hub 2011 website: for more information, visit www.mijobhub.com.