As Congress debates important issues like health care reform and energy policy, I have continued to keep my eye on the ball and stay focused on the single most important issue facing our state: job creation.

Below I have compiled a detailed listing of Indiana job placement and training resources to help Hoosier job-seekers find employment or sharpen their skills. The links are organized by region. To view online resources available in and around your community, please click on the region of Indiana where you live:

Senator Bayh’s Annual Job Fairs

Good jobs at good wages are vital to Hoosier families. To help keep Hoosiers in quality jobs, Senator Bayh has held an annual series of job fairs for the past seven years. Thousands of job opportunities have been made available to Hoosiers at the summits across the state.  These job fairs provide a wealth of resources, all in one place, to give every Hoosier the best chance for success.

Small businesses are the real engines of economic growth in Indiana.  They comprise 97% of all Indiana businesses and employ more than 1.2 million Hoosiers. This is why Senator Bayh encourages cooperation among government, local business organizations and Hoosiers who want to start a small business.  Strengthening small businesses in Indiana means greater job opportunities for Hoosiers better economic prospects for the future.

As a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, Senator Bayh is committed to aiding and encouraging small business growth. At the summits, Hoosier entrepreneurs can speak to experts on starting companies, accessing capital, and exporting goods and services to help accelerate their businesses.

To build on the strength of Indiana's small businesses, area companies are invited to attend the jobs portion of the Job Fairs, Job Training and Small Business Summits.  Employers can directly recruit Hoosiers looking for work. All of the companies at the job fairs are actively seeking workers to fill job openings. Organizations that offer job training are also invited to the summits for Hoosiers who are looking for new ways to expand their job opportunities.

Many Thanks to the 2009 Job Fair Co-Sponsors:

Indiana University-Purdue University, Ivy Tech Community College, WorkOne, the City of Evansville, Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, WorkOne Northeast, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, the City of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr., the City of Hammond, Center of Workforce Innovations, the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board with WorkOne, Indiana University South Bend, Small Business Development Center, Service Corps of Retired Executives and the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce.

Q. What does it cost to attend the Job Fair, Job Training and Small Business Summit?

A. Nothing.  The Job Fairs, Job Training and Small Business Summits are free and open to everyone.

Q. I'm a job seeker.  Do I need to register?

A. Job seekers do not need to register in advance to attend the summit.  All are welcome to attend and should not pre-register, but will be able to register on the day of the summit.

Q. I'm a business owner with jobs to offer at the summit. Do I need to register?

A.  Yes, local employers and job training organizations wishing to take part in the job fair portion of the summits do need to pre-register. Registration forms are available by contacting one of Senator Bayh's Indiana offices.