City leaders, locals talk Anderson economy at job fair

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) — Anderson city leaders touted economic growth at today’s downtown job fair. More than 50 employers were at the event, along with hundreds of prospective employees.

Anthony Parran was one of them. He said the city could do more to create economic growth.

“When I do look at the news quite a bit and see other places popping up around the Indianapolis area, it’s like, man, why couldn’t they come to Anderson?” Parran said.

Parran attended the job fair because he wants to move on from his minimum wage salary to help support his family.

Many locals in attendance were greeted by Anderson Mayor Kevin Smith.

“We’ve got a lot of great new companies,” Smith said.

According to Smith, Anderson’s unemployment rate is now under six percent. He said the city is bouncing back from the economic blow of General Motors leaving town.

“We know that we’re having an effect on the job market with the new industry moving in and jobs being increased,” Smith said.

“I do believe there could be a little more improvement,” Parran said.

Parran said he’s grateful for the resources provided, and he believes city leaders are working hard to create growth.

He just hopes, for his sake, that hard work pays off.

“I’m definitely keeping my eyes open, keeping my ear to the ground, trying to see what’s out there and what’s available.”

Event organizers said some of the employers there were looking for immediate help.

City leaders said they plan to make that job fair a yearly event.