The America China Society of Indiana (ACSI), the Purdue University Center for Career Opportunities (CCO), and the Purdue Chinese Students and Scholars Association (PUCCSA) hosted the Mandarin/English-speaking Career Fair for students on March 11th at the Frances Cordova Recreational Center on Purdue’s campus.

The unique event, which featured 24 companies including Sears Holding Company, BKD, Apple, the International Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, brought out more than 500 undergraduate and graduate looking for internships and full-time positions in both Indiana and China. Hosted in Indianapolis the previous two years, the event is the state’s only such career fair designed for Chinese students.

“We see education as an important pillar in developing a China-friendly Indiana,” said Colin Renk, executive director of ACSI. “Through our blossoming partnership with Purdue, we’ve been able to add a tremendous amount of value to both students and businesses throughout the state.”

On the evening of March 10th,  several employers participated in a networking program designed to help students develop interview and professional interaction techniques. Beginning with a series of instructional seminars, students then intermixed with employers and faculty members to test these techniques.

“We were thrilled with the high-quality of engagement that took place between our students from China and the employers that sought to recruit them,” said Tim Luzader, director of the CCO. “The success of this career fair reflected very positively on the collaborative efforts of Purdue’s career center, alumni association and student organizations with the American China Society of Indiana.”

“What impressed us most about the job fair was the students’ familiarity with both our organization and the ways to market themselves in a professional environment,” said Lei Wang, project manager of the International Center.

ACSI attended the Bedford Indiana Chamber of Commerce meeting on January 23rd where Colin Renk gave the meeting’s opening presentation  covering the basics of Indiana – China economic and cultural relations as well as an overview of ACSI.  Nearly 40 Bedford Chamber members were present including representatives from ACSI member organizations Gaylor and the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council.

The latest event in ACSI’s China Business Proficiency series was held at the Columbus Learning Center on November 14th.  Keynote speaker, Bob Borchelt, gave an overview of Cummins’ manufacturing operations in China.  John Fairbanks provided insight on EB-5 “Immigrant Investor” visa program and the Civitas Indiana EB-5 Regional Center. Dave Carini of ACSI drew from his own experience in China to give a look at how small and medium-sized businesses can establish their footing in the Chinese market.

On October 1st, the Hangzhou Public Library opened the “Taste of Indianapolis” display showing visitors aspects of Indianapolis’ culture, sports,  and business. The 650 guests who attending the opening ceremony were greeted with life-size cutouts of Colts and Pacer players, photo displays, and video reels highlighting Monument Circle, Eli Lilly, the Indianapolis 500, Bazbeaux pizza and other Indy icons.  Members of the Indianapolis-Hangzhou Sister City Committee (IHSCC) were present at the opening of the event to reaffirm cultural, educational, and business connections between the two cities.  See this Indy Star article for more information about the event, and check out the City of Indianapolis Flickr page for more photos.

On September 18, 2013, representatives from Chinese businesses attended a reception hosted by ACSI
and Indy Partnership at the Hyatt Hotel’s Level One Restaurant. The reception followed the Gear Expo,
an international event for gear manufacturers at the Indiana Convention Center, which had a significant
number of Chinese businesses in attendance. The reception, which provided drinks and appetizers, gave
attendees a chance to network informally and discuss prospective business relationships after this large
industry event.