Regent leader: Just one worker can go long way

By Philip Walzer
The Virginian-Pilot
© November 15, 2011

VIRGINIA BEACH

Regent University's president has a simple request of local businesses: Can each of you hire one more employee?

"I think there are a number of folks in the business community who are considering a hire and just need a little encouragement," said Carlos Campo, president of the Christian university. "Our country has taken a deep breath and is holding it and waiting."

Campo will formally announce Regent's Plus 1 Jobs Initiative today. He said a similar venture in Indianapolis added 200 jobs. Campo would like to top that by June.

The idea, he said, came from members of the university's Students in Free Enterprise group. They will help track the program and the additional hires. Regent also will provide online resources for employers to help sort through issues, such as whether to hire contractors or full-time employees.

The university, Campo said, plans a job fair in February to help employers hire their extra workers, with the hope that it will generate additional job openings.

"Regent has been a great community partner," Campo said, "but I think we've missed some opportunities in our own backyard. We want to have a broader impact on the community."

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