Guest Speech of the U.S. Secretary of Labor; Elaine L. Chao

The 6 June, 2006 – a special and remarkable day for the IMC University of Applied Science in Krems. The IMC Export Department under the auspices of Chair for International Law and Global Political Studies have organized a visit of the U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. Making a one-day stop on invitation of Minister Martin Bartenstein, on her way to the ILO Conference in Geneva, Excellency Chao gave the IMC as the only Austrian University the honor of a guest-lecture and therewith strengthened the international positioning of the University. After her visit to the castle of Dürnstein (hosted by Mayor Mag. Barbara Schwarz), and a tour through the historical IMC Piaristen premises Excellency Chao held a very inspiring and vivid speech in front of the crowded Baroque Piarist Hall.

Secretary of Labour addressed our fellow students and professors with main US-labor related topics such as future job creation, generating a climate for growth and the wage gap between men and women. When talking about her tasks in the Department of Labor she gave a realistic picture of all strengths of the U.S. workforce not forgetting to mention some current weaknesses and challenges. As challenges H.E. Chao named the current and future shortage of labor and their skills gap and the problem of the aging population with respect to private pension funds. When the issue of immigration came up Excellency did not hesitate to refer to her own background and experiences. Underlining the importance of labor flexibility and social mobility, Secretary Chao encouraged the IMC efforts in promoting an applied science approach, openness to business community, a strong focus on languages and the internationality of our university as well as the high mobility of our student and teaching body. A garden cocktail in honor of Secretary Chao in the courtyard of IMC was an opportunity for nearly hour long informal conversation with students. Responding to students’ questions on her personal background Excellency Chao agreed that if you believe in yourself and work hard everything can be possible.

Elaine L. Chao is the first Asian-American woman appointed to a President’s cabinet in U.S. history and since her conformation by the Senate to the 24th Secretary of Labour in 2001 she devoted herself to the concerns of the U.S. workforce and enterprises. Excellency makes huge efforts to ensure that all American citizens have the opportunity to pursue lives of dignity and financial independence. After having studied at the M.I.T., Dartmouth and Columbia University and having received her MBA from the Harvard Business School she finally brought a wealth of business experience to her government posts.

Summing up at the end of this content-intensive and extremely valuable event with the EXP Program Director, Mr. Ernst Fietz, IMC Vice-Dean Ms. Eva Werner and Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, EXP Chair and principal host of the event, Excellency Chao stated that she was impressed by the vision and enthusiasm of the IMC academic staff as well as by huge interest, commitment and internationality of our students as demonstrated throughout the questions and long discussion with her. Besides expressing her wish to return to our University, Secretary of Labor promised to personally debrief the US Ambassador to Austria Ms. Susan McCaw as well as to share her impressions with the members of Cabinet upon her return to Washington.

Accompanied with Mrs. Laura Genero, Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Mr. Scott Kilner, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Mrs. Dayna Robison, Political Officer, U.S. Embassy in Vienna and Dr. Roswitha Haller, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Secretary Chao ended her three hour visit around 15h and furthered to press conference in Vienna.

Reflecting upon the event the IMC Export Program Director Prof. Ernst FIETZ said that this visit has shown that IMC, as already regionally well-established place of visits and guest-lectures of prominent experts and top-diplomats, can host the highest ranking officials, which should be seen as our sustained effort to promote Lower Austria and particularly the Krems as business and educational region.

Text: Mr. Bajrektarevic