Governor Mark Dayton speaking at the the 2014 Veterans Career Fair.

Today, Governor Dayton traveled to the 2014 Minnesota Veterans Career Fair. At the Brooklyn Park event, the Governor thanked Minnesota employers for their continued commitment to hiring and supporting military veterans. The job fair, hosted by the Department of Employment and Economic Development, is the largest event in Minnesota for veteran job seekers.

"Hiring veterans is one of the best investments a business or organization can make," said Governor Dayton. "Minnesota veterans have the skills employers are looking for, including leadership, intelligence, dedication, and loyalty. They offer the energy and know-how our economy needs. I thank the 140 employers who are participating in tomorrow's Career Fair, and offer the state's continued support to Minnesota's heroes as they search for good jobs and new careers in our communities."

Now in its eighth year, the Minnesota Veterans Career Fair has been quite successful in connecting veterans with jobs. Historically, 10 to 15 percent of veterans who have attended have found a received a job offer there.

And to make it easier for Minnesota veterans to pursue job opportunities, Governor Dayton and Hilton Hotels announced a new initiative yesterday to provide free accommodations to veterans. Under the new pilot program, veterans who are searching for employment, attending job interviews or skills training, or are looking for new housing in Minnesota, are eligible for three free nights at a Hilton Hotels location in our state.

According to Hilton Worldwide, the average hotel stay in the Twin Cities metropolitan area costs $200 per night. That means veterans who are eligible for free hotel accommodations can save up to $600 under the new pilot program.

Minnesota veterans seeking job opportunities should visit the Department of Employment and Economic Development website. On the website, veterans can find valuable resources to help them find a job or start a business.