Surveys will help determine future economic opportunities
9/9/09
The Highlands Region is undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the labor market in our service region. The area being studied consists of 3 counties – Overton, Putnam and White. Local residents and businesses are being called on to help.
This data will assist existing businesses in finding qualified workers, help workforce agencies match workers with jobs and training programs, and guide educators and other training providers in preparing the workforce for existing and emerging employment opportunities.
“To succeed we need the help of both individuals and businesses in the community,” said, Lillian Hartgrove, vice president of Economic Development for the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, “Our goal is to position the area for future growth and business success. Response to our surveys is a very important part of this process.”
Some local retail businesses will be asked to participate by allowing survey teams to conduct interviews at their location. These interviews to identify workforce skills and availability will be conducted Sept. 24-27 at locations provided by retailers throughout the three-county area.
Many businesses in the region will receive a separate survey during the week of Sept. 21. This survey asks employers about the availability of skills, the quality of and, the cost of the region’s workforce. The information from the survey will be invaluable in identifying the key workforce-related issues impacting businesses across the region.
The surveys of local residents and employers will help identify key workforce information including:
· Skills and characteristics of the labor force
· Any untapped labor force segments
· The extent of underemployment in the workforce
· Types of employee training needed to keep local businesses competitive
The results of this study will help position the region to meet the challenges of the future through a well-trained labor force. The programs stemming from this study will help ensure a pipeline of trained employees and provide information on labor availability, quality, and cost by county and region.
“Workforce skills and availability are the most critical factors for businesses. To create quality job opportunities and to meet the needs of industry, communities must understand and address workforce issues,” notes Hartgrove.
Younger Associates of Jackson, TN, in conjunction with Wadley-Donovan GrowthTech of
For more information contact the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce at 931-526-2211.
-###-
