Expand.Advance.Thrive. - Elkhart County Workforce Attraction
In order to build our workforce and grow our economy we must be proactive in determining the future of Elkhart County through a collaborative and cooperative effort involving local government, educational establishments, and investors.
Mark Dobson, President of the Economic Development Corporation, said that new and creative workforce recruitment strategies are vital for our economy to continue to grow. "Doing the same thing over and over expecting a new result will not address the challenges in Elkhart County. As an example, I believe we have maximized commuting patterns to supplement our labor force," he said. "We've run (commuters) for all they're worth. There's not much left."
While Elkhart County continues to experience unemployment rates well below state and national averages, and job growth at number 1 in the state of Indiana, these numbers may not be sustainable unless certain actions are taken to strengthen our county's workforce availability and skills mix. So how can we prepare ourselves for future growth opportunities in the future?
To answer this question we must evaluate the county's talent capacity. The EDC will continue to create dialog within the community and will introduce an in-depth workforce strategy. Local resources will play a major role in creating this strategy to improve the quality of place in Elkhart County. It is necessary to understand the community's education and training needs as well as the sustainability of the workforce. Tangible actions and initiatives will be created to ensure that county employers have access to a sustainable pipeline of trained talent now and into the future.
As this process unfolds, the EDC will be collaborating with our local resources to create a comprehensive, long-term plan to ensure a solid foundation for the sustainable future of Elkhart County. The EDC will also develop and implement a talent marketing campaign, design and enhance a comprehensive online talent portal, and identify priority programs that support targeted populations in Elkhart County.
The principal goals of this strategic focus will be concentrated in positioning the county for success in education, training, and performance, leading to a long-term and sustainable workforce. These are the first steps in a multi-faceted and complex subject. We will keep you informed along the way as we move toward a people-driven and prosperous future.