Ten or so years ago workforce development was the job of professionals within the workforce development field. Now, workforce development has morphed into an effort that for some reason more people and professions than needed are trying to contribute to. The issue in many cases is “what” the non-workforce professionals are trying to contribute. Here […]
Automation In Rural Manufacturing & Why It Should Be Incentivized
There are plenty of debates over automation in manufacturing. More often than not part of an automation debate includes automation vs. jobs. Automation is a complicated issue with multiple layers, but for this post, let’s focus on the’ jobs will be lost if automation comes’ myth in rural communities. That’s right “myth”. Let’s get this […]
#1 Workforce Attraction Resource in Manufacturing
The number one workforce attraction resource isn’t money, although money is up there, it is social media. If you don’t have a social media recruiting strategy, you are spending more time and money then you need to in recruiting. Stop using your words and burning your time. Connect to potential new employees by meeting them […]
In Demand Jobs Week Vs In Demand Employee
This week is “In Demand Jobs Week” with all kinds of workforce activities going on. What is an “in demand” job? That probably depends on where you are located. Regardless of the job, this week also merits reminding those who are looking for employment, as well as those hiring, that the employee is the one […]
Quit Treating Economic Development Like A Game Show
Economic development projects are not something you win. Economic development projects are something you first have a community plan for, along with collaboration and engagement with community partners, and then when an opportunity rises you have the economic intelligence to go after what fits your community culture and future, and pass on what does not. […]
Economic Intelligence, A Must
Without economic intelligence your economic development efforts are basically just bribing companies to come to your community, often at the cost of the community itself. What is economic intelligence? It is knowing parameters, trends, competition, community cost per dollar, and community keys involving the greater good over the human propensity to win at all cost. […]
Economic Development Incentive Policy
Tax incentive policy is missing in most community governments. This seems at odds with most community governments being pro-economic development. How can you define what type of project merits a tax incentive if there are no guidelines? How do you justify to the tax payers picking up the tab if you believe an incentive was […]
Economic Development, Good or Bad
It always intrigues me in my travels the various defentitions of what economic development actually is. It varies throughout the U.S., State to State, and at times within a State County, and/or City. There seems to be a lack of clarity if using the words economic development will result in a positive or negative response […]