We hear it every time we meet with our members. Of all of the challenges that they face, one of the most critical is the workforce issue. The issue varies from business to business. Some have positions they could fill if they could find the right employee. Others have a hard time retaining good employees once they find them, and many feel the current workers do not have the appropriate skills that are necessary to be successful contributing employees.
Statistically, only about 54 percent of our working age population (up to 65) is actually employed. So, on the one hand we have a worker shortage. And on the other hand, we have a large number of working age that have left the workforce.
The Greater Owensboro Chamber Commerce and Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Owensboro Community and Technical College and Western Kentucky University understand the critical nature of this issue. Together, we hope to articulate a clear plan to build a system that is responsive to employers allowing them the opportunity to thrive and expand their business in Greater Owensboro. We also want that plan to make the most for our students and our job seekers.
We cannot build this without the input from the people creating the jobs and hiring the employees. This Wednesday and Thursday, we will conduct listening sessions with area employers. The sessions are based on business sectors and are in the following schedule:
Wednesday, May 11
9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Health Care/Medical (direct patient care, ancillary services, research and development)
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Hospitality/Retail/Customer Service
Thursday, May 12
9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Manufacturing/Skilled Trades
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Professional (finance, banking, legal, accounting, engineering etc.)
The sessions will be facilitated by Diana Taylor, who has worked with groups such as the Kentucky Chamber in assessing workforce needs. The sessions are free, but registration is required. Please call the Chamber of Commerce 270-926-1860 for registration.
Upon the heels of planning these sessions, we were greeted with optimistic news that Helen Mountjoy has joined EDC as the workforce and education director. Mountjoy will be a catalyst in bringing the plan together and implementing it with the great team we already have in place in our community.
By Candance Brake President and CEO Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce