The Role of Education in Talent Attraction

19 Sep 2022

News

“Education is now the #1 economic priority,” according to Don Gilman, CEO of Ignite College and Career Academy in Georgia. In the past, most economic development organizations focused their efforts on creating jobs and capital investment. Today, the pandemic’s “Great Resignation,” coupled with the high level of Baby Boomers retiring, has businesses struggling to fill jobs.

Chambers and EDOs are prioritizing talent attraction initiatives to help fill the 11.4 million job openings in the country. Education enhancements directly connect to talent attraction. Efforts such as upskilling, trade-focused high school academies, and promise programs can be differentiators when people choose a community where to live and work.

Read full article.

More Topics

Gov. Reynolds awards $26.6M in Child Care Business Incentive Grants

Sep 19 2022

Governor Kim Reynolds today awarded $26.6 million in grant funding to 23 projects intended to help businesses jumpstart new child care opportunities and make it easier for Iowans to find child care options through their employer. The Child Care Business Incentive Grant is awarding 19 projects with $25.9 million to address infrastructure projects, while...

Buffalo Center's one-stop print shop

Sep 13 2022

Bison Graphics & Awards in Buffalo Center is “your one-stop print shop,” according to long-time owner Alan Carson, drawing in business within an hour radius. Most of his business lies in commercial printing, from business cards to note pads to catalogs to sales forms and much more. Carson also...

We've walked in your shoes

Sep 13 2022

They say that one should be flattered when others copy your work. We get it... and truly, we are flattered! That's to be expected when you are the consistent leader in innovation and the #1 choice of economic development professionals for 25 years. Over that time, we have seen...

Testimonials

Melissa is an exceptional partner in regional economic development. Her ability to coordinate seamlessly with Alliant Energy ensures that Winnebago and Worth counties are always positioned for growth. She is proactive, deeply knowledgeable, and highly collaborative- bringing her into a project early is a guarantee that things will move forward efficiently and successfully.

— Chad Hansen , Alliant Energy

The partnership with Winn-Worth Betco has flourished over the years. Melissa's camaraderie, knowledge, and willingness to share ideas and support other areas have significantly strengthened this collaboration. Winn-Worth Betco has been instrumental in our region’s success. Their proactive approach to business development and their extensive network of industry contacts have opened doors we never thought possible within the region. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued collaboration.

— Jill Kramer, Hancock County Economic Development

Our partnership with Winn-Worth Betco has been incredibly beneficial. Their expertise and dedication to supporting local businesses have helped us navigate challenges and seize new opportunities throughout the region. I highly recommend Winn-Worth Betco’s services for any company looking to grow and expand in this region.

— Mary Ambsbaugh, Franklin County Economic Development Association

I have had the pleasure of working with Melissa Michaelis, Director of Winn-Worth Betco for almost two years now. She is an extremely dedicated, hard-working, highly organized, and passionate advocate for the community. She continues to ensure that the community continues to grow and thrive. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious!

— Sara Cook, Business Engagement Consultant, Iowa Workforce Development