|
Valley economic development alliance kicks off
(Times-News (Twin Falls, ID) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 11--The Workforce Development Alliance officially began its campaign Thursday, outlining short-term plans for maintaining and increasing the number of skilled workers and available jobs in south-central Idaho, as well as ways to use its $5 million federal grant.
The organization, which ties business, government and public education together, will begin its focus on manufacturing and construction industries in the Magic Valley. Long-term goals for the alliance include diversifying the region's economy, expanding the workforce and increasing educational opportunities.
"The organization is receiving one of 13 grants awarded nationally," said Jan Rogers, executive director of the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization. "I guarantee these partnerships will make a difference."
Alliance officials said a short-term goal they have set is to recruit at an upcoming job fair where a Lay-Z-Boy plant is closing, and begin establishing a program for Twin Falls students that will partner with the construction industry.
The group received a $5 million federal grant last year, which will be used as the catalyst to begin most programs. College of Southern Idaho President Jerry Beck cautioned for officials to start now for preparations to continue programs when the grant money dries up. There will be $1 million available immediately and $2 million each for the next two years.
"After today, it's no longer talk, it's no longer a plan," said Joe Herring, co-chairman of alliance and executive director of Region IV Development Association, to a room of more than a 100 people at the CSI Herrett Center.
Twin Falls School District Superintendent Wiley Dobbs -- representing school districts in Jerome, Blaine and Cassia counties -- said that although 70 percent of his district's students ultimately attend college, the manufacturing and construction industries are not fallbacks for students who struggle academically.
"I don't think anything can be further from the truth," said Dobbs, adding such jobs require success in math, science and reading. "Some students enjoy the application of the subjects."
Dobbs said there are already plans to double next year the 120-student computer numeric calibration programs and make a part-time instructor full-time.
Beck said that while partnerships between public and private entities have long been a staple in the Magic Valley, they are now officially being recognized.
Thursday's event came as Idaho bucks national economic trends. In Idaho, the unemployment rate edged up in April one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.1 percent -- nearly 2 percent below the national average, according to recent state figures. In the Twin Falls and Burley areas, unemployment levels also declined last month.
All eight counties in south-central Idaho have unemployment rates between 2 percent and 2.8 percent, and is the only region in the state to gain jobs, according to Roger Madsen, Director of the Idaho Department of Labor.
"As good as it is, it's got to be more," said Madsen.
Most jobs in the nation's workforce now require a post-secondary education, which makes education so much more important, said U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Assistant Secretary Douglas Small. He said that a region's talent -- its workforce -- is the most important factor when a business decides where to locate.
Idaho Lt. Gov. Jim Risch told the crowd that while government's public-private partnerships are crucial to economic development, the creation of jobs begins with the private sector -- not the government.
Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 208-735-3204 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com
To see more of The Times-News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.magicvalley.com
Copyright (c) 2008, The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
[ Back To Homepage ]
|
Home
Featured Article Archives
eNews
RSS FEED
