Economic & Workforce Development Subcommittee
Purpose
Insure access to opportunities, community resources and education/training supporting individuals achieving full potential and economic self-sufficiency.
Facts
- Michigan lost 100,000 auto-related jobs between 2006 and 2010 (A Cycle of Change: A Brief Profile of the Automotive Industry in West Michigan, 2007-2010).
- West Michigan is anticipating an increase of 6,500 in total employment after losing 10,400 net jobs last year. (Business Outlook for West Michigan - March 2011).
- Unemployment is still high at 9.6% but lower than last year, although more than half have been out of work for 15 weeks or longer.
2010-2011 Accomplishments
- Developed plans for increasing local and state connections around economic and workforce issues into 2012, anticipating changes in local and national funding.
- Developed an Economic Development and Workforce Assessment survey mapping education, employment and economic development resources in Kent County.
- Started Subcommittee member training and education activities to build community economic and workforce development awareness and understanding.
2011-2012 Agenda
- Host or co-host a locally focused, community or regional economic and workforce development symposium.
- Continue expanding community awareness of E&WD Subcommittee work with a wider audience to bring resources to the table and expand membership.
- Create funding strategies to provide an ongoing support structure for the E&WD Subcommittee’s work.
- Develop best practice tested effective collaboration models and strategies that will enhance E&WD outcome achievement.
