It's Invaluable: The Employer Workforce Training Fund and Economic Development

DOES WORKFORCE INVESTMENT WORK?

ASK CLACKAMAS COUNTY BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ...

"I've had an extremely valuable experience with the Employer Workforce Training Fund," states Cindy Hagan with Clackamas County Business and Economic Development. A strong partnership between the County Economic Development organization and the Local Workforce Investment Board has led to the effective implementation of the Employer Workforce Training Fund to support local businesses. Recognizing that in today's market companies need worker training more than ever, yet are challenged to find the resources to invest in training programs, economic and workforce development organizations have joined forces in Clackamas County.

"We have an amazing Workforce Investment Board in Clackamas County," states Hagan. "And I consider them to be an extension of our team. I see us as a fully integrated team. I really feel like what they do is extremely important to the success of our economic development team because if our businesses don't have access to qualified talent, they're not going to be able to expand and stay in our county. So from a retention and recruitment perspective, I'm truly lucky to be able to work with a great group of people there that know their stuff inside out."

Hagan attributes the Employer Workforce Training Fund with helping a number of local companies compete and grow, even in the recent economic downturn. It has become an invaluable resource to support business retention and expansion according to Hagan.

The Employer Workforce Training Fund has been used as a tool to support economic growth. When businesses work with the county economic development department to expand or relocate the fund helps them address workforce needs. It "speaks to the business community to say 'you know what, we are here to help you and here to support your growth'," adds Hagan.

Does Workforce Investment Work? Ask the Clackamas County Business and Economic Development.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Economic Development
• EWTF
• WICCO
• worker training
• Clackamas County
• Cindy Hagan
• business retention
• business expansion
• jobs
• WIA
• econony