Invest Hamilton County Launches Workforce Series with Local Chambers
In 2021, there were more than 60,000 open positions in Hamilton County, representing nearly a third of total employment. The Great Resignation, the COVID pandemic and resulting labor shortage have accelerated talent retention and attraction challenges faced by local businesses.
Invest Hamilton County, along with Hamilton County Community Foundation, Ivy Tech Community College and the OneZone, Noblesville and Westfield Chambers of Commerce are launching a two-year educational series focused on connecting local businesses with subject matter experts and innovative solutions to today’s talent crisis.
“Our goal is to provide quality resources and information that empowers economic vitality for the County’s businesses and residents,” says Mike Thibideau, Vice President of Workforce Strategy at Invest Hamilton County. “Fortunately, our environment is filled with innovators and collaborators, like our Chamber leaders and board members, who are ready to meet this unprecedented time together.”
The two-year series launches with the 2022 State of the Workforce Luncheon on March 23. The event features special guest, Joel Simon, Vice President of Workforce Strategies and Community Insights at EMSI-Burning Glass. Simon will speak to the challenges of the national labor market and how those same trends affect jobs in locally in Hamilton County. Attendees will also hear from a panel of local executives about their challenges and triumphs with talent in the landscape of 2022.
“Our community possesses opportunities for inclusive economic growth that drive high quality of life for all residents,” said Tom Kilian, President of Hamilton County Community Foundation. “Comprehensive workforce development solutions require a large tent and we’re excited to partner with Invest Hamilton County and the Chambers on this education and the resulting community initiatives.” Registration for the March 23 event, hosted at Purgatory Golf Club, is now live through OneZone Chamber, Noblesville Chamber and Westfield Chamber websites.