For Immediate Release

 

Date:                 July 10, 2009

Contact:          Office of Government, Policy and Public Relations

Phone:             (303) 318-8004

Fax:                 (303) 318-8070

Web:               www.coworkforce.com

 

 

WORKFORCE CENTERS TO HOLD “LISTENING SESSION” TO LEARN
HOW THEY CAN BETTER SERVE LOCAL EMPLOYERS

 

(DENVER) – With no issue more important to economic development than a skilled workforce, the Workforce Centers serving Edwards, Glenwood Springs, Leadville and Rifle are working to build stronger relationships with the employers they serve.  They know that economic development is built and strengthened one business at a time and that when businesses are successful, the community prospers as well.

 

To that end, the Workforce Centers are inviting local employers to an information gathering session on July 15.  In order to hear from as many employers as possible, five different sessions will be held on that day in five locations:

 

Date:                Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Time:                10 AM to 1 PM (lunch will be served)

Locations:         IVS Rooms at Colorado Mountain College in:

                        Dillon, 333 Fiedler Avenue

                        Edwards, 150 Miller Ranch Road

                        Glenwood Springs, Spring Valley Campus, 3000 County Road 114

                        Leadville, Timberline Campus, 901 S. Highway 24

                        Rifle, 703 Railroad Avenue

 

The listening sessions provide a unique opportunity for employers to meet face-to-face with Workforce Center staff and provide their input regarding key issues and how local Workforce Centers can assist them.  The sessions have been organized by the Rural Resort Workforce Board which is comprised of business and community leaders who set policy for the Workforce Centers in Eagle, Garfield, Lake, Pitkin and Summit Counties.

 

John Mullen of Beaver Run Resort chairs the Board.  “The local Workforce Center is a key player in tackling the economic challenges facing the community,” he says, “and these listening sessions will help them better understand the needs and concerns of the employers they serve.”

 

Mullen says that before embarking on a plan for the future, it is important to establish a baseline understanding of employer needs and concerns.  “Businesses know that they can only be successful when they fully understand their customers’ needs and expectations.  That applies to Workforce Centers’ plans for the future as well -- and these sessions will help start an important dialogue with them.”

 

The Workforce Board is particularly interested in hearing from local business representatives on these issues:

 

§                     Workforce issues and their top concerns for the future

§                     Necessary skills for an employee to be successful in their business

§                     Training that would build a more skilled workforce

§                     The recruitment and retention issues facing their business

§                     How Workforce Centers can help them achieve employment goals.

 

Seating is limited so employers interested in attending should RSVP to Mary Cunningham at (970) 926-4440.

 

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