The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, will host a community listening session on workforce development strategy on Monday, September 16, at Merry Acres Inn and Event Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. 

The event, which is open to the public, will allow community members the opportunity to interface directly with CVIOG representatives to share ideas and learn about the community’s opportunities in workforce development. 

“As a part of our joint strategic planning initiative on workforce development, it is important that our community members have an opportunity to engage in the process directly, providing feedback and insight on what they know and what they would like to see as a result of this new endeavor,” said ADEDC President Justin Strickland.

The event is a function of the ADEDC’s workforce development strategic planning initiative announced in May 2019 in partnership with the AACC. The strategic plan is a collaborative effort by the two organizations to develop a specialized strategy designed to bolster resources necessary to develop, attract, and retain talent in the area for industry and commerce. 

“The public listening session will allow for direct input from those who stand to gain the most from the community’s first comprehensive work force strategy – our citizens and our employers,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber. “The demand for talent is strong and it will only get stronger; this work force strategy better positions our community and better aligns our efforts so as to maximize resources and opportunities for employers and job seekers.”

CVIOG, a public service and outreach unit of the University of Georgia aimed at enhancing the capacity of governments to provide services, is serving as the work force development plan consultant.

Development of the work force strategy is expected to be completed by early 2020, and will have a targeted implementation period of three to five years.