2017: St. Charles Will Differentiate Itself with a Bold Recruitment Program...of Workforce
David Leezer, CEcD FM
Interim City Manager and Assistant City Manager, Economic Development at Hazelwood, MO
The City of St. Charles, along with a contingent of local industries, EDC of St. Charles County and the St. Charles County Workforce Development Office will be host a special career fair in east-central Illinois during the first quarter of 2017 in Effingham.
Due to the fact St. Charles County is near full employment, our department took a more cutting edge approach in identifying a labor force for our local employers. As leader of the city's economic development program, quality customer service to existing industries is my highest priority. This is one of many approaches we will be taking to address the workforce gap that many St. Charles businesses are experiencing.
East-Central Illinois was chosen because of its close proximity to St. Charles along with the political and economic upheaval in Illinois.
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale recently issued a report stating nearly 50% of Generation X and Millennials want to leave Illinois. Two prominent reasons were the significantly high tax structure and the extreme dysfunction in the state. By contrast, Missouri’s reputation for stable government operations and lower taxes– both at the state and local levels – is an attractive feature for these target markets.
Recent news reports also showed Illinois is losing more population than any other Midwestern state...we a poised to take advantage of that.
Our department will release the industries attending and the date of the program in mid to late January.
Interim City Manager and Assistant City Manager, Economic Development at Hazelwood, MO
8 年Thanks Ward . Helping great companies like Pinnacle/Ameristar remain a leader in its industry is our highest priority. We succeed because we are home to successful businesses .
Executive VP of Operations at Boyd Gaming
8 年Great to have such a proactive base for our business like St. Charles who is getting ahead of the game with local employers and helping source labor for growth opportunities as well as helping employers communicate what a great and growing area the entire city of St. Charles is! Very proud to be part of this business community and city partnership!
Civic Entrepreneur
8 年Excellent strategy, Dave. Placemaking and innovation will be key factors in recruiting & retaining talent. Quality mixed use development, including some forms of transit, will be key competitive factors for both regenerating older cities and sustaining growing suburbs. St. Charles County has the opportunity to lead in these areas and to sustain and enhance its desirability as a place where talent wants to be. Keep up your good work. Dick Fleming Chairman & CEO Community Development Ventures, Inc. CORTEX Innovation District St. Louis, MO