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Workforce 21 Summit Reveals Findings of Community Audit

A Workforce 21 Summit was held at the Gateway Conference Center in Collinsville, Illinois, on September 16, 2004. The Summit introduced the findings from a community audit for Southwestern Illinois conducted by Workforce Associates, Inc. The audit examined the past, present and future economic and workforce development in Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington counties. The audit also examined the performance of the region's public high schools.

State Senator William R. Haine made introductory remarks at the Summit along with Alan Dunstan, Madison County Board Chairman and John Baricevic, St. Clair County Board Chairman. The keynote speaker was Jim Pennekamp, Executive Director of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois. Dr. Gary Giamartino, Dean of the SIUE School of Business, moderated a panel discussion. Members of the panel were: Jed Deets, Superintendent of Schools, Cahokia School District 187; Robert Miller, Director of Human Resources, St. Elizabeth Hospital; John Fruit, Senior Vice-President, FCB Edwardsville Bank; Rich Sauget, Sr., Sauget Properties and Bill Moore, Senior Industrial Relations Associate, Olin Corporation.

Panelists are pictured here left to right:
Robert Miller, Bill Moore, Rich Sauget, Sr., Jed Deets and John Fruit.

The study identified ten key findings which are the following:

1. A tough quarter century for the Southwestern Illinois regional economy.
2. Southwestern Illinois enjoys some major geographical assets useful for economic development.
3. The growing importance of human capital.
4. Education levels of Southwestern Illinois adults need improvement.
5. A K-12 education in Southwestern Illinois offers plenty of room for improvement.
6. Guidance and career counseling in high schools and the One-Stop career centers need improvement.
7. Strengthen links between educators and employers.
8. One-Stop career centers and community colleges should market themselves more aggressively.
9. Major ongoing demographic changes will affect workforce quantity and quality in Southwestern Illinois.
10. Southwestern Illinois has inherited some non-workforce liabilities that impede economic development.

During his remarks, Jim Pennekamp elaborated on the findings. “Yesterday's skills and knowledge are inadequate for tomorrow's jobs.” Pennekamp went on to describe three scenarios for the Southwestern Region based on the study's findings.

“Things can go on as expected or economic development plans are realized or the area experiences a total meltdown. We must align resources from all fields--educators, business leaders, labor groups, organization leaders, elected officials and concerned citizens. We need creative solutions based on partnerships.”

Dr. Gary Giamartino moderated the Workforce 21 panel.

Based on the study's findings, ten key challenges were developed for the 21 st Century Workforce for Southwestern Illinois . The ten challenges are:

1. Align education, training, and career preparation with Southwestern Illinois major economic clusters and those of the greater St. Louis region. Promote entrepreneurism in Southwestern Illinois and concentrate on strengthening existing businesses
2. Encourage the One-Stops and community colleges to become pro-active in meeting training and other workforce needs of employers in Southwestern Illinois .
3. Enhance content and broaden the scope of One-Stops' market research.
4. Address a growing shortage of healthcare professionals.
5. Reduce regional “brain drain” and actively encourage professionals to return to the area.
6. Increase direct interaction between educators and the business community.
7. Reduce high school dropout rates and raise graduation rates.
8. Improve the academic performance of all Southwestern Illinois primary and secondary students as measured by Illinois standardized tests. (also emphasize teamwork, customer service, and other “soft” skills)
9. Dramatically improve the quality, quantity and attractiveness of vocational high school curricula.
10. Enhance the quality of career and guidance counseling in all area high schools, the One-Stops, and the community colleges.

Pennekamp concluded the Summit by saying, “There was nothing said today that was new. The study's findings validate a lot of what we want in Workforce 21. I firmly believe nothing will change unless we look at these recommendations and formalize them. We need to move on these issues and make a difference.”

Workforce 21 is comprised of local business, labor, economic development, community-based organizations and leaders, one-stop partners and education leaders. Workforce 21 serves the employers and job seekers of the Southwestern Illinois counties of Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair and Washington.

Inquiries about Workforce 21 or the community audit findings may be directed to either Bill Hanke (618-692-8943) or Chris Johnston (618-277-6790 ext. 3259). You may also access information by visiting www.madisonbondwib.org or www.mawib.com.