November 8th, 2011

Anticipating the needs of our community.

It goes without saying that our region has been greatly challenged by the strained economy over the past year. Although no one in the nation or state is immune to the high unemployment, Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla counties were uniquely affected by cost-cutting measures when a number of reductions in the state’s labor force left many people out of work. Private employers didn’t escape the consequences of unemployment, either. With more unemployed members of the community, businesses see fewer customers and smaller purchases.

While this situation presented a challenge, we did not see it as insurmountable. We developed a two-pronged approach to address the rising needs of the community. To prepare for state workforce reductions, WORKFORCE plus coordinated a system of community programs geared to meet all the needs of all state workers prior to a layoff through events called ‘Transition Forums.’ The Forums delivered services at the employer’s location in anticipation of their layoff. Before workers become unemployed, we equipped them with the tools and resources they needed to maximize their career potential, secure a solid future for a career change and maintain hope for the future. The overwhelming reaction to these forums was one of appreciation and excitement for what lay ahead in what could have certainly otherwise been an ominous situation.

In response to workforce reductions, WORKFORCE plus developed the JOBS = PAYCHECKS NOW initiative to reverse the consequences of these layoffs and to meet the growing needs of employers for a skilled workforce. This program reimburses employers with half of their new employee’s first month salary in exchange for filling newly created jobs with workers who were involved in a layoff. As such, we matched skilled job seekers with gainful employment and we enabled employers to hire the workforce they needed for success.

While these enterprises represent only a small fraction of the innovative programs we offer, they lend an accurate picture of our ability to anticipate the needs of our community and respond in a way that efficiently supports all members of the community As we have historically, we will continue to explore and implement creative programs and services that are designed to spur economic progress.

Kimberly Moore
Chief Executive Officer, WORKFORCE plus