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This article originally appeared on and was written for Bastrop Economic Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency. When you think of high school students, recent graduates, and GED seekers, do you also think about economic development? Bastrop Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) does! Part of an economic developer's job...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Giddings Economic Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency. A crowd of over 130 gathered in Lee County at the Giddings Workforce and Education Summit to hear firsthand about exciting workforce development prospects supported by federal, state, and local efforts and...Continue Reading

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, the availability of high-quality daycare services plays a crucial role in supporting economic growth. Working parents depend on reliable and affordable childcare options to pursue their careers while ensuring the well-being of their children. However, many communities across the country are grappling with severe shortages...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Clinton County Port Authority by Golden Shovel Agency. Workforce challenges are familiar to employers nationwide, but in Clinton County, Ohio, customized solutions are developing out of collaboration. Clinton County Port Authority is working with its partners and stakeholders to meet...Continue Reading

Rural areas offer unique opportunities for businesses to thrive, with lower operating costs, access to natural resources, and a strong sense of community. However, attracting businesses to rural areas can be a challenge for many economic developers. Here are some strategies to get you started. Identifying and Targeting Businesses...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for York County Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency. York County Development Corporation (YCDC) is focused on workforce development so that our local companies have a steady stream of talent to hire from. Locally, we benefit from the presence of York University,...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Carlsbad, NM Department of Development by Golden Shovel Agency. With the freedom to gather and a job market that needs workers, career fairs are back in the workforce development toolkit. But are they worth it? With a bevy of job-posting...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Wyandotte Economic Development Council by Golden Shovel Agency. Over 250 manufacturers across more than 15 industries call Wyandotte County, Kansas, home. Since October was Manufacturing Month, it was the perfect time for Wyandotte Economic Development Council (WYEDC) to continue our commitment...Continue Reading

Talent recruitment and workforce development is top of mind for economic developers looking to meet the needs of growing companies, while ensuring their community can support additional business growth and attraction. Those who are fortunate to have strong partnerships with local community colleges may find that programs are already in...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for La Grande Economic Development by Golden Shovel Agency. Workforce advancement is a multi-faceted endeavor to meet the needs of employees and employers alike. In rural communities like La Grande, developing a skilled workforce is critical to advancing the region’s economy...Continue Reading

As we enter a new year, you may be wondering how to include remote workers in your workforce attraction strategy. We all know that there are many, many more people working remotely now than there ever have been in the past. In fact, in June of 2022, a Gallup survey reported...Continue Reading

Employers across the U.S. have been facing extreme workforce challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, total non-farm employment continued to grow, adding 261,000 jobs in October. This ongoing imbalance between labor demand and supply means that there are 10.7 million jobs still available, but only 5.7...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Rural Minnesota CEP by Golden Shovel Agency. As meat processing plants throughout the nation closed or curtailed production during the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers and suppliers turned to smaller, local processors as outlets for their animals. But after decades of being pushed...Continue Reading

This article originally appeared on and was written for Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency. Competition for skilled workers in today’s economy is tight, and Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) recognizes creative approaches are required for workforce attraction and retention. JREDC leveraged Jacksonville’s advantage as...Continue Reading