News
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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 reporte...
Four Strategic Steps Economic Development Organizations Can Take to Bolster Workforce Development
Nov 28 2022Employers 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 million peopl...
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 out b...
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 a colleg...
This article originally appeared on and was written for Junction City-Geary County Economic Development Commission by Golden Shovel Agency.
Fort Riley service members transitioning to civilian life in Junction City, Kansas, just got a powerful new tool through the Joint Military/Civilian Innovation (JMCI). The project is a collaboration between the City...
This article originally appeared on and was written for Phelps County Development Corporation by Golden Shovel Agency.
Workforce shortages are top of mind for many industries and businesses. Forbes reports that the Great Resignation seen at the beginning of the year has morphed into the “Great Reshuffle.” While 4.4 million American...
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment has fallen to pre-pandemic levels, but that doesn’t mean the workforce is simply returning to normal. In March of 2022, a record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs, leaving 1.9 job openings for every unemployed worker. According to the Institute o...
This article originally appeared and was written for Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation, by Golden Shovel Agency.
Starting immediately, and continuing through an 8-week rolling application window, Illinois business owners can apply to the $250 million Back to Business (B2B) grant program aimed to deploy funds to those hit hardest b...
Attracting Remote Workers Should Be Part of Every Economic Development Organization's Strategy
Mar 28 2022Remote worker attraction should be part of every EDO’s strategy given how workforce attraction has become critical for economic growth. As businesses have expanded in recent years, so has the need for talent. Whether looking for welders, programmers, manufacturing workers, or office staff, businesses of all sizes have begun t...
This article originally appeared on and was written for Junction City Geary County by Golden Shovel Agency.
In Junction City, Kansas, entrepreneurs are an important aspect of our thriving economy. They help spur growth by taking risks on innovative ideas. Through their hard work and dedication, industries are dramatically moved forward. Junctio...
The Great Resignation has negatively impacted businesses throughout the United States and the world. As CBS reported, in October 4.2 million Americans left their positions for other job opportunities.
Luke Pardue, Chief Economist of Gusto, told CBS “We serve 200,000 businesses across the country and can use their payroll data t...
Making talent attraction easier, and more effective is top of mind for many economic developers and the businesses they support. Talent attraction has been a challenge post-pandemic, whether that means getting people already in the community to work at their highest potential or attracting talent from outside of the area...
This article originally appeared on and was written for Western Iowa Advantage, by Golden Shovel Agency.
Midwest Industries, Inc. in Ida Grove, Iowa, builds high-quality, unique, and innovative products for marine enthusiasts by leveraging state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution processes, focusing on boat trailers, boat lifts, and dock and spa accessories. Midwes...
As businesses throughout the country struggle to fill job vacancies, EDCs are stepping up to the plate. EDCs are working with community partners to develop innovative programs, connect talent with employers who are hiring, upskill the local workforce, and grow a pipeline of next-generation workers. Here are some of th...
Marshall Economic Development Corporation Launches New Website That Differentiates Themselves
Feb 14 2022Website Engages Both Site Selectors and Community Members
MARSHALL, TX -- Marshall Economic Development Corporation recently launched a redesigned website, created by Golden Shovel Agency, to further strengthen its online presence and economic growth for the region. The website has a fresh and modern feel, data that can be consumed i...
Understanding the Workforce
Labor force participation rates drop when fewer people of working age are either employed or actively looking for work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of working-age people between 25 and 54 years old peaked in 1995 at 72 percent, and it has bee...