Here's one central problem to the struggles regarding economic development of Athens-Clarke County, and it seems to be a mighty big one.
But when the people you've entrusted to promote, develop and recruit business to your community willfully ignore evidence - statistical and antedoctal - suggesting some of the root causes of your problem, you're not going to get anywhere.
Granted, there are numerous challenges facing the community's efforts and Virginia 'Jinx' Patel is right in bringing attention to recent moves to bolster job training opportunities, but the argument is couched in a defensive position coming from an organization that, quite frankly, has largely failed in its central task of fostering meaningful economic development avenues. Few businesses which can provide large employment opportunities are interested in Athens-Clarke County, and those that are repeatedly cite the ill-equipped workforce in the community as a primary reason for locating elsewhere.
There's a valid discussion to be had about whether or not Athens-Clarke County should place such an emphasis on the bio-sciences or whether or not attracting large employers is a viable strategy in this day and age. What shouldn't be up for debate is the fact that time and time again, employers and recruiters have shied away from the community because of the workforce issue.
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Jmac -- I'm with Jinx on this one -- I think the workforce issue is eyewash, and a convenient excuse rather than faulting a host of other challenges in the area.
ReplyDeleteConcur. It's a safe cover for not really doing anything.
ReplyDeleteWell, to be clear, I'm not suggesting there aren't other challenges that the community has to address when it comes to its economic development efforts. However, study after study, and failed attempt to land a large employer after failed attempt to land a large employer, consistently shows that an ill-prepared workforce is a primary reason for Athens-Clarke County's woes.
ReplyDeleteAgain, it's not the only thing, but it is a primary one.