–  Labor availability and quality ‘good’ in Rockford-Belvidere area

Staff Report

A new study of the available workforce in the Boone and Winnebago County area concludes there are more than 47,000 potential employees locally for new or expanding businesses.

According to the report, compiled by Foote Consulting Group using available statistics, random telephone interviews and meetings with employers, the Boone and Winnebago counties’ “labor shed” includes about 11,600 unemployed people interested in returning to the workforce and an additional pool of nearly 36,000 workers who are currently employed and have indicated an interest in changing jobs for the right opportunity.

The labor analysis updates an earlier study completed four years ago and was completed at the request of the Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Growth Dimensions for Belvidere and Boone County and Winnebago County Economic Development.

“With the economy growing and businesses considering expansion in northern Illinois, the release of this study is very timely,” said Workforce Investment Board Chairman Paul Callighan.

“One of the first questions asked by companies considering expansion is about the available workforce in this area,” according to RAEDC Vice President Mark Podemski, “and this report provides helpful information that we can share with growing businesses.”

“The information in the report clearly shows our region has a large potential workforce that is willing to take a better job,” expressed Growth Dimensions Executive Director Mark Williams. “We can grow a stronger, more stable economy by targeting our recruitment efforts to growth industries that match the skill base and desired pay range of this potential workforce.”

The study suggests that more than 24,600 workers commute more than 10 miles to work and might be willing to take comparable jobs closer to their homes if such jobs were available.

Among the report’s other findings:

- Employers rated both the availability and quality of workers in this area as “good.”

- The area has more than 17,000 workers employed in manufacturing.

- The area has an experienced workforce (with 55 percent having more than 10 years on the job).

- Pay scales and labor costs in the area compare favorably to other communities (including Chicago and Madison).

- Businesses will find a very attractive climate for hiring, and there are skilled workers available.

The study makes several recommendations for local officials to consider, including:

- Encourage recruitment and training of new skilled workers in occupations where there are future needs.

- Schools should consider establishing “career academies” to encourage careers, especially in machining, tooling and aerospace industries.

- Develop marketing materials to sell the area’s competitive wages and good labor availability and quality.

Foote Consulting Group, LLC, based in Glendale, Ariz., is a highly-experienced consulting firm specializing in economic development, real estate, site selection, small business IT services, workforce development, green planning and training. The FCG team included Research & Polling, Inc. (RPI), a survey company based in Albuquerque, N.M.

The study is posted on the Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board website at www.theworkforceconnection.org ^[1].

From the May 25-31, 2011 issue