A Workforce Prepared for 21st Century Work

The area’s workforce is not ready for the Knowledge Economy. Answers to this challenge must evolve from reforming the institutions that prepare the workforce, but it also requires changing behaviors and attitudes of workers. Workers must depend more on their “heads” than on their “hands” to add value so they will need continuous skill improvements.

Targeted Marketing & Development

If the Future Forward area is to compete in a global marketplace, it must develop a presence in that marketplace. This effort is designed to identify opportunities for building an image – whether linked to the success of surrounding regions or to developing a regional identity – by implementing regionally significant projects to which public and private leaders can point to as examples of the fruits of regional collaboration.

“Connected and Creative” Living

As the counties in the study area transform their economies, they must also recognize the demands of a changing workforce. “Quality of life” requirements are very different for new generation workers than for older, more established workers. Public policy should acknowledge those changes. Economic development in this climate will require embracing the environment as an asset and ensuring that growth is thoughtfully considered in advance.

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