A national expert on work force strategies will be the keynote speaker next month during a two-day summit on transforming northern Idaho’s work force so it can meet the challenges of the region’s evolving economy.
Ed Morrison, who developed the theory of Open Source Economic Development, will speak to participants at the Region 1 Workforce Summit being sponsored by the Idaho Department of Labor on March 3-4 at the Coldwater Creek U.S. Inc. complex in Sandpoint.
“Identifying our region’s assets and developing a vision for northern Idaho’s future growth based on those assets will help revitalize every community,” said Vicki Isakson, the assistant manager for the Labor Department’s Coeur d’Alene office and an organizer of the summit. “Working together across all sectors of the economy is integral to our success.”
Issues like regional collaboration, the image of skilled trades and education, the importance of affordable housing and the adequacy of the health care work force will be at the center of the summit. In addition, participants will plan other regional meetings to develop a strategy to create a more dynamic work force for an economy that is trying to diversify beyond forest products.
The region has received an 18-month, $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to underwrite that effort, which is being managed by Isakson.
There is no charge for the summit. But space is limited, and participants can register at http://labor.idaho.gov/workforce.