AG 2004 11 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ , ~ Centralina Reaional CEDS Commun~tv Assessment.,Report- Initial Findings The Centralina region has tremendous assets and is transitioning from a traditional manufactu~ìng economy. There are, however, issues that will hamper the region's success if they are not effectively addressed. After careful evaluation 01all the quantitative and qualitative information, the consulting team has identified the following major issues that will impact the region's economy in future years: Improvina workforce skills and basic education should be a top priority for the reaion. The most critical economic development issue in the nation is the current and projected gap between the employer demand for workforce skills and employee skill sets. This issue is most glaring in regions such as Centralina where skills employed in traditional industries such as textile and manufacturing are no longer in as much demand as they used to be. These traditional skill sets do not match up well with industries that the region has targeted for future growth or with the fastest growing occupations in the technology and medical fields. It is very important for regional leaders to understand that nearly 20% of national businesses require a baccalaureate while close to 80% require skills and.educational attainment below a baccalaureate. The community college system in North Carolina is excellent. The region is well served by these institutions, butmore collaboration among community colleges, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), and school districts is needed - especially in sharing best practices and acquiring state, federal and other funds. literacy issues should be of paramount importance to the region. The region needs to develop and fund creative ways to increase literacy in all the counties. Reading and basic skills are the most important aspects of a workforce. The North Carolina workforce ethic is of course strong and wages are competitive but a business leader needs to know that the. job can get done and that employees can learn on the job. Reaional economic development approach is strona. The area is fortunate to have several organizations that provide regional economic development services: Charlotte Regional Partnership, Duke Power, Advantage Carolina, and Centralina COG. Fortunately for the region, there is a good balance of both private and public sector participation in all of these groups. The Charlotte Regional Partnership is a very effective organization. The regional brand - "Charlotte USA" - is good at drawing attention to the region. The Partnership's web site ¡sone of the better economic development web sites in the . U.S. The organization is well staffed from the top down, and the board is a high level, business-focused group. The Partnership has a challenge in working with counties from two different states with varying levels of incentives and state-sponsored programs, yet they seem to be effectively working with all of their 16 counties. The counties support the Partnership and their initiatives, and the local economic development groups collaborate with the Partnership on economic development initiatives. Duke Power has recently taken a much more proactive role in economic development for its members. The closing and reduction of manufacturing facilities in the region has had a significant impact on Duke Power. Recognizing that its livelihood is closely tied to the economic success of the region, Duke Power is providing economic development assistance throughout its utility service area. The Centralina COG will also continue to playa role in economic development as an Economic Development District is created and utilized by the region. Additionally, Advantage Carolina will continue to playa role for Charlotte and its immediate environs by facilitating action on key regional issues. Considerable weaknesses that must be addressed are: connecting the economic development message and target industries to the UNCC's core. competency centers, embracing a more proactive selling of target industries and connecting the R&D competencies to high tech programs. . & AngelouEconomics 7