Pulaski County Talent Summit Spurs Community Action
The Center for Workforce Innovations (CWI) partnered with the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC) to host a Talent Summit breakfast on March 6.
CWI received READI grant funding under the NWI Forum to invest in training and work experiences in specific communities, including Pulaski County. All sectors of the community were represented: business leaders from a wide variety of industries, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and educational institutions.
CWI President & CEO Lisa Daugherty and her team facilitated a conversation to identify current workforce needs and challenges in our community. The team presented data on Pulaski County’s labor force and identified CWI programs, such as apprenticeships, employee upskilling, and employer training grants that would benefit Pulaski County employers at a minimal investment or no cost. Employers interested in learning more about these resources should contact CWI at 219-462-2940.
Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to discuss the data presented. A robust conversation focused on barriers to employment and growth in the county and what strategies could be implemented to address the county’s workforce needs. The Talent Summit participants identified three areas of strategic focus: availability of community resources (such as transportation), workforce skill development and educational opportunities, and childcare. CWI will continue the conversation in smaller working groups starting in April to develop specific strategies to address these areas of focus.
The Talent Summit was a true representation of all sectors of the community. In attendance were: 1st Source Bank, Alliance Bank, BraunAbility, Community Navigator, Community Development Commission, Eastern Pulaski and West Central Schools, First Federal Savings Bank, First National Bank of Monterey, Fratco, Galfab, Indian Trails Career Cooperative, Ivy Tech Kokomo Region, Northwest Indiana Forum, NWI Biz Hub, Pulaski County Health Foundation, Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Pulaski County Public Library, Pulaski County Tribe, Standard Inc., Wastequip, Winamac Coil Spring, and WorkOne Pulaski County.
About the Community Foundation of Pulaski County
CFPC is the philanthropic leader serving Pulaski County. Recognizing over 25 years of experience, CFPC encourages the growth of endowed funds to serve and enrich our community today and tomorrow. CFPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.cfopc.org.
About the Center of Workforce Innovations
CWI is a multi-management nonprofit workforce development organization with its finger on the pulse of employment, education, and economic development. They are a catalyst for building and enhancing community and business collective capacity to succeed in a new global economy. For more information, visit www.cwicorp.com.