News Releases for July 2007
July 17, 2007
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Governor Announces Workforce Summit 2007
Program to Feature Solutions for Expanding, Attracting and Retaining Workers
BISMARCK, N.D. – The Governor's Workforce Summit 2007 is scheduled for Oct. 11 and 12 at the Radisson Inn in Bismarck. The summit will showcase the best and most innovative ideas shaping North Dakota's workforce arena and will provide business people an opportunity to influence the development of workforce-related policy.
"We have produced more than 25,000 new jobs since 2000, nearly 8,000 last year alone," Hoeven said. "Our challenge now is filling those jobs. This conference is a chance for business people to talk about their workforce needs, help develop solutions to address shortages, and gather ideas from the best workforce recruitment and retention strategies of their colleagues."
Sponsored by the Governor's Office, the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Workforce Development Council, more than 300 business executives, policy-makers, educators, economic developers and workforce professionals from across the state are expected to participate.
The goal of the conference is to identify and articulate unique workforce challenges facing North Dakota businesses and to apply practical, innovative solutions for them. The conference will offer three main tracks: talent expansion, talent attraction and talent retention. A specific track for young professionals is also included in the program.
The conference is targeted toward:
- Industry or business leaders facing talent shortages or skill gaps.
- Businesses concerned about replacing workers who are nearing retirement.
- Organizations challenged by retention and/or managing a multigenerational workforce.
- People interested in learning about best practices and innovative solutions to workforce issues.
- Policy makers, leaders or service providers involved with workforce issues.
Keynote speakers include:
- Mr. Greg Newton, a nationally recognized trainer who will speak on "Workforce Development for Economic Development" and introduce the North Dakota Talent Initiative's goals and objectives.
- Dr. Richard Judy, co-author of the Hudson Institute's book Workforce 2020: Work and Workers in the 21st Century, who will present the "State of the North Dakota Workforce Report" and discuss the report's implications on current and future workforce trends.
An industry panel discussion involving representatives from energy, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing and information technology will focus on workforce challenges, future workforce needs, best practices, and recommendations for policy makers.
The Summit will feature more than 30 concurrent sessions highlighting best practices for talent expansion, attraction and retention implemented by businesses, communities and the workforce delivery system around the state and surrounding states.
The Summit will close with a Legislative Panel that will assess policy priorities and respond to questions from Summit participants. The panel discussion will outline major policy issues to be considered during the interim legislative study that will gather input on workforce issues at four regional focus groups during January and February of 2008.
Individuals interested in participating should register today to qualify for early-bird discounts and to secure a spot at the Governor's Workforce Summit 2007. Registration is available online at www.ndchamber.com.
For more information about the Workforce Summit contact James Hirsch at 328-5345 or email jhirsch@nd.gov.
The North Dakota Department of Commerce works to improve the quality of life for North Dakota citizens by leading efforts to attract, retain and expand wealth. Commerce serves businesses and communities statewide through committed people and partners who offer valuable programs and dynamic services.
E-mail comments to the Governor
