U.S.-Ontario Knowledge Exchange Focuses on Collaboratin to Strengthen Local Workforces

Oct. 12, 2012 - PRLog -- TORONTO (Oct. 12, 2012) – Economies are going through dramatic changes -- high unemployment while jobs go unfilled, communities struggling with economic development, and threats of another recession.

Workforce and economic development experts from both sides of the border are putting their heads together over the next few days to tackle the challenge of getting people and jobs connected.

Ideas, strategies and best practices to tackle these challenges are the focus of a 3-day, joint U.S.-Ontario knowledge exchange called Economic Development and Workforce Development: Policies for the New Economy. The exchange runs Oct. 15 to 18, with sessions being held in Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara.

"We're in a very different economy from four years ago,” said Ronald Painter, CEO of the U.S. National Association of Workforce Boards and a keynote speaker. “This means economic developers and workforce boards are partnering in completely new ways to plan local labour markets, deliver high quality services, ensure business receives the talent they need, and design economic recovery so that it benefits all members of society.”

One of the issues that will be explored is the disconnect between jobs and job seekers, where there’s high unemployment at the same time as jobs go unfilled because of the lack of skilled people.

“We need to better align supply and demand and we need to do so by using a more collaborative approach. Otherwise, we may all lose,” said Trudy Parsons, Director, Workforce Development for Millier Dickinson Blais, a conference sponsor. “This event gives us an opportunity to bring together leaders from both sides of the U.S.-Ontario border that have a common passion and purpose – maximizing the investment of resources to provide opportunities for all who want to work.”

Presenters for these invitation-only sessions include:
•   Monster Worldwide, which operates the Monster.com website that helps job seekers find work;
•   The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and University;
•   The Martin Prosperity Institute, affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Toronto-area events include:
•   A tour of downtown Toronto’s Central Technical School, which has innovative programs aimed at promoting student success.
•   A presentation from the Toronto Economic Developers Council.

Economic Development and Workforce Development: Policies for the New Economy is sponsored by the National Association of Workforce Boards, InclusionUS and Millier Dickinson Blais.

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For more information, or for media participation, please contact:
Trudy Parsons, Director Workforce Development, Millier Dickinson Blais
tparsons@millierdickinsonblais.com  Phone: 1.855.367.3535, ext. 237; cell 905.869.9664