Skilled Workforce Town Hall Brings Together Business Community and Educators

On July 24^th, The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce and Hutchinson Community College hosted The Governor’s Council on Education, The Kansas Chamber of Commerce and The University of Kansas School of Business to present The Skilled Workforce Town Hall at Hutchinson Community College. The town hall aimed to define what a skilled workforce in Kansas looks like through a survey of businesses across the state.

Discussion was lively and focused on addressing the skilled workforce shortage in Reno County and how that fits into the skilled workforce of Kansas. Many great ideas were presented by those in attendance which will help bring businesses and education together better than ever to help grow and improve our skilled workforce in Reno County.

Listening was balanced with discussion, which allowed for the businesses and educators to brainstorm resources and events that would open doors, while at the same time benefiting those who are in and those who will be entering the skilled workforce. Their discussion cultivated an opportunity to learn from each other and build each other (and the community) up.

To follow-up, there will be a meeting facilitated by the Chamber, with educators and the business community to continue the dialogue and collaborative events to coincide with National Manufacturing Day and other events.