2. OUR GOALS Reinforce partnerships with our communities Provide leadership - state workforce development efforts Identify, define community workforce needs Increase awareness of our services Workforce Training Resources Regional Managers Business Services Specialists Regional Labor Economists

3. Invitees / Participants Area Businesses Education / Local Workforce Training Providers Legislators / Local Officials Community Leaders Social Service Providers

4. Wilder McCall Mountain Home Kuna Meridian Kootenai County Sandpoint Bonners Ferry St. Maries Silver Valley Orofino Moscow Lewiston Grangeville Caldwell Wood River Twin Falls Heyburn Pocatello Blackfoot Idaho Falls Rexburg Salmon Driggs 17 DAYS / 24 CONVERSATIONS

5. OUR AGENDA Review local labor market conditions against state national, state data Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities Brief overview of how Labor can support efforts to meet area employment needs Follow-up / Action Items

6. COMMON THEMES - STRENGTHS Solid Local Employers Local Education System / Graduation Rate (K-12) Geography / Natural Resources / Outdoors Access to Higher Education Opportunities Skilled, Educated, Flexible Workforce Quality of Life / Lifestyle / Work-Life Balance Economic Opportunity / Business Climate Strong Industry (Healthcare / Aerospace / Mfg. / Mining / Ag / Tourism) Work Ethic, Productivity, Dependability Community Character / Support

7. COMMON THEMES - WEAKNESSES Tight Labor Market / No Available Workforce Wages / Low Wages / Low Wage Jobs Poor Soft Skills Limited Transportation Options Work Ethic / Little Incentive to Work Generational Attitudes Affordable Housing Youth Retention Affordable Workforce Training / Facilities Little Awareness of Options Outside 4-Year Degree

8. NEEDS / OPPORTUNITIES Increase Career Planning - Engage Parents / Schools Expand Local Higher Ed Options (College, University, PTE VocRehab) Expand Youth Employment / Mentoring Programs Develop a Community Vision / Support Local ED Efforts Connect Business & Education Increase Workforce / Technical Training Educate Employers on Hiring, Incentives, Retention, Generational Differences Increase Apprenticeships, Internships, On-the-Job Training Increase Marketing of Area / Job Opportunities Address Housing Issues Increase Awareness of Federal, State Workforce Training Grants