Regional Forum on Youth Workforce Announced
January 7, 2008
The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Workforce Investment Board and the Regional Economic Development Center at Missouri Southern State University, is hosting a Community Forum on Youth. Open to the Four-States area, the form is set for February 21st from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the third floor ballroom at Billingsly Student on the MSSU campus.
The forum focuses on the emerging youth workforce issues such as career readiness, youth leadership skills, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship. Event organizers have targeted local leaders with a stake in ensuring a strong workforce for the region’s future. Invited to the informal discussions are representatives from businesses, community and social services organizations, government, education, economic development partners, and especially young people ages 16-22.
Dr. Tom Simpson, director of MSSU’s Regional Economic Development Center, will moderate the event. Small group discussions and large group feedback will be collected and summarized by the Center as part of a multi-state effort for the Southern Growth Policies Board’s 2008 Report on the Future of the South. Insights collected from the event will also likely be featured at the Regional Economic Development Conference at MSSU in April and may be reflected in reports and goals for several local participating organizations.
For more information, contact Event Organizer Cary Beasley at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, 417-624-4150, Jasen Jones at the Workforce Investment Board, 417-629-3000, or Dr. Tom Simpson at MSSU, 417-625-3112. Pre-registration to the Joplin Chamber is strongly encouraged by calling 417-624-4150.
