Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation to unveil findings of new talent supply study

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) recently announced that it will release its new talent supply study at an event on July 12 at Blue Grillhouse in Bethlehem, Pa.

The event is free and open to the public but requires registration, which can be completed online.

“The availability of skilled labor and the gap between the existing workforce and the skills employers need are key economic challenges, not just in the Lehigh Valley, but in most growing economic regions across the United States,” LVEDC President & CEO Don Cunningham said. “That’s why the Lehigh Valley is taking a proactive approach to bridging this talent gap. The regions with a workforce with the right skills and necessary experiences are the regions that will win the battle for new jobs and business growth.”

The study, conducted by MDB Insight, included interviews, focus groups, and surveys with businesses from five industry sectors and other stakeholders in the region. The five sectors are manufacturing (advanced and food & beverage); high-value business services; life science research & manufacturing; health care; and transportation, warehousing, logistics & wholesale. The report includes findings related to hiring, labor availability, employability skills, talent strategies, education, and opportunities.

It also includes a strategic action that provides 36 recommendations for guiding talent supply communication and implementation strategies in the Lehigh Valley over the next five years.

“Access to talent is one of the driving influences when businesses consider where to establish new or expand existing operations,” Karianne Gelinas, LVEDC director of Talent Supply, said. “This study and our ongoing talent supply initiative will help us sustain a world-class talent pipeline and establish the Lehigh Valley as a new best practice in growing and recruiting talent.”