Report details area workforce

By Rebecca Boysen
Herald Staff Writer

December 05, 2008 11:34 am

— CLINTON — A newly released laborshed report gives an in-depth look at the region’s available workforce.
The report, which is conducted by Iowa Workforce, is a statistical analysis that measures the availability and characteristics of workers within the region.
According to Sylvia Banes, with Clinton Regional Development Corp., the laborshed report may be used by local employers, potential employees and companies looking to relocate to the area.
“It’s a unique tool that only Iowa uses,” Banes said. “It’s used to better understand the workforce, and help prospective businesses look at the area, and help understand what kind of industry would work in our community.”
The report outlines how many people are available for work in the region, whether they are underemployed, unemployed, or trying to get back into the workforce. The study also shows that the majority of area workers, 21.9 percent, are employed in the health care and social services fields, and nearly 18 percent work in manufacturing.
Banes reports that another key component of the report is determining how far people are willing to travel for work.
“People in this part of the state are willing to drive 21 miles one way for the right job,” Banes said. “That is a good thing, because we are drawing from a larger area, and because of that we are able to have more skills available for new employers.”
The previous laborshed report was conducted in 2006, and Banes reported that this year’s study turned up a few surprises.
“Some of the changes that we saw from the previous study are a shift in the region to where people are coming from,” Banes said. “There are also changes in benefits that companies are offering, and there has been a trend of combining sick leave and vacation pay.”
Banes added that the report allows employees to compare their benefits and wages with those of others employed in the same field. It is also a valuable tool for bringing new employment to the area.
“This study is mainly used by economic development groups to attract new companies,” Banes said. “We find that this tool keeps us right on target with bringing new jobs to the community.”