Roundtable Discussion Highlights Workforce Development by Aaron London
Scan the QR code to access the EVOLVE Live ! podcast of the Roundtable discussion
As communities across the country adapt to the changing realities of growth and regional development in an uncertain world , attracting and retaining skilled workers and professionals is the foundation of economic success .
The challenges and opportunities in building a talent pool in Volusia County and beyond was the topic of a roundtable discussion hosted by John Guthrie , editor of EVOLVE Magazine ’ s Greater Daytona Region edition .
Guthrie spoke with urban redeveloper Jack White , co-owner of Jack White Land Co .; Kim Grey , a human resources professional is Head of Talent and Inclusion at TopBuild ; Kate Sark , marketing and communications manager at the Ocean Center ; and Robin King , president and CEO of CareerSource Flagler / Volusia .
“ Recruitment is so important ,” Guthrie said . “ Trying to recruit businesses is one thing ; trying to recruit talent is more of a discussion because that is what makes everything go .”
Guthrie began the roundtable discussion by referencing the work of Richard Florida , an urban studies theorist and author of the book “ The Rise of the Creative Class ,” where he argues regional economic advantages are no longer based on raw materials or on competition to attract companies . Instead , Florida says , creativity is the “ raw material ,” and the creative class of innovators and entrepreneurs will drive future economic growth . White said the creative class is “ definitely out there ,” and attracting them to the area “ is more important today than it was 10 or 15 years ago .”
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