DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds today (Monday), announced 27 collaborative, public-private partnership events will be taking place to help Iowa build a skilled workforce for the future. From Sept. 4 to Nov. 1, 2019, Future Ready Iowa Employer Summits will be taking place across the state.  One of the events takes place in Clarinda, Sept. 5th (more info. can be found here )

Reynolds said “My top priority is ensuring Iowans have the skills they need to succeed in a global economy driven by disruptive technology. Future Ready Iowa is vital for accomplishing that goal as well as meeting our job creators’ needs. That’s why we’re hosting statewide Employer Summits for top business, community, and education leaders to collaborate, innovate, and ultimately, help Iowans thrive in cutting-edge careers.”

Each event will feature presentations about hiring and retraining practices, collaborating with community partners, and upskilling current employees. Employers, local business members, and educators are encouraged to attend. Iowa Workforce Development is partnering with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and the Iowa Business Council to host the events across the state.

Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend said “Employer support and participation is absolutely essential to the success of Future Ready Iowa and ensuring we meet our goal of 70 percent of Iowans with postsecondary training or education by 2025. The focus of the summits is on employers and how they can leverage Future Ready Iowa to create and sustain its talent pipeline as well as educating them about all the different options they have to grow their skilled workforce, both internally and externally.”

Iowa Association of Business and Industry President Michael Ralston says “Iowa Association of Business and Industry members look forward to co-hosting these summits and learning about workforce solutions with local employers. We hope they will gain a new perspective about state resources that can help their business succeed.”

And, Iowa Business Council Executive Director Georgia Van Gundy says “Iowa Business Council members understand the critical nature of Future Ready Iowa’s success throughout the state. The Employer Summits will be a way for local businesses to learn about Future Ready Iowa programs and the best practices to address workforce challenges in the region.”

The events are of no cost to the attendees. Registration for upcoming events is now available at www.FutureReadyIowa.gov. If you are an employer interested in hosting a Future Ready Iowa Employer Summit this fall, please contact Shelly Evans, Iowa Workforce Development Executive Assistant, at shelly.evans@iwd.iowa.gov