CareerSource Florida’s Post

Florida leads the nation in several ways regarding its economy and potential. With low unemployment rates (Martin County's is the lowest on the Treasure Coast) and a high rate of new business formations, Florida is the No. 1 state for net in-migration, attracting people from other states due to favorable economic conditions and quality of life. Take a moment to read this interesting opinion piece from Florida Daily and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and learn more about opportunities for Florida and local workforce efforts.

🚨 Addressing Massachusetts’ Housing Crisis: A Call to Action for Business Leaders and Startups 🚨 Massachusetts has long been celebrated for its world-class education, technological innovation, and vibrant business community. However, the 2024 Massachusetts Talent and Competitiveness Survey from the MA Business Roudntable reveals a growing concern that threatens that competitive edge: the soaring cost of living, with housing at the forefront. 🔑 Key Insights from the Survey: • Housing Costs: An overwhelming 83% of companies cite the cost of living, particularly housing, as critical to their decision to remain in Massachusetts. This is a 2.5x increase since 2022. • Recruitment Challenges: Over 50% of organizations report that candidates are unwilling to move to Massachusetts due to high housing costs, making talent acquisition increasingly difficult. • Economic Impact: 73% of respondents rate economic risks, magnified by housing costs, as their top worry impacting business operations. I believe that investing in housing production is paramount to maintaining Massachusetts’ status as a hub for talent and innovation. 91% of respondents agree that such investments will significantly boost our state’s competitiveness. 🏡 Our Call to Action: 1. Accelerate Housing Initiatives: The Senate just approved the Housing Bond Bill, which will streamline permitting processes, and make investments in housing innovation, access and affordability initiatives. 2. Collaborate with Government: Advocate for state-level policies promoting housing supply and incentivize businesses and investors to invest in local housing projects. 3. Innovate and Invest: Embrace innovative solutions and encourage support and investment in the housing ecosystem. Massachusetts has the potential to lead by example, demonstrating how a robust housing strategy can sustain economic growth and attract top talent. #HousingCrisis #Massachusetts #TalentRetention #Innovation #BusinessLeadership #ADU #ModularConstruction

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Upwardly Global’s public board meeting on “Revitalizing Communities Through Workforce Partnerships” featuring: Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council; Steve Tobocman, Executive Director of Global Detroit; Zachary Osolo, Assistant Manager at Interfaith Works of Central New York; and Tammi Ling, Upwardly Global Board Chair The conversation centered on how Upwardly Global and partners are building the business and advancing #immigrants into skill-aligned work in order to drive local economic growth, helping revitalize communities all around the country. We also delved into how we can deepen these partnerships and advance policies that are embedded in local communities’ needs. Right now, we’re seeing a lot of progress and momentum on reforms at the local level to eliminate red tape for internationally trained doctors so they can get back into their field to support communities that desperately need this talent. Last year, Illinois passed groundbreaking legislation with the support of Upwardly Global and other organizations and partners on the ground. Similar efforts are currently underway in Virginia, where the local legislature has also passed a bill currently awaiting for the Governor’s signature, as well as in many other states around the country. If you missed it, you can now watch it online! Learn about our innovative and successful workforce inclusion model, transformative partnerships, and impact. #EconomicInclusion #EconomicGrowth #CommunityRevitalization

For the 2nd year in a row, Site Selection Magazine named Illinois the #1 leader for workforce development in the Midwest. The state keeps jumping up the economic development charts, ranking: #2 in the U.S. for corporate investment #2 in the U.S. for infrastructure #2 in the U.S. for education #6 in the U.S. for capital access #9 in the U.S. for cost of living CNBC also recognized Illinois as one of the top states for business, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. recently found that 61% of Illinois' small and midsized business owners are optimistic about the region's economic climate. With stats like this, it's no wonder that our newsletter is PACKED with wins and big announcements, with information on the new Made in Illinois automation grant from IMEC Illinois & Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a deep dive into the new pool project proposed by Diveheart & Jim Elliott, and a new $8.1 million award for infrastructure and technology presented by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. We rounded up everything that you need to know about business now: https://lnkd.in/gE4gZtbN

Check out the latest report on 'Best and Worst States to Work' in America, where North Carolina ranks 41st. Our Chief Economist, Gerald Cohen, has weighed in on the report with valuable insights. Explore Cohen's analysis and explanations, drawing from his rich experience with the American Growth Project. 🌐 Ready to uncover the factors shaping North Carolina's ranking? 📈 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gJreTJKw #KenanInstitute #KIPE

ICYMI - The Massachusetts Business Roundtable released its 4th Annual Talent and Competitiveness Survey last month, in collaboration with McKinsey & Company The survey found that Massachusetts continues to be a hub for education and technological innovation. However, macroeconomic headwinds outweigh tailwinds as factors influencing where employers are growing their workforce and footprint. The rising cost of living, led by the cost of housing, is the dominant factor influencing organizations’ decisions to remain in Massachusetts. This is impacting hiring, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit talent to Massachusetts and more employers are planning to grow their presence outside of the state. The survey also includes solutions to address the state’s challenges and positively impact its position as a global leader, including focusing on housing production, workforce development partnership, and incorporating artificial intelligence. As we highlight in the CommonWealth Beacon op-ed below, "Now is the time to bet on Massachusetts." Check out media coverage: Boston Globe: https://lnkd.in/ep3u3fMv Boston Business Journal: https://lnkd.in/esuZJJFm CommonWealth Beacon: https://lnkd.in/ewVjwGDQ Boston Business Journal Greg Ryan Boston Globe Media Jon Chesto CommonWealth Beacon CommonWealth Beacon Michael Jonas bruce mohl Lucy Perez Alec Wescott

We learn better together. Read about our recent in-person Roundtables in our latest Raddon Report article linked below, and save the date to join us at one of our upcoming Raddon Roundtables later this year.

Dave's Top Ten for the week of March 15th, 2024   We start the top ten with several charts from NBF’s Economic Team that shows the deterioration of our economic status versus the US and how private investment is falling. It is also the subject of an extremely well-read piece by Andrew Coyne in the G&M.   Pierre Poilievre was in Vancouver last week speaking to the Vancouver Board of Trade and this is the first time as leader speaking to such a group.   Barry Penner is a former cabinet minister in BC, and he wrote about the many limitations with the Green initiatives the province is taking on. Barry provides an important balanced perspective.   Next is one of many articles highlighting the energy needed for artificial intelligence, data centers and the boom in clean tech manufacturing. The US has some major challenges as they are the global leaders in these areas.   There has been a lot of pushbacks on these new Airbnb restrictions starting in the spring and it appears some people at Victoria City Hall have had a lot citizens asking for some relief.   A critically important piece from The Atlantic showcases the many issues with phones with kids. When smart phones took over the market, the 24-hour access to social media started to have a real impact to lives out there.   The homeless and drug issues in BC are massive and a well-known filmmaker thinks the issues in Vancouver Eastside is worst anywhere. Tristin Hooper reported on it in the National Post.   There were a couple of funny parts of the Academy Awards, and it seems that Ryan Gosling is becoming the go to actor to help with the ratings. There is also a lot of chatter that John Mulaney will be the next host.   Finally, a feel-good story out of Milwaukee as Cody Hodgson is trying to make a comeback in the AHL.   The sun and warmth have finally arrived on the coast and enjoy the weekend.   David Please email me at dschneider@aligned.com if you want the weekly list with the attached reports.