Yakima, WA. – October 22, 2024,– South Central Workforce will present the second annual Yakima County Workforce Conference: Untapped Talent from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., October 29 at the Yakima Convention Center, 10 North 8th Street.
The half-day event will feature speakers from across the Pacific Northwest and address national and local economies, the potential of untapped talent pools like mature workers and justice-involved individuals, and skills-based hiring.
“It’s no secret that hiring workers is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming,” said Amy Martinez, CEO, of South Central Workforce. “Baby boomers are retiring, fewer working-age men are participating in the workforce, and the U.S. birth rate is at an all-time low. A talent crisis is coming,” added Martinez. “To stay competitive, businesses have to understand the workforce challenges headed our way.”
Featured speakers include:
• Joshua La Fon, Lightcast – Global leader in labor market analytics. Clients include the U.S.
Departments of Labor, Education, and Commerce.
• Julie Orchard, Providence – A not-for-profit faith-based healthcare system with hospitals and clinics in seven states.
• Cathleen MacCaul, AARP Washington – Enhancing the quality of life as we age through AARP’s advocacy and resources.
• Ty Reed, Recovery Career Services – Helping people in recovery from addiction, homelessness, and past criminal justice involvement find long-term employment.
The annual event is presented in partnership with the Yakima County Development Association, Yakima SHRM, and the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce. Admission is $20 per person (includes breakfast and snacks). Seating is limited. For those who prefer to listen in Spanish, simultaneous translation will be available by headset.
About South Central Workforce: South Central Workforce is the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) designated by federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) legislation to oversee the public workforce system in Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima counties. The Council is comprised of a 19-member Board of Directors with a business majority and individuals that represent public and government organizations.
