Press Release: Workforce Development Month
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COLORADO DEPT. OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
WWW.COWORKFORCE.COM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 2009
CONTACT:
Department of Labor and Employment, 303.318.8004
GOV. RITTER DECLARES SEPTEMBER "WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH"
Getting Colorado's economy back on solid footing is the theme of a statewide campaign that kicks off this month with Gov. Ritter's proclamation declaring September as Workforce Development Month. Over the next four weeks, Workforce Centers, led by the Colorado Workforce Development Council, are teaming with the Department of Labor and Employment to provide a variety of special events for job seekers and businesses across the state.
"We are certainly not out of the recession," says Department of Labor and Employment Executive Director Donald J. Mares, "but Gov. Ritter is working harder than ever to re-energize the economy, create jobs and lead Colorado forward. As a result, we are beginning to see some encouraging signs. The time to prepare for the future is now, and throughout September numerous events and activities will be offered to focus us on the road ahead and get us moving in the right direction."
During September, Colorado's 50-plus Workforce Centers will provide information and services to both job seekers and employers. Activities will range from presentations to employers to workshops for job seekers and events designed to introduce the public to the services offered at local offices. The goal is to help job seekers explore careers and strengthen the services offered to local businesses and start-up companies.
Many of the events will have an overarching New Energy Economy theme. The American Solar Energy Society (http://www.ases.org/) predicts that millions more Americans will be working in renewable energy or energy efficiency industries in the next 20 years. Those jobs will not just be technical, but will include new positions in manufacturing, construction, accounting, and management.
In Colorado, New Energy Economy industries are projected to provide high-paying jobs and build a vital new economic base for the state. Colorado's overall economy is fueled by a wide variety of diverse industries, which are positioning the state to emerge from the recession quicker, stronger and healthier.
Some experts believe Colorado will be one of the first states to emerge from the downturn because of its diverse economy, the technological innovations being developed here, and because of Colorado's growing healthcare and clean-tech sectors.
In his proclamation, which is attached, Gov. Ritter notes that "a skilled and flexible workforce is vital to business performance and supporting Colorado's competitive advantage."
To learn about Workforce Development Month events and activities in your area, contact your local Workforce Center (a full listing of Workforce Centers is available at http://www.coworkforce.com/emp/wfcs.asp).