Indiana Chamber Creates Umbrella Resource for Workforce Development

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has set up an employer resource for workforce development and recruitment issues, reports the Indianapolis Business Journal . Officials say the new Institute for Workforce Excellence will help businesses "attract, develop, and retain" skilled employees. The Institute is expected to serve as the point of entry for the Chamber's existing programs, like the Wellness Council of Indiana, and also guide employers to state programs such as WorkOne and Next Level training grants. The Chamber's Jason Bearce says the goal is to provide an easier, single-source link for businesses to access programs, the education system, and government resources. Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar observes that employers nationwide are desperate for new and better resources to address workforce demands. Some cities and states are going to new extremes to attract workers. For instance, Tulsa, Okla., is offering $10,000 grants to certain workers who commit to living there for at least one year.