EDC members and other interested businesses are provided first-hand information on workforce assistance through the Full Employment Council.

Workforce Recruitment & Full Employment

Business location and expansion can be influenced dramatically by workforce quality and availability.

While the area's workforce quality has been repeatedly cited as excellent, availability is limited in some areas. With this in mind, the EDC has initiated several programs to address this issue.

One initiative is the Full Employment Council Workforce Investment Board. To achieve the EDC's goal of workforce issue involvement, several Council members are representing Clay County on the Kansas City Area Workforce Investment Board. One of the developments includes the series of roundtable discussions with the Full Employment Council to inform EDC members of available services, including training and subsidized wages, training and employee location.

Another effort in this area is a good example of the EDC's in-house capabilities. EDC staff have published a unique and comprehensive Work Force Development publication that offers a complete list of area training facilities, including those with programs designed for vocational and staff training. This publication is available through the EDC office.

Among our most creative efforts provides area businesses with access to a FannieMae program that helps employees purchase homes, a proven way to increase employee longevity and commitment.