CHEYENNE, Wyoming (November 18, 2013) – Cheyenne LEADS and regional partners will unveil the Cheyenne LEADS Workforce Study at a rollout event at Laramie County Community College Wednesday, November 19th. The regional workforce study identifies challenges facing employers in Laramie County but also highlights the numerous opportunities presented by local educational, economic development, and quality of life assets.
The Workforce Study was developed by Austin-based Avalanche Consulting through a four-phase process of research, interviews, and strategic planning. After analyzing industry and labor market trends throughout Laramie County and the broader region, Avalanche performed a gap analysis comparing the skill needs of local employers to educational production at Laramie County Community College and the University of Wyoming. The strategic planning process concluded with recommendations for Cheyenne LEADS and partners that address workforce development through three components – Educational Alignment, Talent Recruitment, and Lifestyle Improvement.
“Cheyenne is in a favorable position at the northernmost end of the Front Range, with an ideal business climate and strong local educational assets in LCCC and UW,” said Avalanche’s Tony DeLisi, who managed the project. “With proper alignment, these enviable assets, a highly effective economic development team at Cheyenne LEADS, and the unique Wyoming lifestyle can help prepare Laramie County residents for growing job opportunities, recruit talented workers where necessary, and improve the overall community for businesses and residents.”
This project emerged from a growing concern of the LEADS Board of Directors, members, staff, and others throughout Cheyenne and Laramie County with regard to the community’s ability to succeed in economic diversification efforts with a specific concern on the availability of a qualified workforce to meet industry needs. While significant debate has occurred around topics such as unemployment, employee recruitment, quality of life, city amenities, business recruitment, etc., there still remained the lack of objective, evidence-based analysis of the primary factors potentially affecting the ability to sustain and grow a diversified economy with a specific consideration of the workforce.
“A study like this simply does not exist,” states Randy Bruns CEO of Cheyenne LEADS. “This study will be a beneficial tool for today as well as into the future. LEADS’ overall objective of this study was to gather relevant and accurate evidence of key areas contributing to the economic vitality of Cheyenne and Laramie County, Wyoming. We anticipate this study will be used as the basis for larger conversations that must take place in this community.”
This study specifically looked at whether Southeast Wyoming and Laramie County have a qualified workforce shortage and if the workforce currently in this community is adequate for projected future growth. Further, the study looked at what economic sectors/clusters Southeast Wyoming and Laramie County are most competitive with and will the workforce we are preparing today be equipped for the jobs this area is targeting to grow in the future.
“The outcomes of this study will have a definite influence on our efforts in the near, and likely long-term future, especially from a higher education perspective. Understanding our current workforce availability and needs, as well as what our community will demand in its workforce in the years to come is a critical piece to the economic development puzzle. This research will play a large role in helping us fill potential gaps,” states Dr. Joe Schaffer, President of Laramie County Community College. “It provides us with an objective, strategic advantage as we focus our efforts in preparing a workforce necessary for our community to thrive well into the future.”
The rollout event is open to the public and will be held November 19th at 4pm at Laramie County Community College in the Center for Conferences & Institutes, Room 130.
About Cheyenne LEADS
Cheyenne LEADS is a private, not-for-profit economic development organization serving as the economic development entity for the City of Cheyenne and Laramie County, Wyoming. LEADS can assist non-retail businesses in all phases of relocation or expansion.
About Avalanche Consulting
Avalanche Consulting is a national economic development consultancy whose team has 50+ years of combined experience as strategists for 100+ communities. Avalanche offers in-depth research, target industry analyses, talent alignment studies, economic development strategies, and branding and marketing plans. Their work has resulted in thousands of new jobs and more than $30 billion in investment for clients, which range from small towns to major metros and states. They are deeply driven to make a positive impact and enjoy working with people who are equally inspired to energize their economies.
For more information about this development contact Cheyenne LEADS 307-638-6000
Derrek Jerred, Business Development Specialist [email protected]
Anja Bendel, Director of Business Development [email protected]
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