HCDA talks work force development

Thursday’s topic at the Robins Regional Chamber’s Eggs and Issues event was work force development. The discussion was led by the panel of Angie Gheesling, Executive Director for the Houston County Development Authority, Becky Lee, business and industry specialist for the Houston County Development Authority, and Matt Poyner, project manager of the Middle Georgia Economic Development Alliance.  

Gheesling began by saying work force development is not just brought on by new businesses and industry, but more so existing industry.

“Look at this past year,” Gheesling said. “We had a lot of announcements of expansion projects with our existing industries. It has been reported that 75 to 80 new jobs come from existing companies, and last year we had five major expansions in one year, that speaks volumes. Not to mention the campaign that General (John) Kubinec (Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex Commander) launched year before last to hire 1,200 people in 12 months, which I believe he did in nine or 10 months. This year we are on target for $385 million to be invested and 615 quality jobs created due to existing industry expansions. To see this impact is amazing, and we are very proud to report that.”

Lee shared that Houston County is the 14th largest county out of 159 counties in the state with a population of a little over 153,000.

“There is a lot of good going on here in Houston County,” Lee said. “We have an award winning education system, innovated partnerships with the local technical colleges and universities, the VECTR Center where our veterans who are finishing their service or retiring can come and learn new job skills to enter the civilian workforce, and an untapped pool of labor with a new team, Hiring our Heroes, which helps break the barriers in hiring military spouses. Houston County has been named the top 100 places to do business, and the best place to raise a family. There is also the Interstate 75 corridor being well positioned near Atlanta and the Savannah ports. Most importantly we have the largest military installation in the state with 24,000 employees. With all of these demographics, this is what the site selection consultants look at before they ever come to see our county, and when they get here, our community goes above and beyond in making us look even better.”

Lee also said that the county has had the lowest unemployment rate over the last two decades. She said that there is no talent gap within the county, but rather a skill gap.

“We are working on bridging that skill gap,” Lee said. “With that, is starts communication between the industries and the school system. Seeing what challenges there are within the work force, and how we can resolve those. We have, within the last two years, had great partnerships with Dr. Sabrina Phelps over at the Houston County Career Academy, Houston Healthcare, and so many more where we have hosted summits, for example, to expose students to careers in the healthcare field. And there is more to come.”

Poyner agreed with Lee that it starts with communication between the industries and schools. Poyner oversees 11 counties in helping with economic development and workforce development.

“Houston County is really leading the way in their efforts of creating a workforce pipeline for the future,” Poyner said. “It’s really exciting to see. In the 11 counties that I oversee, we have 47 different industries that total 13,000 employees. So far we have 31 companies who have agreed to build partnerships and programs through their school systems. We also have 25 different manufacturers who have also agreed to help students. This is what it’s all about and it’s a win-win for everyone.”