The Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for Osceola and the Clarke County, Iowa area. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to the local workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a “Laborshed area” and is based upon commuting patterns.
The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Clarke County area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high quality workforce.
“With expanding employment options in Clarke County and Osceola,” said Bill Trickey, CCDC Executive Director. “It’s important to understand our workforce, their needs, and how we can best meet the demands of this growing community.”
For the success of this study, we are sending letters to randomly selected households asking residents to take a confidential online survey.
Survey questions will cover topics such as:
- employment status,
- current and desired wages,
- current and desired benefits,
- education level, and
- type of occupations.
Iowa Workforce Development will not be asking survey takers for identifiable information such as: name, social security number, or date of birth. Participation in this workforce study is voluntary and greatly appreciated regardless of employment status or whether you are currently employed, unemployed, a homemaker, retired, etc. Everyone’s input is highly valued.
Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at www.iowalmi.gov/laborshed. If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Katie Lippold at 515-281-3035 or the Clarke County Development Corporation at 641-342-2944.
Thank you for your support and participation.