Grow Together Q2 2019 Economic Update

Grow Together WORKFORCE EDITION

Q2 2019 ECONOMIC UPDATE

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WORKFORCE EDITION In this edition of our Quarterly Report, we’re taking a deeper look at one of the biggest issues facing companies and communities: the workforce. While there are many challenges in aligning education and training with workforce needs, recruiting and retaining a population with diverse, in-demand skills, and looking ahead to anticipate the jobs of the future, we believe that there are a lot of opportunities for success, too. And when Winston-Salem companies, educational institutions, and community organizations work together to tackle these issues we can form a seamless integration of workforce solutions. The articles within this Special Edition highlight just a few of the initiatives that are making that happen.

LIVABILITY PAGES 3-4

CAREER READINESS

TALENT RECRUITMENT

PAGES 9-10

PAGES 5-6

EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

TALENT PIPELINE

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT PAGE 7

#LEARNTOGETHER

STATE OF EDUCATION ALL OF OUR INSTITUTES OF HIGHER EDUCATION CONTRIBUTE TO BUILDING AN EXCEPTIONAL WORKFORCE. For the first time, the Chamber is hosting a State of Education luncheon bringing together educators and business leaders to collaborate on the roles each can play to ensure our students are career ready. Winston-Salem’s institutes of higher education play a crucial role in developing a knowledge-based economy for future growth. We will hear from education leaders and discuss ways in which we all can work together to strenghten their success.

SEPTEMBER 4 BENTON CONVENTION CENTER

FEATURING: FORSYTH TECH Dr. Janet Spriggs, President PIEDMONT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Dr. Charles Petitt, President SALEM COLLEGE Sandra Doran, Interim President UNC SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Brian Cole, Interim Chancellor WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY Dr. Nathan Hatch, President WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY Dr. Elwood Robinson, Chancellor

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

REIMAGINE, TOGETHER THE CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW EXTERNAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO RECRUIT TALENT BY PROMOTING WINSTON-SALEM’S LIFESTYLE. Talent attraction is a key component of economic and community development, contributing to a more diverse workforce and stronger economy. The Chamber’s new livability campaign features a video showcasing Winston-Salem’s culture and a new section of our website offering relocation information and community statistics. Through external marketing efforts, we are reaching key markets with our message. The campaign also supports the efforts of local employers, realtors, and others involved in talent recruitment and relocation. With the new campaign, we invite people to reimagine the possibilities, right here in Winston-Salem.

The Chamber’s website now includes relocation information such as the cost of living, community amenities, schools, a rental and real estate directory, and job opportunities.

WINSTONSALEM.COM/MOVE

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LIVABILITY CAMPAIGN IMPACT REPORT Since releasing the “Our Time is Now” video and launching the Move Here section of our website, the campaign has made a significant impact locally and in target markets. Here’s an overview of our impact as we look to grow the workforce through talent attraction.

QUICK LOOK:

MAY 31-JULY 31 FIRST 8 WEEKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

288,799

29,322

2,949

1,571

SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS

VIDEO VIEWS

FOLLOW-THROUGH CLICKS

REACTIONS ON POSTS

WEBSITE: 987 VISITS

BY PLATFORM:

3:02

2,338

AVG. MINUTES PER SESSION

SEARCH IMPRESSIONS

VIDEO VIEWS

19,822 FACEBOOK

2,978

3,696

2,493

LINKEDIN

YOUTUBE

TWITTER

TOP 5 MARKETS

BY ENGAGEMENT

1. HOUSTON 2. CHARLOTTE 3. DALLAS/ FT. WORTH 4. RALEIGH/DURHAM 5. ATLANTA

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WINSTON-SALEM IS TRENDING In recent weeks, Winston-Salem has hit the national spotlight on a variety of rankings related to quality of life, affordability, and business creation. These are significant achievements which help to drive growth and recruit talent to our community. The recent national recognition is yet another way we can see the momentum building for Winston-Salem!

NATIONAL RANKINGS:

#5 #3 #1

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BEST CITIES FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS LIVABILITY.COM

MOST AFFORDABLE DOWNTOWNS TO LIVE IN ACROSS THE US MSN.COM HIGHEST GROWTH IN BUSINESS STARTUPS WALLETHUB.COM

MOVING FORWARD, TOGETHER The Winston Salem Chamber has compiled a whitepaper on Winston-Salem and Forsyth County’s economy which includes data on growth over time. The data is indexed against other mid-sized cities with comparable populations and economies, providing context on how Winston-Salem compares to like cities. Some of the report’s highlights are below. Click to read the full report.

2.4%

$22.47/HR

$45,550

MAY 2019

2018

Q1 2019

ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT GROWTH RATE IS ABOVE AVERAGE IN NORTH CAROLINA.

AVERAGE WAGE IS THE HIGHEST OF NINE COMPARABLE METRO AREAS.

AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGES ARE UP 14.2% SINCE 2012.

Sources: NC Department of Commerce, Labor & Economic Analysis & Jobs EQ

AT A GLANCE COMMUNITY INSIGHTS FOR WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH COUNTY

3.8% UNEMPLOYMENT

336K 16.1% $20.45 $72M LABOR FORCE

CLASS A OFFICE VACANCY

CLASS A OFFICE AVERAGE RENT

CONSTRUCTION PERMITS, Q1

Bureau of Labor Statistics | Michael S. Clapp & Associates | WS/FC Planning & Development Services

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A “LEAP” AHEAD FOR STUDENTS Forsyth Tech has launched a new program combining on-the-job training and technical education. The program, named Learn and Earn Apprenticeship Program or LEAP@ Forsyth Tech, will provide students an opportunity to obtain their degree while earning an income.

The LEAP program can help existing employers meet workforce needs and provide new opportunities for students in a variety of technical careers. It will also increase the diverse array of local educational opportunities, something that employers look for in economic development and expansion considerations.

“Through this apprenticeship program, we will expand the skilled workforce in our region, provide a strong positive impact on our economy, and increase our ability to attract new and expanding industries to our community.”

DR. JANET SPRIGGS PRESIDENT, FORSYTH TECH

AVIATION GROUNDBREAKING Forsyth Tech and City and County officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the Mazie S. Woodruff Aviation Technology Lab at Smith Reynolds Airport. The aviation building is expected to cost $16 million and open in Fall 2020. It will offer two degree programs and support the local aviation industry of 6,000 employees and 40 companies in the Triad.

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CTE = SUCCESS AT WS/FCS In Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, more than 87 percent of middle and high school students were enrolled in at least one Career & Technical Education (CTE) course during the 2017-18 school year. CTE offers 8 program areas that set students up for success via Career Pathways. The program’s strong success rates show the school system’s ability to align educational opportunities with workforce needs.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION:

100%

98.2%

75%

2,442

OF CTE CONCENTRATORS GRADUATED

OF CONCENTRATORS ENTERED HIGHER ED OR THE MILITARY

EARNED SILVER OR ABOVE NC CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATE

EARNED INDUSTRYRECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, CTE By the Numbers-May 2019

PIU LAUNCHES NEW DEGREE Piedmont International University and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office are collaborating on the curriculum for PIU’s new Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice degree program.

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice provides a broad overview of the criminal justice system, including legislation, law enforcement, courts, corrections, national security, and terrorism. The program will also engage with a range of complex cutting-edge social issues across human rights, race relations, and immigration.

PIU is accepting applicants for the new degree program for Fall 2019.

WSSU OFFERS NEW TRANSFER PATHS Collaborations between Winston-Salem State University and local community colleges will provide new degree pathways for students. Once obtaining an Associate’s Degree, students can have a head start on their Bachelor’s at WSSU. Graduates of Davidson County Community College’s Zoo & Aquarium Science Program can enter WSSU with junior status to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

WSSU will also sign a similar transfer agreement with Forsyth Tech for the college’s biotechnology program.

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CONSTRUCTION CAREER DAYS As the Chamber explores ways to integrate the workforce and educational opportunities, we recognize the need to cultivate talent in the skilled trades.The Chamber’s Construction Career Days event puts high school students on the path to rewarding career opportunities by showing them the latest equipment and innovations in the skilled trades while they explore an interactive environment and meet employers.

NOVEMBER 5 & 6 WINSTON-SALEM FAIRGROUNDS

CLICK FOR SPONSOR DETAILS

2017 EVENT:

1,750

81

40

$1,500

STUDENTS REGISTERED

CAREER-RELATED HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

WALLS BUILT FOR HABITAT HOMES

SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIP

MANUFACTURING GROWTH FASTEST MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT GROWTH MSA’S 2012-2018 The Winston-Salem MSA has the fastest manufacturing employment growth in the Carolinas and Virginia, according to a recent finding published by Creative Economic Development Consulting in “Talent-The Big Picture in NC, SC, and VA”.

The growth in manufacturing jobs is a key statistic in recruiting employers in this industry.

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INTERN EXPERIENCE Winston Under 40 hosted the annual Intern Experience event to help local employers welcome their summer interns.

Nearly 200 students representing 30 local companies took part in the program this summer, getting to know more about Winston-Salem and the opportunities here.

INTERNSHIP REFLECTIONS CHAMBER INTERN OLIVER JEWELL SHARES WHAT HE LEARNED WHILE ON-THE-JOB. I learned a lot during my internship mapping WinstonSalem’s entrepreneurial resources. Unlike a weekly desk job, it provided me the opportunity to work in a variety of locations and discover more about WinstonSalem and the city’s resources through my research.

I hold a strong affinity for networking, marketing, and communications, and my final products should be reflective of that. Creating maps and putting together booklets sparked my creativity and challenged my advertising mindset.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been an employee at the Chamber for the past two months!

MEET OUR IT INTERN Steven Thon is a rising senior in the Carver High School IT Academy. He plays 3 varsity sports and has computer diagnostics experience.

Steven is helping the Chamber with their Tech Council and collecting information for a national consumer spending database.

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CEO LETTER

WORK BASED LEARNING Talent and workforce issues are one of the most universal business challenges. I am often told, “I could hire 40 more technicians right now if they were available - I just can’t find the right talent.”

The time is now for our community to align our workforce pipeline, and there are many organizations that are working together to make it happen, as we’ve covered throughout this special Workforce Edition of our Quarterly Report.

I am encouraged that a portion of these initiatives are focused on work-based learning opportunities. These programs often benefit the skilled trades, which have been impacted by the perception that students should obtain a college degree. In fact, these careers offer competitive salaries and the field is experiencing a worker shortage that can create exceptional opportunities for new hires.

The announcement of the LEAP Program at Forsyth Tech is an exciting step forward that will bring our community together around support of the skilled trades, as evidenced by those in attendance. From elected officials to businesses, to students and teachers, the support shown by the community will make this program thrive.

I commend the work of Dr. Janet Spriggs and her team to implement LEAP, so that students can have the opportunity to obtain a degree while earning a wage.

I encourage you to consider integrating internships, apprenticeships, or other workbased learning opportunities into your company. You’ll be providing a stepping stone for someone on the path to a rewarding career. I have experienced this as a former chamber intern myself. I am sure that you will be rewarded by their new perspective, too as we are seeing through our interns this summer here at the Chamber.

Let’s enhance our work-based learning opportunities, together.

Mark Owens President & CEO

THANK YOU TO OUR INVESTORS BB&T NOVANT HEALTH REYNOLDS AMERICAN WELLS FARGO BLUECROSS AND BLUESHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA COOK MEDICAL FORSYTH COUNTY HANESBRANDS INC. KELLY OFFICE SOLUTIONS ONPAR TECHNOLOGIES TWIN CITY QUARTER WAKE FOREST BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER WINSTON-SALEM/FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON (US) LLP

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