Lafayette Chamber Of Commerce To Focus On Workforce Development
Lafayette has a "strong growing economy," but it is becoming "increasingly difficult" for businesses to find skilled employees, according to Jason El Koubi, president of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.
What we're hearing from tons and tons of businesses is that workforce development is a top priority.
Lafayette's unemployment rate fell in December from 4 percent to 3.3 percent. El Koubi, who joined "Nathan & Bernie in the Morning," said that number signifies that there is an increasingly smaller pool of potential workers for growing businesses.
"What we're hearing from tons and tons of businesses is that workforce development is a top priority," El Koubi said. "They have really great opportunity for growth here in this strong economy. They need good workers to fuel that growth. And obviously with an unemployment rate as low as it is, that's an indication of how challenging it is to find great people."
Public education has also been a focus for the Chamber, El Koubi said, with school board elections set to take place in November.
The Chamber has also been involved with the Lafayette Comprehensive Plan. El Koubi said they would host an event 11 a.m. Feb. 11 at the City Club of River Ranch. Walter Monsour, President and CEO of the East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority, will be the speaker, El Koubi said.
To listen to the full interview with El Koubi, click the 'Play' button below.