Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) will host a regional Business & Industry Forum on Thursday, Oct. 16, to discuss the findings of its workforce needs survey conducted earlier this year.
The forum is open to businesses and industries across the eastern Iowa district. It will be from 7:30-10:45 a.m. at Scott Community College’s Community Center on its main campus at 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf.
This year, EICC has consolidated its four college-specific forums into one regional event to foster broader collaboration and a more unified approach to workforce development, EICC said in a news release.
The forum will highlight key findings from EICC’s recent Workforce Development and Training Survey. That presentation will be followed by a keynote speaker, roundtable discussions, and opportunities for business leaders to directly engage with college administrators and educators.
According to the release, the event is designed to bring business and industry leaders from across the region together for one collaborative discussion about workforce needs, economic trends, and strategies for the region to strengthen eastern Iowa’s talent pipeline.
“We know the workforce is changing – and fast,” said Ashlee Spannagel, EICC’s vice chancellor of Workforce Development. “By bringing industry leaders together in one room, we can identify shared challenges, spark new ideas, and co-create solutions that help both our students and our employers thrive.”
The forum will include remarks from Scott Community College President Ann Lawler, EICC’s new Chancellor Bryan Renfro, and a keynote presentation by leadership speaker and author Dean Heffta, founder of Clarus Results, which helps organizations across the U.S. build team leadership and communication.
More than a meeting
Mr. Heffta’s address, “Building a Learning Culture,” will explore how organizations can strengthen their ability to adapt and grow through continuous learning. That’s a crucial advantage in today’s fast-changing economy, EICC said.
Afterward, attendees will participate in facilitated table discussions. There they can share insights on workforce challenges, training needs, and emerging skills critical to regional industries. The forum concludes with group report-outs and closing remarks. They will summarize next steps and partnership opportunities between EICC and area employers.
Business and community leaders are encouraged to attend. That includes those in manufacturing, health care, construction, education, agriculture, and more.
“Our goal is to make this more than a meeting,” Ms. Spannagel said. “It’s an ongoing conversation about how we can move forward together and make Eastern Iowa’s workforce stronger for years to come.”
Attendees can learn more and RSVP at eicc.edu/forum.
