By Keith Stamm, Director of Workforce Development
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) is spearheading transformative talent attraction efforts, propelling Greater Reading into the spotlight as a thriving hub for skilled professionals. GRCA’s strategic approach involves forging partnerships with local businesses, government bodies and educational institutions—collaboratively developing programs that meet the evolving demands of the job market. This commitment extends to professional development, where GRCA champions initiatives bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills through tailored training programs and workshops.
At the forefront of our efforts is an innovative national talent attraction program to attract skilled professionals to the Greater Reading area. Over the past year, GRCA has been working with RoleCall, a national talent attraction consulting agency, to build out the program. The goal of this program is to produce a “Talent Roster” or pipeline of skilled professionals that can be shared with local employers. We know our workforce has contracted over the past few years and we want to identify creative ways to better support our local businesses.
We have designed a marketing strategy that employs digital campaigns and compelling storytelling to showcase Greater Reading as an attractive destination for professionals. GRCA understands that a high quality of life is integral to talent retention; therefore, the organization actively engages with the community, promoting cultural events, recreational activities and overall well-being. Embracing diversity and inclusion, GRCA ensures that Greater Reading is not only a great place to work but also an inclusive and welcoming community. We know people are looking for a better quality of life and are willing to relocate to areas that support this. Our efforts have focused on highlighting all the great attributes of our area to help attract and retain skilled professionals.
A skilled and vibrant workforce is a cornerstone of economic growth and fosters innovation. The benefits of having a skilled workforce are multifaceted and extend across various sectors. Productivity sees a substantial boost when workers possess specialized skills and expertise relevant to their roles. This efficiency not only enhances the quality of products and services but also contributes to overall economic development.
Additionally, a skilled workforce fosters innovation. Highly trained individuals are better equipped to problem-solve, think critically and generate creative solutions. This culture of innovation is crucial for staying competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
A skilled workforce plays a pivotal role in driving technological advancements. In industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, engineering and information technology, having individuals with advanced skills enables the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, ultimately pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Positioning the region as a hub for diverse talent to thrive is the narrative GRCA is shaping. In essence, GRCA’s talent attraction endeavors paint a picture of a forward-thinking organization, shaping a dynamic environment that not only attracts but also retains top-tier talent, propelling Greater Reading into a new era of success.