Ken Hildebrandt

This document is a transcript of the DeKalb Chamber's 2021 State of Education & Workforce Development - Closing Session. Speakers analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education and workforce dynamics, including declining student enrollments, virtual learning challenges, and uneven employment recovery across income levels. Key discussions focused on fostering community collaboration, addressing critical gaps in areas like connectivity, food security, and healthcare, and the necessity to reimagine educational and workforce development strategies for long-term societal benefit.

The meeting served as the second meeting of the year for partners and focused extensively on hotel collaborations. Key discussion points included strategies to promote partner properties to potential visitors and stakeholders. The organization detailed its role in providing access to planners, running targeted marketing campaigns for leisure guests and planners, and acting as an extension of hotel sales and marketing efforts, including fielding and vetting planner leads. Specific updates were provided on the reunion and wedding market segments, including scheduled workshops and event participation. The sports market segment review highlighted a contract with the Sports Tourism Index Program by Huddle Up Group for destination analysis and securing sports events, including follow-up on RFPs. Metrics from recent marketing efforts, such as January's Expedia campaign booking over 2,000 room nights, were shared. The team also presented on website traffic trends, planned site redesign efforts, and upcoming local events that partners should be aware of to better assist guests.

The event celebrated the Chamber's work in the community, noting its founding in 1938 and its role in attracting, supporting, and advancing business interests in DeKalb County, focusing on resource access, education, workforce development, and public policy. Sponsor remarks were provided by Georgia Power, recognizing the Chamber's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Greetings were extended from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurman, who highlighted county investments in infrastructure and economic development. The outgoing chair, Trevor Quander, reviewed achievements including devising a strategic plan, revitalizing committee goals, revising bylaws, and hiring the new CEO. The meeting concluded with the introduction of the new board chair, Elaine Armstrong, and recognition of new and returning board members. The theme for the year was announced as "Drive Success, Embrace Innovation."

This 2022 DeKalb State of Economic Development report provides an overview of DeKalb County's economic progress and future strategic direction. It highlights significant growth in logistics, manufacturing, and the film/television industry, with the aim of solidifying the county's position as a global leader in production. Key strategic pillars for continued development include enhancing business retention and expansion through capital support, strengthening workforce development via initiatives like the 'Made in DeKalb' program and a technology council, attracting new businesses with innovative incentives such as opportunity zones and tax allocation districts, and promoting equitable economic development in underserved communities. The DeKalb Entertainment Commission is undergoing a five-year strategic planning process to further develop the entertainment and gaming industries.

This session addresses strategies for "Getting DeKalb Back to Work" by focusing on the state of education and workforce development following the COVID-19 pandemic. Key discussion points include fostering workforce flexibility, adaptability, and continuous skills training, as well as the importance of strong collaboration among economic development agencies, educational institutions, and businesses. The plan aims to leverage technology and automation, support high-growth sectors like logistics, manufacturing, and IT, and develop accessible job training programs to rebuild the economy and address skill gaps, particularly for essential workers and those in impacted industries.