The Central Chamber Report

Economic Development – Education is Vital!

    Economic development is vital for every city in our area and every city is competing in this arena. Economic Development, simply put, is wealth building.  In any community there are at least five facets of economic development that must be considered if growth is to continue to take place.  Those facets are: Workforce Education, Infrastructure, Leadership, Business Industry, and Recruitment.   This week we consider the aspect of “Workforce Education.”
    Many people might not see education as a part of economic development.  However, to see that education and economic development go hand in hand, all you have to do is remember the headline that read, “Chicago to Close 54 Schools.”  That was a detrimental blow to that community!  Think of all the teachers, staff, etc. that were no longer necessary.  Buildings, once the hub of community pride and development, now remain empty and abandoned.  On the flip side, look at the positive light that shines on Zachary and Central because of the consistent high state rankings earned by our school systems!
    Bear with my ramblings for a brief moment.  When education declines or is inadequate, a quality workforce disappears; as quality workforce disappears, business productivity is hindered; as business productivity is hindered, the economy declines; as the economy begins to decline, people begin to move; as people begin to move, workforce, shoppers and clients move; as workforce, shoppers and clients move, businesses begin to close; as businesses close and people move, the tax revenues decrease; as tax revenues decrease, funding for education decreases; as funding for education decreases, education declines; as education declines….  This may be an over simplification of the process and you may see the cycle occurring in a different order but I trust that the point is clear.  Education in a community and economic development go hand in hand!  
    Among high school graduates in Louisiana, only about 27% will go on to earn a college degree and many of those will be drawn to other states.  One of the struggles our region has had for years is that we are not creating and retaining a quality workforce at all the various levels of need.  It is obvious that education must be able to accomplish a twofold task.  Education must exist that can prepare, and help increase beyond 27%, those who become the college graduate professionals.  However, equally as important, educational programs must also exist for that other 73%!  Kudos to our Central School System for integrating a variety of curriculum options to help prepare a diversified workforce! These programs will help to prepare students to become a highly skilled and in demand workforce.    As this is accomplished, we must have jobs and incentives that help to keep these people in our state and in our area! 
    The creation of a strong and vibrant workforce is essential to the economic development and stability of our region.  Institution of government, education and commerce must work together to establish this workforce. Together and cooperatively we can create an environment that produces a strong workforce and promotes economic growth and stability for years to come.  Thanks to Central’s Community School System and the area’s private and parochial schools who are all joining in the fight to provide a solid well rounded education for our Central area students.
Ron Erickson, President – 
Central Chamber of Commerce