“This time last year, employers and economic developers were facing a talent crisis
due to the lowest national unemployment rate in 50 years. Today, America is in
a different type of workforce crisis—one inflicted by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
While the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 11.1% in June, an optimistic direction
given the pandemic’s initial blow in April, when unemployment exceed 14%
(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics), there are still a record-breaking number of
Americans filing for unemployment. Talent has faced mass layoffs, furloughs,
hiring freezes and cutbacks. For those who still have the opportunity to work,
they face a “new normal” of remote work or working with health and safety risks.
How has this pandemic changed the talent mission for economic developers
and the places they represent? Laid-off residents need open jobs and upskilling
resources. Employers with hiring surges need talent fast. Remote workers are
searching for new locations. In short, people need the opportunity of a new job,
new career or new place, now more than ever. Place marketers can help. ”

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