Newsletter SignupRegional forums a success
Regional forums a success
More than 130 members and non-members attended six regional forums last month to learn more about the automotive industry’s economic impact on Kentucky. Attendees engaged in good discussion on topics including:
More than 130 members and non-members attended six regional forums last month to learn more about the automotive industry’s economic impact on Kentucky. Attendees engaged in good discussion on topics including:
- Workforce development: Finding workers with the right skill sets is an ongoing challenge, and the current skilled workforce is retiring. Fittingly, the forums were held on campuses of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System – and many KCTCS staff attended.
- Image and perception: Manufacturing is not the dark and dirty work it might have been decades ago. Industry leaders, with the assistance of KAIA, need to educate tomorrow’s workforce about the plants of today.
- Operational challenges: Concerns were expressed regarding wage pressure and the cost of workers’ compensation premiums. Technology has quickened the pace of engineering changes, putting pressure on supply logistics.
- Opportunities: Small businesses enjoy the connections that KAIA affords them. Kentucky’s community banks, low utility costs and economic development entities give the Commonwealth an edge.
Part of KAIA’s mission is to provide a unified voice to advocate for the Commonwealth’s auto industry, and the forums provided plenty of feedback as we shape our platform and message going forward. We ask that our current members help us reach out to others who would benefit. We are stronger working together than separately.
