Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce

Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce is a workforce development initiative that aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Memphis, Tennessee region by fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce, similar to the efforts of the National Skills Coalition and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The alliance brings together key stakeholders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including organizations like the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Shelby County Government, and the University of Memphis, to address the workforce needs of the region. By leveraging the expertise of partners like the Ford Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the alliance seeks to create a more cohesive and effective workforce development system, inspired by models like the Chicago Jobs Council and the Boston Workforce Development Council. The initiative is also informed by research from institutions like the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute.

● Introduction

The Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce is part of a broader national effort to enhance workforce development, as seen in initiatives like the Workforce Data Quality Campaign and the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. The alliance is guided by a similar philosophy to that of the Aspen Institute and the Committee for Economic Development, which emphasize the importance of investing in human capital to drive economic growth. By working with local employers, such as FedEx and International Paper, and education providers, like the University of Tennessee and Rhodes College, the alliance aims to create a more skilled and competitive workforce, comparable to those in regions like the Research Triangle and Silicon Valley. This approach is also reflected in the work of organizations like the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and the Jobs for the Future.

● History

The Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce was established in response to the changing economic landscape of the Memphis, Tennessee region, which has been influenced by factors like the Great Recession and the North American Free Trade Agreement. The alliance built on the foundation laid by earlier initiatives, such as the Memphis Fast Track program and the Shelby County Workforce Development Initiative, which were inspired by models like the Chicago Metropolis 2020 plan and the Boston Indicators Project. The alliance has also been informed by research from institutions like the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as the work of organizations like the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Key partners, including the Memphis Mayor's Office and the Shelby County Commission, have played a crucial role in shaping the alliance's strategy, which is similar to that of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce is to create a highly skilled and competitive workforce that meets the needs of the regional economy, as outlined in reports like the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program and the Urban Institute's Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population. The alliance's objectives are aligned with those of organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which emphasize the importance of workforce development in driving economic growth. The alliance focuses on several key areas, including workforce training and education, as seen in programs like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, as well as talent attraction and retention, inspired by initiatives like the Liveability Index and the Best Places to Live rankings. By working with partners like the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Memphis Public Library, the alliance aims to enhance the overall competitiveness of the region, similar to the efforts of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to support workforce development in the region, including the Memphis Works program and the Shelby County Workforce Development Initiative. These programs are inspired by models like the Year Up program and the Job Corps, and are informed by research from institutions like the Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research and the Stanford University Center for Education Policy Analysis. The alliance also provides resources and support for employers, such as the Memphis Chamber of Commerce's Workforce Development Committee and the Shelby County Government's Workforce Development Department, which are similar to those offered by the National Association of Workforce Boards and the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. Additionally, the alliance partners with education providers, like the University of Memphis and Rhodes College, to develop training programs that meet the needs of local employers, as seen in initiatives like the Tennessee Promise and the Tennessee Reconnect programs.

● Partnerships_and_Collaborations

The Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce has established partnerships with a range of organizations, including the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Shelby County Government, and the University of Memphis, as well as national organizations like the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The alliance also collaborates with local employers, such as FedEx and International Paper, to ensure that workforce development programs are aligned with the needs of the regional economy, similar to the partnerships between the Chicago Jobs Council and employers like United Airlines and Caterpillar Inc.. By working together, these partners aim to create a more cohesive and effective workforce development system, inspired by models like the Boston Workforce Development Council and the Denver Workforce Development Board. The alliance is also informed by research from institutions like the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, as well as the work of organizations like the National Fund for Workforce Solutions and the Jobs for the Future.

● Impact_and_Achievements

The Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce has made significant progress in enhancing the competitiveness of the Memphis, Tennessee region, as seen in reports like the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program and the Urban Institute's Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population. The alliance's programs and initiatives have helped to increase the number of workers with post-secondary education and training, as well as improve the overall quality of the workforce, similar to the achievements of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. By working with partners like the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Memphis Public Library, the alliance has also helped to enhance the overall competitiveness of the region, as measured by indices like the Cost of Living Index and the Business Climate Index. The alliance's efforts have been recognized by organizations like the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, and have been informed by research from institutions like the Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research and the Stanford University Center for Education Policy Analysis.

Category:Workforce development