𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

As Elmore County continues to grow, preparing a workforce to support new and expanding businesses is becoming an increasingly important part of the economic development conversation.

That theme was highlighted at the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce’s State of Community Fall Luncheon, which brought together business leaders, educators, elected officials and community partners to discuss the growth taking place across Wetumpka and the opportunities ahead.

Mayor Jerry Willis highlighted the transformation taking place throughout Wetumpka, particularly downtown, where he said occupancy has increased from roughly 70% in 2016 to 94%. About 50 businesses have opened or relocated downtown, contributing to approximately $15 million in public and private investment.

The city’s sports complex and continued development along the bypass are also bringing new activity and investment to the community.

“Economic development is one of our priorities,” Willis said. “Business recruitment, downtown development, recreation, tourism and destination development are all things we’re working on. We want to continue to grow, but we also want to preserve the character that makes Wetumpka special while encouraging investment.”

That growth is creating new opportunities while also increasing the need for a workforce prepared to fill them.

Elmore County Public Schools are responding through expanded career opportunities and stronger connections between students and local employers.

Susanne Goodin, assistant superintendent and human resources director for Elmore County Public Schools, highlighted the school system’s plans for an International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, which will combine academics with career technical education, project-based learning and community-based experiences. The program is expected to begin next year and will be available to students in Wetumpka and Millbrook.

Career technical education remains a key part of that preparation, with students developing technical skills alongside the workplace skills employers need.

Goodin emphasized that businesses have an important role in that process by working directly with schools and helping educators understand the skills their future employees will need.

“That relationship is actually mutually beneficial,” Goodin said. “Businesses are helping us prepare students for the workforce, but we’re also preparing potential employees for those businesses.”

That partnership was on display during the luncheon, where The Wharf worked with ECTC culinary students to help provide the meal. Students were able to put their training into practice while working alongside professionals in the industry.

A legislative panel featuring Representative Troy Stubbs, Senators Will Barfoot and Clyde Chambliss brought a statewide perspective to the conversation, including the challenges businesses face in finding qualified employees and the changing role of career technical education.

Panelists discussed the importance of preparing students for a range of career paths while giving employers access to workers with both technical knowledge and the practical skills needed in the workplace.

As new businesses and investment continue to shape the region, schools, employers and community leaders are working to make sure local talent is prepared to take part in that growth.

The luncheon offered a look at how those pieces are coming together across Elmore County: business investment creating new opportunities, schools preparing students for those opportunities and community leaders working to support continued growth.