UCCS forum to focus on workforce and the skills gap

Communities and local businesses can capitalize on the current robust U.S. economic climate but should be aware of growing workforce skills gaps that pose dangers to long-term economic recovery, according to UCCS experts.

Current trends and forecasts will be shared from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Oct. 23 at the 19th annual UCCS College of Business Southern Colorado Economic Forum. Local and national economic experts will discuss trends and forecasts for the Colorado Springs and national economies. The event is scheduled for 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Broadmoor Hall, 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs. Tickets are $80, including parking. Registration and a full agenda is available at http://www.southerncoloradoeconomicforum.com/

“We are pleased to provide the economic trends shaping our community, region and nation that have the potential to affect our local economy both in the short- and long-term,” Venkat Reddy, dean, College of Business, said. “We know our community partners value this data and perspective, and we are pleased that they continue to support us year after year and make it possible for us to bring this event every year to our community.”

Featured speakers are:

• Brian Beaulieu, CEO, ITR Economics, Manchester, New Hampshire. Beaulieu will talk about international and national economic conditions and provide a national outlook.
• Tatiana Bailey, director, Southern Colorado Economic Forum, UCCS College of Business. Bailey will discuss local economic conditions and outlook for 2016 and beyond.
• Emily Lesh, assistant director of policy and industry partnerships, Colorado Workforce Development Council. Lesh will participate in a panel discussion on workforce and skills gaps.
• Jay Lindell, aerospace and defense industry champion, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Lindell will participate in a panel discussion on workforce and skills gaps.

The forum will also feature a panel on workforce and skills gaps. The speakers are: Dana Barton, director of business relations and employment development, Pikes Peak Workforce Center, Kevin O’Neil, CEO, The O’Neil Group and the Catalyst Campus, Debbie Sagen, vice president of workforce development, Pikes Peak Community College, Bailey Gonzalez, a UCCS graduate, and Dirk Draper, president and CEO, Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance.

This year the forum will also feature eight brief community updates from Colorado Springs leaders including Colorado Springs including Mayor John Suthers.

— Eric Nissen, College of Business