Targeting Talent: Workforce Strategies in New Orleans UWSELA Public Policy Education Session Presented by Rodrick Miller, President & CEO October 22, 2013
New Orleans’ Economic Transformation #1 Fastest Growing Economy since the Economic Recession – Forbes – Population growth – Low unemployment rate #1 Logistics Leader / #3 IT Employment Leader — Business Facilities Magazine – Logistics assets – Emerging Creative Digital Media cluster Innovation hub for the Gulf South region – Entrepreneurship: 53% more start-ups per capita than national average – BioDistrict: $2B Investment / 34,000 jobs 1
Our Work Tactical Goals: Jobs & Investment Attract, retain and expand businesses in New Orleans Increase the number + quality of jobs Increase the City’s tax base Provide site selection assistance, market intelligence, project management, and act as a municipal liaison for business prospects Corporate Attraction Business Retention and Expansion Retail 2 Results since business locates or expansions 1,700 full and part-time jobs $300+ million capital investment
Our Work Strategic Goals: Economic Competitiveness ProsperityNOLA: A Plan to Drive Economic Growth for 2013 Foster a business-friendly environment in New Orleans Provide research resources to investors, prospects, and community members ProsperityNOLA Incentive Guidelines Economic Impact Model 3 Results Launched ProsperityNOLA Costco + South Market District Benefit Corporation Legislation
New Orleans Macro Trends - Employment Evidence of Strong Growth As of 2012, New Orleans has regained 76% of the 192,624 jobs recorded in 2004 Since 2008, the New Orleans rate of job growth has averaged 1.8%. Nationally, the average is 1.1% Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 4 Source: EMSI Current Stats 176,400 Jobs 12,500 Unemployed 6.6% Unemployment Rate Source: EMSI
New Orleans Macro Trends – Educational Attainment Signs of Improvement in Education At 76.5% of students graduating on time, New Orleans is outperforming the state and nation In 2005 only 25% of Orleans public school grads qualified for TOPS, in 2012, 39% qualified Source: Educate Now 5 Current Stats 15,000 Completions of a course of study by students in New Orleans in ,300 Residents without a High School Diploma in ,100 Residents with only a High School Diploma in % Share of LA Students who are low-income Source: EMSI CityShare of Population with HS Diploma or Less Atlanta24.8% Austin29% New Orleans47.4% Houston57.4% Jacksonville60% Source: US Census Bureau, 2012 ACS
ProsperityNOLA NOLABA led the development of ProsperityNOLA: A Plan to Drive Economic Growth for Establish clear direction Provide recommendations to support growth in specific industry clusters Unite business leaders, public sector, and community partners in the effort to promote economic growth Diversify + strengthen the economy 6
ProsperityNOLA Clusters The Strategic Advisory Council selected a mix of clusters that leverage strengths while diversifying the economy 7 Advanced Manufacturing Transportation, Trade, and Logistics BioInnovation and Health Services Creative Digital Media Sustainable Industries Foundational Clusters Emerging Clusters
ProsperityNOLA 7 Cross Cutting Issues 8 Coordinate and Collaborate Invest to Compete Reposition the City’s Brand Think Internationally Promote Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Equity is a Growth Strategy Prepare our Workforce Read ProsperityNOLA online at
Prepare our Workforce 9 Companies in all industries noted the following local workforce issues as priorities for ProsperityNOLA: Soft skills Illiteracy Recruit new workers Train our existing workforce Establish career pathways in K-12 curriculum and programming
Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Issues: Aging Workforce Limited Pipeline of Skilled Workers – Smaller companies train workers who are quickly recruited by larger employers Need for incumbent worker training 10 Specific Recommendations: Use industry expertise to match technical training to specific workforce needs Support efforts to connect residents with training opportunities Inform manufacturing businesses of the opportunities for local hiring
BioInnovation & Health Services Specific Recommendations: Support programs like GNOF New Orleans Works to reduce turnover for medical assistants, apply model to other careers and industries Connect employers to appropriate training programs to identify new hires Encourage curriculum development in K-12 that preps students for jobs 11 Workforce Issues: Need for incumbent worker training Lack of coordination between industry, higher education, and workforce training institutions with curriculum and skills training Lack of local CEOs, researchers, and doctors
Creative Digital Media Specific Recommendations: Identify opportunities in higher education programs and K-12 curriculum to provide training to address workforce needs of local employers and create career pathways Support investments in technology training for all K-12 teachers and students to increase technical skills and opportunities for innovation 12 Workforce Issues: Lack of coordination between industry, higher education, and workforce training institutions with curriculum and skills training Lack of experienced, executive-level talent and programmers
Transportation, Trade & Logistics Specific Recommendations: Develop pre-apprenticeship program to connect youth with entry level jobs in maritime and transportation industries 13 Workforce Issues: Similar to overall workforce issues on previous slide
Next Steps Know the issues: Read ProsperityNOLA online 14 Join the conversation: Take the 2013 DeltaPLUS online survey Keep engaged: Sign up for our newsletter
Gravier Street, Suite 2020 New Orleans, LA (504) Rodrick T. Miller President & CEO New Orleans Business Alliance (504) Thank You. To learn more, visit This presentation has been prepared by the New Orleans Business Alliance (“NOLABA”) for discussion purposes only