Latinos and Job Growth in the South Atlantic EARN Conference September 14, 2012 Catherine Singley, Senior Policy Analyst, NCLR Alicia Criado, Policy Associate, NCLR

IntroductionOverview of the South AtlanticMethodologyEarly Findings & ThemesMoving Forward: Feedback Today’s Presentation

Number of Hispanics in Labor Force South Atlantic Region3,296,773 Delaware26,481 District of Columbia28,642 Florida1,989,634 Georgia363,917 Maryland211,912 North Carolina310,485 South Carolina85,162 Virginia280,540

Are Latinos benefiting from job growth? Where are Latinos working? Areas of promise (bright spots) for Latino workers? Main Research Questions

Conduct broad labor market analysis (ACS 3- year estimates, Quarterly Census of Wages and Employment) Use data and mapping tools (ArcGIS) to illustrate main areas of interest Synthesize data to emphasize key research questions Exploratory Data Analysis Identify relevant stakeholders Develop open-ended interview questions Contact stakeholders Conduct interviews (phone) Synthesize findings Stakeholder Interviews Methodology

Early Findings &Themes South Carolina Leader in the professional and business services sector Greenville, Richland and Charleston counties show promise for Latino workers Delaware Leader in the leisure and hospitality industry Kent County experienced the largest growth, yet has the smallest Latino workforce population Sussex is described as the county employing large numbers of Latinos

Early Findings &Themes Economic development plans favor high-skilled labor Recruitment of out-of-state workers instead of investing in local workforce training The Latino workforce is mobile and reacts to negative social and economic climate Workers will cross state lines to follow the work Latinos’ work ethic and loyalty is valued by employers Immigration status affects job access

DocumentedUndocumented Limited English- Proficiency Lack of Certification Lack of Skills and Experience Harsh Anti- Immigrant Laws Limited English- Proficiency Lack of Certification Immigration status affects job access

Area of Promise: Bilingual Opportunities Retail Supervisory Positions Health Professionals Fast Food

Area of Promise: Small Business Owners Restaurants ConstructionCleaning

Feedback, please! Catherine Singley Alicia Criado