The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) will hold a Workforce Symposium, “Future So Bright, Must Wear Shades,” April 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at 2901 N. Seventh St. in Phoenix.
Joseph Bocanegra, vice president of customer success for ZipRecruiter, will discuss non-traditional approaches to attracting talent during the luncheon keynote presentation, scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Trevor Stokes, workforce program manager for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, will share the latest statistics on the state’s labor force and how the data can be accessed.
The symposium will also feature a panel discussion on “The New Norm – Where the Workforce is Coming From.” The panelists will be Ian Rourke, vice president of workforce development for Pima Community College, Mark Paratore, economic development specialist for the city of Scottsdale, and Kim Owens, executive director for YearUp. Jessica Pierce, executive director, Arizona’s Career Connector, will serve as moderator.
Additionally, Richard Wilkie, CEcD, AZED Pro, director of economic development for the city of Casa Grande, will provide an update on Lucid Motors, an electric car company, and its plans to build a multi-million dollar plant in Casa Grande with a workforce of 2,000 jobs by 2022. He will discuss how the community is collaborating in preparing the workforce for the high tech positions.
The cost of the symposium is $75 for AAED members and $100 for non-members if registered by noon on April 5. Late registration is $125. To register, visit www.aaed.com/event/april10.
For more information, call AAED at (602) 240-AAED (2233), or visit www.aaed.com. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.
AAED, founded in 1974, has a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice advocating for responsible economic development through an effective program of professional education, public policy, and collaboration.
