Study of BV, Lakes area labor market begins

Plans are underway to complete a labor availability study (sometimes knows as a laborshed survey) for the Iowa Lakes Corridor region representing Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet Counties. The study will assist local and potential new businesses in better understanding the area's labor force and its characteristics, announced Kathy Evert, President of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation.

Phone surveys will be conducted with a random selection of individual's ages 18 to 64 years that live within the Laborshed region. Survey questions will focus on such items as employment status, occupation, skills, education and training, and willingness to change employment or accept employment. Results of the survey will be used as a marketing tool to attract new business and industry to the area and to encourage existing employers with plans for expansion, said Evert.

A comprehensive report will be generated from the data, which will present a statistical profile of the available labor force including primary and secondary skills, prevailing wage scales and commuting patterns. The information can be helpful in recruiting or expanding business and industry.

"This project is an important step in continuing a successful economic development program in Buena Vista County and the Iowa Lakes Corridor region," Evert said.