annual local wage survey for members
Morgan and Limestone Counties partner annually on an area manufacturing wage survey. This survey covers hourly and salary wages, as well as turnover rates, hiring campaigns, average payroll, and other various metrics valuable to recruiting and retaining a workforce. Throughout the years, the survey has broadened to include other surrounding counties that better reflect local commuting patterns as well. Every three years, the wage survey includes benefits information to provide full context of the employment packages available.
Peer-to-peer monthly meetings for area plant managers (Industrial Council)
Every month MCEDA hosts area plant managers for lunch to discuss topics relevant to their sites and workforces. The group dictates the topics based on their needs and MCEDA facilitates speakers and programs to meet this need. This group is by invite only and exists to serve the needs of area plants on everything from utilities to educational programs.
A local alliance focused on preparing a qualified workforce for Morgan County industries and businesses
North Alabama Workforce Development Alliance (NAWDA) was formed in 2013 as a collaboration between plant managers, area contractors, owners/plants, and community partners to address the shortage of well-trained craftsmen needed by local industry. Today, NAWDA has a full time director working to connect members with available resources and building networks of educational and training partners to serve the future pipeline needs of the area.
North Alabama Works, a focused, regional, workforce council
Region 1 of the Governor’s Regional Workforce Councils, North Alabama Works, allows all workforce/education resources to align and deliver the required programs that meet the needs identified by business and industry (B&I) and the skills that are lacking in the workforce. The council is business-driven and business-led and works with member counties to develop a regional strategic plan and comprehensive workforce development system to support local economic and job development activities.
