Committee Descriptions

CONSTRUCTION AND UTILITIES

These two industries are in the top 4 industries in our region in both employment and wages. They are grouped together because of the shared skills needed by both industries. They are both on the upward scale in the addition of jobs for the region – using a time period of 2006 to 2011, a 10% change in jobs is anticipated for Construction, and a 8% change for Utilities. Intelligence gathered personally from the utility industry points to a higher level of need due to their construction of new facilities in our area and a 40% rate of retirement in the next five years

MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION

Manufacturing ranks in the top 6 in the region in both employment and wages. It is projected for a 2% change in jobs in the next 5 years; In total wages it is 5th in the region (in Marion county it is 2nd in average wages; Levy it is 4th; Citrus it is 6th). It is an industry in which it is possible for skills to be transferable within the industry. This industry is an economic driver in that it brings in the predominant percentage of income from outside of our borders.

HEALTH SERVICES

The factors that led to this industry as being a cluster in and of itself started with Population data (increase in the age group 45 – 64 plus: baby boomers’ longer life span – health care needs will necessitate greater number of workers in the various health occupation); Continuous employment growth in the industry (22% change in jobs projected during the period 2006 – 2011); total wages are 3rd in the region; it ranks in the top 3 industries in both employment and wages in the region. In addition to this workforce intelligence, Health Care Services represents an industry that provides necessary infrastructure in order to recruit business and employees.

PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES

On a national scale, Professional and Business services is expected to grow twice as fast as the overall economy. Regionally: this industry is ranked 6th in both employment and wages. The growth pattern closely resembles national data.