The WIB as Convener

WIBs are an important nexus of communication, facilitating dialogue about workforce issues among employers, policymakers, labor, education, economic development and the public.

Regional economies have complex sets of workforce issues that span across business, community organizations, government, organized labor and residents. Workforce issues are about skilled workers, but they are also about the changing workplace, access to jobs for all populations, transportation and housing, and support for workers such as health care and childcare.

As intermediary organizations with participation from business, labor, non-profits, government, and educational institutions, WIBs can ensure that all of the right people are in the room for critical discussions about the region's economy and workforce needs.

WIBs bring together business leaders to respond to local workforce needs with an understanding and focus only possible at the regional level. Convening businesses within key industry sectors to better understand the needs of the industry provides valuable information for organizations providing education and job readiness services. WIBs also convene around specific issues of critical importance to the community, such as low wage workers, the aging workforce, or school drop out rates.