Readers of this space know we aren’t exactly high on the value of branding.

Part of the reason for our dour disposition on the matter is that reversing decades of population loss goes far beyond a brand. Finding new jobs, workers to fill those jobs, creating a housing market that works for everyone and having the available energy to power all of that work are all critical pieces of making Warren County “The Place To Become.”

One way to do just that is workforce development. Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Oil City, recently took part in a hearing helmed by state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, and state Sen. Dave Argall, R-Rush Township, on workforce development. We face workforce shortages across the state as our population ages and shrinks, and as our population shrinks it becomes more difficult to convince large companies to locate here. Comments by Dr. Charles Edmonds, Lycoming College president, and Aaron Riggleman, manager of government affairs for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, nicely lay out the case for how we can begin to accomplish that goal.

“We cannot think of our system as a simple math problem that can be solved with addition and subtraction, but instead a calculus equation that has the capacity to interpret and recognize the incredibly diverse set of talents, abilities, educational attainment, levels and academic disciplines needed to ensure a durable workforce over decades, not just months and years,” Edmonds said.

“Looking ahead, Pennsylvania has the chance to lead in the coming technological revolution. Community colleges, PASSHE schools, independent institutions and technical programs all have a role to play in meeting this demand through short-term credentials, apprenticeships and advanced degree pathways. Pennsylvania’s ability to align higher education with employer demand, whether in healthcare, energy, trades, or technology, will determine whether we grow and retain investment or see it shift elsewhere,” Riggleman said.

In other words, we must be incredibly nimble as we figure out what job creators need and then how our educational facilities can provide those workers. This is a lengthy process that has to involve local discussions on the workforce we need now and the workforce we may need in the future. All of that has to be tied to the job market we want to create.

As we discuss our county’s future, workforce development should be one of our selling points – Warren County: Home Of The Workforce You Need.