The Salt Lake Chamber, the Utah Department of Workforce Services and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) have announced that they will be partnering on a new initiative called the Chamber Rural Workforce Network to help further Utah’s rural development. The program was launched last week when partner officials signed a memorandum of understanding at the Utah Rural Summit held in Cedar City.
“This MOU represents months of work to align the efforts of our three organizations and partners,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “With the tools that both Workforce Services and EDCUtah provide, we will work with the business community to provide more job opportunities for rural workers, including remote jobs. What better way to make this official than to be here today with everyone who contributes to the success of our rural communities?”
Miller said that many companies along the Wasatch Front are struggling to find the personnel required to thrive and yet many rural areas are struggling for employment opportunities. Through a geographical shift — and perhaps a shift in mindset as well — the workforce demands of the Wasatch Front and the employment needs of rural Utah can connect to ease the concerns of both regions. The Chamber Rural Workforce Network’s goal is to fulfill this need, Miller said.
“We believe the hidden workforce in Utah is in rural Utah,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services. “We are committed to supporting companies willing to move jobs to rural Utah and connecting them to rural job- seekers. It’s a win-win situation for these communities and employers throughout the state.”