The Minnesota Chamber represents the interests of business across Minnesota. More importantly, the Minnesota Chamber considers how Minnesota’s business interests impact the region. 

Minnesota Chamber President David Olson writes a monthly column, featured here, on a current trend or issue that impacts the way our members do business. Look for his column each month on our Web site, or visit www.mnchamber.com for more information.

June 2008 column:

Chamber Federation poised to target workforce shortage

By David C. Olson
 
The 2008 Legislature is behind us, and the Minnesota Chamber is in full swing preparing our 2009 agenda. Our policy sessions across the state are the beginning of an exhaustive process that ensures our agenda reflects our members’ priorities. Addressing workforce quality is among our top initiatives.
 
Businesses of all sizes and types are increasingly concerned about the skills of Minnesota students and the anticipated demographic changes that will affect the workforce. The Minnesota Chamber is prepared to be a leader in the education discussion. Our goal is to spur change in the education system so students are ready to work for and with Minnesota businesses.
 
The Minnesota Chamber’s Education and Workforce Development Committee is focusing on three areas in the K-12 system:
 
• Global competition: Minnesota must train its students to be the best in the world. The state should benchmark student success against international standards and, if necessary, raise standards to ensure our students are globally competitive.

• The achievement gap: Minnesota is exhibiting a disparity in a number of educational measures between groups of students defined by race or ethnicity and socioeconomic status. This disparity – the “achievement gap” – is wider in Minnesota than in most states. We support the most efficient and effective policies to close this gap.

• School funding: Nearly 130 local operating referendum requests were on the ballot in November 2007. Yet, Minnesota ranks among the highest of all states in percentage of school funding provided by state resources. We are developing recommendations regarding school funding in anticipation of proposals to change the state funding formula.
 
Minnesota is recognized as a national leader in education, and we rank at the top in many statistics including the percentage of residents with a high school diploma. Nevertheless, the state’s education is far from ideal. We hear the concerns firsthand during our thousands of contacts with businesses around the state.
 
That’s critical as our companies largely depend on the domestic workforce for economic stability and growth. Yet U.S. students rank poorly on international assessments, especially in math and science. The connection is clear: if a strong workforce supports strong economic growth, then poor student performance threatens that growth.
 
The collective message on workforce is consistent and clear: Employers are challenged to find employees proficient in academic skills as well as soft skills. Exacerbating the problem is the shrinking pool of workers as baby boomers enter retirement. We need to address this problem now to prevent more severe workforce problems in future years.
 
The statewide network of local chambers of commerce plays an important role in shaping and supporting our efforts to address this critical issue. Local chambers of commerce are on the front line in regard to the outcomes and funding debate of Minnesota’s public schools.
 
Our exhaustive process in reaching consensus on issues ensures that when the Minnesota Chamber speaks, policy-makers listen. Your feedback is necessary and valuable as we work together to maintain a vibrant business climate in Minnesota.
 
David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.