Recapping Hospitality Focus Group Working Session
Marin Economic Forum
MEF recently kicked-off its Workforce Connect project by hosting a focus group for its first industry cluster, hospitality, to engage a spectrum of employers to discuss Marin County’s workforce, understand the industry’s workforce needs and identify opportunities to address education, skill gaps and pathways. Nearly 30 local employers representing lodging, food and beverage, recreation, events and tourism shared information and explored new ideas to meet workforce demands.
The group discussed the current labor market for hospitality jobs, gaps in skill sets and difficulty in retaining good employees. The need for a branded campaign to let more people know about what local jobs are available within the hospitality industry is a priority, as is the need for a customer-service education program or academy.
Workforce Connect is an employer-led jobs initiative designed to strengthen partnership and collaboration between Marin County employers, education/training systems and its potential workforce. Our goal is to create a unified, sustainable and tangible strategy to engage and prepare job seekers with local opportunities. Our model is rooted in comprehensive collaboration, including the program’s two sponsors — the College of Marin and Workforce Alliance North Bay, as well as assistance from Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau and related hospitality associated businesses and groups.
This month, MEF will survey hundreds of Marin County hospitality-related business to gain their perspective on workforce needs, gaps and priorities, which will help inform the development of initiatives for connecting local, qualified and interested people to jobs and training.
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About Marin Economic Forum
The Marin Economic forum provides information and opportunities to collaborate for improving Marin County’s economic vitality and equity. Marin’s Economic Stakeholders include private sector companies, chambers of commerce, county and municipal governments, educational institutions, organizations supporting workforce employment, housing, and similar economic-related activities, consumer groups, and other organizations as designated by the MEF Board of Directors. Marin Economic Forum is a nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.marineconomicforum.org.
Media Contact: Gary Marsh (415) 999-3793 or gary@marshmarketing.com
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