Workforce Development Conference Explores the Future of Orange County's Workforce

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - September 24, 2008) - The Orange County Business Council (OCBC), in partnership with the Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB), hosted the 2008 Workforce Development Conference at the Anaheim Marriott today. Sponsored by The Fluor Corporation and Wells Fargo, the event focused on the high demand for workers skilled in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines.

Keynote speaker Ron Whittier, a 30 year veteran of Intel and the founder of TechFutures, discussed his efforts to help young people find jobs, help businesses succeed and grow the economy. The conference also featured the unveiling of the 2008-09 Workforce Indicators report, a comprehensive analysis of these issues and the Orange County Workforce as a whole, presented by OCBC Vice President of Research Dr. Wallace Walrod.

"The purpose of this event, and the Indicators report, is to answer tough questions such as 'How will Orange County businesses thrive?' and 'Are school standards preparing students for the careers of tomorrow?'," said Walrod. "There is a clear demand for STEM skills in the workplace, and this year's report looks directly at students' performance in these areas."

In the Indicators report, available at www.ocbc.org, Dr. Walrod presents a clear picture of workforce trends and solutions that will assist businesses in their recruitment efforts for skilled employees.

Over 250 key decision makers from Orange County schools and major employers attended the event, which also featured a panel of both business leaders and Orange County students involved in STEM studies.

"Without the link between business and education, both will fail," said Whittier. He would go on to call for a county-wide transformation of high schools to enhance the focus on preparing students for the careers of the future.

Bob Bunyan, Principal of the Arlington Group and 2008 Chair of the OC WIB, hailed the partnership that produced this 8th Annual Workforce Conference. "The public/private partnership of the OCBC, OCWIB and County of Orange continues to produce quality labor market research," said Bunyan. "This year's cluster update provides critical information on the county's growing, in-demand occupations."

Visit www.ocbc.org or contact Robb Korinke at 949.794.7225 rkorinke@ocbc.org for further information on the event and the 2008 Workforce Indicators report.

The Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County's economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. OCBC serves member and investor businesses with nearly 200,000 employees in Orange County and 2,000,000 worldwide. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America's fifth largest county. For more information, visit www.ocbc.org.

Contact Information: CONTACT: Robb Korinke Director of Communications 949.794.7225