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Classes aimed towards current job market
While the national and regional economy suffers from an economic stall, Dr. Bill LaFayette of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce believes hope still exists. At a Columbus City School district board of education meeting Feb. 17, LaFayette encouraged administrators and educators to focus educating students on particular sectors that could help the economy thrive.
LaFayette is vice-president of economic analysis for the Chamber of Commerce. As part of board development, LaFayette told board members he would “offer a long-term look rather than a dim look” on the Columbus regional economy. “There are popular misconceptions on what makes the Columbus regional economy tick,” he said. “Sometimes, those mis perceptions are held by those who should know better.” One of the misconceptions, LaFayette said, is that “Central Ohio is recession-proof.” “It is not,” he said. Part of the local educational sector’s responsibility, he said, is to “prepare a workforce that meets the needs of the community long-term.” “And a vital, irreplaceable component is Columbus City Schools,” he added. LaFayette used data collected from the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is defined by the federal government based on working commuter data. Eight counties – Delaware, Franklin, Fairfield, Morrow, Madison, Pickaway, Union and Licking – comprise the Central Ohio economy, according to data. This local economy is driven by a handful of key sectors, including logistics and distribution, manufacturing, business services, creative services, finances, insurance and health care. Logistics and distribution is growing and thriving in the local economy, LaFayette said. Because Central Ohio is one-day’s drive away from 51 percent of the United States population, 40 percent of Canada’s population and 53 percent of U.S. manufacturing plants, the “sector’s growth has been absolutely phenomenal,” LaFayette said. Since 1990, employment in the regional sector grew 30 percent, from 25 percent to 55 percent. Just since 2001, according to LaFayette, 13,000 new jobs in this sector were created. The national average since 2001 actually declined .3 percent. Though some believe Columbus is not a manufacturing region, LaFayette said, it actually is holding steady. The majority of manufacturing plants make automotive and parts, plastics, food and beverage, chemical and pharmaceuticals and glass and clay. LaFayette didn’t deny the manufacturing sector is “shedding jobs at an alarming rate,” but noted that while the jobs are falling, “output is increasing at a faster rate.” Output, according to LaFayette, is up 17 percent since 2001. Though it also is a misconception that many manufacturing jobs are moving overseas, LaFayette said most are just being replaced by advanced technology. The arts, entertainment and tourism sector is surprisingly doing well in Central Ohio, LaFayette said, especially the tourism portion. Though many in Central Ohio are doubtful that outsiders look to the area as a place to visit, LaFayette told board members and audience members not to underestimate the events and attractions of the area, such as the Short North. The finance and insurance sector is also one to focus on, LaFayette said, especially since several worldwide recognized companies have headquarters in the area. The insurance sector alone has increased employment by 80 percent since 2001. LaFayette also noted that the life sciences and health care sector is vitally important as it helps “maintain the quality of life and productivity” of the region. “The health care system draws patients and families from the outside system, which has an effect on our economy completely,” he added. LaFayette concluded his presentation by encouraging educators to invest in “growing sectors that will improve on the community and well-being.” Superintendent Gene Harris affirmed the district is aligned with programs and curriculum supporting the growing sectors. “Virtually all sectors are represented by our career and tech programs,” Harris said. “When we developed the new career and tech programs, we used a lot of our data from the chamber. We are really clear that our children have choices.” At a Columbus City School district board of education meeting Feb. 17, LaFayette encouraged administrators and educators to focus educating students on particular sectors that could help the economy thrive.
LaFayette is vice-president of economic analysis for the Chamber of Commerce. As part of board development, LaFayette told board members he would “offer a long-term look rather than a dim look” on the Columbus regional economy. “There are popular misconceptions on what makes the Columbus regional economy tick,” he said. “Sometimes, those mis perceptions are held by those who should know better.” One of the misconceptions, LaFayette said, is that “Central Ohio is recession-proof.” “It is not,” he said. Part of the local educational sector’s responsibility, he said, is to “prepare a workforce that meets the needs of the community long-term.” “And a vital, irreplaceable component is Columbus City Schools,” he added. LaFayette used data collected from the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is defined by the federal government based on working commuter data. Eight counties – Delaware, Franklin, Fairfield, Morrow, Madison, Pickaway, Union and Licking – comprise the Central Ohio economy, according to data. This local economy is driven by a handful of key sectors, including logistics and distribution, manufacturing, business services, creative services, finances, insurance and health care. Logistics and distribution is growing and thriving in the local economy, LaFayette said. Because Central Ohio is one-day’s drive away from 51 percent of the United States population, 40 percent of Canada’s population and 53 percent of U.S. manufacturing plants, the “sector’s growth has been absolutely phenomenal,” LaFayette said. Since 1990, employment in the regional sector grew 30 percent, from 25 percent to 55 percent. Just since 2001, according to LaFayette, 13,000 new jobs in this sector were created. The national average since 2001 actually declined .3 percent. Though some believe Columbus is not a manufacturing region, LaFayette said, it actually is holding steady. The majority of manufacturing plants make automotive and parts, plastics, food and beverage, chemical and pharmaceuticals and glass and clay. LaFayette didn’t deny the manufacturing sector is “shedding jobs at an alarming rate,” but noted that while the jobs are falling, “output is increasing at a faster rate.” Output, according to LaFayette, is up 17 percent since 2001. Though it also is a misconception that many manufacturing jobs are moving overseas, LaFayette said most are just being replaced by advanced technology. The arts, entertainment and tourism sector is surprisingly doing well in Central Ohio, LaFayette said, especially the tourism portion. Though many in Central Ohio are doubtful that outsiders look to the area as a place to visit, LaFayette told board members and audience members not to underestimate the events and attractions of the area, such as the Short North. The finance and insurance sector is also one to focus on, LaFayette said, especially since several worldwide recognized companies have headquarters in the area. The insurance sector alone has increased employment by 80 percent since 2001. LaFayette also noted that the life sciences and health care sector is vitally important as it helps “maintain the quality of life and productivity” of the region. “The health care system draws patients and families from the outside system, which has an effect on our economy completely,” he added. LaFayette concluded his presentation by encouraging educators to invest in “growing sectors that will improve on the community and well-being.” Superintendent Gene Harris affirmed the district is aligned with programs and curriculum supporting the growing sectors. “Virtually all sectors are represented by our career and tech programs,” Harris said. “When we developed the new career and tech programs, we used a lot of our data from the chamber. We are really clear that our children have choices.”
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