There is no growth and prosperity without a strong economy
The Upper Cumberland job market is showing “promising signs of growth and stability,” according to reports. What are the keys to economic growth and prosperity?
Supporting small businesses and developing a skilled workforce is key, and the area works with various growth initiatives and programs across the region. Of course, there can be no growth and prosperity without a strong economy, and Tennessee’s economy remains healthy with low unemployment.
Upper Cumberland unemployment in a nutshell:
- Warren County has a rate of 3.2%
- Cannon County sits at 2.6%
- Clay sits at 4.2%. Cumberland County sits at 3.7%
- DeKalb County landed at 3.3%.
- Pickett County is down from 5.6%
- Fentress stands at 2.9%
- Van Buren landed at 2.9%
- Jackson County stands at 3.4%
- Macon County’s number stands at 2.5%
- Overton and Putnam stand at 2.8%.
- Smith landed at 2.7%
- White County’s rate is 3.6%
“All of this attention on the state’s urban centers makes it easy to think that opportunity can only be found in a big city. Here in the Upper Cumberland, we know better. Opportunity and growth are all-around us,” According to UCEMC.
In Tennessee, there were 741,196 small businesses. That is 99.5% of Tennessee businesses employing 1.2 million, or 41.5% of Tennessee employees. Low unemployment and a focus on attracting small businesses, including the collective work of the Business Resource Collective (a collaboration between various organizations that work to streamline support and help ensure resources and support needed for small business growth), add to the health of any economy.
Investments in Tennessee include:
- The Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE)
- Future Workforce Initiative to prepare students for future jobs, particularly in STEM fields.
With growth comes opportunity. As dirt is moved and projects begin, the need for skilled tradespeople increases. Construction workers and HVAC technicians who support the growing housing market in the Upper Cumberland benefit the most from a vibrant economy.
Education in the trades is becoming more prevalent.
“Tennessee consistently ranks as a top state for business thanks to our strong economy, low taxes and talented workforce, but companies consider more than these factors when choosing where to invest,” said Governor Lee. “As states across the country compete for economic investment, we prioritize relationships – so that leading global brands know we’re committed to delivering greater opportunity for Tennesseans through successful, lasting partnerships.”
With that, new graduates will also face a more competitive job market. To help combat that issue, the Tennessee Youth Employment Program (TYEP) has placed over 4,800 youths into jobs. Job experience is key to the trades, and programs like TYEP are just one of many reasons the Upper Cumberland and Middle Tennessee are growing.
With in-demand occupations (Architecture and construction, for example) also come competitive wages. That is the name of the game. Improve wages, improve employee retention. Other programs include the Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship, which cements Tennessee as the first state to establish a teacher apprenticeship program and addresses the need for more educators.
Education is the first step toward the future.
Drive through the Upper Cumberland this summer. Take a Sunday drive.
While you cruise, check out the beautiful country and the incredible people. But look closer.
You will see opportunities everywhere, opportunities stemming from conservative principles, support for small businesses, and the development of a strong workforce.
Those principles and ideas lead to growth and prosperity for all.
UCBJ photo.
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