Howard County Re-Certified as Work Ready, Enhancing Workforce Opportunities and Economic Growth

During the March meeting of the Developing Howard County board, executive director Vanessa Weeks reported Howard County has been re-certified as Work Ready. Howard County was certified Work Ready in 2023 and must be re-certified every two years.

To be a certified Work Ready community, a county must be able to prove the economic viability of the area to employers, location consultants, investors and other decision-makers.

Work Ready communities use ACT WorkKeys Solutions to build a stronger workforce ecosystem. UA Cossatot helps area residents to to build essential career-relevant skills and measure the workplace skills that can affect job performance to help them be prepared for employment opportunities.

The board approved Weeks membership into the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives. AEDCE is a statewide professional association that will allow Weeks to meet other professionals who work to improve the local and state economy.

Board members reviewed the notes from the recent public meeting and is considering a replacement board member. Board member Nick Brooks resigned last month due to work related travel. He said his responsibilities with Weyerhauser were keeping him from attending meetings and so he felt he should step down. Weeks was asked to reach out to potential board members and inquire as to their willingness to serve on the Developing Howard County board.