1. a common, shared vision that is inclusive of all stakeholders, and
2. a strong potential for a continuous pool of skilled workers.

Just as every community desires an economically secure and sustainable future, every company in Alabama wants competent, motivated workers. Technically capable workers are essential for companies to be competitive in today's increasingly demanding, technology-oriented, knowledge-based economy.

The question that must be answered is: How do communities develop a capable, competent workforce for the businesses and industries of today and tomorrow?

Workforce development programs offered through the Community Resource Development Unit of Alabama Cooperative Extension System are aimed at helping communities find on-going solutions to their employment problems. Our goal is to help communities provide relevant workplace training at all levels so that workers and potential workers gain and/or upgrade skill sets necessary to become and remain employed and employers within local communities will have an available pool of trained workers.

The most significant and lasting way to develop and maintain a workforce is through the development of strategic partnerships and alliances. Strategic partnerships and alliances can identify potential resources for utilization in the design and implementations of both short-term and long-term programs to produce, train and retain a capable workforce.

The Alabama Cooperative System offers a variety of workplace development programs aimed at developing local strategies for strengthening and supporting their existing workforce and future workers. Examples of these programs are:

1. Vitalizing Communities: Asset Mapping a#151; Program focuses on helping communities identify local assets and mobilize to develop a community capable of attracting new business/industry and retain existing companies.
2. Workforce Preparedness: What a Community Can Do to Train and Retain Its Workforce a#151; Workshop is an overview of programs available through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to help communities retain and develop their current workforce.
3. New Beginnings: Life After Job Loss a#151; Program is primarily for hourly-wage employees who are victims of company down-sizing and the poor economy. Program focuses of how to mount a job search and look for a job in a competitive environment. Recovering emotionally and protecting one's financial assets are covered.
4. Customized Workshops — Custom designed workshops for specific employers and/or communities are available to meet identified needs of employers and workers.