Guest Column by Kim Nelson

 

A group of educators, business/industry leaders and workforce professionals meet on a monthly basis at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. The group focuses on our current workforce issues as well as looking ahead to our future workforce. 

As one of the members of the group and an advocate for education, I am continually asking the what, where and when questions. I recently attended a regional Vitality Summit hosted by Congressman Tim Walz. At that summit, there was a presentation by David Beurle. Mr. Beurle specialized in creating innovative future planning approaches for us in regional and organizational settings. In his presentation, he focused on the future of southern Minnesota, which included Albert Lea and Freeborn County. At the end of the day we worked in small groups to create feedback to Congressman Walz about what the priorities are in southern Minnesota, what government can do to help and where the money should be spent.

The discussions at the end of the day centered around childcare, housing, education and workforce. I left the session feeling energized for the future — specifically the future of our workforce. We will be challenged to be creative and assertive in selecting, training and retaining our future workforce. We will need to support them through affordable housing, education and child care. I believe that Albert Lea and Freeborn County are positioned to have a strong presence in southern Minnesota for years to come if we all work together in creating the right culture. 

Kim Nelson is director of grants and alumni relations at Riverland Community College and a member of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Education Committee.