Projects

ARIZONA LABOR MARKET INFORMATION IMPROVEMENT—GREEN JOBS, 2010-11
Arizona Department of Commerce

CREC/C2ER, working in collaboration with a team of subcontractors and consultants, is coordinating a series of research studies, data collection efforts, and data dissemination initiatives designed to improve the state’s understanding of its “green economy.” This 18-month project through will provide the state’s policy makers with a more thorough understanding of the industries and occupations that likely serve as the foundation for emerging green jobs.

 

UPDATING THE NASHVILLE AREA LABOR MARKET OPPORTUNITIES STUDY, 2010
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

Working with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, CREC is updating Nashville’s 2007 Labor Market Opportunities Study to reflect the economic changes since that time. Building on the previous report, this study will provide area leaders with the future outlook for those industries and occupations that have been mostly greatly affected by the recession. Furthermore, this updated study will provide insights into growth areas identified in emerging academic disciplines and occupational opportunities. Additionally, with recent declines in immigration nationally and in-migration regionally, the analysis will also provide insights as to how changing workforce supply will affect worker availability for mission critical occupations.

 

DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING A WORKFORCE STRATEGY, 2010
Future Forward Workforce Alliance of western North Carolina

CREC is assisting the Future Forward Workforce Alliance utilize available US DOL’s Regional Innovation Grant program funding to conduct strategic and implementation planning activities in support of a regional workforce strategy for the foothills and high country region of western North Carolina. The goal of this workforce plan is to transform the way the region’s economic and workforce development systems interact and help these organizations become more proactive in helping companies transition to new economic opportunities. Additionally, it will assist the region’s workforce partners become more focused in helping individuals identify alternative career opportunities.

 

PROJECTIONS MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP LMI IMPROVEMENT GRANT, 2010-11
Projections Management Partnership

CREC/LMI is assisting in a project designed to re-tool the Projection Management Partnership’s (PMP) capacity to provide state and local employment projections. CREC is assisting the project by providing external content review of new projection’s software help manual and reviewing the preparation of a handbook that provides analysts with guidance to use the software. Additionally, CREC is assisting in redesigning analyst training for the PMP by managing the effort to provide e-learning tools in support of the PMP’s projections activities. This 18-month project is providing the PMP with a foundation to ensure the redesign of the employment projections process is done in a way that ensures it’s accessible and used by participating states and territories.

 

POPULATION PROJECTION MODEL FOR THE STATE OF ARIZONA, 2009-2010
Arizona Department of Commerce

Working with demographer Jeff Tayman, at the University of California, San Diego,CREC is developing a population projection model for the State of Arizona. CREC is researching population projection models used in other states to determine the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches. Based on this information, CREC will then utilize or develop a projections model and related software that best meets the needs of Arizona.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGY FOR THE TEXOMA REGIONAL CONSORTIUM,2009-2010
Southern Workforce Board and the Center for Regional Economic Development at Southeastern Oklahoma State University

CREC is working with the Institute for Decision Making (IDM) at the University of Northern Iowa to update the Texoma Region's workforce and economic growth strategic plan. Working with the Southern Workforce Board and the Center for Regional Economic Development at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, CREC and IDM areproviding the ten-county region in Texas and Oklahoma an updated data analysis and strategic plan that reflects the ever-changing conditions of the economy. Based on the data analysis and working group sessions with key stakeholders and companies, the strategic plan will identify opportunities to develop emerging and potential clusters in the region and upskill the region's workforce for in-demand occupations.

SARNIA LAMBTON LABOUR MARKET ANALYSIS, 2009
Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board

CREC, in collaboration with the Centre for Spatial Economics (C4SE), is working on the second phase of a three-phase project for the Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board. The first phase of the project involved preparing an analysis of Sarnia Lambton's current and projected labor market supply and demand. This project bridged workforce development with economic development by focusing attention on high-growth occupations within targeted industry groupings that reflected the strategic economic development priorities of the community. For this second phase of the project, CREC and C4SE are surveying and interviewing employers in the region to further understand the region's labor force needs.

GEORGIA WORK READY REGIONS – LABOR MARKET OPPORTUNITIES ANALYSIS, 2008-09
Georgia Governor's Office of Workforce Development

Since last year, CREC has been working with the Georgia Work Ready Initiative by performing data research and strategic planning for each of the Work Ready region. CREC compiles and analyzes data related to a specific region’s workforce, target industries, and key occupations. From this analysis, they then assist the region to develop a strategic plan for how to pursue their workforce goals. The purpose of the project is to help each of the regions make strategic workforce development and education investments that align with the economic needs of their target industries.

IDENTIFYING WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UPPER RIO GRANDE REGION, 2008-09
Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board, El Paso, TX

C2ER/CREC, in collaboration with Workforce Strategy Center, is conducting a workforce needs assessment as the foundation for a regional workforce strategy for the Upper Rio Grande Region. The assessment is focusing on the workforce needs for key industries growing in the region, including the significant opportunities being created as a result of the planned expansion at Fort Bliss, the development of a new medical school, the transformation of international trucking and related distribution activities at the border crossing, the growth of homeland security along the US-Mexico border, as well as a variety of entrepreneurial opportunities in the surrounding rural region.

ASSESSING ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE TRENDS IN THE FORT BRAGG BRAC REGION, 2008-09
Fort Bragg Regional Task Force, Spring Lake, NC

C2ER/CREC, working in collaboration with Trade Development Associates, conducted a industry targeting analysis that involve mapping value chains in the defense and homeland security-related industries. Using definitions provided in previous studies, the team organized the industries into groupings that represented all of the opportunities and then identified targets of particular interest to the Fort Bragg RTF. The project also involved identifying the occupational clusters of greatest interest in those value chains to be targeted for workforce development. (Click image to enlarge)

SIOUXLAND TRI-STATE REGIONAL INNOVATION PROJECT, 2009
Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City, Iowa

CREC, in collaboration with the Institute for Decision Making, Iowa Workforce Development and Network Weavers, is working to develop a strategic regional workforce plan for an 11 county, tri-state region around Sioux City, Iowa. This work is being funded by a Regional Innovation Grant from the US Department of Labor. The project seeks to craft a unique and inclusive strategy that will allow the region to enhance its competitive position by preparing a highly skilled and educated local workforce. In order to do this, the strategy will include a number of initiatives with broad-based community support that align workforce development, economic development and P-20 education.

DETROIT LIFE SCIENCES STRATEGY, 2009
New Economy Initiative of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit, MI

In partnership with Business Development Advisors, CREC is assessing the need and feasibility of a life sciences development strategy for Southeastern Michigan. This work is being conducted for Detroit Renaissance and the Detroit Regional Chamber, and funded by the New Economy Initiative. The project will establish a framework for a potential life sciences initiative by identifying the leading research and healthcare institutions and economic development organizations individual and common goals. It will also provide basic data on the region’s life sciences assets.

DEVELOPING A WORKFORCE STRATEGY FOR THE CEDAR VALLEY REGION, 2008-09
Cedar Valley Regional Partnership (Regional Innovation Grant), Cedar Falls, Iowa

In partnership with the Institute for Decision Making at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, C2ER/CREC is helping to facilitate a workforce strategy designed to bring together partners from the economic development, workforce development, higher education, and K-12 systems. Key partners involved in the process include the Cedar Valley Regional (Economic Development) Alliance, the Iowa at Works Workforce Investment Board, Black Hawk Community College, and the regional office of Iowa Workforce Development.

ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE ANALYSIS; RESEARCH METHODS TRAINING CONDUCTING AN ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE PROFILE OF HAWAII'S TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION INDUSTRIES, 2008
Hawaii Science and Technology Council, Honolulu, Hawaii

Working with the Hawaii Science and Technology Council as well as the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, CREC is developing a comprehensive assessment of the state's technology clusters. The focus is on identifying the current and potential cluster linkages for nine technology areas as well as to explore the workforce needs of those clusters. CREC involves extensive efforts to interview technology companies throughout the state. In addition, CREC is providing training and technical assistance aimed at helping the state develop the capacity to continue this research after the project is completed.

WORKFORCE STRATEGY FACILITATION; WORKFORCE ANALYSIS
DEVELOPING WORKFORCE STRATEGY FOR RACINE COUNTY, 2007-08
Racine County Workforce Development Board, Racine County, Wisconsin

CREC is collaborating with PAROS Group to facilitate a data-driven strategic planning effort. The strategy is designed to link directly with county's economic development plan completed about a year before, helping to focus workforce investments for key economic development target clusters. In addition, the strategy also seeks to support County's efforts to redesign educational initiatives to meet the needs of existing employers and address the needs of jobseekers, especially those in the County's poorest communities. The project involves conducting a study of workforce supply and demand issues that would serve as an input for a series of strategic planning retreats for area business, public, and community leaders. The project includes an extensive communication plan designed to generate input from citizens and keep a wide array of stakeholders informed and engaged.

WORKFORCE STRATEGY FACILITATION
FORMALIZING THE PARTNERSHIP AMONG THREE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS AND A REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP, 2007-08
High Country Workforce Development Board, Boone, North Carolina

CREC will assist the High Country WDB in collaborating with the Western Piedmont WDB, the Region C WDB, and the Advantage West Regional Economic Development partnership to develop a joint memorandum of agreement. CREC is facilitating five working sessions designed to help identify areas of collaboration and seek funding support for a "super" workforce board area in western North Carolina. CREC is also conducting data analysis to support the strategic planning effort and a broader public awareness campaign targeted to the area's employers and jobseekers.

WORKFORCE ANALYSIS
LABOR MARKET OPPORTUNITIES STUDY OF THE NASHVILLE ECONOMIC MARKET AREA, 2007
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nashville, TN

CREC is conducting a Targeted Labor Market Opportunities Study for the Nashville area. The study is designed to help leaders better align workforce development and education investments with the region’s economic development efforts. The study involves conducting an analysis of the industry and workforce trends, including forecasting anticipated growth sectors. The project then involves matching those growth forecasts with economic development targets and identifying the most relevant on-going education and training efforts. The study includes recommendations for area leaders on the most significant investments required to ensure that Nashville has an adequate and adaptable workforce designed to create a regional competitive advantage.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS
STUDY OF STATE INCENTIVE POLICIES, 2007
TechSolve, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio

Under a subcontract agreement with TechSolve, the CREC/ C2ER staff conducted a comprehensive assessment of incentive programs in 11 states designed to support an analysis of Ohio's comparative advantage. The analysis included a summary of key programs, an assessment of reported program performance, a snapshot of funding support, and an analysis of the policy priorities for nearly 300 incentive programs. The research project represented a component of a larger legislative policy priority agenda for the State's governor.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS
COMPARISON OF METROPOLITAN LIFE SCIENCES INITIATIVES, 2007
Business Development Advisors, Inc., Arlington, VA

Prepared under a subcontract for Detroit Renaissance, this study examines how successful life sciences regions have organized their life sciences development efforts. Life sciences are defined to include how medical, education and research institutions can combine effectively support growth in this sector. The goal of the project was to provide a framework for leaders to consider opportunities for expanding the Detroit regional life sciences sector. The study benchmarks the area to 10 regions: Baltimore-Washington, DC; Boston; Cleveland; Los Angeles; New York; Philadelphia; Raleigh-Durham; San Diego; San Francisco; and Seattle.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS
COUNTING ON ARIZONA'S FUTURE: A REPORT TO THE ARIZONA DATA ESTIMATES AND POPULATION TASK FORCE, 2006-07
Arizona Department of Commerce, Phoenix, Arizona

Governor Janet Napolitano created the Arizona Data Estimates and Population Task Force (ADEPT) to undertake several key tasks: (1) evaluate best practices by other states for developing accurate population and employment estimates and projections; (2) assess population estimates and projections models currently used by entities in Arizona; (3) evaluate current employment estimates to include estimates of income and labor capacity and creating employment projections consistent with the population projections; (4) evaluate best practices by other states for access to utilization of labor market information; and (5) make recommendations to enhance the population and labor market data programs. The CREC/ C2ER provided consulting support to ADEPT, conducting research on best practices in other states and facilitating the development of recommendations. ADEPT not only adopted the recommendations, but the Governor began implementation of key governance recommendations before the study was even finalized.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS
ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC DATA IN ALLOCATING PUBLIC RESOURCES: A REPORT TO THE ARIZONA GROWTH CABINET, 2007
Arizona Department of Commerce

C2ER explored how demographic estimates affect Arizona in accessing federal funds and allocating its resources. This project involved reviewing a number of recent studies of the effects that variations that census population counts and various population estimates might have on the distribution of federal funds and state resources. The report recommended that policy leaders make the case to the state legislature that it should invest more state dollars in population estimates program because: (1) the Census Bureau's decennial counts and subsequent annual estimates historically have undercounted Arizona's population; (2) the undercounted population estimates have resulted in a loss of federal funding for Arizona; (3) more accurate Decennial Census counts and DES estimates could help in more equitably distributing state shared revenues to localities; (4) improving Census data and DES estimates require better data inputs from Arizona partners; and (5) Arizona must invest in its population estimates and projections program to improve its data inputs and methodologies.

WORKFORCE ANALYSIS, FACILITATED WORKFORCE STRATEGY
NC STATE OF THE WORKFORCE STUDY AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS, 2006-07
North Carolina Department of Commerce

The Center collaborated with the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce to analyze the State's current labor market in and identified major supply and demand characteristics, barriers, and gaps. The study examined demographic trends and labor market issues, with an emphasis on the differences among the state's three major geographic regions as well as distinctions between metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural areas. An important part of the study includes projections of state's labor supply and demand as well as an analysis of the capacity of the state's higher education institutions to meet the projected needs.



FACILITATED ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE STRATEGY, CLUSTER ANALYSIS
TEXOMA REGIONAL CONSORTIUM CLUSTER STUDY & STRATEGIC PLAN,2006
Texoma Workforce Development Board

The Center is working with the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce to identify critical industry clusters in a ten-county region of Texas and Oklahoma. The Center is facilitating working group sessions of key stakeholders and companies to begin building cluster networks and to identify ways to develop emerging and potential clusters in the region.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
REGIONALISM AND CLUSTERS FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, 2006-07
Western Carolina University Institute for the Economy and the Future

Center staff is helping IEF in developing and testing curriculum on key issues, such as cluster development and regionalism, designed for education planners and economic/workforce development professionals. Sponsored by the US Economic Development Administration, the course materials will be delivered to practitioners through traditional university courses, professional development seminars, and distance learning media.

FACILITATED WORKFORCE STRATEGY
NATIONAL CENTER ON EDUCATION AND THE ECONOMY, TUCSON, 2006-07
Innovation Frontier Arizona

Working with three counties in southern Arizona, the Center will provide advice and assistance in aligning education, economic and workforce development activities. Technical Assistance may be provided on both macro strategic goals such as finalizing and embedding regional visions and tactical initiatives that include resource mapping. The Center will define the challenges facing the region, opportunities for technical assistance, and a work plan for moving the region's economy forward.

WORKFORCE STRATEGY, BRAC STRATEGY
CONDUCTING AN IMPACT ANALYSIS OF THE DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY MOVE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 2006-07
Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission and Piedmont Workforce Network

CREC is conducting a survey of US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) personnel scheduled to move from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, Virginia as a result of the 2005 Base Reuse and Alignment Commission (BRAC) recommendations. The project includes an analysis of the direct and indirect impacts on the Charlottesville economy to help area economic and workforce development agencies prepare for the shifts of more than 1,000 positions expected during 2009-2011.

IMPACT STUDY, WORKFORCE STRATEGY, BRAC STUDY
BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURES, 2006
Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board

The Center analyzed the direct and indirect impacts of base realignment and closures for the Northern Virginia area, focused on 25,000 in-bound workers moving to Fort Belvoir and the Marine Corps Base at Quantico due to the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommendations. The CREC team estimated the industries and workforce impacts expected as a result of the planned moves. The Center conducted a national search of potential models and efforts include assessing the impact of job shifts on training and education requirements and identifying policy alternatives and recommendations.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS
A FINANCE ROADMAP FOR MOVING ARIZONA FORWARD:
FINANCING NEEDS AND RESOURCES, 2005-06
Arizona Dept of Commerce, Finance Roadmap Steering Committee

Center staff in collaboration with the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) and Practical Solutions conducted a study of economic development finance needs and options to help Arizona implement its 10-year economic strategy. In developing findings and conclusions for this report, the team analyzed existing federal, state, local, international, and private economic development financing programs. The team also interviewed a number of economic development financing experts to gain their insights into the shortcomings of existing initiatives as well as the advantages of initiatives elsewhere that offer model approaches to addressing community and business development financing needs.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS; HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY ANALYSIS, WORKFORCE ANALYSIS
NORTH CAROLINA’S EDUCATION AGENDA: FUTURE MISSIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA IN KNOWLEDGE ASSET-BUILDING, 2006
University of North Carolina General Administration

The University of North Carolina (UNC) engaged Eva Klein & Associates, Ltd. (EKA) working in collaboration with the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness and Gottlieb and Associates to conduct preliminary analyses for the purpose of designing a Study to answer the question: “What do the people of North Carolina need from their University for the future?” The team’s mandate was to conduct academically-oriented research and to deploy a consultation process with constituents in an effort to define issues that should form a study of mission, vision, or agenda for the University. The resulting two-volume study provides the foundation for UNC’s efforts to transform into a “demand-driven” university during the next two decades.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
ECONOMIC DATA OUTREACH WORKSHOPS, 2005-06,
US Bureau of Economic Analysis

Center staff is providing assistance to the US BEA staff in gaining national input from economic development data users about BEA data products. The outreach sessions scheduled in Baltimore, Mobile, Dallas, and Denver provide an opportunity for data users to review BEA activities, examine issues associated with the agency’s data, and provide input on ways to improve those products and services.

FACILITATED ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE STRATEGY, CLUSTER ANALYSIS
VISION PLAN FOR NORTH CAROLINA’S EASTERN REGION, 2005-06
North Carolina’s Eastern Region Commission

CREC assisted a regional strategic planning committee of more than 70 area representatives in developing a strategic vision for the region’s economic future. The Center also conducted a regional cluster analysis with an exploration of sub-regional cluster opportunities. Working with Eva Klein & Associates as well as partners within the region, the project team gained input from more than 400 stakeholders throughout the region to help in shaping a strategic plan. CREC also worked very closely with the Commission to determine its role in implementing the proposed regional vision.

CLUSTER ANALYSIS
EL PASO CLUSTER STUDY, 2005
Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Board

The Center collaborated with the Institute for Planning and Economic Development at the University of Texas El Paso to identify critical industry clusters in a six-county region of Texas’ western panhandle. An element of the study involved facilitating working group sessions of key stakeholders and companies to begin building cluster networks and to identify ways to facilitate cluster development in the region.

INDUSTRY STUDY, CLUSTER ANALYSIS
HARNESSING THE ARIZONA SUN: A SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY CLUSTER STUDY, 2005
Arizona Department of Commerce, Phoenix, AZ

CREC conducted a study of the Arizona’s solar energy industries to identify workforce development challenges. In conducting the analysis, the Center identified 170 firms directly involved in the solar cluster. Based on interviews and surveys of the firms, CREC identified a series of recommended actions to foster innovation in solar energy within the state, expand market demand for solar-related products, encourage new solar entrepreneurs, as well as ensure that the state has a qualified workforce. The state is using the results in developing a plan for promoting solar energy as a key cluster of the state’s sustainable development strategy.

INDUSTRY STUDY
CONSTRUCTION TRADES LABOR STUDY, 2004-2005
Arizona Department of Commerce, Phoenix, AZ

Center staff is coordinating a survey of more than 1600 construction trades firms and 55 construction trades apprenticeship and training providers. The staff is examining occupational projections, skill demands, and training program gaps to help frame Arizona’s workforce policy. The Arizona Department of Commerce is using the study results to reshape its investments in training and apprenticeship programs statewide.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS
BENCHMARKING THE ARIZONA COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, 2004
Arizona Department of Commerce, Phoenix, AZ

Center staff conducted a survey of the budget, governance structure, and incentive policies in all 50 states. The staff compared how Arizona’s economic, workforce, tourism, and community development efforts are structured as compared with other states.

The Center proposed a significant expansion in the State’s investment in economic development based on a comparison with peer states. The additional investment would help to ensure that Arizona remains competitive. CREC also offered several alternatives for governing the agency. Arizona DOC leadership plans to use the study findings in their FY 2006 budget proposal as the state legislature debates the agency’s future.



PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
VIRGINIA WORKFORCE SYSTEM TRAINING SEMINARS, 2004
National Center on Education and the Economy and the Virginia Workforce Council, Richmond, VA

Under a subcontract to and in close collaboration with the National Center on Education and the Economy, CREC conducted a series of videoconferences and in-person presentations to local elected officials throughout Virginia on the role that workforce development resources can play in economic development. The purpose of the project was to engage elected officials in influencing workforce development investments related to training and strategic planning.

FACILITATED ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE STRATEGY, WORKFORCE STUDY
DURHAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, 2004-2005
Durham Workforce Development Board, Durham, NC

The Center helped leaders in Durham, NC to bridge the gap between long-term unemployment and underemployment in Durham County, NC and job opportunities available in the fast-growing Raleigh-Durham Metro area. The staff is identifying target growth industries and occupations and determining the skill and related occupational needs of those firms. Durham WDB plans to use the results to shift investments in their federal Workforce Investment Act training programs. The strategy document included research on forecasted occupations, their wage and training needs, and training opportunities.

FACILITATED ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE STRATEGY
ISOTHERMAL COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, 2005
Isothermal Planning and Development Commission, Rutherfordton, NC

The Center is helping leaders in four counties identify strategic economic, community, and workforce development priorities in a 4-county region west of Charlotte. The area, strongly impacted by declines in textiles and apparel, has fewer workers today than a decade ago, but continues to add people. The focus is to find employment opportunities for the future and to help the region transition to a new economic future. Strategies presented relate to improving education and training, infrastructure assets, and creating linkages to key urban centers.

CLUSTER STUDY
ROANOKE REGIONAL CLUSTER ANALYSIS, 2003-04
5TH PLANNING DISTRICT REGIONAL ALLIANCE, ROANOKE, VA
5th Planning District Regional Alliance and the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission

The Center conducted a targeted cluster analysis aimed at identifying existing technology-based clusters in the “NewVA” region, which includes nine cities and counties, including the Roanoke and Blacksburg metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) as well as their surrounding rural counties. The goal of the exercise was twofold: to help the region better understand its economic base and to identify progress in developing technology-oriented clusters of development. CREC worked closely with the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC) staff to provide training on how to conduct such analyses in the future.

FACILITATED ECONOMIC STRATEGY
LANCASTER COUNTY-WIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, 2003-2004
Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, PA

The Center helped county leaders in Lancaster to identify several strategic priorities for action. The historically manufacturing-dominated region of 450,000 people is undergoing economic transformation and its leaders wanted to develop a cohesive vision and action plan for more than 60 municipalities and 45 economic development entities. "Lancaster Prospers" - the name given to the project - is being managed through a 36-member planning group representing stakeholders from across the county including government, business, and academia.

FACILITATED ECONOMIC STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION
Future Forward Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Implementation, 2004-08
Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, PA
Future Forward Economic Alliance, Hickory, NC

CREC was recently engaged by the Future Forward Economic Alliance Board on a multi-year assignment to help in implementing key elements of the strategic plan. The work under this project includes: industry growth analysis; a brownfields survey; developable site identification, and facilitation of board and committee activities. CREC is also charged with helping to facilitation the development of key leadership networks throughout the region. As part of this effort, CREC helped to leverage $500,000 from federal, state and other sources to support the initiative. Other initiatives related to Future Forward have already attracted approximately $2 million in federal, state, and foundation funding to the region.


FACILITATED ECONOMIC STRATEGY
FUTURE FORWARD REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY, 2002-2004
Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Hickory, NC

The Center served as the lead consultant for a national team involved in developing a comprehensive strategy for a 12-county region in western North Carolina. The project, championed by US Congressman Cass Ballenger of “District 10”, examined the economic and cultural challenges facing a region of 800,000 people that is highly dependent on employment in vulnerable manufacturing sectors, including textiles, apparel, furniture, and fiber optic cable. The nine-month project included researchers from Eva Klein & Associates, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the Hudson Institute. The team conducted extensive data analysis, more than 150 interviews, a series of 10 workshops involving more than 400 local leaders, and a series of decisions support meetings with a strategic planning committee. Each of the 12 county commissions adopted a resolution of support for the strategy, and to date 11 of the fiscally hard-hit counties have contributed funding to an alliance of local leaders.

FACILITATED WORKFORCE STRATEGY
INTEGRATING WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN A REGIONAL STRATEGY, 2004
Upper Coastal Plain Workforce Development Board, Rocky Mount, NC

The Center worked as a subcontractor to the National Association of Workforce Boards to develop a strategic framework for the Region L (Upper Coastal Plain) WDB. The Center provided a one-day training program and co-facilitated two retreats with the board on how they could move forward in creating an integrated workforce and economic development strategy for the region along I-95 in the “upper coastal plain” region. The Board used NAWB and CREC expertise to design an in-house approach for strategic planning.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT AS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
National Commission on Entrepreneurship

The Center conducted a survey of more than 100 economic development organizations across three states – Maine, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. The purpose of the survey was to identify entrepreneurial development initiatives, attitudes among economic developers about entrepreneurial development as a strategic direction, obstacles to implementing entrepreneurial development, and efforts to evaluate these programs. The survey examined rural and urban initiatives, distinguishing between efforts to promote lifestyle and growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR WORKFORCE AND LOCAL ELECTED LEADERS, 2002-2004
Working on behalf of the US Department of Labor-funded Workforce Excellence Network, CREC and Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) staff worked closely with the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE) to design and package a one-day mini-course. The course is designed to integrate economic and workforce development policymaking and programs more effectively. CREC and C2ER contributed by providing organizational expertise and consultation in the design and development of this course and serving as a co-instructor in the delivery of the training in several locations including two training courses for the New Mexico Rural Development Council, the Northern Virginia Workforce Board, the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, the California Workforce Association, and more than 200 elected officials across the Commonwealth of Virginia. CREC and C2ER staff also conducted a training program for additional course instructors allowing for delivery of the program to more than 30 workforce boards in 20 states.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
IMPACT OF MANUFACTURING, 2003-04
US Department of Commerce, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Gaithersburg, MD

Working with six state economic development research departments, the US DOC’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), and ACCRA, the Center’s staff is coordinating a collaborative project, designed to assess the impact of manufacturing sectors on the US and state economies as well as evaluate the impact of MEP services on the state economies. The study found that more than 41 million American jobs rely on the 17 million US manufacturing jobs. These jobs can be found in design, engineering, business services, logistics, and customer services. The analysis also examined the impact of specific manufacturing sectors on the economy as well. CREC/ACCRA coordinated the research and integrated the findings for NIST MEP. Building a Stronger State-Federal Partnership.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS; POLICY FACILITATION
BUILDING A STRONGER STATE-FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP
National Institute of Standards & Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership, 2002-2007

The Center works in collaboration with several partners including the State Science & Technology Institute to develop a strong support structure for this federal-state partnership program created to help manufacturers become globally competitive. Built on the agricultural extension model already widely known, the US Congress created the National Institute of Standards & Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) in the late 1980s to address the challenges of global competition and to provide access to state-of-the-art knowledge about technical and management techniques that could be applied in small and medium-sized manufacturing facilities.

FACILITATED ECONOMIC STRATEGY
REGIONAL ECONOMIC STRATEGY
Virginia's 5th Planning District Regional Alliance Roanoke and New River Valleys, Virginia

Working under a subcontract with Eva Klein & Associates, CREC assisted in developing a Regional Economic Strategy for this 12-county region. The project involved collaborating with public, private, and academic sector stakeholders in interviews and via a 36-member Planning Leadership Group. EKA and CREC developed strategies and related tactics and worked to support achievement of "buy-in" of all key players to a unified, focused strategy.

ECONOMIC RESEARCH
ACCRA COST OF LIVING INDEX, 2000-PRESENT
Council for Community and Economic Research

Published continuously since 1968, CREC staff took over management responsibility the ACCRA Cost of Living Index in 2000 and full responsibility for the entire project in 2002. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index (COLI) provides quarterly comparative consumer costs across approximately 300 urban places. Created for business executives seeking to relocate to new communities, the COLI represents a collaboration of more than 300 state, local, and university researchers (primarily among C2ER members) across the US. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index is recognized as an authoritative source of cost of living data by the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNN Money, and many others. Annually the data is featured in Census' annual Statistical Abstract of the United States.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, EXECUTIVE MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAM, 2004-2006
University of Southern Mississippi Department of Economic Development

In 2004, C2ER initiated a partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi's Department of Economic Development to offer an Executive Master's degree in economic development. Using a non-traditional academic calendar and periodic on-site instruction at locations across the US combined with on-line course support, C2ER and USM are paving the way for a new model for advanced learning in the fields of economic and workforce development.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
METHODS IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH, 2000-PRESENT
Council for Community and Economic Research

Since 2000, the Center has organized more than 50 one and two-day professional development training seminars on a variety of topics. The C2ER curriculum currently 16 different topics:

Data Collection

• Introduction to Data for Economic Development Practitioners
• Basics of Understanding your Region
• Designing an Index of Your Innovation Economy
• Using Local Employment Dynamics (LED) Data to Measure Job Churning
• Conducting Competitive Market Intelligence

Regional Economic Analysis Techniques

• Targeting Economic Development Investments
• Industry Clusters in Economic Development: Concepts, Policy Applications & Analysis Tools
• Assessing Your Workforce Advantage

Impact Assessments

• The Basics of Economic Impact Analysis
• Fiscal Impact Analysis:
• Economic and Fiscal Analysis for Non-economists
• Evaluating Economic Development Investments

Data And Program Management

• Managing and Designing Your Research Program
• Getting Media Attention for Your Research
• Advanced Workforce Development for Economic Developers
• Know Your Region: Conducting a Strategic Plan for the Knowledge Economy