Survey: Need for qualified workers still top concern

By James Thorner, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Apr 23, 2008 10:30 AM

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The difficulty of finding qualified workers continues to be the top concern of business in the latest retention & expansion survey conducted by the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

More than 560 businesses have participated in the surveys since they began in 2005. And even though this year's respondents cited an improvement in the skills and education of employees, close to half still rate the local workforce as "average."

The chamber released the survey results this morning over bacon and eggs at a local business growth forum attended by about 50 business people.

Larry Richey, chairman of the Committee of 100, the chamber's business recruitment arm, said workforce training is vital as several new manufacturing prospects scout the area.

He cited a surge in vocational training in the public schools that's helped train young workers in manufacturing pharmaceuticals.