It is an honor to serve as Chairman of the Board for Maricopa Workforce Connections (MWC). We are an organization that is responsible for building and overseeing the workforce development system in Maricopa County. Our board is primarily focused on increasing the wealth of individuals, businesses, and the community by identifying labor market needs and developing effective and innovative responses to meet these needs in the Maricopa County region. Other key priorities include the following:

• Addressing the region's skilled workforce shortage by providing high quality training to enhance the skills and earnings of Maricopa County's low-income and underemployed workers and families;
  
• Providing employment opportunities for all individuals (blue collar to upper level management);
  
• Addressing the education, skill, and employment needs of youth, particularly those who have either dropped out of school or who are thinking about dropping out;
  
• Branding the workforce development system so career seekers and local businesses can locate services quickly;
  
• Developing a diverse menu of business services that will meet local employers human resource needs; and
  
• Working effectively with local Workforce Investment Boards, local businesses, economic development organizations, education and health and human service agencies to develop a skilled workforce.