ADC invites input in new business employer survey

Over the past several months, the Aurora Development Corporation Strategic Planning Committee has been working to identify and document the many assets that make Aurora and Hamilton County a strong place to live, work and do business. 
In a column earlier this spring, I highlighted this ongoing effort, which includes a growing list of more than 15 community advantages ranging from infrastructure and location to quality of life and workforce strengths. Since then, the committee has continued working to support those claims with measurable data and local feedback.
One topic on our list that consistently surfaces during Business Retention and Expansion interviews conducted through our office is the quality of the local workforce. Time and again, employers tell us they value the strong work ethic of their employees and appreciate the loyalty of workers who remain with their companies for many years. Those are significant strengths in today’s labor market and qualities that communities across the country are actively trying to achieve.
At the same time, we recognize that workforce experiences are not identical across every industry. Some employers may be seeing exceptional employee retention while others continue to face challenges related to hiring, minimum wage constraints, turnover or workforce development. Understanding those differences is important if we want to create meaningful solutions and share best practices that benefit the broader business community.
While public data from sources such as the Nebraska Department of Labor can provide information on employment levels, unemployment rates and workforce demographics, it does not always offer the industry-specific insight needed to fully understand employee longevity or workplace trends at the local level. To better fill that gap, Aurora Development Corporation has launched a Hamilton County Business Employer Survey.
The survey is designed for business owners, managers and human resource professionals who can provide input on workforce metrics within their organizations. The goal is to gather reliable local data that will help us better understand where our strengths lie, where challenges exist and how we can continue supporting business growth in Hamilton County.
The information collected may also help guide future workforce initiatives, targeted employee surveys or new programs aimed at strengthening local businesses and improving workforce retention across industries.
Strong communities are built through collaboration, and this effort depends on participation from our local employers. We encourage businesses of all sizes and industries to take a few minutes to complete the survey at www.growaurora.com/survey and help contribute to a clearer picture of Hamilton County’s workforce environment. 
Community members should also watch for future reports and findings as this project develops. The information gathered has the potential to not only highlight what our area does well but also help shape strategies that support long-term economic growth and opportunity for everyone.
KELSEY BERGEN serves as executive director of the Aurora Development Corporation. She can be reached at kelsey@growaurora.com