November 2012 Group Watch: Alabama Focuses on Education Workforce Development
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield recently hinted at increasing collaboration between state education and economic development officials aimed at improving workforce development for industry. During an appearance in Birmingham, Canfield said he expects an announcement very soon from Governor Robert Bentley that will put the spotlight on the relationship between education and a ready workforce. Last year, the governor issued an executive order establishing the Alabama Economic Development Alliance, which Canfield chairs. The purpose of the Alliance is to improve workforce development for recruiting industry. According to Canfield, this is the first time in state history that the traditional economic development community and the education community are at the table together planning strategy. The governor pledged to not take a salary as governor until unemployment reached a suitable level.
