FloridaWest EDA joins the Inclusive Development Network community of practice to
advance workforce initiatives that drive toward prosperity for all residents
(Pensacola) (March 18, 2019) – FloridaWest today announced that Escambia County is
one of five communities joining the Inclusive Development Network (IDN), an ambitious
new initiative designed to advance inclusive workforce development within the selected
regions through a focus on reaching underserved populations. Cleveland, Ohio; Corpus
Christi, Texas; Coweta, Oklahoma; Spokane, Washington; and Pensacola, Florida, were
selected from more than 35 applications for the Network’s first cohort of communities.
“Escambia County and Greater Pensacola are looking forward to a great future and we
need that prosperity to include all of our citizens, “ said FloridaWest CEO, Scott Luth, “By
participating in this innovative network, we can build a greater future for all of us.”
An initiative of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the Inclusive
Development Network will work to identify and implement strategies that reduce equity
gaps in local workforce development. Participating communities were selected based on
their geography and size, as well as their existing and proposed reach with underserved
populations.
FloridaWest EDA will assemble a leadership team in partnership with Achieve Escambia
and Careersource Escarosa that includes representatives from business and industry,
education, government, and the community. Through a specialized planning process
facilitated by CAEL, the leadership teams from the selected communities will hone
inclusive workforce development strategies to create education, job and career
opportunities for residents of all demographics.
“Although our economy is growing, segments of our communities are still struggling with
poverty, wage stagnation and underemployment. In local economic development, a focus
on working adults and inclusivity can help ensure that every member of the
community has the opportunity to thrive,” said CAEL President Marie A. Cini. “Each of the
communities selected for the Network will help build and scale an inclusive new approach
to workforce development.”
Backed by grants from ECMC Foundation and JPMorgan Chase & Co., the Inclusive
Development Network will be supported by partnerships with national experts, including
International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Burning Glass Technologies,
Avalanche Consulting Inc. and Quest Site Solutions.
“This work is about promoting economic inclusion for working adults at the local level,”
said ECMC Foundation President Peter J. Taylor. “Together, these leaders will blaze a
new trail to a more equitable and prosperous future for working adults, families and
communities.”
To learn more about the IDN, visit inclusivedevelopmentnetwork.org /
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