The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Ames area. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Ames’ workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.
The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Ames area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high-quality workforce.
For the success of this study, Iowa Workforce Development will be sending letters to employers in Ames asking that they aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This will allow the department to determine what the scope and scale of Ames’ Laborshed area is and better understand where Ames’ workforce resides.
A confidential survey of residents will also be conducted to collect workforce characteristic information specific to the area. Residents will receive a letter directing them how to take the survey online. Survey questions will cover topics such as: employment status, current and desired wages, current and desired benefits, education level, and type of occupation among other things. However, Iowa Workforce Development will not be asking survey takers identifiable information such as: name, social security number, or date of birth.
Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at www.iowalmi.gov/laborshed. If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Katie Lippold at 515-281-3035 or Brenda Dryer, with the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission at 515-232-2310.
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For More Information:
Katie Lippold, Project Manager, Iowa Workforce Development | 1000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319 | 515-281-3035
Brenda Dryer, Vice President, Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission | 304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010 | 515-232-2310
