The Aging Workforce Opportunity

Last Friday, the Institute of Politics (in partnership with the Three Rivers WIB) hosted a forum on the aging SWPA workforce. Nearly 150 business leaders, elected officials, social service agencies and foundation program officers gathered to better understand the challenges and opportunities created by our demographics. The speakers were outstanding. I won't mention them all here. I hope to have some more info (and actual presentations) soon posted on the HCPI website. For me, one of the most surprising points was that Pennsylvania may actually be ahead of the curve. (The Boston College speakers have researched other states' actions on this topic and PA is looking good.) And that was before they knew that Governor Rendell issued Executive Order 2006-04 Pennsylvania 2020 Vision Project. This directs agencies to develop plans to meet the challenges of serving an older population. Among other things, the project will evaluate the impact of the aging population on the workforce. Go PA!