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organizations, and individuals to coordinate and carry forth the plan of action for short-term and <br />long-term success of a program generated by these findings. It is the feeling of the task force that <br />this o fic6 can achieve success if it is staffed by someone who is intimately familiar with the <br />community and motivated to move the recommendations forward to implemgntation. <br />Although this report focuses on the Gifford community, it's recommendations can be applied to <br />other specific areas of the county. And, the impact of any action taken on the recommendations in <br />this report will positively effect our entire county. <br />BACKGROUND ISSUES <br />• The economic base of the county is historically dependent on agriculture and service <br />industries, resulting in high seasonal unemployment. <br />• The County is making efforts to balance our economic base by increasing the number of <br />full-time, better paying value added jobs. These jobs require higher, skill levels. <br />• Certain population groups within the county have not been considered part of the <br />mainstream labor market and consequently lack the skills necessary to advance into higher <br />skilled positions. <br />• Target minority communities have large numbers of unemployed or underemployed job <br />seekers. Area businesses seek employees. However, available jobs do not match available <br />people. <br />• Training and education programs are available but, for a variety of reasons, the target job <br />seekers are not always able to take advantage of these programs. <br />• Unemployment benefits have contributed to a change of attitude in the — <br />workforce. <br />• There is a negative perception of the Gifford community that deters possible employers <br />from locating in this area. <br />ISSUES IDENTIFICATION <br />The following special issues were identified: <br />• Job opportunities are needed for all population and skill groups within the county. <br />• All lower economic areas of the county should be addressed in any effort. <br />• Transportation options to and from work are a concern in some areas. <br />• Recognize that unemployment benefits have contributed to a change of attitude in the <br />workforce. <br />• Integrate people back into the workforce who have paid their debt to society. <br />• The chronically unemployed often lack basic life skills. <br />• Quality infant and child care may be a concern to some families (employees), and may be <br />essential to many prospective employees. <br />• Jobs paying less than S7.00/hr. to start do not motivate the chronically unemployed whose <br />work history has been in low paying jobs with no advancement. <br />• As a rule, college graduates do not return to Indian River County; future leaders leaving <br />the area. <br />ACTIONS TAKEN <br />• Sun= of needs: Survey of employed and unemployed conducted at two Gifford <br />community civic events. "Attachment r' shows a list of questions asked and the responses. <br />A small sample of 25 people were surveyed. More surveys must be cc mpleted to obtain a <br />better sample and reliable statistics. <br />AUGUST 8, 2000 -53- <br />14 PG <br />507 <br />