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