Labor shortages and waning population growth are two major challenges facing rural communities. As Pennsylvania’s leaders begin to address these issues, there’s a growing awareness that demographic shifts and the growth of immigrant populations present a unique opportunity to promote an inclusive workforce while building stronger communities.

At this event, attendees heard from subject matter experts and practitioners who made the economic case for an inclusive approach to labor force participation. Attendees also learned how rural regions are leveraging partnerships to strengthen their local economies.

This webinar was for rural economic or workforce development corporations, rural chambers of commerce, nonprofits working with low- and moderate-income communities, and other rural or countywide decision makers who want to learn more about inclusive workforce models.

Watch a Video of the Event

Download the presentation slides.

Presenters include:

  • Kyle C. Kopko, Executive Director, Center for Rural Pennsylvania
  • Monica Munn, Chief Social Impact Officer, World Education Services
  • Craig Livermore and Carlos Gutierrez, Co-Directors, Midstate Council on Occupational Safety and Health
  • Vicky Perez, Branch Manager, Community Bank, N.A.

This virtual meeting is a continuation of the Rural Community Action Assemblies. Launched in 2020, the series focuses on actionable research and programmatic models to promote strong and equitable community, economic, and workforce development in rural Pennsylvania. This year’s series is cohosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and Penn State's Center for Economic and Community Development. 

For questions about this series, please contact Philip Jones at philip.jones@phil.frb.org.