Workforce Connections, Southern Nevada’s Local Workforce Development Board, and the Vegas Chamber received national recognition for their joint efforts to advance workforce and economic development in Southern Nevada during the National Association of Workforce Boards’ (NAWB) The Forum conference on June 29, 2020.
The prestigious Laurie Moran Partnership Award was presented virtually by NAWB board chair Andrew Bercich to Workforce Connections executive director Jaime Cruz and Vegas Chamber president and CEO Mary Beth Sewald.
The Laurie Moran Partnership Award is only given to one Workforce Development Board and partner chamber of commerce in the nation. Currently, there are 550 Workforce Development Boards across the United States.
“Laurie’s award is one of the most meaningful statements we make at The Forum. It recognizes that partnership is so fundamental to success. In their combined efforts, Workforce Connections and the Vegas Chamber embody that collaboration and we are proud to honor them as a part of this year’s convening,” said Ron Painter, NAWB President.
Cruz and Sewald accepted the award outside a soon-to-open One-Stop business hub located within the Vegas Chamber offices at 575 W. Symphony Park Ave. #100.
The new business hub will be one of two employer-focused centers opening within Southern Nevada in the next few months focused on the employment and training needs of businesses. The second location will be at the Sahara West Library. Workforce development professionals will be available at the business hubs to help employers connect with vital resources, including funding, training, and hiring assistance.
“We are honored to receive this award from NAWB. It is a testament to the partnerships going on right now in Southern Nevada,” said Cruz. “Organizations are working together to more effectively help connect employers to a ready workforce. The two new business hubs will be pivotal in helping local businesses recover and thrive again.”
“Helping develop a talent pipeline is crucial for our members at the Vegas Chamber because we know workforce development drives economic development,” said Sewald. “We are extremely proud to receive this national recognition for our partnership.”
Workforce Connections and the Vegas Chamber, alongside the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), have worked hand-in-hand on several key initiatives, including Workforce Blueprint 2.0, which maps out workforce needs to support business needs. Members from each organization also now sit on either other’s boards to ensure alignment of efforts, including helping Clark County become the largest county in the nation to be certified by ACT as a Work Ready Community. The partnership has strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic with the launch of an innovative wage reimbursement effort to help over 60 small employers keep more than 275 employees on the payroll. The two new business hubs are expected to open later this summer.