The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Mike Carnathan set the stage at the March 2022 Talent Talk Luncheon, presented by Gwinnett Chamber Small Business Series and Partnership Gwinnett. Carnathan highlighted trends impacting the search for qualified talent. He noted that the region’s job market has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, the housing market still maintains a competitive advantage to attracting residents, and of those industries fairing well in the market, transportation, manufacturing, professional/business, and technology sectors lead in growth and opportunity. It is important to note that all these leading sectors are also target industries for Partnership Gwinnett, the community and economic development initiative responsible for nearly 3,000 new jobs and $1.66 billion in capital investment for Gwinnett in just the last year. Carnathan also shared wages have increased by an average 6.4%, but this increase pales in comparison to the rate of inflation, currently at 10.8%, leaving employers and business owners facing increases on all fronts.
The conversation shifted to a practical discussion with Alvin Keitt, Director of Business Development for ARK Temporary Staffing and Sheila Davidson, Vice President of Operations at MoneyPenny. Moderated by Gwinnett Chamber’s Vice President of Leadership and Talent Development Adam Forrand, these recruitment thought leaders shared that sourcing talent has become a targeted and detailed effort for most businesses today, more so than in years past. Utilization of online platforms such as LinkedIn, Zoom, and other video-conferencing platforms have become regular tools used to recruit employees.
Keitt highlighted that the fast-paced nature of our society has also introduced text messaging as a key candidate recruitment platform; and Davidson emphasized, “No longer is the employer the monopoly. The employee is. Today’s market is driven by the employee who knows their value and can drive the negotiation of the job they want.” Beyond salary and health benefits, recruitment considerations must include an employee’s commute costs, remote work preferences, and family needs. Ultimately, driving talent into your business requires a shift in approach, utilizing the knowledge of current trends, and setting recruitment plans that can support long-term growth.
Talent is a key focus for the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett. Gwinnett Young Professionals is accepting applications for the next JOURNEY class, a program designed to connect and grow next generation business leaders; and Gwinnett Chamber Small Business Series will be hosting its next “Customer Service Chat” on April 20. For more information, please visit our website at www.gwinnettchamber.org/events. To learn more about Partnership Gwinnett’s focus on cultivating and retaining talent for the future, go to www.partnershipgwinnett.com.
