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We asked a few members their thoughts on a single question. Here is what they have to say.
What is the biggest challenge you are facing in your business, and how do you think the Chamber can/should tackle it?
“The biggest issue we are currently tackling is trying to find qualified individuals that want to work. We were fortunate to avoid layoffs during the pandemic, but as we are looking to grow—which means bringing on new employees—we are having a very difficult time finding quality candidates that are willing to work. We receive resumes and conduct phone interviews but are ghosted by nearly 75% of those who we move on to the next interview stage. This is up from 15% before the pandemic.
Personally, I think it is too lucrative for people to avoid working and stay home. You see businesses with drastic signing bonus and overpaying entry-level positions just to try to get people in the door, and many of those efforts, both locally and nationally, are failing. I am not sure exactly how the Chamber can combat this issue on the national level, but both small and large businesses locally are suffering at the hands of the supplemental unemployment payments and not finding people willing to work.
Another issue we face is a growing shortage of skilled carpenters. As many jobs are being lost or altered due to technology, carpentry is one that is still performed primarily by human and not something that is learned overnight. According to a recent study, the average age of a skilled tradesman is 55, and by the year 2030, 79 million tradesmen will retire while only a projected 41 million will enter the workforce. This growing shortage will cause massive delays on projects and poor quality of work around the country.
I know the Chamber has Manufacturing Week which has been a great start to introduce area youth to the benefits of working in manufacturing, but I would love to see something focused on the skilled carpenter aspect of things as well. It seems right now the closest thing we have to introduce young people to the skilled trade is “shop class” in high school. Though that is a great introduction, I do not feel it really shares with students the long-term financial benefits that a career in carpentry can bring or connects them to hiring contractors. I would love to see and explore something that the Chamber can do to help young people find a career in the skilled trades.”
Michael Scott
Vice President
First Response
“For me in my role at Kruggel Lawton CPAs, the biggest challenge is identifying and hiring talented professionals to serve clients. The economy in the South Bend region is strong right now and getting stronger, and we have tremendous opportunities to serve organizations and individuals, thus continuing to build our team is vital.
I think the Chamber should continue to spotlight and promote the attractiveness of the South Bend region in order to retain and attract individuals and families to put down roots here. Talent and economic development go hand-in-hand, and I think our South Bend Regional Chamber continues to be in the forefront of advancing our region.”
Terry Bush, SPHR
Director, HR Services
Kruggel Lawton CPAs
“The biggest challenge is keeping our community's pulse. That goes beyond keeping products and services relevant and timely, it means understanding what our neighbors to our left and right are doing and how we can cooperate to thrive.
The Chamber is in a perfect position to see what partner organizations are doing and where each piece of the region's economic and social puzzle fits. When you're busy operating every day, it's easy to get tunnel vision and see only your own P&L or your own budget constraints. The Chamber can help us see through some of our other community leaders' eyes and find out where we can help (or be helped) to solve our region's pressing problems.”
Charles W. Florance
Chairman
Indiana Whiskey Company
“Overall, I think the Chamber does a very nice job connecting and communicating in our market—maybe encouraging companies to keep it local with a constant drumbeat of that message. I think American Express does a really nice job with this type of messaging, and it hasn’t been a one and done campaign; it has been going on for 10 years. Keep the money and investment local so that our community thrives.
Perhaps another idea would be to highlight or spotlight companies that work nationally/internationally – as we bring in clients, vendors, partners, staff, for meetings and events—which means hotels, restaurants, rental cars, shopping, sporting events."
Vicky S. Holland
President
Pathfinders Advertising
