Jackson County receives a $10,000 BOOST Grant

A Declining workforce means the demise of businesses and industries in rural Iowa if something isn’t done to address this challenge. 72% of the workforce In Jackson County is over the age of 55.  That means that most of that 72% will retire anytime between now and the next 15 years.  Even if 100% of the students enrolled in Jackson County schools stay and work in Jackson County, there will not be enough men and women to replace those who are retiring. Businesses that are excited about expansion possibilities are advised to turn to technology, robotics and workplace efficiencies because they won’t have an adequate workforce to replace those who are retiring let alone add additional employees.  Having fewer people in the workforce also drives the need to maximize each person’s potential so that not only is each person contributing more to the workplace, but each person is also earning more and increasing their standard of living. So with that in mind Jackson County will be receiving a $10,000  Building Ownership & Organization by Strengthening Teams or BOOST grant from The Iowa Economic Development Authority. With this money they will be getting a survey of where the workforce needs are for the county. Then the Jackson County Economic Alliance will be able to determine what programs to offer schools to help try to fulfill the needs of the county and gear students to find jobs in an industry. It will also help develop success plans for existing business in the county to address the declining workforce and to increase potential to success and to be more sufficient in a declining workforce. They are also looking to maximize each person’s potential and promote small business and entrepreneurship to address the low and moderate income rate in the county.