Gene Haas Foundation Invests Big in Workforce Initiative

Today’s technically professional workforce is aging out and the next generation of new talent is not sufficient to fill the demand. Nationwide there are an estimated 5.8 million job openings, with approximately 60,000 of these openings in the state of Arkansas. The majority of these are in highly skilled technical fields, and this gap in the state’s employment can be directly attributed to a lack of knowledge, interest and preparation. The “Be Pro Be Proud” campaign is aimed at closing the skills gap and providing students and their influencers with the resources and training they need to succeed in a technical profession, and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas (ASCC/AIA; Little Rock, AR) has announced its acceptance of an $50,000 investment from the Gene Haas Foundation.

Named after the president and founder of Haas Automation, Inc. (Oxnard, CA), the foundation is committed to promoting the importance of U.S. manufacturing and is aggressive in offering scholarships for manufacturing education, particularly CNC machinist training. The investment will help fund the Arkansas State Chamber’s “Be Pro Be Proud” workforce initiative that showcases to Arkansas students the many career opportunities available within technical professions. “We’re incredibly grateful to the foundation for helping us continue to educate students on the opportunities that lie within technical professions and encourage further career and technical education in our schools,” stated Randy Zook, the president and chief executive officer of the ASCC. “It’s an honor to have our diligent research and subsequent workforce initiative be validated by such a category leader in the manufacturing sector.”

Through a traveling, engaging “Be Pro Workshop,” the “Be Pro Be Proud” Initiative has conducted four launch events across the state, visited numerous high schools and appeared at several industry events and festivals since its debut March 8, 2016. A robust online presence at BeProBeProud.org serves as a content hub for students, parents, teachers and the general public to learn more and even find training and job opportunities. Employers can also use the site to engage students, current skilled trade professionals can become ambassadors and work with students to spur interest, and parents and educators can arm themselves with the necessary materials for encouraging students to learn about potential career opportunities.

The website has seen more than 12,000 page views since its launch. Social media channels have also helped to keep top-of-mind awareness about the need for technical professionals and provided relevant updates throughout the campaign.

Investments such as the one provided by the Gene Haas Foundation are intended to fund strong technical programs that teach the skills needed for our economy to grow and expand. Their personal commitment to the importance of U.S. manufacturing inspired his foundation to focus on awarding grants for scholarships to students entering CNC machinist training, one of the 12 professions highlighted in the campaign efforts. To date, the program has received more than one million dollars in public and private investment, bringing the chamber’s foundation halfway towards its funding goal for this comprehensive initiative.

“It is critical that we all become more serious about advocating for skilled trade professions and educating students about the rewarding career opportunities they offer,” stated Michael Garner, the general manager of the Haas Factory Outlet in Little Rock, AR. “On behalf of the foundation, we’re proud to award these funds to the ASCC/AIA Foundation, as their initiative truly illustrates our desire to both advance our manufacturing workforce and contribute toward Arkansas’ economic growth.”

The ASCC/AIA is the leading voice for business at the State Capitol and serves as the primary business advocate on all issues affecting Arkansas employers. Its mission is to promote a pro-business, free-enterprise environment and prevent anti-business legislation, regulations and rules. The Arkansas State Chamber Foundation, founded in 1991, is a business-led solutions development and research organization. In a manner consistent with its education and research priorities, they work in partnership with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas to deliver objective information regarding issues confronting Arkansas businesses and residents today.

www.beprobeproud.org, www.ghaasfoundation.org, www.haascnc.com