Incoming director of the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County touts need for a 'workforc
- Tommie Lee
- Sep 30, 2015
- 2 min read
Mark Dobson will take over the EDC role Oct. 14
“I think Elkhart County is an example of how you handle a recession.”
So says Mark Dobson, who is eager to get to work in his new office. (Click here to listen)
He isn’t taking on the easiest job in Elkhart County, but it’s an important one and he’s up for the work. His job involves making sure there are jobs to be had in Elkhart County.
On Oct. 14, Mark Dobson becomes the new director of the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County. Dobson’s plan is to work in concert with local chambers of commerce and find new ways to get the county’s business environment moving in the right direction to avoid another slump.
”We all know the story,” Dobson says, “and the story’s been ongoing. We’ve had the rise and the fall of Elkhart County so many times (and) we’re riding the crest of a really fabulous wave.” Dobson believes in regional collaboration and finding the balance between the communities to keep them from competing with each other in negative ways. He notes that Elkhart County cannot discount its position at the epicenter of the RV industry, but still needs to find ways to attract other kinds of business and industry. Making this a quality place to live and work is a key factor in that.
One of Dobson’s priorities is the pursuit of a “workforce watershed,” a workforce strong enough to staff the new companies that come here. Making sure we have highly trained workers ready to make those new businesses successful. “Leadership in Elkhart County is fabulous. I don’t worry about the people component in terms of leadership or having to worry about the team that I’m joining. I’m worried about that workforce watershed.”
He cites the “desperate need for additional workforce” that the RV industry is looking for. He notes that a lot of people have moved on from entry level service sector jobs to industrial ones, and communities need to make sure they are training people to offer the very best service at restaurants, retail and more to show what a great place to live and work Elkhart County is.
Dobson also talked about the 30 years of experience in community economic development he brings to the job, including his recent stint as president of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. He was also named the 2014 Indiana Chamber Executive of the Year. Dobson also brings private sector experience to the position, which gives him some perspective about what local businesses have to deal with in the new economic landscape.
Tommie Lee is the host of Truth Radio's Early Edition, weekdays from 6 to 9. Newsmakers is heard at 8:30 every Wednesday morning.
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