Washington, DC: In October 2009, the US Economic Development Administration reported the results of a research project entitled, "Crossing the Next Regional Frontier: Information and Analytics Linking Regional Competitiveness to Investment in a Knowledge-Based Economy". The EDA commissioned this research project to put tools into the hands of local civic leaders and economic development practitioners so that they can more effectively compete in a global context where knowledge and innovation are vital to competitive advantage. The result of the research is a set of practical analytical tools that regional leaders can use to assess their workforce, human capital and capacity to innovate within their region. Click here for a downloadable copy of the report.

The project is the first of its breadth and depth. But this report does more than provide tools to evaluate "where we are." The project also has a strategic component. It presents a framework for regional leaders to collaborate to achieve mutual regional development goals. Using the results of the analytical tools, the framework helps guide the discussions of regional leaders in selecting sound strategies and in identifying the united efforts required to achieve common goals.

Washington: Nationwide, the recession is over-at least in the view of most economists in light of third quarter 2009 indicators, according to a recent report from the MetroMonitor of the Brookings Institution . It revealed a real U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) increasing at a 2.8 percent annual rate, after four consecutive quarters of contraction. Most economists interpreted that rate of output growth, along with other signals such as increasing housing prices, as indication that the economic recovery is underway.

Yet the recovery seems fragile. The output increase may have resulted largely from the replenishment of manufacturing inventories and from temporary federal policies: the "cash-for-clunkers" program (already over), the first-time homebuyer tax credit (now extended through April 2010), and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's economic stimulus. As the effects of these policies recede, the recovery could slow or give way to yet another recession or a prolonged period of economic stagnation. To see the entire report, click here.

Washington, DC: In a report entitled "Between Two Worlds: How Young Latinos Come of Age in America" released on December 11, 2010, a Pew Hispanic Center survey of 2,012 U.S. Latinos ages 16 to 25 found that respondents were generally optimistic about their futures and valued education, hard work, and career success. For a downloadable copy of the report, click here.

Yet the report also presents data showing that young Latinos are statistically more likely than other youths to drop out of school, become teen parents, and live in poverty. According to survey data, 89 percent of Latinos ages 16 to 25 say it is important to get a college education, compared with 82 percent of all U.S. youths in the same age range. However, 48 percent Latinos ages 18 to 25 say they expect to receive a college degree, compared with 60 percent of their non-Latino U.S. peers. The report is part of Pew Research Center's year-long series on the Millennial Generation, defined as everyone born between 1981 and 2000.

Lancaster: On Thursday, January 28, 2010, the Youth Council of the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board will offer its annual Youth Career Summit for youth practitioners in schools and youth-serving agencies. The conference will be run from 7:30-10:30 am at the Eden Resort Inn, 222 Eden Road in Lancaster. Breakfast will be provided. There is no fee but a registration is required. Click here for a downloadable copy of the registration form.

As in past years, the Summit will provide up-to-date information on high priority occupation and Hot Jobs in Lancaster County. However, this year, additional information on meeting State career development standards will be presented and discussed. Small group interaction will be at the heart of the program. Act 48 credits are available.

For more information, contact Andrew Garner, Youth Coordinator, at the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board...717-735-0333 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Harrisburg: In December, the Team PA Foundation, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, and the Central Penn Business Journal announced the 50 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania. A survey of employees is the primary way that companies qualify for the award.

This year, rankings included Landis Homes in Lititz (8), Fulton Bank in Lancaster (34), and Ephrata Community Hospital (36) as large-sized (more than 251 employees) Best Places from Lancaster County. Nxtbood Media LLC in Lancaster (3), Cargas Systems in Lancaster (12), LMA Systems in Lancaster (20), Union National Bank in Lancaster (29), Jerome H. Rhoads Inc. in Lancaster (39), and RGS Associates in Brownstown (40) were listed as medium-sized (25-250 employees) Best Places from Lancaster County.

Congratulations to the Lancaster County winners.