In the News

U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene sat down with representatives from various Sky Valley industries earlier this month. She was out to discuss what it takes to maintain and improve a viable regional workforce.

The stop at the WorkSource in Monroe marked the start of her August tour of the 1st Congressional District. That includes most of Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties, and part of King County. Workforce Snohomish president and CEO Erin Monroe facilitated the talk.

“We know that there are opportunities and great organizations working in Snohomish County and throughout our region,” DelBene said. “We have areas where we have a thriving economy and areas where we are struggling, and I think we have the opportunity to figure out what works, what really works on the ground to help make a difference.”

Transportation, technology, geography and wages were brought up as barriers to retention and hiring. Generational differences in employees and training possibilities were also touched on.