CLARKSVILLE-MONTGOMERY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BLUEPRINT
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>CLARKSVILLE</strong>-<strong>MONTGOMERY</strong> <strong>COUNTY</strong> <strong>ECONOMIC</strong> <strong>DEVELOPMENT</strong> <strong>BLUEPRINT</strong><br />
Talent and Education<br />
Strengths<br />
• Employers have a favorable view of the existing workforce –<br />
dependable, trainable, and plentiful.<br />
• The region features dramatic population growth and an expansive<br />
regional labor shed.<br />
• The population is relatively youthful, with a high share of residents age<br />
25-44.<br />
• A growing military retiree and veteran population enhance the talent<br />
pool. They offer a motivated, reliable, and sought after workforce.<br />
• Military spouses offer a valuable source of educated talent.<br />
• Fort Campbell brings a diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and<br />
perspectives to the population.<br />
• APSU is Tennessee’s fastest-growing public university.<br />
• Tennessee Technology Center is a highly regarded workforce<br />
development center. It works closely with private employers.<br />
• Nashville State Community College complements local postsecondary<br />
education options.<br />
• Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is nearing its 100%<br />
graduation goal (95.2% in 2011-12). The System is expanding Career<br />
Academies & STEM integration into curriculum.<br />
• Workforce Essentials effectively tracks industry needs.<br />
Opportunities<br />
• GI Bill education benefits could increase demand for post-secondary<br />
education programs.<br />
• Continued expansion of technical and professional degree programs at<br />
APSU.<br />
• Strengthening relationship with and active support for the mission of<br />
Fort Campbell.<br />
Challenges<br />
• The county is underrepresented in high-tech and professional<br />
services occupations (e.g., architecture & engineering, computer &<br />
math, physical & life sciences).<br />
• Lack of local white collar employment opportunities makes it difficult<br />
to retain young people with those career aspirations.<br />
• It is difficult to convince IT talent to live in the county.<br />
• A large number of professionals residing in the Clarksville-<br />
Montgomery County commute to Nashville for work.<br />
• The 2-3 year turnover of military families makes some employers<br />
cautious about hiring spouses.<br />
Threats<br />
• The community will continue losing potential high-earning and<br />
innovative young talent due to lack of economic opportunities.<br />
• Army restructuring, BRAC, and sequestration could threaten force<br />
levels at Fort Campbell.<br />
12
Change language