Clarksville- Main File

STAKEHOLDER THEMES
• 50% of respondents to the survey indicated intention to add to the workforce over the next 2
years. This feedback supports the data projections for continued strong industry growth and
positive pressure on the labor market.
• Clarksville, and the surrounding Tennessee/Kentucky area, had a July 2017 unemployment rate
of 5.45%, decreasing from 8.10% five years before. Currently, the average wage in Montgomery
County is significantly below the national average. While a strong labor market should
push wages higher as companies compete for talent, much of this average is made up by
a disproportionate number of low skilled food, retail, and distribution workers. Focus group
manufacturing representatives indicated that wages range from $11/hour to $15/hour to start.
However, particularly in larger companies, wages scale up rapidly the first few years. In one
example, new employees start at slightly more than $13/hour, but see their wages grow to
nearly $18/hour after two years.
• When asked to rank economic development priorities, the top 5 ranking items, in order, were:
infrastructure investment, size of the workforce, quality of the roads, funding for workforce
development and training, and workforce training and availability.
• Certain stakeholders sense differences between how the City and County want to move forward
with respect to Clarksville’s development. One benefit of studying the labor force and the
economy is that the data can provide a platform from which to make decisions. However, the
effort should be made to align and prioritize values so that all stakeholders can move forward
in lock step. Rapid growth is occurring in Clarksville; the quality and nature of this growth will
depend on the community’s ability to quickly make and implement strategic decisions.
• Some survey respondents and focus group participants identified the need for quality of life
amenities to attract and keep a professional workforce in the area. Currently a low supply of
middle skill and professional jobs exists. This indicates the need for diversification. If Clarksville
can attract or grow businesses that require higher skilled talent, that talent can create a selfsustaining
cycle of spending for amenities and education for long-term economic sustainability.
The Economy and Job Performance 43