Rosemary Elebash, NFIB’s state director for Alabama, participated in Yellowhammer News’ recent panel discussion in Trussville on workforce development in the state.
“We have a significant shortage of qualified workers,” she said. She said the problem “is looming, and it does not matter the industry.”
Citing figures from the governor’s office, Elebash said the state would need about 500,000 new workers in the next five years. The shortage of qualified applicants is already having an impact on the state’s small businesses, she said.
“Our businesses are not able to grow because we can’t find the people to work,” Elebash said.
Elebash said NFIB was partnering with the Alabama Community College System to address the issue and encouraged people to elect leaders who understand the challenges facing Alabama’s small businesses.
