The shortage of skilled workers remains the most important issue affecting businesses in South Dakota, David Owen, president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Wednesday.
Owen, who spoke during an event at the Ramada Inn in Mitchell, said the state needs to take steps to address its shortage of workers with the skills to fill the jobs that are in demand, which include many manufacturing positions.
"You don't just grab somebody who is walking in the park, hand them a welding rod and tell them lunch is at noon," Owen said.
The solution will require a change in the perception that a technical education is less desirable than a four-year degree, and informing students of the rewarding careers available to those with a technical degree.
"The answer in this conversation is going to focus more and more on return for investment," Owen said.
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Gov. Dennis Daugaard put the state's workforce issue at the top of his agenda during a series of six summits held earlier this year across South Dakota, including one in Mitchell, all aimed at finding solutions to the problem.
Owen discussed the results of the Nov. 4 election, including the voter approval of Initiated Measure 17, which requires health insurance companies to include all willing and qualified health care providers on their provider lists. The South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposed the measure.
Owen noted the proponents outspent the opposition by about two to one, and said their message was more easily understood and received by voters.
"I thought we ran a good one, but they just ran a great campaign," he said.
Owen talked about the bill endorsed last month by the Highway Needs and Financing Committee meant to boost the amount of revenue the state and local governments receive for roads and bridges.
The bill, if passed, would bring in more than $103 million in its first year from a package of taxes and other fees Owen described as a "revenue orphanage," with the various funding sources waiting to be adopted during the next legislative session, which is scheduled to begin Jan. 13
Mike Vehle, a Republican state senator from Mitchell who attended the event, led the Highway Needs and Financing Committee, which met in six cities across the state over the past several months, including Aberdeen, Belle Fourche, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown and Yankton.
