By Sean Butler, CareerSource Tampa Bay Board Chair 2022-2023
We are pleased to present the annual report for CareerSource Tampa Bay, highlighting our achievements, challenges and strategic initiatives of our last fiscal year. Our success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of our board, elected officials, staff, leadership team and partners. Together we have not only regained the community’s trust but have also initiated groundbreaking projects. One such project is the Career Clarity Pod, including a virtual reality section and a new database for career exploration, launched in 2023.
We would like to highlight some other areas of achievement, during the conclusion of our most recent program year, as taken from our recently published annual report. You can read the full Annual Report by using this QR code or go to: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/841042468/
REACH ACT Letter Grade
One of the notable accomplishments is our recognition by CareerSource Florida, receiving an impressive 95.91, or an A letter grade, under the new grading system introduced in 2022. This was officially announced in October 2022. This transparent evaluation, part of Florida’s 2021 Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Act, reflects our commitment to excellence and accountability. This achievement underscores the significant strides we have made since our previous CEO, John Flangan’s tenure began, in January 2019.
The new letter grade system provides a standard, statewide assessment that allows local workforce development boards to identify areas in which we excel and areas that can be strengthened to improve outcomes for all Floridians.
Strategic Initiatives and Reach ACT/Alignment Update
Our strategic vision is further underscored by the recent recommendations from Ernst & Young during the CareerSource Florida meetings. We are actively pursuing the consolidation of workforce areas, with plans to merge Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties into a single, synergistic workforce development area. The journey toward this integration will commence in the first half of 2024, contingent on USDOL approval.
Regional Workforce and Demographic Indicators
The CareerSource Tampa Bay region has witnessed remarkable progress in employment with the unemployment rate in Hillsborough County reaching a commendable 2.5 percent, in March 2023, a 0.3 percentage point decrease from the previous year. This positive trend reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated team and the support of our community partners.
Notable job gains were observed in various sectors, including Leisure and Hospitality, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, Education and Health Services and Professional and Business Services.
Despite the challenges faced by the Information industry, our overall employment landscape has thrived, contributing to the economic vitality of our region.
Population Growth and County Dynamics
Hillsborough County has experienced a robust population increase of 1.9%, totaling 28,846 more residents, in the past year. This surge aligns with the statewide trend, as Florida welcomed an additional 416,754 individuals, bringing our state population to 22,244,823, in 2022. As we navigate this growth, CareerSource Tampa Bay remains committed to facilitating workforce development to meet the evolving needs of our expanding community.
Leadership Changes and Acknowledgments
We extend a warm welcome to Jonathan Wolf, who succeeds Ken Jones as the CareerSource Tampa Bay/County Liaison. Ken, your years of leadership and commitment have been invaluable, and we express our deepest gratitude for your dedicated service to the CareerSource Tampa Bay Board. We would like to thank Kay Jefferson, VP of Business and Community Development. Kay has played a pivotal role in enhancing CareerSource Tampa Bay’s capabilities and her departure, on June 30, 2022, will be keenly felt. We look forward to working with Mario Rodriquez who is set to take over as our new Business Director.
Strategic Pillars and Program Highlights
The Program Year 2022-2023 has seen significant progress across various strategic pillars. Noteworthy initiatives include the CareerEdge Virtual One Stop Design & Implementation, Asset Mapping Portal & Searchable Database, planning for a Youth Opportunity Summit in 2024 and System Strategy & Redesign. These efforts underscore our dedication to fostering a robust, inclusive and adaptable workforce ecosystem.
Direct Services Pillar and Tampa Bay Summer Hires Program
The Tampa Bay Summer Hires program continues to be a beacon for young adults, offering paid internships and leadership opportunities. With over 1,500 applications received, we served 522 youth in 2023. This initiative aligns with our mission to empower the next generation and bridge the gap between education and employment.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our dedicated board members, partners and staff. CareerSource Tampa Bay remains committed to driving positive change in our community and contributing to the economic prosperity of Hillsborough County.
