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And a new definition of wealth could reveal a path forward for rural areas everywhere. Site Selection magazine found that from all 3,145 counties, parishes and boroughs 61 percent of counties fell into the ‘rural’ category. Through their research they were able to rank top states by combined rural and micropolitan National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRCs).

Clark County has a new tool to evaluate the region’s workforce and potentially lure more employers to the region.

The county will roll out an ACT Work Ready program that helps communities identify skill gaps and look for ways to improve the local workforce, said Amy Donahoe, director of hiring and employer services for the Chamber of Greater Springfield.

Missouri ranked among the top 10 states in the U.S. based on the number of ACT National Career Readiness Certificates in rural counties, according to Site Selection magazine.

WINTERVILLE — Officials with the Pitt Community College VISIONS Career Development and Scholarship Program are encouraging Pitt County public high school juniors to submit applications for membership.

For Central Louisiana's economy to grow, it needs to show it has a work force that's capable and ready to do the job.

That's why local economic developers are excited about the regional recent designation as a "work-ready community."

Local leaders and luminaries gathered Tuesday to celebrate Callaway County's recognition as a Certified Work Ready Community.

"It took a lot of help," Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann said of the process.

For the past 2 years, he and many others in the community have worked to achieve the work-ready status as part of the Missouri Certified Work Ready Communities initiative. Bruce Hackmann, economic development director at the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, and chamber Executive Director Tamara Tateosian were among those closely involved in the process.

: Tom Green County has earned a nationally recognized certification as a ACT Work Ready Community. The Work Ready Communities program will help Tom Green County develop a pipeline between skilled workers and employers. Work Ready communities improve and measure the skill level of their workforces through a recognized standard – the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate™.  This credential is issued at the bronze, silver, gold or platinum levels to indicate career readiness. To earn the community certification, local leaders attended the ACT Work Ready Communities Academy, an executive leadership program designed by ACT. They then worked toward certification goals by building awareness among, cooperation with and a commitment by local employers, policymakers, educators and economic developers.

HR Professionals Magazine

 Excerpt: Denny Smith currently serves as President of SHRM’s Tennessee Valley Chapter, proudly supporting over 100 members by providing professional development, networking, and current information and research in the field of Human Resources, in addition to influencing legislation on state and national levels. In his role as Director of Testing and Assessment for Calhoun Community College, Denny understands the need for partnerships and collaboration between colleges, employers, and the community to promote student success, advance a qualified workforce, and contribute to stronger local economic development