Area organizations have formed the Workforce Data Collaborative (WDC) to conduct the research critical to advancing Greenville’s economic development. The first phase of data collection began on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 with a transportation-focused survey being distributed to employers and employees in the downtown area (29601).

The Greenville Chamber, Greenville Area Development Corporation, Appalachian Council of Governments, and SC Works convened in April to form the WDC to collect and analyze data to examine barriers to workforce participation and opportunities to enhance participation.

The WDC identified four major barriers to employment, including transportation, child care, housing, and criminal records. The first phase of data collection will focus on transportation in key areas identified through employer feedback, including the downtown area (29601), Brookfield/Mauldin, Pelham Road, and the Donaldson/SCTAC area.

“Our business community has consistently reported transportation as one of the major barriers to connecting our workforce with employment opportunities,” said Carlos Phillips, Greenville Chamber president/CEO. “Together with our WDC partners, we are absolute in our resolve to remove barriers to workforce participation and promote pathways to gainful employment. Now is the time for the business community to be a part of the solution by providing the data necessary to guide our efforts.”

The analysis will be shared with business leaders and policymakers to inform administrative, regulatory or policy changes to enhance workforce participation.

The downtown area (29601) workforce transportation survey will be available through Friday, June 1, 2018 and can be found at www.greenvillechamber.org/transportationsurvey.