Welcome Letter from TRWIB CEO, Ron Painter

This forum was the culmination of national, state, and local research, time, and efforts by several of the region’s companies, and resources from our generous sponsors, UPMC*, Highmark*, and UPMC.

Our intent was to look at our region’s demographic portrait as an opportunity. Discussions took place identified some choices and challenges that face employers and the age 50+ workforce nationally and regionally.

*TRWIB Board member

On behalf of the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (TRWIB), I am pleased to welcome you to “Aging: It’s Not the Same Old Story, Preparing for the Next Workforce” forum.

In 2005-2006, TRWIB conducted a comprehensive study with Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Economic Development that focused on how southwestern Pennsylvania’s unique demographic composition affects the workforce and our local economy.  One of our findings pointed to 50,000 more older workers and 50,000 fewer younger workers than seven of our peer cities including: Baltimore, Denver, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle.  Our work didn’t end with the research. As a result of this study, TRWIB has focused efforts around career education for youth and an exploration of ways to fully utilize the mature workforce we have available and deal with their retirement.

Today’s forum will center on looking at our region’s demographics as an opportunity. The discussions that take place today will identify choices and challenges facing employers and the age 50 plus workforce nationally and regionally.  Our goals for today are several fold;  

• raise awareness of the issues,
• discuss strategies that will enable your organization and our region to reap the benefits of viewing this workforce as a distinct competitive advantage,
• help TRWIB articulate policy issues that we should be advocating,
• help unravel the underlying HR challenges that accompany the changes, and
• uncover some best practices that organizations have put to the test.

This forum is the culmination of national, state, and local research, time and effort by several of the region’s companies, and resources from our generous sponsors, UPMC, Highmark, and AARP. 

• We want to recognize the time and energy in the planning of this event.  These organizations recognize the opportunity ahead of us and lead by example as true champions of the 50 plus workforce.  TRWIB and I want to personally express our gratitude to all the companies that have participated in the planning for this event:  UPMC, Area Agency on Aging, CONSOL Energy, Inc., AARP, Highmark, PNC Financial Services Group, Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative (WPDI), Washington Consulting Group, Giant Eagle, PA CareerLink Pittsburgh/Allegheny County, Duquesne Light, ALCOA, and Leech Tishman, Fiscaldo and Lampl, LLC.

The fact that we have an older workforce in southwestern Pennsylvania is a reality, but it is not necessarily a problem.  Let’s work together to define best practices that will help us retain and value our unique demographic situation.  I am honored to take part in the discussion that will take place today and look forward to playing a role in making the region’s workforce as strong and viable as it can possibly be.

Thank You,

Ronald D. Painter
Chief Executive Officer
Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board