Business, community leaders voice concerns to Sen. Kaine

Business and community leaders told U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine during a roundtable discussion Tuesday that workforce training and drug addiction are two major issues facing local employers.

Kaine, a Democrat and former Virginia governor, met with the group at the United Way Virginia Highlands during a swing through Southwest Virginia Tuesday and today.

He said he has become involved in workforce training in the Senate because employers cannot locate enough workers. He has found that companies are looking for skills that are not available, despite high unemployment in many areas.

“There are a lot of jobs going unfilled,” he said.

Kaine said he’s particularly concerned about finding ways to employ veterans. A large percentage of Virginia residents are connected to the military, he said.

“What can we do to help them get traction in the workforce?” Kaine asked.

Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. Head Plant Manager Sam Cassell said he has positions open but is having a difficult time hiring people. He cannot find workers with the proper training and is looking for welders and some with blueprint reading ability.

“If we could get 100 employees tomorrow, we would do it,” Cassell said.

Kaine said that technical training is a problem throughout the country and he has formed a caucus with Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio. They are working to increase funding and awareness of the need for technical training in the U.S.

“We don’t value career and technical education,” Kaine said.

Cassell said he also has a concern about work ethics. He said it can be a challenge to find dedicated employees.

Most on the panel said they agree. Universal Fiber Systems CEO Marc Ammen said his company is also in need of employees with technical training but also is looking for non-skilled workers. He said the company wants to grow but the lack of a qualified workforce has been an impediment.

“These are great jobs you are talking about,” Ammen said.

Kaine said investments in education and training are a responsible use of public money. He said that training employees helps the economy and provides a return on investment.

“The best investment we make is the manpower investment,” Kaine said.

Mark Larsen, Occupational Enterprise executive director, said a real challenge for workforce training and the long-term health of the economy in Southwest Virginia is drug addiction. He said huge numbers of people are addicted and unable to maintain stable employment.

“It’s a critical issue we can’t ignore,” Larsen said.

Kaine said drugs are a problem throughout the country and he believes there is a role for the federal government. He said he helped reduce methamphetamine addiction when he was governor by passing legislation that limited access to the chemicals that are used in the manufacture of the drug.

Earlier in the day, Kaine spoke at Emory & Henry College and will meet with officials in Bristol, Va. today.

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