Dr. Jenni Harris discusses the value the North Carolina Department of Commerce - Workforce Solutions Division provides to North Carolina workers.

North Carolina has long been a great place to live and raise a family. The state ranks high in quality of life, economic opportunity, and educational attainment. Despite these positive trends, North Carolina continues to lag behind neighboring states regarding employment rates.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of July 2022, North Carolina was ranked 28th in unemployment, with 3.4% of North Carolinians unemployed. Despite being 28th in unemployment, North Carolina ranks 8th in job growth, meaning there are enough jobs but not enough trained labor. The North Carolina Department of Commerce – Workforce Solutions Division is working on training to advance the careers of North Carolinians and assist organizations in locating talented and committed workers.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce – Workforce Solutions Division provides services to businesses and organizations throughout the state. They collaborate with the state’s local workforce board offices to provide training, counseling, job placement, and other resources to help companies hire qualified workers. They also assist unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking new employment opportunities.

In this episode of Clocking In, Phil Mintz sits down with Dr. Jenni Harris. She is the executive director of Business Services at the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Workforce Solutions division. Dr. Harris is no stranger to the broader work of the Commerce department as she has held positions in economic development, serves on boards in support of innovation and entrepreneurship, and has even been a business owner. Dr. Harris has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, a Master’s of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Doctorate of Public Policy and Administration from the West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Mintz and Dr. Harris discuss what type of solutions the North Carolina Department of Commerce – Workforce Solutions Division, how her experience as a business owner with employees helps with her leadership of the Business Services unit, Dr. Harris’ favorite books and more.

NCMEP

NC Commerce – Workforce Solutions Division

Phil Mintz is the executive director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.

Dr. Jenni Harris is the executive director of Business Services at the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Workforce Solutions division. Dr. Harris has held positions in economic development, serves on boards in support of innovation and entrepreneurship and has been a business owner. Dr. Harrus has a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington, a Master’s of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Doctorate of Public Policy and Administration from the West Chester University of Pennsylvania.