The seminar highlights recruitment and retention strategies

The Cornwall and SDG Employers Seminar on Recruitment and Retention took place on 28th May at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall. The event provided relevant insights into workforce recruitment and retention strategies for 2024. Attendees enjoyed a hot breakfast and refreshments while listening to engaging panels on competitive hiring practices, capturing the potential of the new workforce Canadians, employer-led workforce housing and growing local talent. .

Cristian Urroz, President of the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the value of community collaboration. “I am excited and look forward to the questions and topics discussed. I believe this event helps. In a community like Cornwall it is important to speak up and support each other. One company might have a great idea, and other similar companies might use the same insight to improve their retention or turnover rates or whatever they might need. Just the collaboration is so beneficial to everyone.”

Bob Peters, economic development manager for the city of Cornwall, emphasized the importance of job retention. “It is clear that workforce retention has emerged as one of the key issues facing our current employers and new employers coming in and looking to invest in the region. Today is about bringing those employers together to talk about workforce issues, including recruitment, retention and some side issues like housing.”

Mayor Justin Towndale addressed the change in labor market dynamics. “Recruitment and retention is a challenge in today’s labor market. Things have changed. Going back a few years, it was an employer’s market. Now, it’s an employee market. I think the onus is on organizations, public or private, to make sure they can keep their staff. For private companies, particularly in Cornwall, we know there are jobs available and a need. Everything from production to efficiency and the ability to take on contracts is based on labour.”

Martha Woods, Executive Director at the Eastern Ontario Training Board, moderated the panel on competitive hiring and retention practices and discussed the evolving workforce landscape. “The workforce landscape is complicated in many ways and has changed quite a bit, so it’s great to have these conversations and talk about innovative ways people are recruiting and retaining employees.”

The seminar was well attended and provided valuable insights and practical strategies for local employers.