For Immediate Release

Contact:         Maryjane Briant     
                        News and Media Relations Director 
                        Galloway, N.J. 08205     
                        Maryjane.Briant@stockton.edu     
                        (609) 652-4593 
                        www.stockton.edu/media

Galloway, N.J. - Employers, educators and workforce development professionals from Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties are invited to discuss hiring trends, skills and competency needs and workforce talent gaps at a Targeted Industry Partnership (TIP) event on Monday,  Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club.

Stockton University is home to the Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Talent Network, one of seven talent development networks funded a grant from the N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The RHT Talent Network wants business people to attend this meeting to help shape how the state’s workforce development funds are allocated and what training and certifications potential employees receive. “The state has allocated $5 million to projects that are created by Targeted Industry Partnerships, which is a great incentive for businesses to be involved,” said Stacy Forman, director of the RHT Talent Network.

TIPs are regional autonomous groups organized and facilitated by Talent Networks and led by industry businesses. Each TIP includes local workforce development, economic development and educational professionals, employers and other stakeholders focusing on workforce development issues within specific key industries. They meet bi-monthly or quarterly.

“Your recommendations will be heard and also provide input toward developing a state-wide, industry-wide list of valued credentials and degrees,” Forman said. “Potential ideas funded through this initiative could include the development of training and placement for incumbent workers, dislocated works, unemployed or under-employed individuals.”

This free event will be held in the Presidential Room at Stockton Seaview, 401 S. New York Ave., Galloway, N.J. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, email RHTSouth@Stockton.edu or call 609-626-5569. Attendees may confirm at Eventbrite.com, by searching for Coastal Targeted Industry Partnership Event.