Event Details

August 7, 2013

Analyzing Labor Market Trends to Enhance HR Decision Making

Presented by Paula Nissen

Bureau Chief for IWD Regional Research & Analysis Bureau

Paula Nissen understands the necessity of employers to have the ability to quickly access up-to-date information on labor market trends that are significantly impacting local economic development. She will explain the collection methods and research analysis used by her team to formulate reports containing vital workforce and economic data.

 MVHRA members will not only receive information on the importance of knowing and understanding labor market trends, but they will learn how to easily locate & utilize the continuously updated reports that Paula and her team develop. Members will leave knowing how the reports can enhance their decision making and assist them in planning for future workforce requirements.

Paula Nissen is the Bureau Chief for Iowa Workforce Development’s (IWD) Regional Research & Analysis Bureau in Des Moines, Iowa.  She is responsible for developing programs which benefit business and community development efforts across the state of Iowa.  Her bureau develops regional and industry specific customized products such as Laborshed Studies, Workforce Needs Assessments (Job Vacancy Studies), Iowa College Student Analyses, Employer Fringe Benefit Profiles, Dislocated Worker Facts, Industry Cluster Analyses, Education to Wage Outcomes Research, and also utilizes local and regional labor market data to produce data-driven documentation.

Her bureau has received recognition for its customized unique research and was awarded the Excellence in Economic Development award from the International Economic Development Council in past years.  Most recently her bureau has led multiple innovative initiatives including Skillshed Analysis methodology research, which is under peer review by the states within the Chicago DOL region.

Prior to her current position, Paula spent 15 years managing businesses, determining market trends and training management professionals.  She also assisted legislators and policy makers with research efforts through IWD’s Policy Office and Division of Labor.  She has personally lobbied the Iowa Legislature and was able to encourage passage of legislation under two different governors.  In addition to serving as a faculty member for the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, she serves on committees for the Professional Developers of Iowa.