PRESS RELEASE
Madison County Commissioner responds to national recruitment challenges by focusing on diverse candidates.
MADISON COUNTY, Alabama – As hiring challenges continue to be a struggle for many local businesses and organizations, maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce can be difficult. Often times minorities, the elderly, and those without proper resources struggle to find fulfilling jobs, contributing to alarming unemployment rates.
However, Violet Edwards, Madison County District 6 Commissioner is focusing on intentionally changing this. Madison County’s workforce mission is to be as diverse and inclusive as its community. This is evident in District 6’s accomplishments in the development of recruiting those who are the most in need.
Commissioner Edward’s District 6 has recently pushed Madison County into an agreement with TARCOG to participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and provide workforce development opportunities for senior citizens. They celebrated their first hired program participant at the Robert “Bob” Harrison Senior Wellness and Advocacy Center this year.
“Having a more inclusive workplace makes good business sense. Employing a diverse group of people brings a unique pool of ideas for programs and services. Also, our county government should look like our county population – a glorious mix of cultures with different experiences, skills, perspectives, and insights.”
Madison County Commission as a whole has shown dedication to hiring diverse employees by focusing its recruitment efforts on local veteran events, minority-focused events, and secondchance job fairs. The county hired nearly 200 employees in 2022. Of those, 50% were women and 33% were male and female minorities of various backgrounds. Targeting the next-generation workforce can be a challenge, as well. The upcoming working generation are “digital natives”, meaning that digital tools, devices, computers, and apps are part of their everyday lives. Though many are just now entering the workforce, they will account for 25% of all employees by 2025. Madison County is focusing recruiting efforts on this next-generation workforce using various social media techniques as well as clearly communicating the long-term benefits of working for Madison County.
Commissioner Edwards has expanded these efforts by facilitating a memo of understanding with Calhoun Community College for co-op students. This program allows the students to work directly in their field and opens the door to job opportunities. Multiple alums and active program participants work across the county, including the District 6 office.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the workforce as I look at District 6. We are multi-talented and multi-generational and bring skills from various backgrounds. This is the type of team required when serving a community as diverse as Madison County,” said Edwards.
