In October, members of the Chamber gathered at Hall's Chophouse in Nexton to participate in a discussion on area employment challenges and how to be competitive in a COVID Market.

Two of the greatest challenges business leaders shared were retention of employees and poaching by competitors.  Other business leaders said they were struggling to find employees at all or being able to get their products or equipment from abroad so they could continue with normal operations.

For example, Volvo Car USA posted a September sales result of 9,350 cars. That figure is down nine percent compared to 2020. Throughout 2021, the entire automotive industry has faced inventory challenges because of supply constraints. Volvo Cars  says it continues to monitor the situation, but leaders said they expect it will be challenging to meet consumer demand for Volvo products the rest of this year. 

Some of the strategies or initiatives business leaders from across a variety of sectors are taking:

-Showing employees the track to new opportunities within their organization

-Increasing wages, benefits, and bonuses

-Identifying better perks outside of financial incentives

-Offering flexibility with work schedules 

-Providing employees with meals while they are working

-Giving staff philanthropic opportunities through their organization 

 -Providing professional development