Kinexus Leaders Give Labor Market Report

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A labor market shortage remains the single biggest challenge facing the southwest Michigan economy heading into the spring of 2022. So says Kinexus Vice President for Government Affairs Al Pscholka, who spoke during an update Wednesday. Pscholka says although the region has regained some ground from pandemic losses, it’s having trouble covering the last bit left. He also noted inflation creates a threat to recovery, adding supply shortages aren’t going away soon.

“This is real,” Pscholka said. “There could be food shortages coming. We’re seeing less storage of food, so some of our cold storage places are reporting that food is becoming a just-in-time commodity now.”

Pscholka says the war in Ukraine adds to the pressure, creating other potential shortages. With prices up, there is one way southwest Michigan could benefit.

“We’ll see some more Chicago folks this summer because those trips will be shorter. They may not be going to Traverse
City. They may not go further. Southwest Michigan actually does become a greater destination with shorter travels out of those metropolitan areas.”

Employment in the tri county area is down about 5,700 from pre-pandemic levels with about 7,800 jobs open. Pscholka noted the healthcare field has a huge number of openings, especially among nurses. Kinexus is kicking off a six month campaign to help companies find workers with a job fair in May. It wants workers in need of a job to know there is help available in just about every way, whether it’s getting training or needing transportation. Anyone in need should contact Michigan Works. Kinexus says since July 1 of 2021, the team at Michigan Works Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has removed 1,023 barriers and 585 trainings have taken place.