On April 11, 2022, the MAX Leadership Network convened to learn more about the impact of key anchor institutions for the Atlanta region – universities and hospitals – from Sam Williams, Professor of the Practice, with the Urban Studies Institute at Georgia State University.
Williams joined MAX to share findings from his team’s recent research study on the importance of metro Atlanta’s universities and hospitals to the Atlanta economy and how greater collaboration amongst such institutions would have untold economic development impacts for our region. “Eds & Meds have more jobs than all of the Fortune 500 headquarters combined,” says Williams, “and account for more than $4 billion in new construction underway.” As an industry cluster, he discussed how these institutions share both challenges and opportunities especially when it comes to workforce and supply chain needs. And as Williams noted, anchor institutions such as these not only stay where they are rooted, they help define a community’s brand, are not susceptible to economic swings, and bring about significant new investment and jobs as they grow.
For our first in-person gathering in over two years, MAX Leadership Network attendees were also treated to a preview of the new Goodwill of North Georgia Metropolitan Parkway Career Center, which served as meeting host. Catering the event was Sister Nina’s Kitchen, a Goodbiz graduate.
Before the meeting closed, MAX Vice Chair Jenny Taylor with Goodwill of North Georgia led the network in a conversation regarding how workforce partners are successfully engaging with workers in these challenging times.
Click here for the presentation by Williams.
Click here for the Georgia State University news release regarding this work.
Click here to access the full report, “Atlanta Eds & Meds: Collaboration or Competition.”
ABOUT THE MAX LEADERSHIP NETWORK
The MAX Leadership Network is comprised of workforce leaders who convene regularly to strengthen our collective capacity as workforce developers to meet the needs that employers have for a ready workforce. Members of this network come together to jointly do the following:
- Learn more about who is doing what, where, and for whom
- Explore common issues and opportunities, and share ideas for building solutions
- Make new connections and catalyze partnerships
- Keep each other updated and informed on ways we can help each other
Members of the Leadership Network are senior leaders representing nonprofit community based organizations, technical colleges, state agencies, local workforce boards, chambers of commerce, intermediaries, and other key partners in workforce.