SOUTH BEND, Ind. (November 13, 2019) -- In a survey of employers in the South Bend - Elkhart Region, the regional economic development organization found more than 80 percent of participants added workers in the last six months, with 63 percent already planning further employment growth in 2020. This is a slight decrease from 85 percent in 2017, however considerable future job growth is expected compared to 18 percent in 2018. The average annual wage of occupations in the region's specialized industry clusters exceeded the average private sector wages, and the SBE Region is catching up in those specialized industries compared to the national average.

The workforce outlook is contained in a voluntary survey of compensation practices and policies of 98 employers representing nearly 30,000 employees in the 7-county region served by the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership. Survey participants include some of the area's leading employers engaged in manufacturing, medical, logistics, financial, education and other activities, some with annual sales of hundreds of millions of dollars and others with only a few employees.

"The diversity of participants and the wide geographic range make the survey and report a valuable tool supporting the partnership's work attracting new investment to the region while supporting growth of existing employers," said Regina Emberton, president and CEO of the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership. "The survey helps us demonstrate the South Bend - Elkhart Region's competitive workforce advantages for employers."

The survey collected data about benefits packages and policies including health care costs paid by employers and employees, retirement benefits, training, vacation and other employment perks. The report includes regional wage data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighting over 350 occupations. New this year, is the addition of Annual Average Wage data for the regions specialized and emerging industry clusters offering a comprehensive 2019 Wages & Benefits Report for the South Bend - Elkhart Region.

Emberton explained that the report serves two main purposes. The collection of up to date data helps the South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership and participating economic development organizations recruit investment in the area by providing an accurate picture of workforce costs in the region. In addition, participating employers learn how their compensation practices compare with other employers in the region.

The report is available at southbendelkhart.org under Industry Growth. For more information, contact info@southbendelkhart.org or 574-344-4686. View 2019 Wages & Benefits Report.

About South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership
The South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership is a collaboration of the economic development partners from 47, smart connected communities in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan. The Regional Partnership focuses on a long-term systemic approach to advance the region's economy by aligning the efforts of various stakeholders around five key areas: Educating a world-class WORKFORCE, Recruiting and retaining great TALENT, Attracting and growing new economy companies in complement to our remarkably strong manufacturing INDUSTRIES, Promoting INCLUSION and sparking opportunities for minorities and Helping ENTREPRENEURS thrive. The Regional Partnership seeks to unify and collaborate so that together, the communities across the region work together to achieve what cannot be done individually. For more information about the Regional Partnership, visit SouthBendElkhart.org.

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Media Contact
Jill Scicchitano
South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership
574.344.4686 ext. 4806
jscicchitano@southbendelkhart.org