PRESS RELEASE
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-
5/28/2025
CONTACT:
Sam Queen, Data Analyst
Iowa Workforce Development
1000 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319
Telephone: 515-281-8179
FAX: 515-281-9656
Or
Micah Freese
Rock Rapids Development Corporation
411 First Ave., Rock Rapids, IA 51246
Telephone: 712-472-4585
LABORSHED STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED IN ROCK RAPIDS
The Rock Rapids Development Corporation is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Rock Rapids area. This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Rock Rapids workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.
The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Rock Rapids area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high-quality workforce.
For the success of this study, we are sending letters to randomly selected households asking residents to take a confidential online survey. Survey questions will cover topics such as: employment status, current and desired wages, current and desired benefits, education level, and type of occupation, among other things. However, Iowa Workforce Development will not be asking survey takers identifiable information such as: name, social security number, or date of birth. Participation in this workforce study is greatly appreciated regardless of employment status whether you are currently employed, unemployed, a homemaker, retired, etc. Your input is highly valued.
Following the conclusion of the online surveying efforts IWD will conduct telephone surveying in the area through a third-party vendor. The same survey questions asked in the online survey will be asked of those who participate in the survey on the phone and again, no identifying information will be collected. All the survey answers collected will be combined and reported together. Individual answers are completely confidential.
Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at workforce.iowa.gov/laborshed. If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Sam Queen at samuel.queen@iwd.iowa.gov or 515-281-8179 or Micah Freese, with Rock Rapids Development Corporation at 712-472-4585.
Thank you for your support and participation.