Workforce challenges, Cornell roundtable today

The current and post-COVID-19 workforce will be the focus of a virtual roundtable Dec. 1 from 4 to 5 p.m. at cornell.zoom.us/j/95341618557?.

Workforce challenges in Tompkins County, the state and the nation have become the norm, with various openings drawing fewer applicants versus the past. The Dec. 1 session will focus on these realities and how local leaders are responding, followed by a Q&A.

The panel for this event includes:

– Rosemary Avila, interim director of the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board
– Charlie Kruzansky, associate vice president of Cornell University State Relations
– Jeff Matteson, district superintendent and CEO of TST BOCES
– Heather McDaniel, president of Ithaca Area Economic Development
– Mary Opperman, Cornell University vice president and chief human resources officer
– Jennifer Tavares, president and CEO of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce

Front-end questions for roundtable participants should be submitted to community_relations@cornell.edu.

Thanks, local leaders!

One of the best parts about Cornell’s annual Town-Gown Awards — The TOGOs — is thanking elected and appointed officials who are leaving their positions.

The 2021 TOGOs (see recording at communityrelations.cornell.edu/the-towngown-awards) recognized a record number of friends and neighbors, including Jennifer Biloski, Dan Cogan, JoAnn Cornish, Elizabeth Cree, Sue Dale-Hall, Deborah Dietrich, Lee Dillon, David Evelyn, Donna Fleming, John Fracchia, Mike Hall, Don Hartill, TeeAnn Hunter, Graham Kerslick, Patricia Leary, Tim Marchell, Erin Marteal, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Beth McGee, Dave McKenna, Deb Mohlenhoff, Glenn Morey, Seph Murtagh, Dennis Nayor, Scott Purcell, Martha Robertson, Lucia Sacco, Karen Schachere, Ken Schlather, Stephen Smith, Gregg Thomas, Irene Weiser and Jonathan Wood.

So, what’s going on up there?

A frequent question we field in the Office of Community Relations is, “How can we find out what’s going on at Cornell, and what we can attend?” In short, a go-to first stop should always be events.cornell.edu. The website features specifics on a variety of activities, many free and open to the public, including exhibits at the Johnson Museum and Lab or Ornithology, plus lots of music, lectures, sports and discussions on the environment and various societal issues.

A related query that often goes along with this general topic is, “Where can I park?” At this link, t.ly/afds, is information for short-term and visitor parking, as well as email and telephone contacts for additional questions. We hope to see you around campus!

East Hill Notes are published the first and third Mondays of every month in Tompkins Weekly. Gary Stewart, gary.stewart@cornell.edu, is associate vice president in Cornell University’s Office of Community Relations. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.