As today’s workforce continues to change rapidly, Sarasota and Manatee employers must learn to proactively shift strategies in order to hire and retain high-performing employees. The inaugural CareerSource Suncoast State of Talent Conference at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee on Friday, May 19 brings together area experts in recruitment, training and retention to better prepare companies and provide them with the necessary tools for success in the workplace. 

"This conference is so important to me because it brings together influencers who can seriously impact our local businesses with regards to recruitment, development and overall culture, said Steve Shenbaum, Founder and President of Game On Nation. “The message I want to reinforce is, although technology is obviously an incredible resource, we must share techniques to improve eye contact, authentic conversation and basic human interaction in the workplace. If we don't value these basic needs, my concern is they'll become a lost art."

State of Talent tackles topics from mentoring interns and new hires, inspiring transformational leadership, age-friendly workplaces, creating high-performance work cultures, professional development best practices in human resources through workshops, speaker presentations and networking with other area professionals.

Kristi Hoskinson, Human Resources Department Manager at FCCI Insurance Group and State of Talent speaker is eager to share how investing in your employees not only creates a positive work environment but helps retain a high performing workforce. “It’s exciting to work for an organization that is forward-thinking. FCCI is innovative; we are constantly challenging ourselves as it relates to our commitment in teammate investment. I look forward to sharing FCCI’s approach to learning and development, especially as it relates to one’s overall wellbeing and how that impacts the organization and the community.”

As our community continues to grow, events like State of Talent become increasingly crucial tools for building local economic strength. Providing the resources to effectively hire, train and retain the best talent our region has to offer not only increases individual productivity but improves Suncoast workforce performance as a whole. 

“This type of event is so important to the community and the professionals who work here.  Laws are constantly changing and as an HR professional, it’s critical to keep up on what’s new.  It’s also a great venue at which we can all make new connections and learn from not only the speakers, but from our peers who may have had similar experiences and can share what they know, said Human Resources Manager of Design Concepts/Marine Concept Holly Schearer, "

For more on the State of Talent conference, contact Chris Laney at claney@careersourcesc.com or visit their website online at StateofTalent.org.

State of Talent