The 50+ Workforce 2020:
A Blueprint for Innovation

By 2010, nearly one in three workers in the United States will be over the age of 50. As the relative proportion of younger workers declines, attracting and retaining experienced and reliable workers must become a core business strategy for all employers.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) in partnership with AARP, is helping small and medium-sized businesses through local chambers and trade associations address the growing impact that aging baby boomers are having on the workforce. This initiative helps employers understand, plan for, and create workplaces that successfully engage and utilize the skills of workers over the age of 50.

ICW piloted four regional, one-day employer training workshops that provided a forward look at workforce development. These workshops led the participants to develop and implement effective hiring strategies and new retention methods in order to remain competitive in the 21st century. Participants from the four workshops are implementing strategies that enhance their ability to hire and retain 50+ workers.

Four Employer Training Workshops were held in partnership with the following local chambers:

• Northern Kentucky Chamber
• Tucson (AZ) Metropolitan Chamber
• Charleston (SC) Metro Chamber
• Bridgeport (CT) Regional Business Council