Keeping American in Business: Advancing Workers, Businesses, and Economic Growth. [Report of] the American Assembly (102nd, Harriman, NY, February 6-9, 2003).

In February 2003, 75 individuals representing business, labor, academia, government, workforce intermediaries, and other sectors participated in an assembly on the role of intermediaries in achieving worker success and business prosperity. The assembly statement outlined policies, approaches, and actions needed to ensure workers' access to economic opportunity and employers' ability to be globally competitive. The statement recommended the intermediary approach as a results-driven, entrepreneurial, and flexible collaborative approach that is trusted by employers and workers. The following goals of using intermediary approaches were identified: (1) bring workers into the U.S. mainstream; (2) increase business efficiency and productivity; and (3) enhance regional competitiveness. The following benefits of intermediary approaches were identified: access to new sources of job applicants; reduced recruitment costs; higher retention rates; increased productivity; tax credit savings; and an enhanced reputation within the community. The statement included the following recommendations: (1) raise the nation's awareness of the problems facing U.S. businesses; (2) develop an effective workforce intermediary policy for business, workers, and regions; (3) promote smarter financing; (4) build capacity; and (5) build a constituency for action. (The following items are appended: lists of participants in the 102nd American Assembly and the assembly steering committee; background information about the American Assembly; and a list of American Assembly books.) (MN)