Employer Insight Collaborative Highlights Workforce Priorities in Bourbon County

Press Release Employer Insight Collaborative 2026

FORT SCOTT, KANSAS — The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team recently held two Employer Insight Collaborative sessions on February 17 and February 19 to address workforce challenges in Bourbon County. The events brought together 44 employers and partners across healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, banking, and more.

Key Workforce Insights

While industries varied, the challenges reported were remarkably consistent. Employers identified the following as the most difficult positions to fill:

• Leadership and management roles

• Information technology (IT)

• Skilled trades

• Healthcare and helping professions

• Technical occupations

Addressing the “Soft Skills” Gap

A significant portion of the discussion focused on foundational workplace behaviors. While technical skills can often be taught on the job, employers noted critical gaps in:

• Reliability and attendance

• Professionalism and workplace expectations

• Communication skills, including customer interaction and writing

• Initiative and problem-solving

• Teamwork and critical thinking

• Leadership capacity

“While industries may differ, the workforce challenges employers are experiencing are remarkably similar. By bringing employers and community partners together, we can focus on practical solutions that support both our businesses and our workforce.” — Jody Love, President and CEO of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

Strategic Opportunities for Improvement

The collaborative identified specific areas where different sectors can coordinate to improve workforce readiness:

• For Employers: A focus on stronger onboarding, mentorship, and internal leadership development.

• For Educators: Strengthening connections between students and employers while expanding real-world learning.

• For Community Organizations: Improving awareness of resources and connecting education to support services.

Next Steps & Action Plan

To build on the momentum of these sessions, partners have committed to several immediate actions:

• Weekly Social Media Series: Increasing the visibility of workforce resources.

• Lunch & Learn Sessions: Strengthening collaboration with Fort Scott Community College.

• Training Coordination: Working with Pittsburg State University’s Kelce Center for Business & Talent Development.

• Strategic Initiatives: Exploring the “Work Ready Communities” initiative and pursuing pilot program funding.

  About the Partners

Pathways to a Healthy Kansas The largest community grant initiative funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, providing tools to improve active living, healthy eating, and economic opportunity. Visit bcbsks.com/pathways.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. Visit bcbsks.com.

Media Contact: Jody Love, MBA President & CEO, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team [email protected] | Ruralcommunitypartners.org