A 2021 survey of site selectors found that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are important factors for growing businesses and an increasing number of companies are actively targeting talent markets with a diverse workforce. Company boards are changing, too, with all races, ethnicities and genders creating a leadership group that is more representative of the U.S. population.
While talent acquisition and affordable operations will continue to take precedence in site selection, they do not need to be mutually exclusive from DE&I. Read on to see how Temple has become an ideal location for businesses across industries to tap into a talented workforce that brings a variety of perspectives to the table.
Generational Strengths
Just over a quarter of Temple’s population is between the ages of 20 and 39. This includes more than 110,000 millennials living in the Temple-Killeen MSA, 16% above the national average for an area of its size. Additionally, just under a quarter of the population is in the 40-59 age range, adding tenure to Temple’s key industries like manufacturing, health and life sciences and logistics.
Having an extensive pool of highly educated young people, tempered by those with decades of work experience, makes Central Texas a prime location for businesses seeking a stable workforce.
Inclusivity Across Races
The Temple-Killeen MSA is significantly more diverse than other cities in the U.S, meaning companies in the region can pull from a broader pool of talent.
Supporting inclusive hiring in the area are local and statewide resources like Texas State Technical College. The school allows graduates to earn technical certificates and associate degrees in areas such as aviation, construction, robotics, and engineering. Initiatives like this help mitigate disparities in access to higher education and contribute to a more proportionate balance of race representation within the Temple workforce.
Strong Gender Representation
In Temple, women account for 51% of the population. There are also many woman-owned shops that have clustered together in the city.
Additionally, organizations like the Temple Chamber of Commerce and the Temple Small Business Coalition promote woman-owned businesses through an online company directory and community events.
Veterans Reentering Civilian life
Each month approximately 300 military personnel separate from Fort Hood — the largest and most populated military installation in the U.S. About one-third of these individuals indicate a preference for remaining in Central Texas.
Organizations like the Central Texas Business Resource Center hold regular workshops to help soldiers transition into the civilian workforce. Several local businesses, like McLane and Performance Food Group, offer award-winning programs that help veterans apply their skillsets to new career paths.
Temple, Texas celebrates diversity, and through a host of workforce development tools, networking groups and other resources, the city is building a more vibrant business community and economy. Are you looking to hire talent with a diverse perspective? Contact us to learn how tapping into Central Texas’ talent pipeline can help your business grow.