Our Topic:

Generating Opportunities: Best Practices for Hiring and Retaining Overlooked Workers

Our Panel Moderator:

Dave Knutson 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

11:30 am to 1:00 pm 

**Unable to make it in person? Join us virtually!**

Mesa County Workforce Center

512 29 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81504

Even before the pandemic, the tight labor market was felt across Colorado and especially on the Western Slope, and that trend doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. That’s why it is more important than ever for employers to be able to recruit and retain great employees from underrepresented populations. This session will showcase local businesses that have had success with building their teams utilizing people who are often unnecessarily overlooked.

Participants in this session will gain insights to help them:

Partner with business leaders to develop, implement, and oversee enterprise-wide programs, practices and policies that lead to an inclusive and diverse workforce;

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current trends and HR management best practices relating to DE&I, including sourcing and acquiring a high-quality, diverse workforce that meets the organization’s needs;

Create and manage HR programs, practices and policies that encourage employees to embrace opportunities to work with those who possess diverse experiences and backgrounds; and

Identify changes in the workforce and workplace related to underrepresented populations that are necessary to help the organization meet key business objectives. 

WCHRA extends appreciation to Debra Brown, Executive Director of Good Business Colorado, for her assistance in developing this program.

Dave Knutson
Dave brings strong Leadership and Human Resource experience from the private sector, local government, and non-profits. He is the founder of Orion Rising LLC providing evidence-based Human Resource Services. Dave teaches Leader Effectiveness Training, a three day course, which produces engaged, high performing teams. His clients make significant progress with his 90 day accelerated coaching engagements and his 360 development work.
Dave was designated the Human Resources Professional of the Year by the Western Colorado Human Resources Association. The Society of Human Resource Management awarded his project in Utah the Pinnacle Award, the highest level of recognition in the profession, and the Workforce Readiness Award, also a national award.
He has served in executive and management positions in local government for 10 years, 10 years with Medical Products Division W.L. Gore and Associates in Human Resources and Organizational Culture, 5 years in the Outdoor Industry for Chaco Sandals, and over 10 years of management consulting. Bachelors in Labor Management Relations and Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling.
He lives a life of service being elected twice to the Board of the Outdoor Industry’s Conservation Alliance; serving as President and Board Member for the Grand Mesa Nordic Council; as a Branch Team Leader and founder of North Fork Senior Connections previously know as “A Little Help;” and serving on the Paonia Town Council. He competes in Nordic Citizens’ Races, is a trail runner, a Tai Chi practitioner and practices Vipassana Meditation.