Many would argue that the quality and success of our local education system is the most important contributor to the quality of our region's workforce. A person's success or failure in the education system practically determines their success or failure in the workplace.

A diverse panel of business, education and community leaders discussed the state of our current education system, the direction they saw education heading, and strategies for ensuring all of our students are ultimately prepared to succeed.

While long range planning and discussions about the region's future workforce are important, local human resources directors need to be able to find qualified workers now. San Diego's relatively strong economy means that local employers are working harder and harder to find qualified workers with the skills they need and must find creative ways to compensate workers and still remain competitive.

During this session, senior HR leaders built on the morning's opening session and provided perspectives on recruitment, retention, and training issues.

The day ended with a memorable dialogue and debate between former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. As two of our nation's most accomplished and well respected political leaders, Mr. Gingrich and Mr. Reich play critical roles in advising national policy related to workforce issues. Each an expert on this topic in his own right, these two dynamic public leaders pulled no punches in articulating the severity of the potential workforce crisis, identifying its unique characteristics and proposing real solutions. This dialogue was moderated by former Congressman from Wisconsin Steve Gunderson, a friend and colleague of both speakers and a lifelong advocate on workforce and economic issues.