BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) — Manufacturers in Broken Arrow say they have more openings than they can fill with skilled workers.
Businesses held a news conference during the week to draw attention to their need for skilled workers.
Wes Smithwick, president of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, says the city has more the 300 manufacturers, putting it third in the state behind Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Smithwick told the Tulsa World newspaper that the businesses can't grow as quickly as they want because they can't find qualified help. And that's slowing economic growth for the community as a whole.
Mayor Craig Thurmond suggested workers in neighboring cities to consider moving to Broken Arrow, citing its quality of life and the availability of work.
Officials say the job openings number in the hundreds.