I have had more than a few people write to tell me that I'm full of you-know-what for suggesting there's a skilled labor shortage in this area.

Well, why don't you hear that point from someone who would know -- and employer who is having a hard time finding skilled workers.

Here it is:

"I agree with at least one comment of Bob Spaulding, it is hard for area businesses to find skilled employees. We at Stone Consulting in Warren have been looking for another civil engineer interesting in working with railroads for over a year.

"This is specialized enough that you do not find the person simply walking by our office door. We have advertised and still the correct mix of knowledge and enthusiasm has not been found. Even when the correct person is willing to move to the area, quite often their spouse feels that northwest PA is too rural for them. Our next step may be an ad in Field & Stream magazine! This is not a low paying position as it requires a college degree and either experience or a willing to learn.

"We continue to hear of others having similar challenges."

Gary Landrio
VP Rail Operations
Stone Consulting & Design