It’s a persistent notion that all companies, large and small, are facing today: where will the next employee come from, and what can be done to retain a current employee?

In response to a tight job market marked by historically low unemployment rates and the need to meet employee expectations that are on the rise, the answer for some organizations seems to be as simple as bait on a fishing line: incentives.

Talent Draft Day, a first-time event from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, got off to a strong start with its debut event last week.

Designed to connect students pursuing high-need careers with the schools and businesses and that want work with them, it drew more than 600 talented area students from Harrisburg High School, Southeast Tech, Lake Area Tech and the Lake Area Multi-District Schools.

As the University of Sioux Falls class of 2019 received its diplomas this month, the school’s president, Brett Bradfield, knows each person could migrate out of his or her field seven or eight times during the career ahead.

Preparing students for that unpredictable future means continually honing the education provided and increasingly working closely with industry to connect and equip students for the workplace.

If your business finds itself trying to attract talent, develop talent or determine what resources are available to help, this event is for you. The WIN in Workforce Summit will be held from 1 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

This annual event sponsored by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation brings together industry leaders, innovative educators and engaged business leaders from the greater Sioux Falls area to engage and share best practices for workforce development.

“We’ve put together an incredibly deep, informed group of experts to ensure you will leave this half-day event with actionable information and strategies you can immediately begin to put to work in your organization,” said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce development for the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.