"My role is to work with businesses to identify skills missing in the workforce," said Gardner, "then we partner with educational organizations to create Targeted Industry Academies that bridge that gap."

Throughher work with the Community College of Aurora and Arapahoe Community College, seven unique academies have been created that support jobseekers as they upgrade their work skills and increase earning potential. The partnerships Arapahoe/Douglas Works! has created include internships with local businesses that help job seekers get their foot in the door of an emerging industry.

"At times, a jobseeker only has to tweak their career path just a little and they're ready to enter a rewarding career in a high-demand industry," Gardner said. "Others have to get basic skills under their belt and can then go through specialized training that opens the door to a good job."

The result: Not only developing the local workforce and increasing their hirability, but enticing companies to remain in Colorado or move here because of the industry-ready workforce. It's a program that's gaining momentum.

Gardner has been with the county for just under a year. She has 15 years of experience in community and economic development, including being on the international team for the Countryside Exchange program in Heraethog, Wales, which helped that town design a community development strategy.

Some might think a desk job is boring --not Gardner.

"I love finding creative ways to enhance the economic vitality of our community," she said. "It's exciting to meet so many people, understand their needs and connect the dots in ways we can build the workforce of today for the needs of tomorrow."

For more information about the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce WIRED and Targeted Industries, call 303-636-1275.

Nichole Parmelly is a communication services specialist with Arapahoe County.