NAWB represents approximately 550 Workforce Development Boards and their 12,000+ business members that coordinate and leverage workforce strategies with education and economic development stakeholders within their local communities, to ensure that state and local workforce development and job training programs meet the needs of employers. These investments in workforce development create a comprehensive system to provide America with a highly skilled workforce that competes in the global economy. NAWB is the only association that advocates for Workforce Development Boards. NAWB works closely with policy makers in Washington, DC to inform national strategy as it relates to workforce boards and our partners in education, economic development, labor and business. We support our members through a comprehensive program of advocacy, training and technical assistance, communication, and the promotion of strategic partnerships for the advancement of our nation’s workforce. Our national conference, The Forum, gathers a diverse audience of workforce development professionals and leaders in business, government, labor, and education to learn from experts, technologists, and each other and explore both practical and theoretical approaches to solving our nation's most pressing labor market challenges.