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Paul Toomey Shares Five Labor Market Trends To Follow In Forbes Business Council

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:52:00 GMT

What’s driving change in today's labor market? The answer is a complex mix of technological, demographic, and behavioral changes. In a recent Forbes Business Council article, Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, explores five key trends that are fueling this transformation.

In his article, Paul highlights everything from significant demographic changes and AI's profound impact on entry-level positions to the growing popularity of alternative career paths among workers.

Follow the link here to read more!

Kansas Department of Labor Unveils T.O.T.O., a Cutting-Edge Career Exploration Platform

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:37:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions, in collaboration with the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), has launched Today’s Occupations, Tomorrow’s Opportunities (T.O.T.O.), an innovative career exploration platform designed to help students and career changers navigate their professional paths.

“The launch of T.O.T.O. represents a significant step forward in empowering the next generation of workers in the state of Kansas,” said Labor Secretary Amber Shultz “Through our partnership with Geographic Solutions, we can better equip students and career changers with advanced career exploration tools that will help them make informed decisions about their professional futures.” Governor Laura Kelly added, “I am thrilled to support the launch of T.O.T.O. and am confident this new platform will help Kansans find meaningful careers. By investing in an updated, engaging, and comprehensive career exploration platform, we are showing our commitment to building a strong workforce in Kansas.”

Powered by Geographic Solutions’ Virtual Career Center (VCC) software solution, T.O.T.O. offers self-service tools to help individuals explore their interests, develop their career paths, and find quality employment opportunities in Kansas. Facilitators will gain access to specially curated worksheets and guides that offer direction on career development, job searching strategies, and interview preparation. Additional key features include:

Wizard of Jobs – Reality Check: Helps users estimate the salary needed for their desired lifestyle, bridging the gap between financial planning and career decision-making.
Virtual Career Center – Comprehensive Career Exploration and Planning: Connects users to localized occupation data as well as education and training programs aligned with their interests and salary goals. It also provides real-time Kansas job postings, résumé and interview preparation tools, and access to apprenticeships and internships.
Electronic Portfolio – Portable Record of Career Development and Readiness Tracks student progress through personalized dashboards and profiles, saving interest inventories, preferred careers and programs, and other career development activities and artifacts.
Curated Resources – Support for Students and Facilitators: Provides students and facilitators with user-friendly materials to guide students through meaningful career exploration and planning.
Partnering Schools and Institutions – Student Management: Enables student service and tracking tools for partnering schools and institutions with options for customization and detailed reporting.

“We are proud to partner with the Kansas Department of Labor to develop T.OT.O. to help younger generations find their career path as they navigate today’s ever-evolving job market,” said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. “T.O.T.O is more than a job search board, it’s an intuitive platform that will serve as a compass for students and career changers alike, guiding them towards opportunities that align with both their talents and the state's growing industries.”

By launching T.O.T.O., KDOL reaffirms its commitment to equipping Kansans with the tools and data they need to make informed career decisions. This innovative website revolutionizes career planning by integrating cutting-edge technology, interactive learning, and Kansas-specific, real-world job market insights—helping individuals take confident steps toward their future.

The launch of T.O.T.O was recently featured in a story from the local broadcast news station, KSNW-TV (Wichita, KS). The story was also syndicated to Yahoo News, Salina Post, Butler County Times-Gazette, and KCLY-FM. Follow the link here to read the original article.

Louisiana Illuminator Features Geographic Solutions' Economist, Phillip Sprehe

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:56:00 GMT

We’re thrilled to share, Geographic Solutions’ Senior Economist, Phillip Sprehe was recently quoted in an article published by the Louisiana Illuminator! In the article Phillip shares valuable insight into why the State of Louisiana still hasn’t recovered all the jobs it lost during the pandemic.

In his quote, Phillip explains, taxes and regulations don’t appear to be the culprit, noting “We’re seeing this nationwide. There’s not an obvious law or regulatory hurdle that you can link to the employment numbers in leisure and hospitality.”

He continues, “…the current jobs numbers in the tourism sector are likely the new normal as many employers have adapted to the labor shortage in various ways including by implementing new technologies such as kiosks that have taken the place of cashiers and servers.”

Click here to read the full article on The Louisiana Illuminator’s website. The original story was also syndicated to Yahoo News, New Orleans City Business, KALB-TV News Channel 5, WVUE-TV FOX 8, and KTBS-TV ABC 3.

ConsumerAffairs Features Geographic Solutions' Economist, Phillip Sprehe

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:42:00 GMT

ConsumerAffairs recently published an article discussing the likelihood of an economic recession in the near future, which features a quote from Geographic Solutions’ Economist & Labor Market Analyst, Phillip Sprehe. In his quote, Phillip explains why he believes that an economic recession is unlikely to happen anytime soon, noting, “…Not only are we not in a recession, but it’s unlikely one will occur for at least the next six months.”

He continues, “According to data across Geographic Solutions client systems, job openings have steadily declined by four million since the inflation rate peaked in mid-2022. Despite this, employment growth has been unexpectedly strong, indicating that these job openings have been filled, rather than removed.”

Click here to read the full article on the ConsumerAffairs website.

Geographic Solutions Launches New ‘Economist Corner’ Page

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 15:23:00 GMT

We’re beyond excited to announce the launch of our new ‘Economist Corner’ page on the Geographic Solutions' corporate website! This new page will serve as a dedicated space for our monthly Labor Market Forecasts and Reports, which will offer unique insights and perspectives on the state of the labor market.

Each month, Geographic Solutions’ in-house economist, Phillip Sprehe, will analyze current and historical data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Geographic Solutions’ sites and platforms, to break down the latest labor trends, employment projections, and economic indicators. The Economist Corner will feature interactive charts, graphs, and infographics, making it easier for users to visualize and understand the complex data presented in the monthly reports.

You can visit the Economist Corner and access the latest Labor Market Forecast HERE.

Geographic Solutions President, Paul Toomey, to Present at Public Sector Data Summit in London

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 16:08:06 GMT

LONDON – Geographic Solutions Founder and President Paul Toomey will serve as a featured speaker at the Public Sector Data Summit in Westminster, London on January 19, 2023. Geographic Solutions is a leading provider of software solutions for workforce development, unemployment insurance, career exploration, and labour market information. The company’s business activities are focused on the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, as well as Asia Pacific.

Toomey, who is originally from the United Kingdom, will present ‘The Value of In Context and Just in Time Labour Market Information.’ This informative session will focus on the importance of and complexities with providing labour market information to job seekers and employers at the exact point and time that they need it. The presentation will offer examples from state public employment systems in the United States, as well as research on the use of near real-time workforce-related data to estimate the economic future of large corporations.

The Public Sector Data Summit features case studies and the newest technologies that aid improvements, efficiencies and savings across local and central government, the National Health Service (NHS), and the wider public sector. Presenters include leading senior public sector officials and experts from private sector solution providers. Toomey’s presentation will take place from 14:30-14:50 (GMT) at the Mountbatten Theatre – QEII Centre.

Over the past 30 years, Geographic Solutions has established itself as an innovative, best-in-class software systems developer – amassing a solid and sophisticated clientele of governments, universities, labour, and economic researchers. The company specializes in developing and maintaining online software for workforce development, economic development, education, corrections, human services, and unemployment insurance benefits.

The company is credited with implementing state-of-the-art online employment portals that collectively serve millions of job seekers, staff, and employers in more than 35 U.S. states and territories, far surpassing the reach and experience of any other vendor in the industry.

North Carolina Integrated Workforce System Provides Cost Savings of Over $10.2 Million Over Five Years

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 10:48:00 GMT

Jobseekers and employers in North Carolina now have a brand new cutting-edge tool at their disposal to assist them in finding suitable jobs, locating training opportunities, identifying skilled candidates and assessing the local labor market. NCWorks, developed with Version 12.1 of Geographic Solutions’ Virtual OneStop®, launched on August 4^th.

NCWorks replaces NC JobConnector and is expected to eliminate the need for eight additional information systems, saving an estimated $10.2 million in the next five years. The site provides universal access to online services for individuals seeking jobs and employers seeking employees. All of the services provided on the site will be available at no charge to jobseekers and employers.

NCWorks Virtual OneStop is an intelligent technology software solution that effectively captures,tracks,and reports labor informationon a variety of workforce programs and services. This leading-edge software serves as a highly-effective integrated workforce system for staff,and an efficient data compliance and federal reporting system for North Carolina workforce administration, as well as a robust online workforce system for employers and jobseekers.

Version 12.1 of Virtual OneStop® will provide jobseekers the ability to search for available jobs using a search engine that aggregates jobs from company and government websites, newspaper postings and corporate job boards. Job searches can be conducted within a radius of a zip code, by city or county, by metropolitan or workforce area, or on a statewide basis. Job seekers will also be able to search for training opportunities within the system. In addition to job search functionality, Virtual OneStop® will also provide Labor Market Information and skill requirements for each job listing. In addition to labor exchange functionality; jobseekers can develop resumes and cover letters and then submit them directly to the employer online.

Employers can easily post jobs, as well as search for talent and rank the candidates according to best fit using the automated system. Employers can access recent training graduates and labor market information. This gives them a competitive advantage in knowing whether or not their wage and benefit offerings are comparable.

NCWorks will provide workforce staff with the most cutting-edge job matching and referral system. All services provided to employers or job seekers, whether self-service or staff-assisted, will be accounted for and used to improve agency performance and regional economic growth initiatives. One-stop Case Managers can also enter and track individuals’ financial aid, budgeting, employment plans, training attendance, and WIA case management. Version 12.1 also brings a plethora of new staff productivity tools, which will allow for an increase in services provided to jobseekers and employers.

Geographic Solutions is a rapidly-growing software development company based in Palm Harbor, Florida. Geographic Solutions is the nation’s leading provider of software solutions for workforce development, employment and training. The Company has developed state-of-the-art systems for employment and workforce development agencies for more than 30 states. Our software is now available to over 75% of the job seekers and employers in the country. For more information, visit www.geographicsolutions.comor call 727-786-7955.For more information on NCWorks, email Lynn Hatfield at LHatfield@geosolinc.com.

Labor Market Information In Virginia More Accessible With Virtual LMI

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 11:40:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions announces the release of Version 7.0 of the Virtual LMI labor market information system for the Virginia Employment Commission.

Virtual LMI Version 7.0 utilizes the America's Labor Market Information System (ALMIS) database release 2.3, and includes numerous improvements to the extremely popular Virtual LMI system. These improvements include simplified job search options, and enhanced functionality for data analysts and efficient data access for employers. In addition, the enhanced content management component provides Virginia with the tools to effectively manage the content and its overall look and feel.

Virginia job seekers can access thousands of job listings in the state within VELMA that are aggravated by Geographic Solutions using their advanced job spidering technology. Virtual LMI 7.0 uses this extensive database of advertised jobs to provide both jobseekers and employers with real-time analysis of any local labor market in Virginia. Virtual LMI 7.0 also incorporates highly intelligent occupational search technology of the latest O*NET 7 occupational classifications. Employers can also use the system to review industry trends and find training providers.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Awards Contract to Geographic Solutions

Sun, 25 Jan 2004 19:59:00 GMT

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded the state's labor market software contract to Geographic Solutions. The New PALMIDS system, built from the innovative Virtual LMI Version 6.0 solution, will integrate with O*NET databases along with other national and state databases. New PALMIDS will be the official labor market statistics site for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In a coordinated effort with the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, Geographic Solutions is developing the New PALMIDS system with functions offering labor market research, job opportunities, statistics, and more in a dynamic Web environment. The system is built on the ALMIS 2.2 database structure. System advantages will include multi-tiered "drill-downs" for exact statistics or data research along with advanced labor market modules for job seekers, students, and employers.

According to Paul Toomey, President of Geographic Solutions, "We are pleased to have won this opportunity from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Virtual LMI New PALMIDS software will be targeted to provide enhanced services for analysts, job seekers, students, and employers, as requested by the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis."

Virtual LMI Featured in Labor Market Trends Publication

Tue, 25 Nov 2003 19:40:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions' state-of-the-art labor market software was featured in an article on the District of Columbia's DC Analyzer Virtual LMI solution. The front-page article titled Case Study: Bringing Labor Market Information to a Wider Audience was published in the November 2003 Labor Market Trends publication. It detailed the software development, data types, and successful implementation of Geographic Solutions' DC Analyzer Virtual LMI solution. It also discussed beneficial ways that DC's labor market staff uses the system.

In addition, the article mentioned integrated data from a DC metropolitan area labor market survey performed by Geographic Solutions in partnership with Nielsen Media Research, Custom Research Division.

"We are honored to have Geographic Solutions represented in Labor Market Trends," said Paul Toomey, Geographic Solutions' President. "We have had an excellent collaborative relationship with DC's Office of Labor Market Research and Information. The result is a software solution that fits the client's needs very well."

The audience for Labor Market Trends consists of thousands of labor market professionals, workforce leaders, employers, and business owners in the metropolitan Washington, DC area.

Virtual LMI Brings Labor Market Information to the Masses

Sat, 25 Jan 2003 19:46:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions, the leader in workforce development applications, has set the standard for web-based labor market information systems with the release of Virtual LMI.

Virtual LMI's features include:

State-of-the-art display and manipulation of ALMIS data.
Occupation, industry, and economic data analysis.
Automatic tracking of online services.
Integrated job search capabilities (including America's Job Bank).
ONET data review.
Consumer reports capability.
LMI services for employers.
Built-in tools that let you update the content on your site quickly and easily.

Tennessee Labor Market Information Goes Straight To The Source

Wed, 11 Jul 2001 17:17:00 GMT

he Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development is proud to announce the launch of the new website, The Source. The Source is an in-depth database of employment and industry information designed to assist the public with a wide range of needs from personal career planning to business location planning. It is Tennessee's official information guide for job seekers and employers. The Source contains a wealth of labor market information and was designed with the purpose of providing data to aid in economic analysis and decision making.

The Source is an instant resource for employers, planners, and industrial recruiters to study economic trends and conditions. This easy to use interactive Web site is endowed with an array of employment and unemployment data, area demographics, industry and occupational wage data, current economic indicators, and more. Data are provided not only for the state, but also for different substate areas such as metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), counties, workforce areas, and special wage survey districts. Along with an abundance of current information, The Source also contains historical and projected data that allow for detailed studies and comparisons.

The Source provides for in-depth independent research. Searches can be made through the JobSeeker module or the Inquiry module. Choosing the pertinent category such as Industry, Labor Force, Economic Indicators, and so on, then accesses data.

For most data, there are several geographic areas that can be displayed at the substate level. Data such as unemployment rates are updated on a regular basis to provide users the most timely and accurate information.

For more information contact the Department of Labor & Workforce Development by telephone at 615-741-3639.

New Alliance Provides Labor Market Surveys

Tue, 01 May 2001 13:47:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions, Inc., and Nielsen Media Research announce a new service to provide cost effective, timely and accurate local labor market surveys for economic and workforce development agencies throughout the county. This new alliance pairs the leader in the online delivery of labor market information with the worldwide leader in primary research services.

"We are excited about this new relationship with Nielsen Media Research," said Paul Toomey, president of Geographic Solutions. "The combination of Nielsen's state-of-the-art survey and research capability and our expertise in delivering labor market information will provide workforce development organizations with the most cost effective, accurate data and advanced user-friendly delivery of the information."

"As the worldwide leader in sampling and survey research, Nielsen Media Research will provide this new service with a standard of currency and reliability heretofore unavailable in local labor market information services," said Paul Lindstrom, senior vice president in charge of custom research at Nielsen Media Research.

Together, the two companies will provide workforce development organizations with independently verified, detailed labor market information, which will supplement and enhance data currently provided by state agencies. Nielsen Media Research will canvass local employers using computer-assisted telephone interviews and stratified sampling techniques. The data will include employee salaries, education and skill requirements along with anticipated hiring and layoff information and turnover rates. This information will be processed and stored in Geographic Solutions' state-of-the-art America's Labor Market Information (ALMIS) database, and will be available to job seekers and employers via the Internet.