These proceedings contain 10 presentations and a panel discussion from a conference to acquaint the Northeast with a structure for developing and implementing solutions to improve the Northeast economically. A statement of purpose for the conference is followed by introductory remarks. The 10 presentations concern these topics: improvement in the northeastern economy and the role of labor training in that improvement, use of employment and training programs as a resource in economic development, educational instruction to meet student and industry needs, use of Employment Security 202 (E-202) data in detailed employment projections and analysis, solutions to the demand for labor in high technology occupations, producing a trained workforce which can guarantee a faster startup and improve productivity, the human resources condition as the most critical factor in the retention of industry, apprenticeships, and Design for the Eighties, South Carolina's approach to technical education. The panel discussion presents comments from five individuals on education, business, and labor cooperations to improve the employment situation and economic development. Improving the education-work relationship is the focus of the president's commentary. (YLB)