A project was initiated (1) to improve internal communications among various vocational education providers within the River Hills Region (Indiana), (2) to improve external communication among providers and users of products of vocational education, and (3) to incorporate vocational education information into regional planning efforts. Local vocational educators were interviewed regarding the development of the new manpower information system, and the literature was reviewed pertaining to the utilization of manpower data for planning vocational education programs. Vocational educators selected the types of data to be collected in a needs assessment. A survey instrument and interviews were used to obtain manpower data from employers in the region. Occupational supply and demand data was collected. Information on employment qualifications, training needs, and employer reactions to vocational education were also obtained. Eighty percent of employers expressed satisfaction with vocational programs. One-third of those offering suggestions mentioned the need to provide the students with more experience. The data collected will be used by vocational educators within the region for planning vocational education programs and will provide baseline data for evaluating community training needs, and if possible, to establish coordinated planning at the regional level. (Survey instruments are appended.) (CSS)