11.   But companies are struggling to get qualified workers, suggesting Massachusetts may be a better place to start a small business than to grow it into a big one.

12.   But he also said the agency is having a hard time hiring and retaining enough qualified workers.

13.   But some critics charge that the companies are bypassing qualified domestic workers in order to hire younger, cheaper foreigners.

14.   Company officials said they have been trying to get changes in laws to protect against international piracy and to bring more qualified workers into the country.

15.   Employers in parts of Ohio see shortage in qualified workers.

16.   Employers, particularly high-tech companies, have complained that the robust economy and low unemployment rate make it hard to find qualified workers.

17.   Executives at a wide variety of large and small manufacturing companies say one of their biggest problems is finding qualified workers to operate the machines on the shop floor.

18.   Executives in most industries are complaining about rising job turnover and the difficulty of finding qualified workers.

19.   From New England to Los Angeles, the shortage has left scores of libraries either understaffed or staffed by less qualified workers.

20.   Growth is hampered by a lack of qualified workers and frustrating delays for companies trying to import talent.