Economic Development Week (May 8th-12th) in the Chippewa Valley is here! During the week CEDC emphasizes the importance of economic development for the Chippewa Valley and uses it to increase understanding of economic development’s contribution to the areas business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base, and our overall quality of life. Economic development involves an increase in real incomes, higher life expectancy, lower poverty, and a greater provision of basic amenities. A job is the first step toward that goal. Economic Development Week is the time when CEDC organizes the annual open air job fair in part to highlight this fact.
On Tuesday, May 9th the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation’s Workforce/Talent Development Committee (CEDC) hosted an Open-Air job fair at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport Parking lot.
With the collaboration from Workforce Resources and UW-Stout’s Manufacturing Outreach Center, over 40 hiring companies gathered for the free event. “The event was designed for anyone System’s employee but it’s primary focus was geared towards the employees who have recently lost their jobs-roughly 100 job seekers turned out for the event” expressed Nick Ford of UW Stout MOC. “The recently announced Marshfield Clinic Health System’s employee layoffs as well as the Hutchinson Technologies, Inc. and David’s Bridal announced staff reductions of over 100 workers provides a great opportunity for other local hiring companies.”
CEDC, Workforce Resources, and UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) also collaborated to further connect businesses and organizations. For Example, the Workforce Resources arranged for the Department of Workforce Development to bring their Mobile Career Lab which delivers workforce resources and services to individuals and businesses throughout Wisconsin. The Mobile Career Lab assists those who may have challenges accessing workforce services, employers who have a training or hiring need, and partners who could use additional resources.
“The CEDC is a public/private alliance working for the betterment of economic, business and community development within the region. Together alongside business, government, non-profits, and quasi-governmental partners, the organization continues to lead the region forward in becoming the destination for capital investment and talent growth. The Open-Air Job Fair is just one way we can highlight the importance of talent, work ethic, and helping to retain our workforce is a key component in economic development,” noted CEDC’s President and CEO Charlie Walker.