A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of Greater     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News September 9, 2004 By Colin Atagi, Daily Tribune Staff Members of a Community Progress Initiative group want to make sure local workers have "just the right training, just in time." After about two months of research, members of the Education and Workforce Development cluster group decided they could best help local businesses by emphasizing job training. Members also want to make businesses aware of local resources that are available for training. "Businesses will keep the training local, and it keeps our resources local," said Doris McAllister, co-chairwoman of the cluster group. The education and workforce group is among eight "clusters" studying ways local industries can work together to improve the local economy. Communication will be a big part of the cluster group's role, said Dean Ryerson, co-chairman. "Our task is to listen to the employers in the community and find out ways we can better help them with the development, skills and talents of the work force," he said. Once needs are determined, the group will match the businesses and industries with the appropriate resources and will later check if the resources were beneficial, Ryerson said. The group has met bi-weekly since June to discuss its progress and will continue to do so, McAllister said. Members are taking the time to sort through information and communicate with the other clusters, she said. "We respond to the businesses' needs," she said. "We don't tell businesses what they're having training on - they tell us what they need." About the cluster * Education and Workforce Development cluster group participants: Jill Cavanaugh, Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance; Dean Ryerson, Wisconsin Rapids School District; Mari Shaw, Wisconsin Rapids Area Catholic Schools; Doris McAllister, Mid-State Technical College; Michael Alexander, Port Edwards School District; Lindsey Lewis, student; Jane Walczak, Riverview Hospital; Kelly Akkerman, Riverview Hospital; Melinda McNett, student; Garrett Hetzel, student; Deanna MacMillan, North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board; Amanda Vandehey, student; Pete Taylor, Stora Enso North America; Marcia Hendrickson, Boys & Girls Club of Wisconsin Rapids; and Dorothy Miller, Job Service. Community members also are welcome to volunteer. * Short- and long-term goals: Assess needs of local businesses, match resources to the needs and determine if that effort is making a difference. You can reach Colin Atagi at 422-6728 or at catagi@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
		Copyright © 2004, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome