Tag: career

PRESS RELEASE: 2024 Best Places to Work WINNERS!

Posted on by Samantha

Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) is thrilled to announce the unveiling of the “Best Places to Work” in Southeast Minnesota for the year 2024, and our 14th year bringing the survey to the area. As the region’s leading advocate for workforce development and engagement, WDI takes pride in spotlighting organizations that prioritize employee satisfaction, well-being, and professional growth.

After a rigorous evaluation process, seventeen outstanding companies have emerged as the cream-of-the-crop, representing the counties of Winona, Freeborn, Mower, Rice, Steele, Goodhue, Olmsted, Houston, Dodge, Fillmore, and Wabasha. These companies have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering positive work environments, nurturing talent, and driving innovation. The 2024 Best Places to Work Winners include:

Small Employer
(Under 50 Employees)
Southeast Service Cooperative
Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd.
IBI Data
Southern MN Municipal Power Agency
Arcadian Bank		Mid-Size Employer
(50-150 employees)
Albert Lea Seed House
People’s Energy Cooperative
Custom Alarm
K&G Manufacturing
Cooperative Response Center, Inc.		Large Employer
(Over 150 employees)
Gemini, Inc.
Knutson Construction
Olmsted County
Riverland Community College
Benike Construction

To celebrate their achievements and the collective dedication to workforce development in Southeast Minnesota, Workforce Development Inc. invites the community to join us at the 2024 Workforce Development Forum celebration scheduled for Thursday, April 25th at the Rochester International Event Center. This event promises to be an inspiring gathering of industry leaders, stakeholders, and professionals committed to shaping the future of the region’s workforce and sharing their best practices.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate excellence and be part of the conversation that drives innovation, growth, and prosperity in Southeast Minnesota. For questions about the 2024 Workforce Development Forum, contact Samantha Draisey at sdraisey@wdimn.org or register through this link!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 FORUM SPONSORS:

Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) is an independent, non-profit agency with a long history of serving the needs of career seekers and employers in Southeast Minnesota. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities provided, upon request, by calling 507.292.5152 or by using your preferred relay service. Workforce Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Provider and a proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

PRESS RELEASE: 2024 Workforce Development Forum

Posted on by Samantha

Workforce Development, Inc., The SE Minnesota Workforce Development Board, Winona Workforce Development Board, CareerForce and the Rochester Area of Chamber of Commerce Present the 2024 Workforce Development Forum

Rochester, MN – Workforce Development, Inc., the Southeast Minnesota Workforce Development Board, along with CareerForce, Winona Workforce Development Board, and the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, are hosting the 2024 Workforce Development Forum, taking place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Rochester International Event Center. This exciting event will feature keynote speaker Gerry Hoeffner, President of Personnel Dynamics Consulting Group and the Best Places to Work program.

The Workforce Development Forum of Southeast Minnesota will be a combined event with the SE Minnesota Best Places to Work celebration; join us as we explore ways to build, invigorate, and invest in workforce development and the Southeast Minnesota regional economy. An employer panel will also be hosted during the event, where we will hear from local employers and discuss their best practices.

Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: Rochester Event Center, 7333 Airport View Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Registration: $25 per person or $175 for a table of eight (8), open to all employers and public.

Register via Eventbrite.

Sponsorship opportunities available! Click the registration link or contact Samantha Draisey at sdraisey@wdimn.org or 507.292.6524 to inquire.

PRESS RELEASE: 2024 Best Places to Work Applications now available!

Posted on by Samantha

For the FOURTEENTH year in a row, Workforce Development, Inc. is connecting with Personnel Dynamics Consulting, Inc. to bring the nationally-recognized “Best Places To Work” program back to Southeast Minnesota!

The FREE “Best Places To Work” program is an exciting way to help employers identify what is required to attract and retain their best employees. This program is designed to:

  • Identify the “Best Places To Work” within our region
  • Educate employers on the best ways to recruit and retain employees
  • Collect important employment data from our region
  • Promote workforce issues
  • Market professional workforce associations
  • Energize business and community leaders

Any organization who completes the online survey will receive a free customized report detailing exactly how you compete with other employers in the community. The report reviews 37 different employment measurements and highlights Best Practices being utilized by employers in our region.

The application deadline is March 1, 2024.

Recognitions for this year’s Best Places to Work Award Recipients will be given during the 2024 Workforce Forum on April 25, 2024 at the Rochester International Event Center. Mark your calendars!

For more information on this year’s survey or the Best Places to Work program, contact Kortney Wobbe at Workforce Development, Inc. – 507.292.5189 or kwobbe@wdimn.org.

SURVEY LINK: http://bestplacestoworksurvey.com/survey.asp?posted=1&flag=1

Please share this information far and wide with your networks – other employers/partners, community organizations, local chambers, etc.

We appreciate your collaboration!

PRESS RELEASE: Bridges to Healthcare receives Employment and Training Funds for the Southeast Region

Posted on by Samantha

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Workforce Development, Inc., an independent, non-profit agency serving the needs of job seekers and employers in Southeast Minnesota, was recently awarded a direct appropriation for the Bridges to Healthcare program in the total amount of $1.5 million for state fiscal years 2024-2025.

This appropriation will continue to support our existing programming in Olmsted, Freeborn, Mower, and Steele counties. This will also support expansion efforts into Rice County and potential expansion plans to Goodhue and Winona Counties, following the same successful model that has been in place in Rochester since 2013.

The Bridges to Careers model has changed policies, curricula, support systems and institutional relationships. The Bridges model has been identified as a promising practice focused on career pathway programming with employer engagement by the US Department of Education and has been honored by both the Humphrey Institute and Harvard University.

The strong public/private partnerships between Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI), Adult Basic Education Centers (Rochester, Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna, Faribault, and Red Wing), South Central College, Minnesota State College Southeast, Northfield Hospital and Mayo Clinic have built the foundation for another Bridges to Healthcare program in Southeast Minnesota to include other area long-term care employers. These partners have collaborated on program design, implementation, expansion, and financial/navigational support. They have teamed to recruit, prepare, and support diverse, well-trained, certified, and compassionate students and transition them to employment for Southeast Minnesota healthcare providers through the below process.

On an annual basis, Workforce Development, Inc. serves thousands of people through career planning and pre-vocational skill training. One area of focus of Workforce Development, Inc. is working with populations dealing with multiple barriers to achieving meaningful employment. Our mission is to develop and advance the workforce of Southeast Minnesota. Our vision is to develop and advance the workforce of Southeast Minnesota by acting as a champion for workers, a convening agent bringing partners together to solve workforce problems, a change agent to promote and facilitate innovation and creative solutions, and the agency accountable to the individuals, businesses and communities we serve, providing measurable change. We are a customer-focused, action-oriented team of professionals, dedicated to the principles of Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Education and Community.

Workforce Development, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Service Provider Program and a proud partner of the American Job Center network. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities can be provided, upon request, by calling 507.292.5152 (voice) or by using your preferred relay service.

Career-Focused Moving: A Guide for a Smooth Transition

Posted on by Samantha

Guest Contributor: Sarah Velasquez

Moving for work can be an exhilarating yet intimidating experience. However, you can manage the stress, costs, and time involved with careful planning and organization. This guide offers a strategic blueprint to help streamline your impending career-inspired relocation.

Looking to change careers or jobs in Southeast Minnesota? Contact Workforce Development for support.

Analyze Real Estate Prices

Begin your relocation journey by analyzing local real estate prices in your prospective new area. This will offer a realistic view of what you can afford and where. Online listings provide detailed property market information to aid your decision-making process. Consider factors like distance to your workplace, public transportation links, and nearby amenities when choosing your new home. Being well-informed about your new area can make the transition smoother and quicker.

Reach Out to Friends in the Area

If you’re lucky enough to have acquaintances near your future work location, contact them. They can offer invaluable insights into local lifestyle, living costs, secure neighborhoods, and more. You may even be able to stay with them while house hunting, saving you from expensive hotel stays. Personal recommendations can often lead to finding hidden gems in your new area.

Set Up a Financial Plan for Moving

Setting up a financial plan for your move is essential. This should cover hiring movers, packing materials, travel expenses, temporary accommodations, and any unexpected expenses. A well-planned budget can help you avoid overspending and organize your finances during the transition. A clear financial plan can also help you feel more confident and in control throughout the moving process.

Collaborate with Moving Specialists

Working with a professional moving company can drastically reduce the stress and time involved. These experts have the knowledge and tools to handle your belongings safely. Ensure you get estimates from a variety of companies to make sure you’re getting the best price. Also, check their online reviews and ratings to confirm their reliability. Professional help can transform a daunting move into a manageable task.

Create a Packing Strategy

Creating a packing strategy can help keep things orderly and prevent last-minute chaos. Start with packing non-essential items several weeks before the move, and gradually pack the rest as moving day approaches. Clearly label each box to facilitate easy unpacking later on. A well-thought-out packing strategy can save precious time and prevent misplaced items.

Digitally Archive Critical Work Documents

Before you move, it’s advisable to archive all-important work documents and store them securely online digitally. Here’s an option: Convert your documents into PDFs that are easy to share and store. This ensures you have access to crucial information even if the physical copies get lost during the move. Having digital copies can provide peace of mind and ensure business continuity.

Keep Your Employer Informed

Keeping your employer informed throughout the relocation is essential. Share your moving schedule, anticipate potential disruptions, and discuss your availability during the transition. If your company provides relocation benefits, ensure you fully understand the terms and make the most out of it. Regular updates can help maintain a positive working relationship during your transition.

Relocating for work may seem monumental, but it can be a manageable and enjoyable process with the right strategies and resources. From researching real estate prices, reaching out to local contacts, setting up a financial plan, and collaborating with moving specialists, every step plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition. Remember, a well-thought-out packing strategy and digitally archiving important documents can save you from unnecessary stress. Moreover, keeping your employer informed is critical to maintaining a solid professional relationship during this period. As you embark on this new journey, remember to carefully plan and organize.

WDI Success Story: May

Posted on by Samantha

Please tell us your story; what brought you to the Bridges to Careers program?

I came to the United States wanting to improve my English and start a new career. I started to take classes at Hawthorne to improve my English. Then I started my HCOP certificate and completed it. Then, I started my AOP diploma at RCTC and completed it. Bridges to Careers helped me transition from Hawthorne to RCTC to continue my education.

How would your life be different without the Bridges to Careers program?  Please share how the college prep courses, Career Navigators, job search assistance, support and/or training made a difference for you. 

The Bridges to Career program helped me pay for the Customer Service Skills certificate. They also gave me a scholarship for my AOP classes at RCTC, and they provided me with a mock interview when I wanted to apply for a job, which helped me be prepared for my job interview. They also helped me find a job position within my career and skills. This included helping me prepare my resume and cover letter. Without their help, I might not have been able to complete my diploma or be prepared to apply for a job. I want to let them know that I got hired at Mayo Clinic recently, I’m so happy that I achieved my goal and found the position I was looking for. I want to say thank you to the Bridges to Career program and Jennifer Dang who made a huge effort to help me. Jennifer is a hardworking employee, she helped me to prepare my resume and cover letter, she also helped me find the position that I was looking for, and we did many mock interviews to be ready for the actual one. Thank you so much Jennifer!

PRESS RELEASE: Best Places to Work 2022 Applications Now Open!

Posted on by Samantha

Welcome to the Best Places to Work 2022 process!

For the TWELFTH year in a row, Workforce Development, Inc. has connected with Personnel Dynamics Consulting, Inc. of Florida to bring the nationally-recognized “Best Places To Work” program to Southeast Minnesota! The attached flyer provides details about the current survey process.

The FREE “Best Places To Work” program is an exciting way to help employers identify what is required to attract and retain their best employees. This program is designed to:

  • Identify the “Best Places To Work” within our region
  • Educate employers on the best ways to recruit and retain employees
  • Collect important employment data from our region
  • Promote workforce issues
  • Market professional workforce associations
  • Energize business and community leaders

Any organization who completes the online survey will receive a free customized report detailing exactly how you compete with other employers in the community. The report reviews 37 different employment measurements and highlights Best Practices being utilized by employers in our region.

Employers can simply go to http://personneldynamics.net/survey.asp to begin the survey. The application deadline is March 5, 2022.

The recognition event will be done via Zoom again this year and is currently scheduled for Thursday, April 28, 2022. Details to follow.

For more information, contact Mike Postma at Workforce Development, Inc. 507.333.2081 or mpostma@wdimn.org.

SURVEY LINK: http://personneldynamics.net/survey.asp

Please share this information far and wide with your networks – other employers/partners, community organizations, local chambers, etc. We appreciate your collaboration.

Thank you!

 

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