job search Archives - Workforce Development, Inc.

PRESS RELEASE: 2024 Best Places to Work WINNERS!

Posted on April 8, 2024April 8, 2024 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 14^th 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 25^th 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.

Career-Focused Moving: A Guide for a Smooth Transition

Posted on July 19, 2023July 19, 2023 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.

Career Café: Employer Meet & Greet with Ability Building Community (ABC)

JOB SEEKERS: Join us for this exciting IN-PERSON Employer Career Café presentation!

Our Rochester office is excited to host Anne Winfrey of Ability Building Community (ABC) on Tuesday, February 14th from 10-11 a.m. Anne will share details about ABC customers, what it’s like to work for ABC, and how to customize your work/life balance with the unique jobs they have available.

We are excited to host this in-person networking opportunity for our customers, and encourage any and all job seekers to attend. See you there!

Career Café: Employer Meet & Greet with AmeriCorps

JOB SEEKERS: Join us for our first IN-PERSON Employer Career Café presentation since 2020!

Our Rochester office is excited to host Joyce Lehman of AmeriCorps Senior Program on Tuesday, January 24th from 10-11 a.m.

Joyce will share details about AmeriCorps customers, what it’s like to work for AmeriCorps, and how to customize your work/life balance with the unique jobs they have available.