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Workforce Today Magazine
A Publication for Businesses of Northwest Wisconsin
Spring 2009 |
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Welcome to Workforce Today Magazine!
Greetings!
Welcome to the spring issue of the E-Workforce Today magazine.
This issue provides valuable information on the impacts of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act on northwest Wisconsin youth and businesses as well as information on the Lean Certification that can save you money and time in your daily operations!
We hope you enjoy the articles and as always please let us know if there is a topic you are interested in!
Happy reading!
* If you wish to unsubscribe to this publication please use the link at the bottom of this page.
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Youth Project Proposals Now Being Accepted 
The Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, Inc. has received supplemental funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for an expanded youth summer program. The qualifying age under ARRA 2009 is from 14 to 24 years old.
The Summer Youth Employment Program, operated by CEP, Inc., provides northwest Wisconsin youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with summer employment and educational opportunities. Participants work in a variety of entry-level jobs including government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, small businesses, law firms, museums, sports enterprises, and retail organizations.
The Summer Youth Employment Program strives to:
- Emphasize real-world labor expectations
- Provide the opportunity to explore careers of interest
- Increase awareness of services offered by local community-based organizations
- Provide opportunities for career instruction, financial literacy training, academic improvement, and social growth
In the interest of the participants' safety, OSHA compliance, and in accordance with the USDOL's YouthRules! Initiative, which promotes positive and safe work experience for young workers, the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, Inc. as the administering agency for the USDOL ETA Youth funds and CEP, Inc. reserve the right not to fill a requested slot if the position is considered non-conducive to the YouthRule! Initiative.
Youth program slots are limited. Some project requests may not be approved due to lack of eligible youth in the area. Employers must also agree to the terms and conditions of the program including offering exemplary supervision and meaningful work duties." If you have an employment opportunity or project for a youth please contact Brad Gingras at CEP, Inc. at 1-888-780-4237 Extension 200 or at bgingras@nwcep.org. | |
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January 2009 Data for Wisconsin and the U.S.
Latest Numbers for Wisconsin and US.
Seasonally
Adjusted
Unemployment rate:
WI US
6.9% 7.6%
Civilian labor force:
WI US
3,099,500 153,716,000
Number Employed: WI US
2,884,100 142,099,000
Number Unemployed:
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Get YOUR Business GEARED UP!
The 7th Annual Business Development Conference is ONLY a couple of months away!
Don't miss this exciting and worthwhile conference
held in your own backyard! Hear Famous Dave Anderson and Dr. Jim Benson discuss business in today's economy!
Other conference topics include:
- Marketing in the 21st Century
- LEAN principles
- Human Resource Law
- Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
- Small Business Finance Panel
- Soft Skills Assessments
Join us on May 6th and 7th! View the conference agenda here! Registration is just $65 for two days of networking and learning!
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Sponsorship opportunities and exhibit space are still available at the Gearing Up Conference! Connect with over 110 attendees in a single event! Click here for more information!
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Governor Doyle Announces $5.89 Million for Strategic Workforce Initiatives
On March 5th Governor Doyle announced $5.89 million for strategic workforce training initiatives to prepare Wisconsin workers and businesses to succeed in the future economy. The programs reflect a major change in the way the state and its partners will train workers for jobs of the future and meet the needs of employers in growing, emerging sectors.
"Now more than ever, we must invest in training that gives workers the right skills and meets the needs of employers, especially those in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care and other sectors poised for growth," Governor Doyle said. "The Wisconsin Sector Strategies Initiative is a new way of doing business. It is regional in focus. It is industry-driven. It engages all the key players in understanding common industry needs and aligning resources to meet them. It is what we need to build a 21st Century workforce and connect skilled workers to quality jobs."
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Need a LEAN EXPERT to remain competitive?
Now YOU CAN BECOME ONE.
Lean manufacturing is changing businesses around the world through techniques that translate directly into bottom-line profits.
It is not uncommon to save $10,000, $100,000, or even more by implementing simple lean manufacturing techniques. Lean is that effective and that important! Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center (NWMOC) chose the certification approach to Lean training because they believe it yields both the quickest impact on the bottom line and the greatest long-term payoff through increased capacity for continuous improvement. In essence, the program allows you to groom key individuals in your organization as in-house Lean experts.
Two-Step Process: Lean Certificate and Lean Certification
Earning the Lean Certificate means that you, as an individual, understand the cornerstone principles of Lean and that you have gained experience in putting those principles to work by attending seven full-day Lean workshops that included hands-on simulations. To earn the Lean Certification, you not only attend the seven full-day Lean workshops but you also complete an on-site Company Project.
NWMOC project managers are available as mentors to assist you with your implementation. Afterwards, your company will be ready to continue the journey with ongoing improvements that directly affect your bottom line. The NWMOC's economic development mission is to help build competitive, responsive, successful manufacturers throughout northern and western Wisconsin. The Lean Certificate and Lean Certification programs support that mission.
7 Reasons to Adopt Lean and Gain Expertise
- Shrink lead times
- Save turnover expenses
- Speed sales growth
- Reduce set-up times
- Avoid unnecessary equipment expense
- Multiply inventory turns
- Increase profits
Why Hasn't Everyone Implemented Lean?
Misconception mostly; the biggest challenge is that Lean is not a point solution. It is a process to be applied to all areas of the business. As improvements are made to one area, other areas of the business are affected, creating new improvement projects throughout the organization. This continuous improvement process requires leadership, commitment, and a solid understanding of the principles and tools of Lean manufacturing in order for it to provide sudden, proven, ongoing increases in profits for you and your company.
NWMOC's Lean Certificate/Lean Certification Programs
The NWMOC created the Lean Manufacturing Program to assist manufacturers with the challenge of implementing and maintaining improvements. This program has evolved into two programs: the Lean Certificate program and the Lean Certification program. The Lean Certificate program is a series of seven workshops that include live simulations. In addition, you will receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
The NWMOC Lean Certification program combines the power of the seven workshops, which include live simulations, with a mentored implementation project at your company. This powerhouse combination provides swift and targeted technical competencies custom-fit to your unique needs. The cost savings from your first project typically pay back your investment many times over and promote the next continuous improvement activities.
If you are interested in learning more about the Lean Certificate or the Lean Certification Program please contact Sue Bodoh at 715.492.5126 or sbodoh@nwcep.org
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| Are you interested in learning more about the economic and workforce status of northwest Wisconsin? You can view the Department of Workforce Development's Data Dashboard report here. |
Mari Kay-Nabozny
NWWIB, Inc. Director of Development & Oversight
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