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North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
WDA 6 - Workforce News Bulletin
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Congratulations to the recipients of NCWWDB's 1st Annual Erhard Huettl WIA Awards of Excellence! Pictured left to right are: WIA Dislocated Worker Program Participant of the Year - James Stanchik of Auburndale; WIA Adult Program Participant of the Year - Traci Dumpprope of Rhinelander; and WIA Youth Program Participant of the Year - Jacob Neathery of Rhinelander. Click HERE to read their success stories.
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Welcome to the North Central WI Workforce Development Board's Happenings throughout WDA 6 during August & September of 2013.
In This Issue:
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NCWWDB Celebrates 30 Years of Workforce Excellence! NCWWDB continued its 30th year anniversary celebration with a kick-off presentation led by former NCWWDB Director, Michael Irwin. The presentation was part of NCWWDB's Board meeting held recently at NTC in Wausau. Irwin, who was instrumental in the grass roots development of the organization formerly known as the Central Wisconsin Private Industry Council (CWPIC), provided a presentation on the agency's history of origin. "When you look at the last 30 years of employment and training programs in the north central area, it's important to note that the district has fluctuated greatly in size and composition, going from a large 13 county area in the 70's to being broken into three separate Service Delivery Areas during the early 80's, and then back up to the present nine counties since the mid-1990's," Irwin reported. Irwin chuckled as he explained how much he had "sung the praises" of the state's decision in the 80's to separate into smaller regions only to have to (in the 90's) re-justify the state's decision to make the regions considerably larger again. Irwin began his involvement as the North Central District Director for the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), and continued on as Director when CETA was replaced in 1982 by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Click HERE to read the history of The Early Years, Central WI PIC, written by Michael Irwin.
NCWWDB Chairperson, Kent Olson presented Irwin with a certificate of appreciation and thanked him for his many years of dedication and service to workforce development. Thirty years later, Irwin's early efforts are still making a significant difference throughout the north central Wisconsin region. Click HERE to view NCWWDB's 30 Year Timeline of Events. Back to top |
Recognition of Erhard Huettl, Sr., Years of Service - A recognition ceremony for Erhard Huettl, Sr., was held in September at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. Huettl, who passed away on July 20, 2013, was the founding Local Elected Official (LEO) of North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board's (NCWWDB) current structure. He had served as its Chief Local Elected Official (CLEO) since 1999.
A leadership plaque was presented to Huettl's family in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication, and many years of service to the Board. NCWWDB Board Chair Kent Olson presented the plaque to Huettl's wife Mary and his son, Erhard Huettl, Jr.
During the presentation, Olson read the quote inscribed on the plaque: "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles...they don't flock; you find them one at a time."
In honor of Huettl's memory, the LEOs also voted to approve re-naming NCWWDB's Annual WIA Excellence Awards to the "1st Annual Erhard Huettl Awards of Excellence". Back to top
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DWD Announces New Job Service Director for WDA 6 - Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division Administrator, Scott Jansen recently announced the hiring of Kristine Porter as its new Job Service Director for Workforce Development Area 6. Porter, who began her new position on September 23rd, replaces retired Job Service Director Tom Younger. Younger's career officially ended on April 1, 2013.
Kristine Porter is a lifelong Wisconsin resident, with a six and a half year departure to the coast of Southeast Georgia. With an educational background in psychology and human resources, Porter has been the human resources director at a multi-location Wausau based bank; the executive director at the YWCA of Wausau and the YWCA in Brunswick, GA; and the executive director of Stepping Stones, Inc. in Taylor County.
Porter has served on several boards in Wisconsin and Georgia, most recently on the state-wide WCASA (Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault) Board of Directors. While living in Georgia, she was the music director at two churches and taught private piano lessons. Currently, she is a member of Wausau Pro Musica, an auditioned women's performance choral ensemble. Read entire article HERE. Back to top |
NCWWDB Board Elections/Changes - Acting Local Elected Official (LEO), Tom Rudolph, representing Oneida County as its supervisor, was recently voted by his fellow LEO Committee members to the position of Chief Local Elected Official (CLEO) of WDA 6. Rudolph follows in the footsteps of CLEO Erhard Huettl who passed away in July. Wood County Supervisor Ed Wagner, was elected to serve as the LEO's representative on NCWWDB's Executive Committee.
The NCWWDB Board also recently voted in and welcomed a new voting member. Joining to serve for a three-year term on its 35 member board is Matthew Murphy. Murphy began his career with WPS as a field worker. He currently manages the gas department for WPS in Wausau. Murphy received his Engineering Degree at Milwaukee School of Engineering and his MBA from Colorado State University.
Murphy replaces retiring Board member, Steve Agnoli. Agnoli served on the Board in various capacities since 1999. Agnoli's service was recognized at NCWWDB's quarterly meeting held in Wausau. Board Chair, Kent Olson presented Agnoli with a certificate of appreciation and thanked him for his 14 years of service to the Board. Read entire article HERE. Back to top
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Did You Know: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month? - Whether manufacturing, health care or other sector, we need the talent and skills of everyone to keep moving Wisconsin forward, and that includes people with disabilities. By proclamation of Governor Walker, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This is a month when we highlight the programs and services that help people with disabilities succeed in reaching their goals of employment and independence. This year, their numbers exceed 3,700! With their estimated annual earnings of $63 million, that's a 205 percent return on investment. Wondering what you can do to help promote disability employment awareness? Here's what you CAN do! Click HERE for 31 great ideas to promote NDEAM! Back to top For more information about NCWWDB's Disability Employment Initiative, call Patty Branton at 715-347-3537 or email her at: pbranton@ncwwdb.org. |
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WDA 6 Job Center Staff Attend Training - Ali Konkel, NCWWDB's  newly designated Job Center Liaison, in coordination with job center managers, facilitated a day-long training designed to equip job center staff with the critical knowledge and skills to assist job seekers and employers.
Presenters spoke to a variety of topics including the importance of ethics and boundaries in the human services field, safety in the workplace, and tips to providing quality customer service in the job centers.
Three separate trainings were held to ensure all job centers were able to remain open and serve customers during the training sessions. Over 90 staff members attended the training sessions held at the Marathon County Job Center and Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids.
Staff also had the opportunity to find out more about the programs and services provided by job center partners. Read entire article and view photos from event HERE. Back to top
Contact NCWWDB's Planning Coordinator / Job Center Liaison Ali Konkel at 715-204-1648 or email her at: akonkel@ncwwdb.org.
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 New unemployment rule will require jobless workers to register at Job Centers - As of Oct. 13, all newly unemployed are required to register with their regional Job Centers to receive benefits. Claimants must do so within 14 days after they are no longer on their jobs. Although the requirement is not new, it is being enforced in an attempt to provide better service to the unemployed and to employers seeking qualified personnel. Registrants can apply online from home at Job Center of Wisconsin or visit a Job Center where they can get computer assistance from staff trained to help applicants who are having trouble with the process. They can get one-on-one or group session assistance. Resume, job search information and other assistance is also available. Recently updated computers and software are designed to make the process go smoother. Back to top |
 Central Wisconsin Job Fair (Fall 2013) - The Central Wisconsin Job Fair was held on Thursday, September 26th, 2013 at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids. Over 350 job seekers attended the event. Forty six employers were on hand to accept resumes and discuss the job opportunities they had available. A wide range of employers, from the healthcare and services industries to manufacturing and transportation businesses were actively seeking qualified applicants.
NCWWDB partnered with the Career Closet in Wisconsin Rapids to help spread a "Dress for Success" message during the Job Fair. A full-length mirror was placed where job seekers could check the appropriateness of their appearance before entering the event. This is all part of an ongoing effort to stress to job seekers the importance their appearance plays when meeting with prospective employers. Thank you to the Job Center staff, Mid-State Technical College, and to all of the employers and job-seekers for continuing to make the Job Fair a huge success! Click HERE to view photos. Back to top |
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WDA 6
Workforce Happenings
for
August / September
2013
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WDA 6
Statistics Report
August 2013
The August 2013 unemployment rate in Wisconsin was 6.8%.
Of the ten counties with the highest unemployment rates, four are found in the North Central Region: Forest 8.6% (3rd highest in the state) Adams 8.2% (5th highest in the state) Langlade 8.0% (7th highest in the state) and Lincoln 7.8% (9th highest in the state). Portage County has the lowest unemployment rate in the region at 6.0%
One Warn Notice has been issued for the NCWWDA area in 2013.
*WARN is a required communication for those employers with 100 or more employees. Employers with fewer than 100 employees
may have laid people off
during this time.
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WIA
Training Report
Program Year 2013
From July 1, 2013 to September 27, 2013, NCWWDB served 164 Youth, 179 Adults, and 793 Dislocated Workers in WIA Title 1 funded programs.
Special Training Projects:
- 8 participants graduated from the Machine Tool course at Mid-State Technical College on June 18th. Participants are now conducting interviews in the Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point areas. Six of the eight participants are employed; one is continuing to complete her Associate Degree.
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12 participants graduated from our 4th Production Welding course at Northcentral Technical College on June 27th. Eight of the twelve participants are currently employed.
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WDA 6 Job Center
Workshops Calendar

Check out what's being offered FREE in your local Wisconsin Job Center!
Click here to view calendar
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Symposium
2013
Youth Symposium
This symposium is THE event for professionals that work with youth and for those who manage youth programs.
Updated Workshops!
There are so many great workshops from which to select that you may want to get a jumpstart on your symposium schedule. An updated list of workshops and times/dates have been posted, along with an updated schedule of events.
October 28-30, 2013
Palmer House Hilton Chicago 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago,
To register or find out more information about the workshop descriptions,
pre- and post-symposium workshops, hotel info, general schedule, sponsorship and exhibiting - click HERE.
Conference
2014 WEDA Governor's Conference on Economic Development
February 11-13, 2014
Monona Terrace
1 John Nolen Dr.
Madison, WI 53703
Join WEDA for the 19th Annual Governor's Conference on Economic Development Feb. 11-13, 2014. This year's conference features speakers from around the state of Wisconsin and the nation to discuss why Wisconsin is leading, ramping up, or needing progress in:
- Manufacturing
- Water & Wisconsin
- Workforce
- International
This is Wisconsin's premier networking event for anyone involved with economic development from the village to the state level. Register Today! Early Bird Rates end Jan. 12!
Register for this event
View Sessions
Workforce Watch Newsletter detailing the activities of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to attract and retain companies, and to facilitate sustainable employment for Wisconsin workers.
WWDA
The Voice of Wisconsin's Local Workforce Development Boards
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Job Center
WDA 6
Job Center usage report reflects measured statistics comprised of the total number of clients utilizing resources and core services available at Adams; Marshfield; Rhinelander; Wausau; & Wis. Rapids Job Centers each month.
August 2013:
- Total Clients - 3,551
- New Clients - 163
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Agency Visit - 732
(e.g. W2, WIA, etc.)
- Military Vet/Eligible
Spouse - 141 - Job Search JCoW- 1,488
- Resume Assist - 38
- Job Search other - 319
- Career Exploration- 57
September 2013:
- Total Clients - 2,296
- New Clients - 175
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Agency Visit - 512
(e.g. W2, WIA, etc.)
- Military Vet/Eligible
Spouse - 122 - Job Search JCoW- 657
- Resume Assist - 52
- Job Search other - 332
- Career Exploration- 56
* Depending on the number of services utilized per visit, clients may be included in
more than one measure.
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What's New?
A New Job Search Tool, Called Skill Explorer
A new tool, Skill Explorer has been introduced by DWD to job seekers. The Skill Explorer tool uses cutting-edge research by DWD labor market economists to search through skill sets and match job seekers with occupations that can span across different industries.
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Recruitment & Retention Tools for Employers
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Job Center of Wisconsin
Convenient. Fast. Free.
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