Celebrating the Impact of the Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board

As we honor Workforce Development Month this September, it's essential to highlight the work of the Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board, a force in shaping the employment landscape across our region. As one of Minnesota’s 16 local workforce boards designated under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, our board stands at the forefront of career development, training, and employment services. Comprising of business leaders, educators, government officials, and community stakeholders, the board is dedicated to fostering a diverse and skilled workforce is Southwest Minnesota.

A Leader in CareerForce and Workforce Development

The Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board plays a role in CareerForce, Minnesota’s unified workforce system, guiding the design of local workforce initiatives. The board provides oversight for CareerForce locations in Marshall, Montevideo, and Worthington, ensuring that these centers offer tailored services that meet the specific needs of our 14-county area, which includes Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine.

Carrie Bendix, Executive Director of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (SWMNPIC), reflects on the board’s impact: "Our board's strength lies in its collaborative partnerships with school districts, colleges, health and human services, CAP agencies, and the communities in our region. Together, we make a difference in Southwest Minnesota by driving forward initiatives that meet the evolving needs of our workforce."

 

Regional Workforce Strategies for a Stronger Future

The board has recently adopted three key regional workforce strategies developed through a comprehensive regional forum and employer feedback:

1. Increase High School Students' Understanding of Regional Occupations in Demand: By exposing students to in-demand careers in our region, we can better prepare them for the workforce and encourage them to pursue opportunities close to home.
2. Expand the Number of Skilled Workers Through Sector-Based Career Pathway Approaches: Focusing on key industries, this strategy aims to create clear pathways that guide individuals from education and training to employment, ensuring that our region's industries have the skilled workforce they need to thrive.
3. Provide Training and Assistance to Help Businesses Retain and Attract a Diverse Workforce: By supporting businesses in their efforts to create inclusive work environments, we help them attract and retain the talent necessary for continued growth and success.

Board Chair Carla Goedtke emphasizes the importance of these strategies: “Engagement with area business representatives and public services is key to continuing public-private growth for Southwest Minnesota. Through DEED data and strategic collaboration, we leverage federal and state grants to advance our region's workforce."

Voices from the Board: Insights and Inspirations

 

The members of our Workforce Development Board bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles, and their insights highlight the board's impact on the community.

Anne Johnson from the Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism shares, "I enjoy serving on the SWMN Workforce Development Board with other community-minded, collaborative individuals, who represent great businesses and organizations. Together, we are committed to the success of Southwest Minnesota."

Bruce Bergeson of the Minnesota River Valley Career and Technical Education Collaborative reflects on the challenges the board addresses: "The Workforce Development Board tackles key issues that are crucial for maintaining a high quality of life in Southwest Minnesota. From tapping into diverse employee pools to addressing workforce retention, our efforts are focused on making a positive impact."

For many board members, the opportunity to serve is not only about contributing to the community but also about personal and professional growth. Dawn Schnell from Sanford Jackson Medical Center shares, "Being a part of the Workforce Development Board has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to expand my knowledge and gain a new perspective on our labor market and what we must do to recruit and retain workers."

 

Looking Ahead: New Initiatives and Ongoing Impact

The board's work is ever-evolving, with new initiatives and opportunities on the horizon. As Carrie Bendix notes, "We are an organization that is data-driven and always in the mode of learning. We're particularly interested in understanding how automation and AI will impact the workforce in the years to come. Together, we can make a more lasting impact on our community."

Among the upcoming projects is the "Drive for 5" campaign, which is aimed at enhancing workforce development across the region in collaboration with local chambers of commerce. Additionally, new training opportunities will soon be available, bolstered by the execution of new grants through our programs.

The Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board's impact is evident in the successes of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (read more here). From supporting high school students to helping businesses navigate workforce challenges, the board's work continues to shape the future of our region.

To learn more about the Southwest Minnesota Workforce Development Board and its initiatives, visit SWMNPIC.

As we celebrate Workforce Development Month, let’s recognize the dedication and collaborative spirit that drives our board to make Southwest Minnesota a place where everyone can thrive.