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News & Media

Workforce Development Report Highlights Successful Collaborative Approaches to Regional Revitalization

Tue. Mar 13, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wisconsin Rapids, WI, March 13, 2012 … A recent evaluation completed by the Center On Wisconsin Strategies (COWS) reveals several best practices being done through Incourage Community Foundation’s Workforce Central program.

Incourage recently released two reports documenting how Workforce Central efforts have shaped workforce systems and what remains to be accomplished in the south Wood County area. This is outlined in the Workforce Central 2012 Evaluation. In addition, Stacy Jarrett Wagner, Industrial Specialist with MEP authored a Competitiveness Guide. This publication highlights the many ways that companies approach workforce training investments and details what works for five area manufacturers who partnered with Workforce Central.

Workforce Central leadership brings together philanthropy, employers, government, and educational and service providers. Its goal is that everyone in south Wood County who wants to work has ample opportunities to prepare for and secure a family-sustaining job and advance in a career over time.

“This program focuses on a strategy of retraining workers for jobs that need filling,” explained Jennifer Riggenbach, Workforce Central project director. “The key has been engaging the community in turning complex issues into a workable design that inspires and engages organizations and people at every level.”

Since 2008, the Workforce Central Funders Collaborative has leveraged and invested $2.3 million in the local workforce and education systems to better meet the needs of residents seeking employment, and businesses needing a skilled workforce. Workforce Central has become a model for rural communities across the country and for the National Fund for Workforce Solutions.

To download the evaluation report and competitiveness guide, go to incouragecf.org. To learn more, contact Jennifer Riggenbach at Incourage, 715.423.3863, [email protected].

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Media Contact

Jennifer Riggenbach | [email protected] | 715.423.3863

About incourage community foundation

Incourage is a leader in rural community development, serving the south Wood County area with programs in workforce development, community information, civility, adaptive leadership, learning, and grant-making. The new Incourage name reflects a promise: You encourage us. We encourage you. Let’s act in courage together. To learn more, watch “Not Your Ordinary Foundation” at youtube.com/incouragecf.

  • Press Contact

    [email protected] | 715.423.3863

  • About Incourage

    Established in rural Wisconsin in 1994 to serve the changing needs of the south Wood County area, Incourage has become a nationally-recognized leader in place-based philanthropy and community development. Guided by values of equity, opportunity, and shared stewardship, Incourage envisions a community that works well for all people. One physical manifestation of this vision is the redevelopment of the Tribune building, which demonstrates Incourage’s user-centered approach to growing a strong and inclusive local economy.