ROTHSCHILD, WI (WSAU) — Six regional Chambers of Commerce will host the Central to Success workforce summit at the Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center in Rothschild on Wednesday.
The event is designed to empower local businesses to get creative to solve the worker shortage while also serving as a brainstorming and networking session. It’s hosted by Chambers from Merrill to Wausau and Marshfield. Mosinee, Wisconsin Rapids (Heart of Wisconsin Chamber), and the Portage County Business Council are also involved.
Angel Whitehead with the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber says part of the focus will be on getting disabled residents into positions where they can thrive and helping those recently released from jail or prison back into the workforce. “Now more than ever, we need to look at every avenue and collaborate together,” she said.
Scott Larson with the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce says he wants to see better marketing to help bring in those from outside the Badger State who might not think to look for a career in Central Wisconsin, adding that surveys have shown the national perception of the state is just about “cheese, cold winters, and the Green Bay Packers.
“This highlights the need for better Public Relations efforts and branding for Wisconsin’s top industries,” he said.
Many of the six Chamber leaders acknowledged that their communities are seeing more job openings than people looking for work during a news conference in early May to announce the event.
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The Summit runs from 8 AM to 4 PM and will feature both keynote speakers and breakout sessions. Pre-registration has closed, and officials note that a limited number of walk-up registrations could be available Wednesday morning but can’t be guaranteed.
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