The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce hosted a Workforce 2036 event last week and introduced a renewed focus on addressing the area’s talent challenges through a new program to launch in September. The Greater Wausau Workforce Alliance will focus on developing, retaining and attracting talent to the region. This new, collaborative initiative is designed to bring employers, educators, workforce development partners, those that serve human development and community leaders together to tackle our region’s talent challenges head-on.
Brian Otten, Marketing and Workforce Development Director with the Chamber, will lead this effort.
“We’re going to take a ‘big tent’ approach to this program,” said Otten. “In our more than 110 years in existence, the Chamber has repeatedly brought together those in the community to successfully address challenges. This will be another opportunity for our organization to assemble a variety of stakeholders to execute meaningful change in our region, together.”
Last week’s Workforce 2036 event featured insights from economist Dennis Winters. Attendees participated in a data-driven presentation on where the region’s workforce is headed and what it means for the local economy over the next decade. The program was recorded and can be viewed on WausauChamber.com.
Based on the results of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce’s member survey, conducted earlier this year, the primary challenge facing businesses in the region is clear. Local businesses want to grow revenue in a market where, according to the survey, nearly two-thirds of businesses anticipate increased demand, but without a corresponding increase in workforce. To view the results of the survey which was distributed earlier this year, view the Economic Outlook report on WausauChamber.com.
“Establishing a big picture, strategic approach to addressing our workforce challenge is imperative,” said Dave Eckmann, President and CEO of the Chamber. “Our community is so rich with many resources, people and organizations doing fantastic work to advance our economic wellbeing. In a time of resource scarcity, mapping our workforce ecosystem is critical to identify gaps and establish alignment and connectivity. The Greater Wausau Workforce Alliance will take that approach.”
To learn more about the Greater Wausau Workforce Alliance please reach out to Otten at botten@wausauchamber.com or 715-848-5947.
