Economic development is a team sport. This is especially true when it comes to addressing workforce challenges. Thrive Economic Development (ThriveED) works with employers and industry trade groups, educational institutions, regional and state agencies, workforce boards and other community-based organizations…
One of the biggest challenges we hear from area employers is that they simply cannot fill job openings. A recent study focused on the skills gap was completed by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte. The skills gap represents the difference…
The Great Recession of 2007-2009 impacted the United States from coast to coast, and rural America was hit harder and has suffered longer. The post-recession recovery looks very different in rural areas than it does in urban areas, with employment…
Wisconsin cheesemakers are facing rising prices sparked by a budding trade war between the United States and its key trading partners around the world. But some analysts believe the current price spikes are No. 2 on the long-term problem list…
Manufacturing has historically been a top employer in the United States. During and after World War II, it dominated the economy. Until it didn’t. Emsi, a leading data company whose labor market insights cover more than 99 percent of the…
The results of the 32nd Annual Corporate Survey and 14th Annual Consultants Survey were recently released by Area Development magazine. This survey of corporate executives and consultants ranks a variety of components as they relate to a company’s decision to…
If you drive around the Jefferson and Dodge County region, you’ll see what has become a familiar sight – banners and signs saying “Now Hiring.” Area billboards announce job vacancies and starting wages. Local employers are struggling to fill positions,…
There’s a sign in Erik Anderson’s office that reads: Go figure it out. It’s a mantra that fits well with his role as president of Basin Precision Machining in Jefferson. The company, a precision CNC contract machine shop specializing in machined components…
