2. News Room

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Join DWD and Foxconn to Discuss Opportunities for Wisconsin Workers

MILWAUKEE – Today, approximately 40 representatives of community-based organizations from across Southeast Wisconsin gathered at Job Center Central in Milwaukee to discuss potential collaborations that support a robust talent pipeline for new opportunities in the region's growing economy, including Foxconn's historic $10 billion capital investment in the area.

The 1½-hour discussion provided an opportunity for Department of Workforce Development (DWD) leadership and the state's Strategic Economic Initiatives Director Matt Moroney to provide an update on the programs and services available to Wisconsin workers, and to highlight opportunities provided by the Foxconn project and other employers in the region. Foxconn's advanced manufacturing complex will be located in southeast Wisconsin and when complete, will employ up to 13,000 workers.

"Our goal at DWD is to help anyone who wants a job find not only a job, but a career, and Foxconn's historic investment in Wisconsin is set to provide thousands of family supporting employment opportunities for years to come," said DWD Deputy Secretary Christopher Hagerup, who opened the morning's briefing. "By partnering with Milwaukee's Community-Based Organizations and continuing to spread the message about the services provided by DWD and local partners, we will ensure that anyone who has an interest in acquiring employment with Foxconn or other southeast Wisconsin employers has the opportunity to do so."

Presenters received direct feedback from key community groups and other organizations that will assist in constructing a strategy to ensure that all working families, including those in Southeast Wisconsin facing significant employment barriers, have the opportunity to benefit from regional employers' pressing need for skilled workers.

"Foxconn's investment is truly transformational, positioning Wisconsin at the epicenter of the nation's manufacturing revival, and providing Wisconsin workers with the opportunity to acquire gainful employment for one of the world's largest employers," Director Moroney said. "By building relationships with community groups, we will ensure that Foxconn and other manufacturers have access to the thousands of reliable and skilled workers in the Milwaukee region."

Kenosha County Job Center Manager Doug Bartz said today's dialogue helped reinforce the need for a comprehensive, inclusive approach to ensure all jobseekers have the opportunity to access good-paying jobs being made possible in the region's growing economy.

"One of the concerns we have in Southeast Wisconsin is making sure we are connecting with hard-to-serve populations throughout the region; bringing these community organizations together and strengthening partnerships will help us reach those targets," Bartz said. "This is a regional effort and collaboration between communities and counties is key. As we move forward, we will make sure we are providing information to everyone who wants to share in the success of this region."

More information on the services available to job seekers through DWD can be found online.

To find your local job center, visit JobCenterofWisconsin.com.