 I have had the opportunity to attend several Local Workforce Development Area board meetings and one regional meeting over the past few months. I am so pleased to share my warm welcomes and opportunities to discuss our work with them. This continues to be a great experience and I have discovered and learned about so many innovative initiatives that are going on in Minnesota. Many of our local and regional areas have clear strategies on how they are working to accomplish our goals of addressing disparities gaps in education and employment by reaching out to new organizations and individuals. It is exciting to hear about the industry sector partnerships and what the sectors have in common and what is unique to the region. I will continue to travel our great state and learn about what great work is going on. One of our responsibilities as a state board is to disseminate best practices which we will be doing through our committees, communications, and future recommendations to the board. I want to give our Local Workforce Development Areas a “shout out” for serving Minnesota businesses and individuals.
The word from Washington, D.C. is that proposed federal tax structure changes would eliminate state and local tax deductions for Minnesota businesses. This is only one of many changes to the tax code that could adversely affect employers in the state. Business owners and executives who are concerned about the adverse impact of these changes are encouraged to contact their U.S. Representatives.
While most of the state is experiencing positive job growth, one Minnesota community is facing a net job loss, according to Jonathan Zierdt, president and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth. A shortage of workers is becoming commonplace among company owners in the Mankato area. He said fewer human resources also inhibit expansion. Greater Mankato Growth, in collaboration with the Regional Economic Development Alliance, is addressing these challenges with a strategic, regional approach. Some successes can be found in the 2016-2017 Annual Review.
Congratulations to Juanita Lauritsen, who recently retired as executive director of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council. For more than 32 years, Juanita has been a leader in youth initiatives, career pathways, sector partnerships, and building relationships in her region. I have had the pleasure of working with Juanita in the past and quickly learned that she is a person of integrity, value, and compassion.
State Senator Carla Nelson of Rochester, who served on the GWDB as minority and majority leader of the Minnesota Senate, recently announced that she is running for the U.S. House of Representatives seat vacated by U.S. Representative Tim Walz. Thanks to Senator Nelson for being a tireless advocate for the workers of Minnesota during her terms as a legislator and through her Board work.
Finally, National Apprenticeship Week, November 13-17, is a nationwide opportunity for companies, trade and industry groups, nonprofit organizations, unions, labor-management organizations, and educational institutions to highlight how apprenticeships prepare American workers for the jobs of today and the future. Events and activities are planned throughout the country, including in Minnesota. Details can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.
Thank you for being a partner with us in our work!
Best Regards,
Connie Ireland
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