Workforce Waves

In this episode, you'll hear about the rural healthcare initiatives currently underway in Northwest Wisconsin. Joining the program are Scott Schultz, Director of Industry & Innovation at the NWWIB, Dawn Knapp, Grant Coordinator for the Collaboration of Wisconsin Grant, and Matthew Filipek, who is in charge of the NWWIB's COVID-19 call center. You'll hear about a range of initiatives, from responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, to increasing the amount of substance abuse counselors available in the region.

Marcia Galvan, Project Coordinator at the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss the work that she is doing leading the Support to Communities grant in her region, fostering opioid and substance abuse recovery through workforce development. Discover strategies to assist those struggling with substance abuse and what employers can do to help. You'll also learn about the signs of substance use in the workplace, and barriers that individuals can face when seeking help for their addiction.

Stacey McKinney from Mckinney Realty joins the program to provide insight into the Northwest Wisconsin real estate market. Discover the shifts that have occurred over the past year and the amenities that are most important to potential buyers. Stacey also shares tips for anyone who is interested in selling a home in Northwest Wisconsin, as well as what buyers should consider when searching for a property.

In this episode, you'll hear from Julie Fox, Regional Tourism Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, and Mary Monroe Brown, Director of the WI Office of Outdoor Recreation, as they discuss how 2020's tourism season impacted local and regional economies. Discover why outdoor recreation in Northwest Wisconsin has flourished over the past year, and the impact of shifting work trends on the tourism industry.

In this episode, you'll hear about some of the available resources for businesses and employers in the region, including assistance with onboarding or upskilling workers. You'll hear about the incumbent worker training program, on-the-job training (OJT), and more.

In this episode, Barb Lundberg from the Northwest Wisconsin Investment Board interviews Jennifer Kuklinski, Professor of Business and Social Science at Northland College and owner of 3P Insights, LLC,, as they discuss recruiting for diversity. Discover action steps that businesses can take to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, and hear an example of a company that has been successful in recruiting and retaining diverse talent.

In this end-of-year episode, Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board CEO Mari Kay-Nabozny is joined by NWWIB staff, as they discuss the challenges and opportunities of 2020, and the lessons learned. Mari and her team discuss Zoom fatigue, working from home, virtual job fairs and more!

Jason Rae, Founder and President/CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, joins the program to discuss how to create an inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels that they can bring their full self to work. Discover important inclusive terminology and the business impact of creating an inclusive work environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted just about every business and organization on some level. In this episode Lance Ausing, Regional Economic Development Director for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) discusses how COVID-19 has impacted his organization and the region, and reveals what businesses need to do to recover and thrive in the "next normal."

Michelle Chase, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Founder of Chase Consulting, LLC, joins the program to discuss some of the most common mental health issues that employees are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares tips for employers about how they can support their employees, and provides coping strategies and resources.