Department of Workforce Development

Wednesday, March 14, 2001 Governor Scott McCallum Secretary Jennifer Reinert

News Media Contact Christopher Marschman 608/261-6705 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS WORKFORCE CHALLENGES
Conference to offer over 80 workshops on employment and training strategies

MADISON-Governor Scott McCallum today announced the Eighth Annual Governor’s Statewide Employment and Training Conference will be held May 7 - 9 at the Marriott Madison West Hotel in Middleton.

The annual conference brings together individuals throughout the employment and training industry to network, strategize, and problem solve the issues impacting workforce development in the state of Wisconsin. The theme of this year’s conference, "Building Wisconsin’s Workforce: Attracting, Motivating, Training, & Retaining" will highlight the importance of collaborative efforts in Wisconsin to build, expand and sustain a top-quality workforce.

"My prior participation in this conference as Lieutenant Governor presenting awards to exemplary employers convinces me it’s a premier learning experience for all attendees. By the public and private sectors coming together to share ideas, solutions, and resources for developing and implementing workforce innovations and practices, all of Wisconsin benefits," said Governor McCallum. "I look forward to the opportunity to open this years conference as Governor."

The conference will offer more than 80 workshops and will give participants the opportunity to learn about many of the current trends and challenges in employment and training such as: Employee Retention: Once You Get Them - How Do You Keep Them?; GreatJobsWI.com: Wisconsin’s Employment Supersite; Innovative Approaches Funding Incumbent & New Employee Training; Listen Up: Effective, Active Listening Strategies for Today’s World; Making Our Differences Work; Successful Career Development Using the Internet; and The "E" Environment – Next Generation.

Department of Workforce Development Secretary Jennifer Reinert added, "The conference offers participants the opportunity to learn about shared best practices on employment and training topics. Participants will also explore trends and discuss initiatives that will shape the workplace of the future."

Invited speakers include Gov. McCallum, DWD Secretary Jennifer Reinert, and Senator Margaret Farrow, who will present awards to exemplary Wisconsin employers who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the recruitment, retention and training of their workforce. In addition, Microsoft Vice-President Robert McDowell and nationally recognized speakers Dale Henry, Bill Karlson, Alyce Cornyn-Selby, and Geri Jewell are scheduled to address the conference.

The conference is sponsored by the Departments of Commerce, Employment Relations, Workforce Development, Public Instruction, Veterans Affairs, Governor’s Work Based Learning Board, International Association of Personnel in Employment Security, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin Association of Job Training Executives, Wisconsin Council on Workforce Investment, Wisconsin Employment and Training Association, and the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

For more information and registration materials, visit the conference web site at: http://www.uwstout.edu/solutions/govet/ or call 1-800-45-STOUT.

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