DWD: Annual Conference Addresses Workforce Challenges

Contact:
Teresa Weidemann-Smith, 608/266-3999

Conference offers over 50 interactive session on employment and training strategies

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle and Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman today announced the 11th Annual Governor’s Workforce Development Conference to be held May 19-21 at the Four Points Sheraton-Milwaukee Airport Hotel. The conference, Grow Wisconsin: An Economic Imperative, brings together individuals from the employment and training industry to network, strategize, and problem-solve issues impacting workforce development in the Wisconsin.

Employers and others with an interest in workforce development issues are invited to attend. Governor Doyle will provide the keynote address for the conference.

“This conference will provide opportunities like this conference for business owners to interact with other workforce development experts. The specialized sessions at the conference highlight the importance of united efforts in Wisconsin to build, expand and sustain a top-quality workforce,” said Governor Jim Doyle.

The conference offers participants the opportunity to learn about current trends and challenges in employment and training and focuses on strategies for growing Wisconsin’s economy. Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman added, “This event highlights best practices on employment and training topics and provides specific strategies to help shape the workforce of the future.”

During the conference, Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton will present the “Governor’s Exemplary Employer Award to Wisconsin employers who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the recruitment, retention and training of their workforce. Other guest speakers include: Wisconsin Department of Commerce Secretary Cory Nettles; State Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Burmaster; Director of Wisconsin’s Office of Employment Relations Karen Timberlake; Wisconsin Technical College System President Richard Carpenter; Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary of U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration; and economic and workforce development specialists.

To register and for more information about the Governor’s Workforce Development Conference, visit www.gwdc.net.