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    This is where you can find recordings of past Workforce Wednesday sessions, plus panelist names and contact information and related resources.

    Return to main Workforce Wednesday page with schedule of upcoming sessions.

    The Best of the Best in Review - December 4, 2024

    DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultant team and partners traveled back through 2024, discussed key regional accomplishments and shared contacts and resources that are critical to help Minnesota employers grow and succeed. 

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    Review the best of the best Workforce Wednesday resources presented throughout 2024 by DEED’s Workforce Strategy consultants. Browse this handy PDF which provides an overview of what was covered and includes links to highlighted resources for Minnesota employers.

    The Evolving Native American Workforce and Indigenous Economy - November 6, 2024

    The Native American economy and workforce landscape in Minnesota is complicated, and the data we have to understand it are inaccurate.  Hear from our expert presenters and the Workforce Strategy team as we explore the reality of the Indigenous workforce and economy, discuss the challenges and rewards that come with recruiting from this demographic, and define what it means to be an employer of choice for Native people.  

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    Build Your Own Future Workforce- Training & Upskilling Your Workforce for Tomorrow's Needs - October 2, 2024

    DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultant team hosted a virtual discussion to learn about the DEED Training Grants, which include the Partnership grant, Job Training Incentive Program and Automation Training Incentive Program. A diverse panel of employers shared how these grants have been used to enhance and strengthen their workforce. 

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    What's Does Your Strategy Say About You: Engaging, Attracting, & Retaining Your Workforce - September 4, 2024

    Recruiting and retaining workforce talent has become a challenge now more than ever. In this market, employers must generate or modify ways of engaging professionals both in and outside of their organizations. What is the message you are sending through your recruiting and retention strategies? How and where does a candidate acquire their first impression of your organization? Could your methods of recruiting be your greatest barrier? Join us in September as we look at strategies for building your workforce and what your recruiting practices says about you.

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    Navigating the Workforce System: An Employer's Guide - August 7, 2024

    As an employer navigating the Workforce Development System, knowing where to find support can be challenging. This session focused on how to connect to a vast array of services offered throughout the system, including: basic support information, reviewing job descriptions, connecting to underutilized talent pools, strategy development assistance and more.

     

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    Fair Chance 101: How to Recruit & Retain a Justice-Involved Workforce - June 5, 2024

    With a low unemployment rate and tight labor market, it's more important than ever for employers to implement effective strategies to recruit, hire and retain workers who have been involved in the criminal justice system. Such justice-involved jobseekers can bring a huge value to an employer's workforce, from in-demand skills to loyalty and resiliency. The June Workforce Wednesday session shares information about programs helping employers navigate recruiting, hiring and retaining justice-involved job seekers and examples from people on the ground doing this good work right now!

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    Improved Employee Engagement through Authentic Leadership - May 1, 2024

    Authentic leadership is one of the top ways proven to improve employee engagement. Hear from a panel of experts on what it means to be an authentic leader. What is authentic leadership? What has been proven to improve employee engagement? What to do if you are not an authentic leader?

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    Top 5 Employee Benefits to Offer Experienced Job Seekers and Your Best Employees - April 3, 2024

    Employee benefits have become just as important as pay when trying to recruit or retain the most skilled workforce. Learn how these benefits are critical in building employees' mental, physical, emotional, and financial health and in return, companies are rewarded with employee engagement, loyalty,  and retention.

     

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    Supporting the New American Workforce - March 6, 2024

    This session features an overview of resettlement in Minnesota, followed by a discussion with resettlement service providers weaving in real-world examples of connecting New Americans with employment opportunities.

     

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    DEIAB: More Than Just an Acronym - February 7, 2024

    We're all familiar with DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging) and its importance for a successful workplace culture. However, in today's environment, is this considered nothing more than a highly used acronym due to all talk and no action? How can employers and stakeholders in this space go from conversations to actions behind their words? Do we have a full understanding of DEIAB? Should DEIAB focus beyond race & ethnicity and include multigeneration and economic barriers? Is the concept of DEIAB overused and played out? 

    • Watch February's engaging discussion that covered:
      • How to go from talk to action
      • New outlook on DEIAB and strategies for building your work community
      • Going beyond race and ethnicity - looking at multigenerational and other inclusion
      • How to develop a DEIAB plan that stands out
    • Watch recording
    • Download a pdf of the presentation

     

    Panelists

     

    Resources: 

    Diversity in Manufacturing Initiative (DiMi): 

    https://www.careerforcemn.com/diversity-manufacturing-initiative-dimi  
    DiMi contact: Adesewa Adesiji, Workforce Strategy Consultant – Metro Area, adesewa.adesiji@state.mn.us 

    Minnesota Indigenous Workforce Initiative (MIWI): 
    MIWI contact: James Whirlwind Soldier, Workforce Strategy Consultant – NW Minnesota, james.whirlwindsoldier@state.mn.us 

     

    Demographics are Destiny: Utilizing Labor Market Data as a Business Strategy - January 3, 2024

    DEED Workforce Strategy Consultants and and DEED Labor Market Information Analysts explore a number of labor market tools that are available on the DEED website. We will also explore how these tools can be utilized to inform business strategy, and how the data these tools provide can be leveraged for better grant writing.

    Download PDF of presentation

    This session was inadvertently not recorded

    Panelists

     

    Anthony Schaffhauser Anthony.schaffhauser@state.mn.us 

    Carson Gorecki Carson.gorecki@state.mn.us 

     

     

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    Why Active Recruiting Is Now Essential - December 6, 2023

    Learn where employers can still make an impact in filling workforce needs even in our tight labor market. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts about how to support retention and inclusion efforts for marginalized Minnesotans.

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    Navigating the International Hiring Process - November 1, 2023

    The workforce is becoming more global. Learn the process of identifying, attracting, and onboarding employees from around the world. 

    Panelists

    • Shamika Kung-Chischille – Sr. Talent Acquisition Partner, Trane Technologies
    • Jane Sitter, MA – Senior International Career Consultant, University of Minnesota Career Services
    • Andy Tjomsland – Talent Acquisition Specialist, 3M
    • Mardi Noyes – VP of Human Resources, Microbiologics
    • Sandra Feist – Minnesota House of Representatives (House District 39B), Grell Feist PLC
    • Alejandra Bejarano – Economic Development Planner, Region 9 (R9) Development Commission

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    Automation and Upskilling Workers - October 4, 2023

    Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek and the Workforce Strategy Consultant team led a virtual discussion about strategies for growing and expanding your business through automation, upskilling workers and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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    DEED: https://mn.gov/deed/

    Leveraging Second Chancers for a Better Workforce - September 6, 2023

    We will discuss both the obstacles and opportunities that comes from this underemployed and marginalized population of second chance workers. Hear a panel of employers and subject matter experts discuss available tools, programs, and partnerships that will help your organization reach our Second Chance community members.

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    Caregiving and the Workplace – What Caregiver Types Does Your Business Recognize? - August 2, 2023

    Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts about how to support attraction and retention for working caregivers.

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    Growing and Expanding Your Business - July 5, 2023

    Discussion about strategies for growing and expanding your business through the introduction of DEED's Economic Development team and the DEED Training Grant programs available to your organization.

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    Leveraging Leadership as a Tool for Retention - June 7, 2023

    Discussion focuses on how leadership impacts culture and retention in a job seekers' market. A panel of employers and subject matter experts discuss how to make leadership your organization's secret weapon.

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    Building a Culture of Wellness in the Workplace - May 3, 2023

    Learn ways businesses can promote retention by building a culture of wellness and supporting health and mental health in the workplace.

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    Cultivating a Supportive Workplace Culture for Youth - April 5, 2023

    Learn ways businesses can improve engagement with young people by creating a welcoming, engaging, and supportive work environment.

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    Preparing for the New Workforce - March 1, 2023

    The Workforce Strategy Consultant team hosted an engaging virtual discussion on strategies to prepare for expected demographic and market changes. Our discussion focused on aligning recruiting and retention efforts with the values and priorities of the New Workforce. A panel of employers and subject matter experts discussed what these demographic changes will be, and how we can leverage them as a strategic advantage in our organizations.

    Panelists

    • Nancy Lyons
      • Founder and CEO - Clockwork Interactive
    • Shawn Herhusky
      • Manager, Workforce Strategy and Talent Pipeline Development - Essentia Health
    • Anna Peterson
      • Head of People and Culture - DEED
    • Chocoletta Simpson
      • MPA, Director, Office of Institutional Equity and Access/CDO - St. Cloud State University

    Resources

    Biases, Microaggressions, and Code Switching - February 1, 2023

    Our workforce today is more diverse than ever. Although there are efforts to welcome diversity in the workplace, BIPOC and other underrepresented groups continue to experience biases, inequities, and microaggressions in the workplace. Those who are able to navigate often find themselves having to code-switch to assimilate.

    During this webinar, we took a more in-depth look at biases and microaggressions as they relate to the workforce and how to recognize and respond. We also looked at the phenomenon of code-switching. Why is this still necessary in today's diverse workforce? What is the cost of code-switching for those affected? Why do some feel the need to do this to be taken seriously?

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    Videos

    State of the Workforce – Where Can We Still Make an Impact in Our Current Labor Market? - January 4, 2023

    The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Workforce Strategy Consultant team led an engaging virtual discussion about where employers can still make an impact in filling workforce needs even in our tight labor market. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts who will review current labor data and discuss how employers can support retention and inclusion efforts promoting equitable access of current labor pools, which lead to positive organizational impact.

    Panelists

    Key highlight

    The question posed: What key advice would you give to businesses? Where should they start? What are the easy wins, so to speak?

    Panelist Carl Crawford's response:

    • Reach out to DEED for data assistance or do a deep dive with IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory). Understand your company. Everybody has a narrative, but data doesn't lie, the truth will be there.
    • Understand the subculture within your business and outside of your business. Who you are in the community has a big difference and a big impact.
    • Build relationships with underserved communities to build your future workforce. How do you show up to those communities that are underrepresented, when do you show up? All of that has an impact. Are you supporting the little league baseball team in your community? Do they know who you are, and more importantly that you care?
    • Employees today are savvy – if you are not going to be about them, they are not going to be about you.

    Resources to share

    Statewide Services and Support For Your Business - December 7, 2022

    December's meeting will highlight a few of the statewide services that are available to you that will help you attract, train and retain your employees. Learn about your regional programs and personal contacts that can assist you with your workforce needs.

    • CareerForce services through DEED
      • Employment Service
      • Veterans Employment Services
    • Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB)
    • Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)
    • State Services for the Blind (SSB)
    • Watch recording
    • View a PDF of presentation

    Panelists

    • Liz Jennings, Employer Engagement Specialist, Employment Services, CareerForce, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Direct: 651-259-7570, Liz.Jennings@state.mn.us
    • Jane Kerntz, Veterans Employment Representative, Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development, Hibbing CareerForce
    • 3920 13th Avenue East, Hibbing, MN, Direct: 218-231-8587 or Mobile: 218-422-5395, jane.kerntz@state.mn.us
    • Marci Jasper, Business Consultant, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Department of Employment and Economic Development, 1201 89th Avenue NE Suite #235 Blaine, MN 55434, Mobile: 763-344-3018, marci.jasper@state.mn.us
    • Dacia VanAlstine, Business Services and Employment Program Specialist, State Services for the Blind, Department of Employment and Economic Development, 2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240, St. Paul, MN 55114, Phone: 651-539-2349, Text: 651-508-1541, Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday - Friday, dacia.vanalstine@state.mn.us
    • Jeanna Fortney, MSW, Director, Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards, mobile: 703-606-2442, jfortney@mncounties.org

    Resources to share

    Building Bridges: DEI as an Effective Recruitment, Retention & Sustainability Strategy: American Indian Workforce - November 2, 2022

    Nearly 80,000 Minnesotans identify as American Indian or Alaska Natives, with seven Ojibwa tribal nations and four Dakota tribal nations located in our great state. In addition, Minnesota has urban communities that are home to native people and cultures. In fact, the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis has one of the highest percentages of population who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native of any community in the U.S. The Native cultures of Minnesota are rich with cultural, spiritual, and geographic variety. Celebrating and championing this uniqueness within our organizational cultures and operations is an important step in growing healthy and sustainable communities.

    This was an engaging discussion around strategies that support and strengthen our American Indian Workforce. We explored resources available on a state and local level, and we provided opportunities to connect with community builders who are already invested in our Native communities and workforce. We spoke with organizations that are currently succeeding at building meaningful connections between our Indigenous and non-Native neighbors, and who are doing the work to strengthen and sustain these valuable relationships. Hear from our panel of subject matter experts as they offer insight and perspective on how DEI strategies not only benefit us as employers but provide a roadmap of sustainability for our local economies and communities as well.

    Resources

    Innovative Ways to Connect with Students and Build Your Workforce - October 5, 2022

    An engaging discussion to learn about strategies for engaging potential talent through career exploration opportunities with youth. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts on promising practices for developing and strengthening your organization's youth career pathways using various methods including community outreach programs, apprenticeships, and summer exploration experiences.

    Panelists

    • The Uniquely Abled Academy at South Central College, Jim Hanson – Dean of Business & Industry, Director for Customized Workforce Education at South Central College
    • Mankato's "I am" Program, Caleb Watson – Career & College Readiness Coordinator, Mankato Area Schools
    • Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA) K-12 Navigator Online Business Directory, Tim Zipoy – Business Service Coordinator, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS) and CMMA Board member
    • Central Minnesota's Operation Exploration, Diana Ristamaki – Youth and Universal Team Manager at Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS)

    Re-engaging the aging population post-pandemic – An untapped talent pool - September 7

    The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Workforce Strategy Consultant team hosted an engaging virtual discussion about re-engaging the aging population post-pandemic. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts about how to support recruitment, retention, and inclusion efforts for older adults.

    Panelists

    Resource links

    Reach out to your regional Workforce Strategy Consultants with any question you may have.

    Realizing the Value of Untapped Talent Pools: Workforce Partnerships that Work - August 3

    The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Workforce Strategy Consultant team hosted an engaging discussion about innovative workforce partnerships. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts about how businesses and nonprofits align and leverage their collective resources and expertise to support recruitment and retention efforts for youth, individuals with refugee status, and justice-involved talent pools.

    Panelists

    Resource links

    Steele Co. Works:

    Additional Resources:

    Strategies for Upskilling & Training Your Workforce - July 6, 2022

    Learn about strategies for training and upskilling your workforce. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts on promising practices and learn about state and regional supports.

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    Program & Resource Links

    Engaging Potential Talent through Onsite Career Exploration Opportunities - June 1

    Learn about strategies for engaging potential talent through onsite career exploration opportunities. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts on promising practices for hiring and retaining talent using various methods including: Internships, Externships, Job Shadowing, and Summer Work Experiences.

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    Main Resources

    Other Resources

    Realizing the Value of Untapped Talent Pools: Engaging with Youth in Your Community - May 4

    Did you know only 53.5% of Minnesota's 16-19 year olds participate in the labor force? Join us for an engaging discussion to learn about strategies in developing strong connections with today's youth that will strengthen your talent pipeline for years to come. Hear from a panel of employers and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinators that are subject matter experts with promising practices for developing successful training opportunities for youth.

    Panelists

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Regional Resources

    CENTRAL MN:

    DULUTH AREA RESOURCES:

    METRO AREA RESOURCES:

    SOUTHEAST MN RESOURCES:

    SOUTH CENTRAL MN RESOURCE:

    Other Resources:

    Realizing the Value of Untapped Talent Pools: Engaging With Minnesota's Second Chance Workforce - April 6

    Join us for an engaging discussion to learn about strategies for engaging and supporting Minnesota's Second Chance Workforce. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts on promising practices for hiring and retaining from this talent pool.

    Guest Presenters

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Finding Value in an Untapped Talent Pool: Recruiting and Retaining People with Disabilities - March 2, 2022

    Join us for an engaging discussion to learn about strategies for engaging and supporting Minnesota's Workforce with disabilities. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts on promising practices for hiring and retaining from this talent pool.

    Guest Presenters

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Strategies for Engaging with Minnesota's BIPOC Workforce - February 2, 2022

    Join us for an engaging discussion to learn about strategies for engaging and supporting Minnesota's BIPOC Workforce. Hear from a panel of employers and subject matter experts on promising practices for hiring and retaining BIPOC talent.

    Guest Presenters

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Innovative Recruiting Strategies: Connecting with Today's Workforce - January 5, 2022

    Join DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultants as we discuss one of the biggest challenges for employers today, Recruitment. Learn from health care employers in our state how they are implementing a variety of innovative strategies to grow their workforce to meet our state's critical needs. These strategies are applicable to any sector and can be implemented by both small and large employers.

    Guest Presenters

    Strategies and Support for Innovative Child Care Solutions - December 1

    Join DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultants as we tackle one of the economy's most vexing workforce issues: child care! In Greater Minnesota alone, there is a need for more than 40,000 additional slots. To address this growing crisis, communities and employers across the state are partnering to develop innovative solutions. We'll talk to those working in this space who will share some of the novel approaches being developed, and touch on some of the resources that employers and others can use to improve outcomes in their communities.

    Guest Presenters

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Realizing the Value of Untapped Talent Pools: Engaging Our Immigrant & Refugee Workforce - November 3, 2021

    Join DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultants for a discussion focused on examples of partnerships between businesses and community-based organizations to access immigrant and refugee talent pools in Minnesota. Hear perspectives and promising practices for creating win-win employment partnerships. Be sure to check out our optional "Workforce Wednesday: Unplugged" immediately following the event for an extra 30 minutes of Q & A and the opportunity to turn your camera on, unmute yourself, and ask questions directly to the Regional Workforce Consultants, as well as the session's panelists.

    Guest Presenters

    Manufacturing in Minnesota: Diversifying Your Workforce - October 6, 2021

    Join DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultants for a discussion focused on reaching underutilized talent pools to fill manufacturing positions, getting the word out about employment opportunities in the field and what working in the sector is really like today. Currently, the manufacturing workforce in Minnesota is 70% male and 83% white. The next generation of workers will be a much more racially and ethnically diverse workforce, so it is important to provide an entry point into the manufacturing industry for youth from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as for young women. This virtual meeting will focus on highlighting proven strategies to build talent pipelines; hearing and sharing best practices; and networking with other Minnesota employers about diversifying your workforce.

    Guest Presenters

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Resident Recruitment and Welcoming Communities Initiatives - September 1, 2021

    One of the greatest challenges in workforce today is the shortage of labor. One way to address this is to attract new residents into your community, but that could be easier said than done. Join us on September 1st, where the Workforce Strategy Consultants have gathered a roundtable of experts to discuss local resident recruitment efforts and workforce. In this virtual event, we will discuss the challenges of a resident recruitment effort, what's been effective, what was not, and what local community and business leaders can do to attract talent to their area and workers to their companies.

    Guest Presenters

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Recruiting and Hiring a Diverse Workforce - August 4, 2021

    According to DEED's Labor Market Office, Minnesota's population between 2018-2038 is expected to increase by 11.3%. The fastest and largest increases coming from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities, some seeing as high as a 74.5% increase. The face of Minnesota's job seekers and professionals will look much different than it is currently. It's important for employers to develop strategies for reaching out to these talent pools.

    Join us for an in depth discussion on diversity recruiting and hiring in today's workforce. Hear from employers on their strategies for recruiting from these communities including successes, setbacks, and advice for future recruiting. While the topic of diversity recruiting and hiring isn't a new to workforce development, applying the best strategies and practices can be a challenge. Advancing workplace diversity is more important today than ever before.

    Guest Presenters

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Building Inclusion: Preparing For and Retaining a Diverse Workforce - July 7, 2021

    Join us to learn how rural communities in Northwest Minnesota are engaging with business to address hidden bias in the workplace, recognizing inclusive employers and connecting them with diverse talent pools. Chet Bodin leads July's webinar as we talk about the Inclusive Workforce Employer (I-WE) Designation and the Community Workforce Inclusion Council (CWIC). A Community Workforce Inclusion Council (CWIC) brings together a diverse group of community members to provide feedback to area employers as they develop inclusive workforce practices, in effect improving long-term employment outcomes. Employers who engage with CWICs and demonstrate an inclusive culture are recognized with the Inclusive Workforce Employer (I-WE) Designation. Recognized I-WE employers are promoted as such within the communities and networks represented by the CWIC.

    Additional Workshop Resources

    Tapping Into Today's Workforce - June 2, 2021

    This session will focus on navigating through the needs of today's workforce and highlight best practices from around the state showcasing ways in which employers have pivoted to meet those needs. We will also share strategies to connect with your potential workforce in a time when face-to-face opportunities are limited and often time prevented.