Legislative Update: Great Work Being Done at the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.

I recently attended the Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board’s Legislative and Employer Awards Luncheon and was impressed by the great work done by Minnesota businesses and the resources available to those looking to join the workforce. 

The Dakota-Scott Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is composed of businesses leaders from the two counties and provides services for both businesses and job seekers with classes, workshops, and job fairs to help connect the two. The WIB has helped more than 1,100 program participants with job placement. Their work within the Department of Employment and Economic Development is helping Minnesotans secure jobs and get back to work.

Dislocated Worker Program

One of the great programs offered through the Dakota-Scott Workforce Center is the Dislocated Worker Program, which is a free service helping laid-off workers return to employment. When someone enters the program, they are assigned an Employment Counselor to help them examine their skills, learn job search techniques — including writing a resume, interviewing techniques, and finding job openings —  and decide whether or not to go back to gain more education.

In addition to the Displaced Worker Program, the Workforce Center holds workshops on resume writing, interviewing, the job search after 40, and networking. For a full list of workshops, visit www.mn.gov/deed/dakotascottworkshops.

While our economy has continued to grow and recover, we know there is more work to do and there are people still struggling. If you or someone you know has been laid off, encourage them to visit the Workforce Center. There are two locations close to us: one in West St. Paul at 1 Mendota Road, and another in Burnsville at 2800 County Road 42 West.

Eagan Award Winners

The WIB holds an annual luncheon to recognize those individuals and businesses within the Dakota-Scott area who provide valuable experiences for any looking to enter the workforce.

• Stream Global from Eagan was the recipient of the Business Champion Award.  Stream Global just moved its corporate headquarters to Eagan in 2012 and established a local call center. One of their pillars is ‘Building Careers’ and they have done just that. They’ve worked extensively with Inver Hills Community College, Apple Valley High School, and WorkForce Centers. They’ve provided first-hand experiences for students and even jobs after graduation.
• Barbara McGregor, the manager of Eagan’s T.J. Maxx, received the Willis E. Branning Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award alongside the Burnsville store manager.  Barbara has been “instrumental in assisting the youth in the Dakota County Workforce Investment Act Youth Program for more than three years.” Barbara’s work has given incredible opportunities to youth and provided their first job to many of them.

Congratulations to Stream Global and Barbara McGregor!

As always, feel free contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas. The 2014 Legislative Session is rapidly approaching, and I would like to hear your thoughts on the “Unsession” and a number of other topics that will likely come up this year. You can reach me at 651-296-4128 or rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn. Thank you for the honor of being your voice in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

Laurie Halverson

State Representative

District 51B