Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/116226
machinist and welding boot camps to provide basic training in new areer areas. Working together M arinette has a population of 25,000, but is home to several major manufacturers, including Marinette Marine, which employs upwards of 1,000 workers, drawing in employees from up to an hour away. Mielke says local manufacturers realize they have a labor shortage and are working together to address the issue. "We all struggle with filling those professional positions," he says. "We're trying to get more involved with the chamber of commerce to talk about why living here is such a great thing. Bring in prospects and take them down to the shore in the summer and look across the bay to see Door County. There's a lot of natural beauty here and you also have the opportunity to get to know your neighbors. You go into a business and they know who you are." Bourgeois tends to focus on job prospects that have some tie to Wisconsin – either they grew up here or have family here. That can make the move an easier sell, he says. Mielke says ChemDesign strives to be an employer of choice by providing good benefits and wages as well as a good working environment. "We have a lot of longevity. Once people are here, they really enjoy it," he says. "The key is to get them to look past our location and come in to give us a serious look." As with many professionals, the other part of the equation is finding work for a spouse. "There's some pushback. People are like, 'It sounds like a great job, but where will my spouse work?' so we have to deal with that, too," Mielke says. The competition is intense for skilled professionals, Stewart says. "The business climate is becoming more competitive and owners are investing in their people and their companies," he says. "Those are all good signs." "This is a good place to raise a family and we try to talk up that part of it. We're living in God's country. Many people with chemical engineering jobs can find something in Chicago or Indianapolis. We're not even on the map." – David Mielke, President ChemDesign Products CC10-1212 Nail the Money_Half Pg Jr_Insight_Final.indd 1 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m March 2013 1/2/13 8:18 AM • / insight on manufacturing | 13