Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/592911
w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 15 • I NSIGH T | 9 FROM THE EDITOR TALENT RECRUITERS IN NORTHEAST Wisconsin have recognized an alarming gap between job openings and available workers in technology careers. Jobs are going unfilled not just in technology companies, but in any company that depends on IT to tick — and you could say, that's most every company with a future. ese are great jobs. ey appeal to a wide range of interests and the pay is relatively high. In our cover story, Associate Editor Sean Johnson cites a study that shows a need for nearly 1,300 IT professionals in 2016, and as many as 3,000 by 2021. Working with the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance (NEW ERA, a consortium of the region's educational institutions), a new organization has formed to build a pipeline for high-tech talent. e IT Alliance is motivated to grow, attract and retain the talent we need in IT careers here with short-term and long-term solutions. From creating a comprehensive K-12 curriculum that leads into majors in higher education, to promoting awareness of IT careers and marketing the region as a great place that can attract IT talent, the alliance is well positioned to accomplish its mission. Creative initiatives to introduce potential workers to the region have already begun. Led by Manny Vasquez, vice president of the Fox Cities Regional Partnership, a community familiarization program for 71 students from 16 universities throughout the Midwest was hosted over three days last April. Students attended on-site company tours and networking events with leaders from some of the largest employers in the area, including a young professionals tech panel. Called Talent Upload, the initiative received an award from the International Economic Development Council (see page 52). Fostering collaboration within specific industries has been a major initiative for New North, Inc. Wisconsin Wind Works, the NEW Manufacturing Alliance and the North Coast Marine Alliance are among other industries actively collaborating. Aviation clusters, particularly in the Oshkosh area, are forging similar partnerships. Check out our Face Time interview with Audra Hoy of AeroInnovate on page 15 to learn more. ose involved in talent recruitment know we need to promote not only solid job opportunities but the positive attributes of our region when enticing them to come here. Our economic development report on Sheboygan County this month (see page 35), describes how that area has put its best foot forward for site selectors considering where they might expand their businesses. Other economic development groups have also shared our story with select audiences. In August, the Greater Green Bay Chamber and Fox Cities Regional Economic Partnership co-hosted four site selection consultants. e resounding feedback they received was that we need to do a better job promoting the region. "You've got to talk about your success stories," one site selector said. "You're going to do a lot better if you work together as a regional alliance." In late September, New North, Inc. hosted its own "fam tour," introducing representatives of site selector magazines to the 18-county region by plane. It was a jam-packed, fun-filled day, bookended by a meeting with the Packers leadership team on the proposed Titletown District and a Packers game at Lambeau field (see page 10). Again, their feedback was, "Share your story!" e hope is that by rolling out the red carpet to those who can help share our story, we're beginning to do just that. Want to know more? I encourage you to attend the annual New North Summit Dec. 2 at the Oshkosh Convention Center. I hope to see you there! Red carpet rollout helps tell our story