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28 | /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING • November 2015 w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m PLANT|NEWS OSHKOSH AREA EMPLOYMENT CONTINUES UPWARD TREND e Oshkosh-Neenah Metropolitan Statistical Area monthly unemployment rate decreased to 3.4 percent in September from 4.7 percent in 2014, according to preliminary figures released by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Total employment in the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA increased to 88,399 in September from 87,311 in September 2014. Wisconsin's unemployment rate was 3.6 percent in September from a revised 4.7 percent in September 2014. e U.S. unemployment rate was 5.1 in September. Gov. Scott Walker indicated at the Manufacturing First Expo & Conference that the state's Job Center of Wisconsin site lists more than 100,000 open jobs around the state. WERNER ELECTRIC SUPPLY Neenah-based Werner Electric Supply will be expanding into North Dakota. According to the company, expanding the footprint is a key element to its strategy for growing the electrical supply company. e Werner expansion will bring employment opportunities to the Bismarck area, including positions responsible for commercial selling, operations management and coordination of North Dakota projects. Werner Electric Supply provides automation, electrical and data communication products to a wide range of industrial, commercial and construction customers. e company employs nearly 400 people in 11 locations throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. EVENT|NEWS CAREER EXPO TO HELP 8TH-GRADERS FIND INSPIRATION T he Greater Green Bay Chamber wants to help young people discover the career pathways that inspire them, and to understand what kinds of classes they need to pursue those careers. On Nov. 16, the chamber will host Find Your Inspiration 2015 – Exploring Careers of Greater Green Bay for 1,500 area eighth-graders from nine Green Bay-area school districts. This new workforce development event will help engage students in the types of careers that are available throughout Greater Green Bay industry sectors, including manufacturing, according to the chamber. About 50 area businesses are participating, including manufacturers Hudson-Sharp, Bay Tek Games, Belmark Inc., KI, PDQ Manufacturing, Green Bay Packaging and Jones Sign Company. The event aims to expose students to new careers, make initial professional connections and learn about post-secondary education. Additionally, students will be involved in creating part of a sculpture that will be the gateway to the Old Main Street Arts District at Baird and Main streets in Green Bay. A grant from the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation is supporting the cost of buses and event space. Manufacturers that would like to participate next year should contact Ashley Knutsen, youth career development manager, at (920) 593-3404. F WMC MOTY AWARDS T he Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year (MOTY) award program, sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, is an annual recognition of excellence in manufacturing. It celebrates the successes of manufacturers in the state: their innovations, philanthropy, technological advances, commitment to customer satisfaction and quality jobs. If you would like to be considered for a MOTY award, applications will be accepted until Nov. 20. The event will take place in Milwaukee on Feb. 25, 2016. For more information, visit wimoty.com. F NEW NORTH SUMMIT T his year's New North Summit will feature keynote speakers, a CEO panel of regional leaders and networking time. In addition, Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA) will be announcing the results of the sixth annual Northeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Vitality Index. The event will take place Dec. 2 in Oshkosh. Go to www.newnorthsummit.com to register. F c o n t i n u e d >