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21 2 015 R E P O R T T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y and can quickly work their way into IT roles such as business analysts that free up traditional IT pros to concentrate on core IT functions. "We need to show them the path," Schuler says. "ey have many of the skills companies are looking for." As the educational system ramps up to expand the talent pool in the long term, companies working in Northeast Wisconsin still must deal with the shortage that exists today. at's where the Fox Cities Regional Partnership's Talent Upload program comes into play. e recruiting program brings talented professionals to the Fox Cities to meet with company leaders, learn about company culture and experience the amenities of life in Northeast Wisconsin. "What it really does is create an awareness of the region as well as the companies and opportunities that are here," says Paul Mueller, chief information officer at rivent. "It creates a positive experience they take back with them and tell others about, which increases the interest in our region." Given the nature of young professionals, who will oen choose a lifestyle and location before deciding which company they will work for, the importance of cultural assets that appeal to this demographic increases in importance. In the past few years, young professional groups from Green Bay and Appleton to Fond du Lac to the lakeshore have been actively working on events and cultural assets that appeal to young professionals. at work has manifested itself in a range of activities, including restaurant weeks, alley art projects and informal kickball leagues. A collaborative marketing campaign will be the critical coding that binds the entire strategy together. Shedding the region's modesty and best -kept-secret approach is a must, Schuler says. "We are going to need to play by different rules," she says. "We need to get the message out about the fun things that are part of our culture here, both from the companies and the community. ere is a lot going on tech-wise, and a lot of great things to experience outside of work. We need to connect those two things and brand the community." Going up ? Performance-Minded Business Solutions PERFORMANCE-MINDED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS training@morainepark.edu 920-924-3449 morainepark.edu/training Six Sigma I Leadership & Supervision I Technical Skills I Customized Training Solutions I Strategic Development Partner with Moraine Park to reach the top. "We need to show them the path. They have many of the skills companies are looking for." – Michelle Schuler, director of business development with Excelion Partners and co-founder of the Northeast Wisconsin chapter of Women in Technology