Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/74682
EDITOR'S NOTE | NIKKI KALLIO nkallio@insightonbusiness.com Connecting jobs and people LOOKING FOR GOOD WORKERS? HAVE YOU considered hiring veterans? While the state unemployment rate is below the national average (6.7 percent compared with 8.1 percent nationwide), the unemployment rate for Wisconsin veterans is higher – at least 13 percent for men and an incredible 22 percent for women. In our cover story "Call to service, " (p. 8), writer MaryBeth Matzek examines efforts to link military veterans with educational and employment services. It's an effort that not only helps connect veterans with employers, but also helps resolve the skilled labor needs of manufacturers. Sadly, some veterans are even leaving military experience off their resumes because of employers' perceptions (or perceived perceptions) about veterans, says Ann Schueller, a veteran who leads a job seekers group at Fox Valley Technical College. While there can be some challenges with the transition to civilian life (businesses aren't run like the military, for example), companies also should recognize they're getting employees with a built-in work ethic and desire to excel. Manufacturers also recognize the importance of attracting young people to the industry. This summer, the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) kicked off a public awareness campaign to boost the image of manufacturing careers ("Manufacturing's new profile picture, " by MaryBeth Matzek, p. 16). One of the big problems, officials say, is that www.insightonmfg.com July 2012 • INSIGHT on Manufacturing | 7 students really don't know what kinds of jobs are out there or the kind of training they need to get them. While not every job will require a bachelor's degree, many will require technical training and it's important to connect students with the training they need. Undoubtedly, the strength of the manufacturing industry in Wisconsin is one of the factors that helped the state weather the economic downturn and get on the road to recovery better than some other states. A Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago report, however, warns against heavy reliance on manufacturing as a long-term economic growth tool ("A question of impact, " by Barb Axelson, p. 14). The report points to some Midwestern cities that haven't diversified enough, causing economic turmoil when an industry fails. Yet Green Bay was noted in particular as a "resurgent" city, and as area leaders point out, the New North region doesn't rely heavily on one type of manufacturing but has a wide range of industries to help support growth. To showcase regional manufacturing and what's coming down the road, the second annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference will be held at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Keynote speakers are Jim Morgan, the vice president of WMC, the state's largest business association, and Tim Sullivan, former president and CEO of Bucyrus International, now part of Caterpillar. While the final schedule is still being developed, the day will include panel discussions and an excellent opportunity for networking. Tickets are already available – visit www.manufacturingfirst.com. We look forward to seeing you there! F