Please join BioForward and the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin for a collaborative conversation focused on where we need to be heading on the jobs front.

The Workforce Development Board spends over $3 million dollars annually, preparing workers for jobs in our South Central Region (Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Marquette and Dane counties). Over the past couple years the labor market in our region has changed more quickly than anyone could have predicted or understood.

In order to assure that we are focusing our worker preparation investments in the right direction for the future jobs in each of our region’s counties, we need candid conversation with company leaders who are making investments and planning for their future workforce.

We need to hear from you on:

• Gaining insight into future jobs picture
• Providing information on industry needs
• Discussing hiring needs and pipeline issues
• Access to training practices
• Industry needs attracting/outreach to industry workforce

RSVP to Danica Nilsestuen, Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin, 608.249.9001.

*This Discussion will start immediately following the BioForward Monthly Breakfast which you are also cordially invited to attend (7:30AM-9AM in the same room).

With over 300 attendees, this three-day conference hosted by WEDA is the best economic development educational and networking event in Wisconsin. This year’s event will focus on Wisconsin’s hottest economic development topics and issues, including:

• Logistics and Transportation
• Broadband
• Future for Compressed Natural Gas

Register by January 15th for the early bird rate, which includes conference materials, 2 receptions, lunch, and 2 breakfasts. 

Learn more and register.

Join BioForward and over 200 attendees for a special presentation from Fritz Bittenbender, Vice President of Alliance Development and State Government Affairs at the Biotechnology Industry Organization. Executive Director of BioForward, Bryan Renk, will provide a brief update on the organization’s 2012 efforts and initiatives for 2013.

This event is free to attend, and will be followed by a reception from 5:30-7:30pm.

Learn more and register. 

The 10th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest is accepting entries online for the 2013 competition until 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2013.

The contest is designed to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into business plans, to prepare them to launch a company, to get feedback from judges and to interact with investors and other professionals. Contest categories include Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology and Life Sciences.

Finalists will share in more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. Since the contest’s inception in 2004, nearly 2,300 entries have been received and about $1.5 million in cash and services (such as legal, accounting, office space and marketing) have been awarded.

To enter, become a judge or a sponsor, visit www.govsbizplancontest.com.

Interested in learning more about how Sector Strategies and Career Pathway Initiatives are moving Wisconsin forward? Want to hear from national speakers and learn about best practices around the state on these initiatives?  Then plan to attend the Sector Strategy and Career Pathway Conference on February 25th and 26th, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel in Madison.

Questions? Please email Sandy Schmit at the Wisconsin Technical College System Office, or call 608-266-1599.

Learn more and register.