Focus group: Meeting our future workforce needs

Ranked as the 16th Best College Town in America by Business Insider, southeastern Minnesota’s reputation for talent development is recognized nationally. But what’s not as widely known is the unique collaboration taking place between higher education and the business community to help address the area’s growing workforce needs.

Now, with construction for DMC’s signature Discovery Square building officially underway, working together to ensure Rochester has the skilled workforce to meet the needs of the region is becoming increasingly important.

DMC is partnering with Winona State University-Rochester to conduct research into the gaps that currently exist in the local educational offerings and how to be intentional about filling those gaps as we develop future programming, specifically related to entrepreneurialism.

Together with WSU-R’s Business and Education Partnership program, DMC is hosting a focus group for both existing entrepreneurs who are willing to share their insights and experiences and professionals interested in learning more about whether entrepreneurialism might be a good fit for them.

The focus group will be held on Friday, December 15 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Winona State University’s downtown Rochester campus.

“Rochester is fortunate to have committed partners in a variety of industries dedicated to strengthening the area’s workforce,” says Lisa Clarke, DMC Economic Development Agency executive director. “Working together is essential for us to achieve the vision of DMC.”

Be a part of this important conversation to help strengthen the future workforce for Rochester. To learn more, contact Chris Hahn, WSU-R at [email protected].