WITC News and Events

Doyle announces effort to grow Northwestern Wisconsin

Governor Jim Doyle recently announced three state awards to boost the economy of Northwestern Wisconsin and grow local jobs. Gov. Doyle presented workforce training grants to Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, and tax credits to support growth at Great Northern Corporation and Air Motion Systems. Gov. Doyle was joined by new Commerce Secretary Dick Leinenkugel for the announcements.

Governor Jim Doyle announces three state awards designed to boost the economy of Northwestern Wisconsin and grow local jobs, October 6, at WITC-New Richmond. "To ensure Wisconsin succeeds in the future, we must continue to invest in the skills of our workers and our world-class manufacturers in all corners of the state," Gov. Doyle said. "I am pleased the state is partnering with Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, Great Northern Corporation, and Air Motion Systems to create jobs, boost workforce training, and grow the economy of Northwestern Wisconsin."

Gov. Doyle awarded three Workforce Advancement Training Grants to WITC to work with manufacturers in Northeast Wisconsin. These grants, totaling nearly $212,000, will allow WITC to build Northwest Wisconsin’s local manufacturing workforce by providing critical training to update worker skills, improve quality and productivity, boost communication and performance skills, and provide resources for career advancement.

As a result of these grants, more than 400 workers will receive thousands of hours of training to learn project management techniques, and bridge skill gaps vital to success in challenging markets. Companies benefiting from the grants include OEM Fabricators, Federal Foam, Northwire and four Northwestern Wisconsin plastic industry companies. Since Gov. Doyle established the WAT program in the 2005-07 budget, more than 28,000 incumbent workers have been trained, resulting in improved employee skills, cost savings to businesses, and lower turnover rates.