Momentum West Partners with West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board

Exciting Initiative Increases Support for Workforce Training, Development and Hiring Initiatives

Eau Claire, Wisconsin – September 8, 2022 - Momentum West, a regional economic development organization covering ten counties in West Central Wisconsin, is partnering with the West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (West Central Works) to launch a business and workforce development initiative. 

“This partnership will bring the full strength of West Central Works and federal funding to bear for businesses in West Central Wisconsin,” said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. “Our industry leaders will have access to hands-on support, training and hiring and recruitment tools, in addition to financial incentives - everything they need to hire and retain the best possible talent.”

The strategic partnership of Momentum West and West Central Works comes at a time when employers throughout the country are struggling to find talent to fill key positions. “We understand the strain placed on employers and have a team ready to step in and offer real, tangible solutions,” said Deb Nichols, Director of Business Services for West Central Works. “With 96 highly-trained employees and the largest workforce education budget in the state, West Central Works is a partner that delivers solutions - not just ideas. We know the industry needs help right now, and we are here to deliver it.”

“Momentum West is an economic development leader with a history of bringing together community leaders, industry and partners. By partnering with them, West Central Works is removing barriers and reaching industry directly,” said Jon Menz, Chief Executive Officer of the Workforce Development Board of West Central Wisconsin. “Federally and state-funded organizations like ours can sometimes feel far removed and difficult to work with. West Central Works doesn’t operate that way. We will get back to businesses within 24 hours and immediately put boots on the ground to solve their pressing workforce challenges.”

Beyond providing direct support to industry, West Central Works can help businesses with their recruitment needs. “One exciting thing about this program is that we can subsidize the cost of relocation, housing, daycare and home internet - all things that can be barriers to employment,” said Menz. “If an HR Manager reaches out to us because they have potential candidates, but those candidates need support, there’s a good chance we can solve that problem,” added Nichols. 

Momentum West encourages business leaders and workers to click here to learn more about the solutions and to request immediate assistance using the contact form. 

About West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board

The Workforce Development Board provides leadership oversight for the work done to link the aspirations and skills of workers to the business needs of our region. By doing this, we not only make life better for the individuals, families and businesses served, but we contribute to constructing a stronger tomorrow for our region and the State of Wisconsin.

Our team of 96 works in partnership with more than 25 local organizations in our counties. These local partners, usually community-based organizations, local government departments and sometimes private companies, collaborate with us on workforce development initiatives and program services. Our partners are recognized and respected locally. We receive the majority of our funding from the federal government.

About Momentum West 

Momentum West is the regional economic development organization serving ten counties in west central Wisconsin, including Barron, Clark, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pierce, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, and St. Croix counties. Our priorities include marketing and branding West Wisconsin for business and talent attraction, development and retention, serving as economic development support conduit in West Wisconsin, developing collaborative efforts with regional partners to drive business and talent development and attraction and advocating for regional projects and Initiatives.