“Workforce development is a critical component as we look at economic development for our community – certainly you can’t have prosperous businesses if there isn’t a skilled workforce.” — Laurie Radke, president, Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber tackles workforce development The Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the workforce is at the root of the community’s economic development and that education plays a significant role in maintaining and strengthening Brown County’s vitality. “Workforce development is a critical component as we look at economic development for our community – certainly you can’t have prosperous businesses if there isn’t a skilled workforce,” says Laurie Radke, president of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Because enhancing economic and workforce development is part of the Chamber’s mission, Radke explains they strive to serve as advocates for the area’s businesses and to listen to their needs. She adds, “As a business membership organization, we really listen to where their needs lie. We know there is a need to address the skill gap shortage and to make sure the workforce is at a level that it can assist our businesses to not only be prosperous but to be able to compete in a global market.” Radke explains while workforce development is threaded throughout the Chamber’s programming, some programs target the matter directly. Programs that most identify with workforce development include the Leadership Green Bay, Brown County Teen Leadership, Current and Youth Apprenticeship programs. “Leadership Green Bay is a long-standing program in our community,” says Radke. “It gives many local business leaders the opportunity to not only grow as a community leader but to have a better understanding of the community they live in.” “The Brown County Teen Leadership program focuses on future community leaders. Brown County Teen Leadership program is a great way to introduce youth to the community at an early age.” Current is the Chamber’s young professionals program, which is designed to attract, retain and develop individuals age 21-40. The program’s focus is on the incumbent workforce, growing and keeping talent in the community. Programming allows the young professionals to hone their professional skills while networking links these up-and-coming leaders. Radke believes work-based opportunities are vital for area youth. “The workplace is very dynamic so we need to look at life-long learning,” she says. “The Youth Apprenticeship program gives area youth the opportunity to test out a career firsthand.” The four programs involve connectivity – bringing community members together with the hope that along the way they develop a tie to the area and decide to make it their permanent home.
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