Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

TOMMY G. THOMPSON Governor State of Wisconsin

For Immediate Release: June 14, 1999
Contact: Darrin Schmitz, Gov. Thompson’s office, (608) 266-9806
Lynn Jones, Rock County Job Center, (608) 741-3490

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES JOB CENTER’S #1 NATIONAL RANKING
Rock County center’s recognition a testament to Wisconsin’s pro-job policies.

MADISON – Governor Tommy G. Thompson today announced the Rock County Job Center was selected as the #1 "one-stop" center in the United States.

The International Association of Personnel in Employment Security (IAPES), a worldwide organization of professionals that provide a variety of services related to workforce needs, bestowed the award because the job center has become a major community resource in Rock County.  The Center also houses the Rock County Human Services Department, Rock County’s Wisconsin Works provider.

Gov. Thompson cited the recognition as another example of Wisconsin’s success in helping employers and employees find each other.

"My goal as governor has always been to run state government like a business, with the citizens of Wisconsin as our customers," Gov. Thompson said.  "This award proves that Wisconsin has improved efficiency and greater access to job assistance."

The Center has 140 staff that provide on average 3,400 job seekers each month with on site counseling, GED support, one-on-one literacy assistance, help with resumes, and a message center for those who don’t have access to a phone.  The center also serves approximately 15 employers each month with on-site recruitment.

The core partner agencies housed in the center include:

• Blackhawk Technical College
• United Refugee Services
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Rock County Human Services Department
• Forward Service Corporation
• AFL-CIO Labor Education and Training Center
• Job Service
• Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board

The award will be presented to state officials at the IAPES conference in Providence, Rhode Island,
June 19–23.

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