| Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development News Release | |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, March 22, 2006 Governor Jim Doyle Secretary Roberta Gassman |
News Media Contact Rose Lynch 608/266-6753 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784 |
Governor Doyle announced today that a seven county region in Southeast Wisconsin will receive $100,000 grant and has been invited to participate in the US Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant program virtual region. The seven counties are: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha. The effort will be lead by the three regional workforce development boards and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's office.
“The WIRED funds and the invitation to participate in the virtual region could not have come at a better time,” Governor Doyle said. “My Grow Wisconsin plan is working to promote economic development regionally, and this initiative is another great example of how counties in Southeast Wisconsin can work together to attract business, and create jobs.”
Southeast Wisconsin is already embarking on a new regional initiative through the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) called the “Growing Regional Opportunities in Wisconsin (GROW) grant program, sponsored by Governor's Council on Workforce Investment. The region has also launched a branding program through the Greater Milwaukee Regional Economic Development Partnership.
"The southeastern part of our state is a vital component of Wisconsin's overall economy, accounting for approximately 34 percent of the labor force,” Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said. “The opportunity to participate in the WIRED virtual region will help further Governor Doyle's vision of focusing on the high-end and creating good jobs for the area."
As a virtual region WIRED initiative member, the Southeastern Wisconsin region will receive the following opportunities and services:
This grant is a part of the Department of Labor’s WIRED grant program - a new initiative that focuses on the role of talent development in driving regional economic competitiveness, increased job growth and new opportunities for American workers. The WIRED initiative will take place over the course of three years and is intended to catalyze the creation of high-skill and high-wage opportunities within the context of regional economies. This initiative is designed for regions that have been affected by global trade, and are dependent on a single industry or are recovering from natural disasters. The Southeast Wisconsin region was one of thirteen regions nationwide selected to be a part of the WIRED grant program virtual region.
Content Contact: Rose Lynch