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  2. News Room
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Tony Evers, Governor
Caleb Frostman, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

DWD awards additional workforce grant to NCWWDB

North Central board to provide wider range of job seeker services

MADISON (1/14/20) – Today the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) awarded a Rapid Response Dislocation Grant totaling $9,375 to the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (NCWWDB) in response to the dislocation of approximately 141 workers from Semling Menke Company, Inc. (SEMCO Windows and Doors) in Merrill.

"This grant will help provide additional services to the workers impacted by this business closure," DWD Secretary-Designee Caleb Frostman said. "The unexpected loss of employment through a mass layoff is often traumatic and economically devastating for workers and their families. DWD and its partners stand ready to continue assisting the dislocated workers in every way possible."

Upon the notification that SEMCO Windows and Doors shut down, a local Rapid Response Team, consisting of both DWD and NCWWDB employees, began providing hands-on services to help find new employment for those impacted by the closure, including workshops on resume writing and interviewing, job search strategies, and budgeting. The Team held a career and resource fair January 8 at which eight community organizations and 40 businesses shared available job opportunities with the approximate 75 attending dislocated workers.

Workers may also access basic re-employment services at no charge through the state's Job Centers. Some services, including training assistance, may be an option for some workers after enrolling in one or more of DWD's workforce development programs.

This grant will provide more vigorous job services to the employees impacted by the closure, including additional information on available programs, such as unemployment insurance, job center resources, healthcare options, and other employment transition opportunities.