Workforce Bulletin
January 27, 2010

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Welcome
Workforce Bulletin
The Workforce Bulletin is a quarterly publication of the Oshkosh Area Workforce Development Center. The intent of the Bulletin is to keep you informed of the changing issues and trends in workforce development, from a local, regional and national perspective, to help your business succeed in a constantly changing marketplace. We welcome your suggestions and feedback. To contact us, click on bulletin@oshkoshwdc.com. Additional business services and resources are located on our website at: www.oshkoshwdc.com.
Survey
We Need Your Feedback!
The Fox Valley Workforce Development Board (FVWDB) provides a broad array of employment services for both the job seeker and the employer across a seven county area. Whether a company is looking at expanding or contracting, FVWDB stands ready to assist.
Like any other business, we need to review services provided and receive feedback on what you as a customer feel is important.
Please take a couple of minutes to answer our brief survey. If you are unable to click directly to the survey, 'copy and paste' the following into your browser: www.surveymonkey.com/s/HG6WJF3.
Thank you for your time.
What's Happening
January 28 - Oshkosh Business Expo
The Oshkosh Chamber Business Expo 2010 will be held on Thursday, January 28, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, at the Oshkosh Convention Center. The exhibitor cost is $450 for members ($500 for non-members), which includes display draperies, a table and chairs, an identification sign, and promotion for the event.
For more information and to download a registration form, go to: http://www.oshkoshchamber.com/businessexpo.
For additional information about purchasing a booth or becoming a sponsor, contact Bruce Nelson at 920.303.2265, ext. 29, or bruce@oshkoshchamber.com.
Six seminars will be held throughout the day beginning at 8:30 am. For a list of seminars, click here: Seminar page. To register for a seminar, please call 920.303.2265.
February 18 - Lean Overview Session
Business Operations Excellence Series - Lean Overview Sessions will be held from 8 am - 12:30 pm on February 18, March 25, and April 22 at Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, Inc., 1401 McMahon Drive, Neenah, WI. Topics to be covered include: Using Value Stream Mapping to find the waste in your processes, Implementing 5S & TPM to identify ways to better organize your work areas, and Establishing a Cellular Workplace with Standardized Work to make scheduling and planning an effective and reliable process. Participate in a hands-on activity that will demonstrate the power of Lean tools. The cost to attend the overview session is $35 per person, which includes training materials and refreshments. In addition, each participating company will receive a free 4 hour Lean assessment (valued at $500), to be scheduled at your worksite. The assessment will determine the strengths and weaknesses of your organization and provide specific recommendations and action plans for Lean implementation. For more information, contact Jim Eagan, 920.720.5600, ext. 316; email: jim.eagan@workforceeconomics.org or David DiPietro, 920.720.5600, ext. 308; email: david.dipietro@workforceeconomics.org.
To download a registration form, click here: http://www.foxcitiesworks.com/data/file_upload/Lean_Overview_Brochure_feb_mar_apr_2010.pdf.
March 2 - Spring Career Fair on the Fox
The 2010 Spring Career Fair on the Fox will be held on Tuesday, March 2, from 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm at the Kolf Sports Center, 785 High Avenue, Oshkosh (on the UW-Oshkosh campus). The fair is co-sponsored by UW Oshkosh Career Services, Fox Valley Technical College, the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, the Oshkosh Area Workforce Development Center and the Fox Cities Workforce Development Center.
For more information and to register, interested employers should go to: http://www.uwosh.edu/career/careerfairs/CFotF/springCFotF/springCFotF#registration-instructions-for-employers.
For additional information, contact Sarah Kriha, UW-Oshkosh, 920.424.2181, email: krihas@uwosh.edu.
March 11 - Waupaca County Job & Career Fair
The 2010 Waupaca County Job & Career Fair will be held on Thursday, March 11, at the Waupaca Recreation Center, 407 School St., Waupaca, from 10 am to 4 pm. The fair has a proven record in helping employers find employees. Over the past years, approximately 500 employers and 6,000 job seekers have participated in this fair. The event is an effective way to promote your company, recruit employees, and network with other businesses. Lunch and refreshments are provided.
For registration information, contact: Chris Schultz, Waupaca Area Job Center, phone: 715.258.8832, email: chris.schultz@workforceeconomics.org or David Thiel, Waupaca Economic Development Corporation, phone: 920.982.1582, email: wcedc@charter.net.
Or Download Registration Form (pdf file).
March 31 - Health Care Career Fair
A Health Care Career Fair is planned for Wednesday, March 31, at Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 North Bluemound Drive, Appleton, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The fair is co-sponsored by UW Oshkosh Career Services, the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, the Oshkosh Workforce Development Center, the Fox Cities Workforce Development Center, and Fox Valley Technical College. For more details and to register, click on: http://www.uwosh.edu/career/careerfairs/heathcarefair/springHCCF/spring-2010-health-care-career-fair#registration-instructions-for-employers.
Contact Sarah Kriha, UW-Oshkosh, 920.424.2181, email: krihas@uwosh.edu, for any additional registration information.
April 13 - Fond du Lac Job Fair
The Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, along with the Fond du Lac Area Job and Career Center and partners, are sponsoring the Fond du Lac Job Fair on April 13 from 11 am to 3 pm at the UW-Fond du Lac Gymnasium, 400 University Drive. For more information and to register, contact the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, phone: 920.921.9500, or go to: http://www.fdljobfair.com/exhibitor_info.html.
Resources
2009 Tax Changes for Business
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) included a number of tax relief provisions targeting businesses. Business provisions of the ARRA include tax incentives, COBRA premium assistance, and energy incentives. More details can be found at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=208318,00.html. The IRS has provided a list of other 2009 Tax Changes for Businesses, which includes additional tax credits and deductions. For more information, go to: http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/content/0,,id=177496,00.html.
Fox Valley Wage and Benefit Survey Results Available
The Northeast Wisconsin Chambers Coalition recently finished the process for the 2009-2010 Fox Valley Wage & Benefit Study. The Study gathered comprehensive and up-to-date wage and benefit data from Fox Valley businesses. The annual project is a joint effort between the Fox Cities, Green Bay, Fond du Lac and Oshkosh Chambers, and is a useful tool for budget planning, hiring, retention, and measuring your firm against the competition. The local SHRM chapter updated the content and format of the survey instrument. Results are now available online and in hard copy formats. Chamber members and non-members who participated in the survey, as well as SHRM members, can purchase the Study at a discounted rate.
For more information and to order the Survey, contact:
- Benjamin Lasiewicz, Fox Cities Chamber, 920.734.7101;
- Mark Halfen, Oshkosh Chamber, 920.303.2265, ext. 12, or mark@oshkoshchamber.com;
- Cindy Gokey, Green Bay Chamber, 920.496.8930;
- Tammy Young, Fond du Lac Association of Commerce, 920.921.9500.
Updated Employment Law Guide
The U.S. Department of Labor has updated its popular Employment Law Guide, an online publication that describes the major employment laws administered by the Department. The Guide helps small businesses develop wage, benefit, safety and health, and nondiscrimination policies. The Guide can be accessed at: http://www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/index.htm.
The Employment Law Guide is a companion to the Department's FirstStep overview advisor, an online system that allows employers to quickly and easily determine which federal employment laws apply to them by answering a few simple questions about relevant variables. Both of these resources offer employers the information needed to ensure safe and fair workplace policies and practices. FirstStep advisor is available at:
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/.
New Small Business Planning Tool
The Internal Revenue Service has created a new web-based tool, the "Retirement Plan Navigator," to help small business owners. The navigator guides small business owners in three areas: choosing a plan, maintaining a plan, and correcting a plan. The navigator includes a side-by-side comparison of pension plans and their requirements to help small business owners choose the one that best fits their situation. The navigator also provides a checklist and suggested resources to help employers keep their retirement plans in compliance with the law. The IRS will update the navigator as pension laws and regulations change. The navigator can be accessed at: www.retirementplans.irs.gov.
Two New Online Training Courses from SBA
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced two new online training courses to help strengthen access to contracting opportunities for small business, including those owned by women, minorities, disadvantaged individuals and veterans. The courses are available at: http://www.sba.gov/training/governmentcontracting/index.html.
"Recovery Act Opportunities: How to Win Federal Contracts" uses both audio and script to provide information about the federal marketplace, contract rules and, most importantly, how to sell to the government and where to find contract and Recovery Act opportunities. The new training portal is a free online training course designed to assist entrepreneurs during this period of economic recovery. This self-paced instructional guide provides an overview of the federal procurement process.
"Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Woman Entrepreneurs" is designed specifically for a woman-owned small business. SBA is committed to ensuring that women-owned businesses receive at least 5% of federal contracts. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership oversees a national network of more than 100 Women's Business Centers (WBCs) that provide education and training to help women start and grow their small businesses. In addition, the SBA has 68 district offices and other resource partners throughout the country available to train and counsel women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking government contracts.
Pandemic HR Issues
The Boardman Law Firm, Madison, Wi, has provided guidelines for employers in planning and coping with pandemics or the threat of a pandemic. "Surviving the Pandemic: Human Resource Legal Issues" can be found at: http://www.boardmanlawfirm.com/readingroom/pandemic.pdf.
Opportunity Grants Available for Eligible Employees
The Fox Valley Workforce Development Board received funding from the Department of Workforce Development Board that may be of interest to eligible employees. The goal of the Opportunity Grant program is to help individuals not otherwise eligible for financial aid, improve their skills at technical colleges, earn certificates or degrees, and pursue career pathways to better jobs in high-demand occupations.
Opportunity Grants can cover up to $1,000 of instructional costs and fees paid directly to the school, as well as books and materials. The grant can also provide wrap-around or support services, such as the cost of uniforms, tools, licensure exam fees, and transportation assistance.
An information sheet, which provides an overview and eligibility requirements for the Opportunity Grant, is available at: http://www.foxcitiesworks.com/data/file_upload/Opportunity_Grants.doc.
For additional information, please contact Ramona Bureau, Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, 920.720.5600, ext. 323, email: ramona.bureau@workforceeconomics.org.
Spotlight
2010 All-Stars Announced
Each year the NEW Manufacturing Alliance (www.newmfgalliance.org) recognizes young (ages 18-35) employees from member firms who are outstanding in their fields. 2010 winners have been announced and are featured in an online publication at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/insight/newmanufacturing_allstars2010/#/0.
This publication is available for distribution to New North area schools and is used to help educate students about the great careers available in manufacturing. In addition, a video compilation of winners is available to view on You Tube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPcy38_MuU8.
If you would like to learn more about the NEW Manufacturing Alliance or the All Star Awards, please contact Bobbi Miller at 920.720.5600, ext. 307, or email: bobbi.miller@workforceeconomics.org.
FDL School to Work Program Matches Learners With Employers
School to Work employers hire high school juniors and seniors while the students are still in school. The program combines academic and technical instruction with mentored on-the-job training. More than 80 percent of School to Work graduates are hired by their mentor employers after graduation. The program prepares a more skilled and ready workforce for the future and is a win-win for employers, students and the community .
The employer is responsible for:
- Reviewing applications, interviewing and selecting a student employee
- Providing 450 work-based training hours for a 1-year program; 900 hours for a 2-year program
- Paying students the minimum wage or higher
- Providing Worker's Compensation coverage
- Signing a training agreement outlining expectations, responsibilities and rate of pay
- Providing training in the areas identified by the Department of Workforce Development
- Providing a mentor, who assists with training, for each student
- Reviewing, evaluating and reporting on a student's job performance at intervals consistent with student's grading periods
- Abiding by all state and federal child labor laws and regulations that apply to minors in the workplace
Interested employers should contact the School to Work office at 920.921.9500. Additional information can be found at: http://www.fdlac.com/school.php.
Volunteers Needed for Reality Store Events
Volunteers are needed for various upcoming Reality Store events at area high schools. The events, which provide students with a good dose of reality by making various financial choices, are coordinated through the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, Inc. Businesses, community organizations and community members, this is a fun and educational way for you to connect with our area youth. Volunteers are needed to help staff the 17 booths students will visit at each event. The booths represent establishments the students will encounter as adults (bank, car dealership, housing, utilities, insurance, grocery store, etc.). Volunteers stationed at the booths "sell" students products listed on a chart specific to their booth. The goal is to help students learn basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making and career planning.
Reality Store events are scheduled as follows and will be held from approximately 8 am – 11:30am:
Feb. 10 – Valders High School
April 13 – Kimberly High School
April 22 – Mishicot High School
April 27 – Oshkosh North High School
May 13 – Princeton High School
For information on how you can serve as a volunteer, please contact Kim Lemieux, Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, 920.720.5600, ext. 324, email: klemieux@fvwdb.com.
Workforce Trends
State of the New North
For the past two years, the New North, Inc. has worked with the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance to gather information about the 18 county region's percentage of manufacturing jobs, college graduates, new business starts and quality-of-life issues and compare the results with the rest of Wisconsin and the rest of the country. Recent information indicates that while the region has lower poverty and crime rates than the rest of Wisconsin (and the United States), the New North also has a lower percentage of college-educated workers and a higher percentage of jobs tied to manufacturing.
The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance research used figures through 2007 or 2008 - before the recent economic downturn. A recent survey of regional HR personnel this past fall conducted by QTI Consulting, Inc. found overall positive numbers. Respondents expect the average base salary in 2010 will increase by 2.2% (vs. a 1.9% increase in 2009). Half reported they budgeted for an increase of 3% or higher. Another bright spot is that companies planning to downsize or freeze their workforce are at the lowest level since the third quarter of 2008.
The entire 2009 New North Report to the Community is available at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/insight/newnorth_2009report/#/0.
FDL Area Survey Findings
In December the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce released the results of a series of surveys given to their members. Some of the major findings:
- Over 37% of respondents plan to increase employment levels over the next two years, while fewer than 15% plan to decrease employment levels.
- The top five labor issues over the next 2 years were offering competitive healthcare benefits, attracting skilled labor, paying competitive wages for attracting new hires, and retaining qualified employees.
- In the past year, 59% increased employee premium contributions, 42% increased wages, 37% increased insurance deductibles, and 15% decreased retirement contributions.
- The top six workplace issues over the next 2 years were flex time, increase in part-time labor usage, family leave, job sharing, increase in elderly/retired labor use, and work from home.
For the full executive summary, click here: http://www.foxcitiesworks.com/data/file_upload/2009_FDL_MEMBERSHIP_SURVEY_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY.DOC.
For additional questions, contact Joe Reitemeier, President & CEO, Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, 920.921.9500, email: joer@fdlac.com.
2009 Wisconsin Hospital Association Workforce Report
According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association Health Care Workforce 2009 Report released this past November, the recession has slowed hiring, but hospital workforce shortages persist. Among the key challenges:
- The recession has postponed retirement plans, temporarily reducing the demand for RNs.
- Wisconsin's demand for Pharmacists ranks as nation's highest.
- Vacancy rate for Occupational and Physical Therapists continues to climb.
- A Laboratory Technologist shortage has emerged.
- Hospitals have programs in place to retain and develop the current workforce, support those entering health care work, and recruit both young people and those starting a second career. Examples are illustrated in the report.
Health care is an important and growing employment sector in Wisconsin. In many communities, hospitals are the largest employer. The full report can be found at: http://www.wha.org/2009workforcereport.pdf.
Mobility in the Workforce
A paper released in December 2009 by the Small Business Administration finds that the mobility of the self-employed is very similar to that of their wage-and-salary counterparts. Among the findings are:
- A student's academic achievement level - whether they earned mostly A 's and B's in their majors - is more likely to indicate higher mobility than the choice of major.
- Students with an expensive, high-caliber education and/or graduate degrees, and those with well-educated spouses, are more likely to be mobile.
- States that tend to be more focused on the "knowledge economy" are attracting many of these mobile new workers. States with gross state product growth of 10% or more are 13% more likely to be the landing place for these high-achieving, mobile college graduates.
- Workers with strong ties to home - including those who are older, married with children, and homeowners - are less likely to move out of state.
For the full report, "Educational Attainment, Brain Drain, and Self-Employment: Examining the Interstate Mobility of Baccalaureate Graduates, 1993-2003," go to: http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/rs355tot.pdf.
Employer Support for Lower Wage Employee Skill Development
Despite the recession, a recent survey of business leaders shows they largely maintained their investment in the training of employees earning $40,000 or less annually. According to the 2009 State of Corporate Citizenship Report, 51% of the firms make significant investments in the training and skill development of these employees. Primary motivations for the training investments include: improving productivity (54%), reducing turnover (44%), and filling skill gaps (28%). Of the employers surveyed, 85% have either maintained or increased their training commitments during the current recession. To read the full report, go to: http://www.hitachifoundation.org/pdfs/socc_report_2009.pdf.
Women are Half of all U.S. Workers
For the first time in our nation's history, women comprise half of all U.S. workers, and mothers are the primary breadwinners or co-breadwinners in nearly two-thirds of American families. In 1967, women made up only one-third of all workers. While the deep economic downtown is amplifying and accelerating this trend, women working outside the home is not a short term blip. This is a long-term trend that shows no sign of reversing. The Schriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything examines how women's changing roles affect our major societal institutions, from government and businesses to our faith communities. To better support the new American worker and the new American family, the report advocates the need for more flexible work schedules, comprehensive child care policies, redesigned family and medical leave, and equal pay.
To read the report, go to: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/10/womans_nation.html.
BLS Releases 2018 Employment Projections
This past December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their Employment Projections for 2008 to 2018. Every two years, the BLS prepares ten year projections of industry and occupational employment. Total employment is projected to increase by 15.3 million, or 10.1%, during the 2008-2018 period. The projections show an aging and more racially and ethnically diverse labor force, and employment growth in service-providing industries. More than half of the new jobs will be in professional and related occupations and service occupations. In addition, occupations where a post-secondary degree is usually required are expected to account for one-third of total job openings during the projection period. Job openings from replacement needs - those that occur when workers who retire or otherwise leave their occupations need to be replaced - are projected to be more than double the number of openings due to economic growth.
For a more detailed summary, go to: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.nr0.htm
Clean Energy Apprenticeship Training
Wisconsin has received a $6 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to expand Wisconsin's Apprenticeship Program and train nearly 3,000 workers for clean energy jobs in building trades and and manufacturing. The Apprenticeship Program will be expanded to include apprenticeships as weatherization technicians, energy auditors and wastewater treatment operators. The project will also improve training in existing apprenticeships, including those for sheet metal workers, steamfitters, construction electricians, electric line workers, and substation electricians, among others. The grant will fund state-wide clean energy job training for targeted groups through the Department of Workforce Development, including veterans and dislocated workers who are unemployed or underemployed and need additional skills. Incumbent workers will also be assisted through targeted occupational training in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Updates
GINA Now in Effect
The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) went into effect on November 21, 2009. All old federal workplace posters should be replaced with new versions containing the GINA information. For more information, go to: http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/genetic.cfm. To either download or order the new poster, go to: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/poster.cfm.
COBRA Benefits Expanded
Eligibility for the COBRA subsidy, which had been due to expire on December 31, 2009, has been extended to workers laid off between January 1, 2010 and February 28, 2010, in addition to those let go between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 under the original program. The subsidy is provided in the form of a payroll tax credit to employers with 20 or more workers. The bill requires employers to notify current and future COBRA participants of the extended 15-month eligibility. For more information, go to: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/cobra.html.
Military FMLA Provisions Expanded
On October 28, 2009, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2010, which includes new FMLA provisions. Emergency leave now covers active duty services members, not just Guard and Reserve. The 26-week caregiver leave now covers care for the veterans whose service-related injury or illness occurred anytime within the five years prior to treatment. For more information, go to: http://hr.cch.com/news/employment/102909a.asp.
New Hire Reporting Requirement
New Hire is a national program required by both state and federal laws designed to quickly locate non-custodial parents with child support obligations. New Hire information will also be used in the administration of Social Security and public assistance programs, and to detect and prevent fraud within Unemployment Insurance and Worker's Compensation. All Wisconsin employers with a FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) must participate in New Hire reporting. An employee is any individual who is considered an employee for federal income tax withholding purposes. A newly hired employee is any individual reporting to work with an employer for the first time; or, any individual rehired after an unpaid absence of more than 90 days. Reports must contain the following: employee's name, address, SSN, date of birth and date of hire; employer's name, payroll address and FEIN. The reports are sent to the Department of Workforce Development and are due within 20 days after the date the employee starts work. Internet reporting is recommended using Wisconsin's secure internet site. For more information, call toll free 1.888.300.4473, email: newhire@dwd.state.wi.us, or visit: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/uinh/.
Area Code Overlays
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved the addition of the 534 area code to the geographic region currently served by 715 to ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers in the state. New telephone lines in the current 715 area code region may be assigned the new 534 area code as soon as August 14, 2010. When two area codes serve the same region, the FCC requires that all local calls be placed using 10 digits (1 + area code + 7 digit phone number). Mandatory 10 digit calling in the 715 region will begin on July 17, 2010. However, permissive 10 digit dialing began on October 17, 2009. Businesses in the 715 area code can prepare for this change by using all 10 digits now when you dial a call, program your fax machine, enter a contact on your cell phone, or print business cards. Remember to change life safety systems and alarm and security systems automatic phone numbers. Business owners should also contact their phone system carriers to ensure their internal phones are prepared to make the change.
More information on the 534/715 overlay can be found at: http://psc.wi.gov/utilityinfo/tele/areaCodes/ac715Implementation.htm.
In 2012, the 274 area code will be overlayed in the 920 geographic region. The implementation schedule is available at: http://psc.wi.gov/utilityinfo/tele/areaCodes/ac920Implementation.htm.
Workforce Publications
Talent Management Study
A Talent Management Study recently released by the Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College found that 40% of employers surveyed anticipate the aging of the workforce will have a "negative/very negative" impact on their business over the next three years. Other findings among employers surveyed included:
- 68% have not analyzed the demographics of their workforce;
- 77% have not analyzed the projected retirement rates of their employees;
- One-third did not have enough programs for the recruitment and training of older workers.
- Only 31% felt they had established options for employees to work in a flexible manner "to a great/moderate extent."
To read the full report, go to: http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB23_TalentMangmntStudy_2009-10-23.pdf.
2009 First Business Survey of Northeast WI
The 2009 First Business Survey of Northeast Wisconsin was conducted by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Nielsen Center for Marketing Research this past October. The survey asked questions regarding prior year and forward looking results on eight key economic indicators in each of the following areas: sales revenue, profitability, total operating costs as a percentage of revenue, capital expenditures, number of employees, overall wage change, change in pricing and operating capacity.
Some of the findings:
- All business sectors reported general declines in the eight economic indicators.
- Steep individual declines were seen for B2B, manufacturing, and those selling only in the Midwest.
- The percent of firms that did not meet expectations in 2009 was over 50%.
- 42% reported decrease in number of employees.
- 35% reported wages increased in 2009 (vs. 70% in 2008).
Looking forward, 85% expect performance will be better in 2010. For the complete report, go to: http://www.firstbusiness.com/center/survey/pdf/Report2009_Northeast.pdf.
The Anatomy of an Entrepreneur: Making of a Successful Entrepreneur
This study provides insights into what influences the success or failure of a startup business. The study was released in conjunction with the Kauffman Foundation's Nov. 16-22, 2009 Global Entrepreneurship Week. The research is based on a survey of 549 company founders who made it past the startup stage in a variety of industries, including aerospace and defense, computers and electronics, health care, and services.
Factors respondents felt were most critical in order of importance:
- Experience, Management and Luck are the keys to success.
- Professional Networks, Education, Funding, and Personal Networks are important.
- Location, Investor Advice, Alumni Networks and Regional Assistance are rated as not so important.
The complete study is available at: http://www.kauffman.org/uploadedFiles/making-of-a-successful-entrepreneur.pdf.
Businesses in the News
Area Business News
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (www.ibew.org) will receive a $270,000 grant from the WI Department of Commerce to provide an advanced photovoltaic systems train-the-trainer course. The 24 trainers trained through the program will provide 458 hours of training to up to 180 students over three years. IBEW is a labor union representing nine locals in Wisconsin.
The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters (www.northcountrycarpenter.org) based in Kaukauna, WI, will receive grants totaling $247,000 to train 300 members on sustainable green building practices and windmill and alternative energy systems installation. The union represents more than 5,000 carpenters, millrights, lathers and pile drivers in Wisconsin.
Renewegy, LLC (www.renewegy.com), Oshkosh, WI, will receive $525,000 in federal funding to help the company purchase new manufacturing equipment and create 40 new green jobs. The funding is part of the State Energy Program (SEP) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) fund. Renewegy will invest more than $3 million in equipment and working capital to achieve commercialization. A recent start-up company, Renewegy is refocusing on the manufacture of light commercial wind turbine products.
For more information on SEP, go to: http://commerce.wi.gov/BD/BD-SEP-ARRA.html.
The City of Neenah has received a $700,000 Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment (BEBR) grant from the WI Department of Commerce for the Glatfelter Mill Redevelopment Project. The project, expected to create 75 jobs, will transform a blighted industrial property into a waterfront commercial and mixed-use center. Plexus Corporation (www.plexus.com) plans to construct a 104,000 sq. ft. headquarters at a total cost of $16 million on the former Glatfelter Mill site. The new building will consolidate employees formerly located in five building in the Neenah area. Plexus is a global participant in the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry.
For more information on the BEBR program, go to: http://commerce.wi.gov/CD/CD-bfi-grants.html.
Pacon Corporation (www.pacon.com), Appleton, will receive $500,000 in tax credits from the WI Department of Commerce for an expansion project. The project is expected to create 80 jobs and represent $2 million in total investment. Established in 1951, Pacon Corporation supplies school papers and educational aids to early education providers. Based in Appleton, the company has discontinued a Mount Pleasant, Iowa operation and consolidated that operation in Neenah.
For more information on Commerce tax credits, go to: http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/BD/BD-TaxCreditPrograms.html.
Labor Market Data
Local and State Unemployment Data
|
Wisconsin and U.S.
(Not Seasonally Adjusted)
December 2009
|
WI
|
US
|
|
Total Civilian Labor Force
|
3,013,749
|
152,693,000
|
|
Employment
|
2,762,825
|
137,953,000
|
|
Unemployment
|
250,924
|
14,740,000
|
|
Unemployment Rate
|
8.3
|
9.7
|
|
Appleton MSA
(Calumet & Outagamie Counties)
|
December
|
November
|
December
|
|
|
2009
|
2009
|
2008
|
|
Total Civilian Labor Force
|
120,957
|
121,822
|
121,769
|
|
Employment
|
111,469
|
112,972
|
115,059
|
|
Unemployment
|
9,488
|
8,850
|
6,710
|
|
Unemployment Rate
|
7.8
|
7.3
|
5.5
|
|
Oshkosh-Neenah MSA
(Winnebago County)
|
December
|
November
|
December
|
|
|
2009
|
2009
|
2008
|
|
Total Civilian Labor Force
|
93,598
|
94,394
|
94,288
|
|
Employment
|
87,015
|
87,939
|
89,650
|
|
Unemployment
|
6,583
|
6,455
|
4,638
|
|
Unemployment Rate
|
7.0
|
6.8
|
4.9
|
|
Fond du Lac MSA
(Fond du Lac County)
|
December
|
November
|
December
|
|
|
2009
|
2009
|
2008
|
|
Total Civilian Labor Force
|
54,707
|
55,036
|
56,598
|
|
Employment
|
50,005
|
50,716
|
53,259
|
|
Unemployment
|
4,702
|
4,320
|
3,339
|
|
Unemployment Rate
|
8.6
|
7.8
|
5.9
|
|
County Statistics
December 2009
|
Green Lake
|
Waupaca
|
Waushara
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Civilian Labor Force
|
9,873
|
27,357
|
12,639
|
|
Employment
|
8,912
|
24,844
|
11,396
|
|
Unemployment
|
961
|
2,513
|
1,243
|
|
Unemployment Rate
|
9.7
|
9.2
|
9.8
|
For more information, go to: http://worknet.wisconsin.gov/worknet/datablelist.aspx?menuselection=da.
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