Symposium to embrace economic development in Wisconsin:
Tech colleges to discuss opportunities
MADISON – The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) is coordinating a statewide workforce
training and economic development symposium this month to share best practices and strategize
future economic development opportunities.
Entitled A New Wave of Opportunity: Wisconsin Technical Colleges’ Emerging Role in 21st
Century Economic Development, the symposium will occur on Tuesday, April 24, at the Hotel Mead
& Conference Center, Wisconsin Rapids. The event will provide a cross-functional setting for
business and industry leaders to network and engage in technical college-led development
initiatives.
"This conference is designed to encourage Wisconsin’s technical college staff and leaders
to consider how their institution will expand its role in economic development," noted
Dr. Susan May, executive vice-president and chief academic officer at Fox Valley Technical
College. "It’s a great opportunity for sharing successful initiatives and best practices
in use around the System," added May, who is helping coordinate the symposium.
"Our technical colleges are always on the cusp of new and exciting economic development
programs that have great impact locally, but need to be shared statewide," said Dan
Clancy, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System. "The symposium will provide
a forum for this sharing to occur so the best economic development practices and ideas can be
expanded to other areas of the state," Clancy added.
Best-practice sessions will focus on partnerships, entrepreneurship, regional economic
development, emerging technologies, demand-driven training and workforce development. In
addition, a variety of benchmarking breakouts will offer resources and insight on funding,
establishing business partnerships, process improvements, measuring and reporting economic
impact, and WTCS as a workforce development partner.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Richard K. Lester, Director of the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology Industrial Performance Center. His presentation will outline how higher education
influences economic growth.
Dr. Denise Reading, Corporate College president of Cuyahoga Community College, will present
the luncheon address. Dr. Reading will share a collaboration model for workforce training
and development. Corporate College focuses on professional development and training programs
designed to meet employers’ demands for a talented workforce.
The registration fee is $175 and includes materials and lunch.
The Wisconsin Technical College System has 16 technical college districts throughout
Wisconsin, which offer more than 300 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one and
two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, the System is the
major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and
industry community. More than half of all adults in Wisconsin have accessed the technical
colleges for education and training. Find more about educational programs at www.witechcolleges.org.
|
