Like other Midwest states, Wisconsin has felt the impact of so-called “brain drain” — graduates leaving for jobs and opportunities elsewhere in the country.
Some La Crosse area employers are working to tackle the issue in their part of the state.
Accountants and people working in IT are in high demand in La Crosse. And while the area’s universities and colleges are preparing students for those jobs, fewer are finding reasons to stick around and use those skills locally.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
Lisa Herr is executive director of 7 Rivers Alliance, an economic development group based in La Crosse. She said businesses have been able to sell new recruits on La Crosse’s geographic beauty, but retaining local talent is a different story. Younger workers, she said, have different needs than baby boomers, who might consider the area as an eventual retirement destination.
“Corporate culture and meaningful work are going to be critical,” Herr said. “They need to know the work they’re doing contributes to the company as a whole and impacts the community where they live.”
Business leaders will be hosting a seminar, in conjunction with 7 Rivers Alliance, on Feb. 18 in La Crosse focused on retaining and recruiting younger, high-skilled workers.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
