Workforce Development Inc
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"Up" is the number of experts who agree that the nonprofit has had the most impact in the
field. "Down" is the number of experts who disagree that the nonprofit has had the most impact in field.
Headquarters Location: Rochester, MN
Founded: 1988
Mission: Our mission is to develop and advance the workforce of Southeast Minnesota.
Tags:
workforce development, minnesota, dislocated workers, youth, education, employment training, employment counseling, green jobs, rural, low-income, 2011
Summary
Stories
Expert Reviews
Leadership
From the Nonprofit
Leadership
Randy Johnson.
Randy Johnson is the executive director for Workforce Development, Inc (WDI). He also serves as chair of the Minnesota Workforce Council Association, chair of the Rochester Area Math Science Partnership, board member of the Area Health Education Committee in SE MN, executive alliance member of HealthForce MN, charter/board member of the 3-state (MN, IA, WI) collaborative for advancement of economic…
See full bio.
Financial Data
Overhead Ratio:
n/a
Total Revenue:
n/a
From the Nonprofit
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Contact Info
Address:
300 11TH Ave Nw Ste 110
Rochester, MN 55901, USA
Story:
Three years ago, I was a single parent of two school-aged children considering going to college. I read an article in the Albert Lea Tribune about scholarship opportunities for non-traditional students considering college. I contacted the WorkForce Center, and Val helped me get started with the process. I have nothing but praise for the staff, programs and my experience as a whole. My questions were always answered in a timely manner; my counselor was extremely courteous and professional. She really helped me gain the self-confidence I needed by encouraging me all the way through this process. One goal I had from the beginning has already become a reality; I have been able to attain employment! I am currently working on a B.S. degree from Metro State University. I am in the midst of realizing the dream of a lifetime – a college education!! You have helped me in more ways than I could have imagined. Thank you so much!
Expert Reviews of Workforce Development Inc
Evidence of Impact Summary:
WDI has made a major impact in southeastern Minnesota by helping thousands of job seekers during the recession, building strong collaborative partnerships, applying for federal funding for regional workforce initiatives, and developing innovative workforce development programs that meet business needs.See expert comments.
Organization Strengths Summary:
Experts described WDI as a collaborative regional leader that successfully partners with the business community and creatively leverages resources.See expert comments.
Areas for Improvement Summary:
Experts suggested that WDI could strengthen its assessment system, diversify its funding base, and improve its marketing.See expert comments.
Expert Comments: Evidence of Impact
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Foundation Professionals (F)
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Researchers and Faculty (R)
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Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
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Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Innovative curriculum that meets business needs |
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They have done a great job in industry sector work by bringing post-secondary and business education together to help develop curriculum that meets businesses' needs. Their organization is the industry leader, which is essential to place and retain people in jobs. | ||
Successfully assisted jobless individuals during recession |
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They directly impact individuals effected by economic downturns and otherwise disenfranchised job seekers. They are the front door for such folks seeking employment and training. | ||
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This organization has successfully served thousands of individuals during the extreme recession with a remarkable return on investment. | ||
Regional leader in coalition-building, fundraising, and service delivery |
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Workforce Development Council, Inc. is consistently a leader and innovator in Minnesota in addressing the workforce development needs of businesses and employers. The organization led in the development of a multi-state regional planning and service initiative (with Southwestern Wisconsin and Northeastern Iowa) that involves multiple partners who coordinate strategies and investments. They assist in the development of career pathway and distance learning options for job seekers and incumbent workers in the healthcare sector, and they also successfully apply for federal funding to help develop infrastructure that benefits the sector regionally as well as placing job seekers in good jobs. WDI developed service delivery strategies to serve Hispanic and Somali populations, resulting in placements and in similar programs in other parts of the state. | ||
Expert Comments: Organization Strengths
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Foundation Professionals (F)
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Researchers and Faculty (R)
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Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
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Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Regional collaboration and grant-writing |
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Their strengths include their position as an industry leader and their collaboration with the community. | ||
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This is a collaborative regional organization, which has been capable of obtaining funds from broader units of government. | ||
Strong, progressive leadership |
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They display strong, progressive leadership, and are fantastic at leveraging multiple resources. | ||
Business participation |
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The WDI Executive Director and staff have been able to recruit and retain valuable business participation in part by their ability to identify and report on what matters to them. The organization is strong in data collection and reporting. | ||
Expert Comments: Areas for Improvement
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Foundation Professionals (F)
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Researchers and Faculty (R)
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Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
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Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Strengthen assessment |
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O
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They could improve their assessment and innovative programming. | ||
Leadership
Randy Johnson
Executive Director
Executive Director
From the Nonprofit
The nonprofit has not added any comments yet. If you are a representative of this nonprofit and would like to leave a comment, please email us at
feedback@myphilanthropedia.org
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