Lakeville Works Industry Tour to DCTC
Sponsored by the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Dakota County Technical College, a group of approximately 40 area business leaders, including Lakeville Works investors, toured the college’s campus Wednesday afternoon, January 22, 2020.
The event’s welcome and overview were provided by Krista Jech, Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism president, and Michael Berndt, interim president of DCTC and Inver Hills Community College. A panel discussion in the Dakota Room was moderated by Michael Berndt.
DCTC panelists included:
- Mary Jo Gardner, K12 Partnerships
- Jessica Ayub, Career Services Director
- Mike Opp, Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs
- Harold Torrence, Business Faculty
- Scott Gunderson, Business Faculty
- Steve Lommen, Customized Training Representative
- Heath Baumgard, Director of Recruitment & Admissions
Funded 100 percent from investments by 12 Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce founding members, Lakeville Works enhances area workforce development in a number of ways, including:
- Assisting area employers
- Recruiting qualified applicants
- Training workers
- Encouraging advancement on a career pathway
- Retaining employees
Krista Jech, Chamber president, reported that over the last two years the Lakeville Area Chamber has really started to focus on workforce issues within the community.
“Through our Lakeville Works program, we are partnering with Lakeville Area Schools, the City of Lakeville and education-for-employment institutions like DCTC to connect current and future workforces to industries and career opportunities available in their own backyard,” Krista said. “In addition, we are working to help our employers in both their recruiting and retention efforts through connections to local resources and experts who can guide them through successful strategies in this changing job market.”