Survey to support La Crosse area businesses launches

A survey of the Coulee Region’s businesses to assess their workforce needs is being launched by local economic development organizations.

The goal is to gather data that can drive training and marketing programs that help businesses attract and retain workers they need to grow.

“This survey will help us learn about the workforce challenges businesses are facing across different sectors, and help us develop educational or training solutions to help,” Angie Martin, director of business and industry services at Western Technical College, said.

The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and targets business owners.

To view the survey, click here: Tri-State Workforce Survey.

The survey was collaboratively created by these groups:

• La Crosse County
• Western Technical College – Business & Industry Services
• The 7 Rivers Alliance
• La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO)
• Upper Mississippi Manufacturing Alliance (TUMMA)
• Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC)
• Western Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (WWWDB)

The survey will provide information on how businesses are currently recruiting workers, and where specific areas and skillset shortages are being experienced. Participants will also identify challenges they see in recruiting workers, such as access to childcare, housing, transportation and more.

“This is a great collaboration between organizations dedicated to improving the business climate in our region, which in turn produces quality jobs that support families and community,” Tim Kabat, executive director at LADCO, said.

In addition to workforce challenges, the survey will seek input on other issues facing area businesses, such as access to capital, supply chains and inflation. The survey will close on June 29 and the group will share insights gained from the data with the public.

“We are hoping to get as broad of a response as possible from businesses so we can make the best decisions on how to better support employers of all sizes,” Sam Bachmeier, community development specialist at La Crosse County, said.