Workforce Development to meet with displaced workers

Variety of services offered to those impacted by fire

The Racine County Workforce Development Center, in partnership with the state Department of Workforce Development Center, will offer an informational briefing to the Echo Lake Foods workforce facing job loss due to the massive fire at the food processing facility in Burlington.

All Echo Lake employees are invited to one of three briefings scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Veterans Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Avenue. The briefings are set for 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The purpose of these meetings, according to County Executive Jim Ladwig’s office, is to provide Echo Lake employees with transition services ranging from unemployment insurance and job search assistance to information on local community resources.

“We are proud of and grateful to all the emergency personnel, community organizations, and local businesses, for the way they have responded to this fire,” Ladwig said. “The county is ready and able to offer assistance and resources to the individuals affected by this event.”

A survey of the workforce needs and concerns will be conducted to ensure that services provided after the briefings address the group’s needs. Bi-lingual staff will be available to assist Spanish-speaking workers.

The following services will be offered:

• Job search assistance, including accessing community resources, job application, preparation and development of resumes, assessing accomplishments and skills, effective interviewing techniques, and coping with job loss.

• Labor market information will be furnished to all attendees, including emerging and demand occupations. Job posting will also be made available through the Job Center of Wisconsin.

• Group stress management seminars will be offered on a regular or as-needed basis.  The focus of these seminars will be to develop strategies for managing the stress associated with job loss, the impact on families and on maintaining community relationships.

• Group financial management seminars to assist affected workers to develop financial planning skills in order to maintain household and consumer finances, and negotiating manageable payment schedules with mortgages or other financial responsibilities.