More than 120 people attend summit in Ottertail

Otter Tail County hosted a countywide Workforce Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The summit brought more than 120 workforce partners together at Thumper Pond Resort to learn about the current workforce environment, engage with each other, and activate workforce solutions for the County.

The Workforce Summit included presentations from employers, workforce agencies, non-profit organizations, and the Community Development Agency (CDA). Guest speakers from First Children’s Finance, Productive Alternatives, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, and others joined presentations about a variety of employer resources and partnership opportunities.

Presentations were focused on solutions to address the County’s need for workforce. 

“Attendees heard more about solutions than challenges. That was intentional. We are all part of the solution, whether that means supporting child care for employees, creative recruiting practices, or creating welcoming workplaces,” said Otter Tail County Deputy Administrator Nick Leonard.

The Workforce Summit was an excellent event to connect and activate workforce partners to explore innovative solutions. All presentations were recorded and can be viewed on Otter Tail County’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/OtterTailCountyMN.

“The county’s OTC Works workforce strategy was developed to promote the availability of workforce resources, help employers recruit and retain workers more effectively, and create partnerships to address workforce needs. Events like the Workforce Summit connect many partners to move the needle on these three actions,” said County Commissioner and CDA Board Member Kurt Mortenson.

Contact cda@co.ottertail.mn.us for more information about the OTC Works strategy and other Otter Tail County workforce efforts.