Watertown Development Company To Receive State Workforce Recruitment Program Funds
October 4, 2021
WATERTOWN, S.D. – Watertown Development Company is proud to announce the Governor’s Office of Economic Development has awarded the organization a workforce recruitment grant in the amount of $100,000.
“Workforce continues to be our biggest challenge and will be for the foreseeable future. It’s exciting to see GOED make workforce recruitment a priority and offer partnership opportunities to communities across the state. We will use these funds to enhance our attract and enhance workforce program, providing more incentives as we work with our existing businesses to attract employees.,” said Mark Vaux, Watertown Development Company’s Economic Development Coordinator.
In August, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced a workforce recruitment program to inform out-of-state job seekers that South Dakota businesses across the state are hiring.
Communities were invited to apply for funding, which would be distributed based on the partnership commitment, and the quality of jobs available.
The two-part workforce initiative includes an opportunity for both marketing as well as incentives for workforce recruitment in local communities across the state. The digital marketing effort will promote both businesses and communities looking for help. Incentives such as relocation bonuses, signing bonuses, and upskilling are also included.
With both initiatives, GOED will provide Watertown Development Company funds, to be matched by both the economic development organization and local businesses.
A state-wide workforce campaign has already begun, and individual community campaigns anticipate launching in October throughout the states of South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana, California, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Colorado.
