Workforce Development, Inc.

05/28/2026

Navigating new employment policies can feel overwhelming for employers of all sizes. 🫨 Workshops like this help businesses stay informed, prepared, and supported as Minnesota’s Paid Leave program continues to roll out.

Have questions? Get answers directly from legal professionals during this upcoming June 4 session. Check out more details from the SBDC below!

“MN PAID LEAVE AND LEGAL CLINIC” WORKSHOP
Minnesota employers — are you ready for the upcoming Paid Leave changes?
Understanding new state requirements can feel overwhelming, especially when it affects payroll, HR policies, compliance timelines, and day-to-day business operations. That’s why this workshop was created: to provide clear, practical information that helps employers feel more confident moving forward.
Join Francisco Martinez, Esq. as he walks through what Minnesota employers need to know about the state’s Paid Leave program, including compliance dates, reporting requirements, employee coverage, and employer responsibilities.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to stay for a free one-on-one Legal Aid Q&A session to ask individual questions and gain additional support.

This workshop is ideal for:
- Business owners
- HR staff
- Managers
- Employers with Minnesota-based employees

Location: Rochester Cultural Center 1515 US-14 Rochester, MN 55904
Time: Thursday, June 4, 2026. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Register here:

Zoom Registration Link :
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OES2wKYFRXGIWYLhYRq6fw?fbclid=IwY2xjawSC4UFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1eXdJWGNrVVlrNVpzMGpnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmwv9XiPr4da8NFGHUGnML8aPZGuOAveZxUZdMB--oOVM7qVAB35IxrFfwEn_aem_iAdFZKcteOQP_AopT9Tn4A #/registration

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the individuals who gave their lives in service to our country. 🙏

Please note: All WDI offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of the holiday.

05/22/2026

PACER was pleased to welcome Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Julie Hocker in April! Assistant Secretary Hocker met with youth and young adults who have benefited from the Minnesota Workforce Access for Youth (MN WAY) program, which serves transition-age (14-24) youth and young adults with disabilities in greater Minnesota.

The Assistant Secretary opened the meeting by highlighting her role at the Department of Labor and invited participants to share their successes, insights, and any challenges they’re navigating.

Next, she and four youth participants in the ETM/MY WAY program visited PACER's Simon Technology Center where they learned about and demoed assistive technology (AT), including communication supports, switch-controlled devices, meta glasses, and a motorized toy car retro fitted with switches for a 3-year-old with limited mobility.

Finally, the Assistant Secretary continued her conversation with the four youth and three more who joined the conversation remotely. They discussed their participation in and the supports they were receiving through the ETM project and shared their career pathways, including diesel and auto mechanics, carpentry, disability rights consulting, public speaking, and internships.

The young adults shared their experiences with the MN WAY program and their perspectives on how the U.S. Department of Labor can provide support to help American youth and young adults with disabilities pursue their dreams of postsecondary education and dream jobs.

We hope the stories and input from the young adults and program staff helped highlight the importance of the ETM/MN WAY program for young people with disabilities in rural communities and are proud to be a part of this important effort!

For more information about the ETM/MN WAY program, view the flyer at: https://media.pacer.org/mn-way/mn-way-flyer.pdf, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

MN WAY is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor Employment Transition Model (ETM) Demonstrant grant: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/odep/odep20240402

05/21/2026

WDI was proud to participate in yesterday's Olmsted County Mental Health Resource Fair alongside so many incredible community partners supporting mental health and well-being across our region.

Thank you to Olmsted County for organizing and hosting this important event during Mental Health Awareness Month! 🙏

05/18/2026

Reminder that the Olmsted County Project Community Connect is THIS Friday! We’re looking forward to seeing you there for a great day of connection and community impact.

Don’t forget to stop by the WDI booth 🩵 See you Friday from 10 - 2!

05/12/2026

Thank you for helping put this unique opportunity together HomeTown Credit Union 👏💵

05/07/2026

Congratulations again to Mayo Clinic on this national recognition and for their ongoing leadership in workforce development across our region!

Jinny Rietmann, WDI Executive Director, stated, “Our collaboration with Mayo Clinic has been transformative for our community. The Bridges to Healthcare program gives participants a real pathway into healthcare careers, but it's the ongoing collaboration and shared commitment to growing local talent that truly makes this relationship special.” 🩵

CareerForce Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development KIMT News 3

Mayo Clinic has received the 2026 W.O. Lawton Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards.

05/06/2026

Mark your calendars Austin area 😊👇

05/06/2026

Don't miss this opportunity on May 20th in Rochester! 💜

Mark your calendar for Olmsted County’s Mental Health Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aune Hall at Graham Park at 1508 Aune Drive SE in Rochester. Connect with nearly 30 local organizations offering resources for mental health, housing, chemical health, and more. Learn about the support available to you and your family right here in our community.