University of Wisconsin - Extension

In an effort to strengthen central Wisconsin's presence in the New Economy, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), Portage County Business Council Foundation (PCBCF) and Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) are teaming up to provide additional education and training opportunities for area businesses and their employees. The three entities are dedicating funds, resources and personnel to create a 4,800-square-foot Business Education and Training Center at the Portage County Business Park in Stevens Point.

The goal of the center will be to offer training and to attract new business to the area. "The center will provide continuing education opportunities for Wisconsin residents that will enhance their job skills and enable them to meet the increased productivity demands of the growing economy," says Greg Diemer, UWSP assistant chancellor for business affairs. "By upgrading the skills of central Wisconsin residents, we are helping to create a work force that could potentially also help attract new businesses and industries to the region and the state."

Through on-site instruction and distance-learning technologies, the Business Education and Training Center will provide education, training and technical services to area businesses. The facility will have two training rooms, one with computer equipment and the other with distance-education equipment. Distance-education technology will allow instruction to be transmitted simultaneously to sites in Marshfield, Wausau, Rhinelander and Wisconsin Rapids.

"UWSP Extension is the principal party from the university in coordinating the UWSP programs and offerings available at the site," Diemer explains. "We are fortunate to have a strong Outreach/Extension unit at UWSP, and without its involvement a venture of this nature would be difficult to get off the ground." UWSP Extension receives funding from University of Wisconsin-Extension.

"Our purpose in Extension is to nurture innovation and facilitate new initiatives," says Joan Sosalla, interim assistant vice chancellor for UWSP Extension. "We are excited that, as part of UWSP, we can create new education opportunities for central Wisconsin employers and employees. The frosting on the cake is that we are collaborating with the technical college and businesses. Together we offer a full range of top-notch educational offerings in central Wisconsin."

Mid-State Technical College will provide skills training at the center. According to Lynn Meyer, MSTC director of marketing and planning, the venture fits perfectly with the institution's strategic plan.

"Our mission at Mid-State Technical College is to improve both the personal and economic lives of individuals and businesses in central Wisconsin," he says. "We are delighted to be part of this three-part partnership that brings together two educational institutions with very different focuses. We are a skills-oriented facility, and UWSP brings the university level of education to the table. We've combined that with a set of business partnerships that identify specific needs the center will address."

Recent evidence confirmed the need for increased access to training in this area of Wisconsin. According to PCBCF Executive Director Brian Doudna, UWSP, Portage County and the city of Stevens Point commissioned a study in 1998 on the feasibility of a research park. The following year, PCBCF conducted a focus group of corporate trainers from Wood and Portage Counties to identify their common training needs.

"The one thing that came through loud and clear was the definite need for more access to training opportunities in central and northern Wisconsin," Doudna says.

Current construction plans call for a spring 2001 groundbreaking with completion by fall.