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Wisconsin Learning Center opens

By GENE KEMMETER
of The Gazette
The first partnership in Wisconsin between a university, a technical college and the business community has opened in Stevens Point.

The Wisconsin Learning Center in the Portage County Business Park officially opened Friday, Jan. 25, with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches by those instrumental in the development of the project.

The center is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-SP), Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) and the Portage County Business Council Foundation to provide state-of-the-art training and education for employers and employees.

The center, a 4,800-square-foot addition to the Portage County Business Council Building, features computer labs and distance-learning technologies to increase access to learning with reduced expenses related to travel and lodging.

UW-SP and MSTC faculty and staff will provide customized training programs for employers as well as generalized program offerings suited to business fields in the area.

Some classes will begin in the facility next week. Others will be tailored to meet the needs of area employers, such as scheduling special instructors to come into the area for specific programs.

U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, who secured $250,000 in federal funds for the center, said he sees the funds as an investment for economic development. "Most of the decisions that will be made about the future economy of this area will be made by private companies in this area," he said. "Government can make it easier for business to thrive and create a better working environment."

He called the partnership for the center "truly impressive" and said "I think that partnership between government and local people makes a significant difference. There is no question in my mind this will aid the economic strength of this area."

Brian Oehler, president of MSTC, said the project put aside barriers that formerly separated the technical college and university systems to get involved with the community.

Greg Diemer, assistant UW-SP chancellor, credited the Business Council with bringing about the partnership to provide post-secondary education to members of the community. "The timing of such an endeavor could not be greater for the economy of Wisconsin," he said. "Through initiatives of this nature, we can pull the economy together."

Ron Wessels, president of the Business Council Foundation, said the community saw a need for workforce development and the various parties were willing to take a chance to devote their funds and energies to educate the workforce.

Jennifer Reinhart, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, said the center is "truly a unique partnership," particularly in having education ready for when business needs it."

She said Gov. Scott McCallum is interested in finding out about the partnership because it offers on-the-spot training and a ready response to needs.

More information about the center and class offerings is available at the center's Web site, www.wlc.info, or by calling 343-2700 or 866-343-2700.

An open house of the facility will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 4. Visitors are asked to RSVP by Friday, March 1.



	Wisconsin Learning Center opens By GENE KEMMETER of The Gazette The first partnership in Wisconsin between a university, a technical college and the business community has opened in Stevens Point. The Wisconsin Learning Center in the Portage County Business Park officially opened Friday, Jan. 25, with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches by those instrumental in the development of the project. The center is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-SP), Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) and the Portage County Business Council Foundation to provide state-of-the-art training and education for employers and employees. The center, a 4,800-square-foot addition to the Portage County Business Council Building, features computer labs and distance-learning technologies to increase access to learning with reduced expenses related to travel and lodging. UW-SP and MSTC faculty and staff will provide customized training programs for employers as well as generalized program offerings suited to business fields in the area. Some classes will begin in the facility next week. Others will be tailored to meet the needs of area employers, such as scheduling special instructors to come into the area for specific programs. U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, who secured $250,000 in federal funds for the center, said he sees the funds as an investment for economic development. "Most of the decisions that will be made about the future economy of this area will be made by private companies in this area," he said. "Government can make it easier for business to thrive and create a better working environment." He called the partnership for the center "truly impressive" and said "I think that partnership between government and local people makes a significant difference. There is no question in my mind this will aid the economic strength of this area." Brian Oehler, president of MSTC, said the project put aside barriers that formerly separated the technical college and university systems to get involved with the community. Greg Diemer, assistant UW-SP chancellor, credited the Business Council with bringing about the partnership to provide post-secondary education to members of the community. "The timing of such an endeavor could not be greater for the economy of Wisconsin," he said. "Through initiatives of this nature, we can pull the economy together." Ron Wessels, president of the Business Council Foundation, said the community saw a need for workforce development and the various parties were willing to take a chance to devote their funds and energies to educate the workforce. Jennifer Reinhart, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, said the center is "truly a unique partnership," particularly in having education ready for when business needs it." She said Gov. Scott McCallum is interested in finding out about the partnership because it offers on-the-spot training and a ready response to needs. More information about the center and class offerings is available at the center's Web site, www.wlc.info, or by calling 343-2700 or 866-343-2700. An open house of the facility will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 4. Visitors are asked to RSVP by Friday, March 1.