Through a mixture of programs and initiatives, TwinWest is pursuing a multifaceted, collaborative focus on regional economic development and job growth. From our new, groundbreaking Workforce Ready! program to our long-standing business-education partnership initiative, TwinWest is approaching economic and workforce development from all sides, helping to keep our region healthy and strong.


PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES:

•  Workforce Ready!: Fueling the Precision Manufacturing Engine

•  metroMSP.org (the Twin Cities region's economic development Web site)

•  Grow Minnesota!

•  TwinWest Foundation

•  TwinWest Business-Education Partnership


OTHER LINKS:

•  News releases 

•  Media coverage 

•  Contact us / get involved

•  Economic Development Advisory Task Force

	Through Workforce Ready!: Fueling the Precision Manufacturing Engine, established in 2008, TwinWest is developing gap skills training programs for the precision manufacturing industry in the west metro region. Using a collaborative approach, we are convening stakeholders – including employers, postsecondary educational institutions, area school districts, local officials, workforce specialists and other business leaders – to develop and strengthen customized training programs in area schools and postsecondary institutions. Most recently, TwinWest held an event convening manufacturing industry leaders to overview existing resources, identify gaps and talk about potential strategies for the future. View the event invitation for much more information. Workforce Ready!: Fueling the Precision Manufacturing Engine is funded in part by a $45,000 Framework for Integrated Regional Strategies (FIRST) grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The FIRST grant program was created to promote sustainable collaborations that will increase a region's economic competitiveness. Read TwinWest's February 2008 press release announcing the award receipt, or visit DEED's Web site.
	TwinWest is a partner in metroMSP.org, the Twin Cities region's economic development Web site. Visit the site to find out more about how your company can prosper in the Twin Cities region, to see compelling economic development statistics or to search for available commercial or industrial properties.
	TwinWest is an active participant in Grow Minnesota!, a private-sector effort to retain and expand the state’s business base. The primary focus of the program is to retain Minnesota businesses and encourage them to expand and grow within the state. Grow Minnesota! is a collaboration between the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and 45 chambers statewide. Each year, TwinWest staff and volunteers conduct face-to-face visits with 40-50 targeted businesses in our region to encourage them to remain and expand in Minnesota. During these visits, TwinWest listens to employers’ concerns and opinions, helps them solve problems, and gathers valuable input to shape our legislative agenda. Click here to view Grow Minnesota! program information on the Minnesota Chamber's Web site. For more information on Grow Minnesota! or to request a visit from us, please contact Judy Johnson, director community relations at 763.450.2226 or e-mail judy@twinwest.com.
	The TwinWest Foundation invests in our region's workforce by awarding scholarships to local students, including graduating high school seniors and adult students. investing in our region's workforce. The TwinWest Foundation was the first chamber of commerce foundation established in Minnesota, and it has grown into the most formidable organization of its kind in the state. Since its inception in 1982, the TwinWest Foundation has awarded nearly $700,000 in scholarships to local high school students and adult learners. In 2008 alone, the Foundation is on track to award $103,000 scholarship dollars to local students: 72 graduating high school seniors received a total of $78,000 in college scholarships in May, and an additional $25,000 will be awarded in Career Path Scholarships later this fall. (Please note: we’re still accepting applications for these scholarships through August 8. Visit www.twinwest.com/scholarships.html for more information.) These scholarships are funded entirely by donations from businesses and individuals, and through proceeds from Chamber fund-raisers. Learn more about the TwinWest Foundation scholarship program.
	TwinWest’s Business-Education Partnership (BEP) initiative is a long-standing effort to align today’s education programs with tomorrow’s workforce needs. We provide our business members with effective, rewarding ways to provide their time and resources to our five school district partners. TwinWest's BEP programs include: •  Annual School Leader for a Day program •  Annual Ethics in the Workplace workshop     (2008 event pictured left) •  Hopkins Student Membership Program •  Workplace tours and classroom speakers Visit the BEP Task Force page.

CONTACT US / GET INVOLVED

TwinWest welcomes the involvement and input of anyone interested in our economic and workforce development efforts, including businesspeople, city and school officials, students and members of the community at large. If you're interested in getting involved with or learning more, please contact Judy Johnson, director of community relations, at 763.450.2226 or judy@twinwest.com. Or, contact the chair of our Economic Development Advisory Task Force or another member of the TwinWest staff.