Hi, loyal listeners of Workforce Waves! We're here with a bittersweet announcement: this is our final episode. You'll hear from Bella Potack Rettler, as she is joined by two very special guests - Melissa Rabska, Director of Operations & Communications, and Mari Kay-Nabozny, the CEO of the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board. They're the original creators of this podcast, and together, we're going to take a trip down memory lane.

We've been on a six-year journey with you, and it's been an incredible ride. We'll be discussing the impact Workforce Waves has had, the challenges we've faced, and the personal growth we've experienced along the way. Mari and Melissa share their favorite episodes, which cover a wide range of topics from mental health during the pandemic to inclusive workplaces and leadership.

As we bid farewell to the podcast, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our listeners. Your support has meant the world to us. But don't worry - even though we won't be releasing new episodes, the Workforce Waves archive will still be available. It's a treasure trove of valuable insights and resources for job seekers, businesses, and anyone interested in workforce development in rural communities. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep making waves in your own careers and communities. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

This episode features a conversation with Early Childhood Project Manager Jo Nowak-Thompson from the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board (NWWIB), to discuss the pressing issue of childcare and its impact on the workforce. Jo delves into the current state of childcare in the Northwest Wisconsin region, highlighting the limited number of regulated programs and the challenges faced by both parents and providers. She also explains the connection between accessible, affordable, and high-quality childcare and workforce participation, emphasizing the need for competitive wages and benefits for childcare workers.

The conversation continues in part two of this two-part episode, as Lisa Geason-Bauer, President and Founder of Evolution Marketing, returns to discuss sustainability initiatives in Wisconsin. Lisa discusses the increasing demand for green jobs in the residential construction sector and the need for about a thousand new workers per year in the state to meet energy efficiency goals. Lisa also shares valuable resources for homeowners looking to make their homes more energy-efficient and take advantage of upcoming rebates and tax credits. For more information, visit: https://www.greenmkting.com/