December 12th, 2024
MANKATO – GreenSeam is excited to announce the second round of its Global Workforce Program, an initiative designed to help regional businesses overcome workforce challenges by providing $1,000 worth of legal expertise and human resources consulting for international hiring solutions. Businesses in southern Minnesota affiliated with food or agriculture are eligible to apply for this program and receive customized guidance at no cost. With limited funds available, interested businesses are encouraged to act quickly. Applications and additional information can be found at www.greenseam.org/globalworkforce.
The Global Workforce Program provides eligible businesses with two fully funded, 45-minute sessions with an immigration attorney and a human resources expert. Participants will also receive a personalized roadmap outlining the legal and operational steps necessary for international hiring, tailored to their specific business needs.
Southern Minnesota is facing a shortage of qualified talent, a challenge that has constrained growth for many businesses in the region. The Global Workforce Program offers a strategic solution, leveraging the pool of roughly 3,000 international students in the area and countless skilled workers worldwide eager to pursue employment opportunities in the United States. By tapping into international talent, businesses can remain competitive in today’s market.
“We had a great experience. The consultants were knowledgeable, helping us gain a better understanding of immigrant recruitment and offering viable solutions for the business,” stated Crystal Valley Coop, a participant of the 2023 Global Workforce Program.
The grant is available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 2025. Businesses can apply now at www.greenseam.org/globalworkforce.
The program is delivered in partnership with Erin Schutte Wadzinski, an immigration attorney and owner of Kivu Immigration Law in Worthington, and Valerie Johnson, a human resources expert with over 20 years of global HR and business leadership experience. “I’m excited to partner with HR expert Valerie Johnson and employers across Minnesota, crafting business solutions that utilize the immigration system and unlock international talent to address labor needs in our region,” said Wadzinski. Johnson added, “This program is critical to supporting the employment needs within our agriculture community. I am thrilled to partner with Kivu to provide an understanding of the possibilities in operationalizing this program for employers.”
The Global Workforce Program is made possible, in part, by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
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About GreenSeam
GreenSeam is an economic development organization for food and agriculture in southern MN and northern IA on a mission to elevate this region as the world-class food and agribusiness epicenter. Its work is guided by four focus areas: business attraction & creation, business retention & expansion, talent development & retention, and regional branding & promotion. As a community brand, GreenSeam’s work is made possible by its business and community investors and committee volunteers with a passion to see the food and ag industry continue to prosper and fuel communities.