When Alejandro decided to pursue welding, the motivation was simple but urgent: he needed stability. Working as an industrial painter, he was living paycheck to paycheck and searching for a way to build a better future. Watching welders at his workplace earn higher wages sparked an idea. One that would ultimately change his life. Alejandro […]
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As we reflect on 2025 and celebrate the holiday season, Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council is proud to look back on a year of milestones, meaningful impact, and inspiring personal achievements. This year marked our 40th Anniversary, a moment to honor four decades of building pathways and empowering individuals across Southwest Minnesota. At our “Fueling
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Crystal has always been passionate about pursuing a career in law. From the moment she entered high school, she carried with her the dream of becoming a lawyer. Her Career Specialist, Suree, has had the privilege of working with Crystal for nearly three years through both VRS and the Minnesota Youth Program. Suree shared, “Crystal
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Ethan, an 18-year-old from Tyler, MN, is known by his family as funny, clever, and kind. As he entered his senior year of high school, his family wanted to make sure his schedule included meaningful experiences that would prepare him for life after graduation. They knew he had a strong work ethic, which he had
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As the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we take pride in four decades of connecting people, training, and opportunity across Southwest Minnesota. From guiding laid-off workers toward new beginnings to helping young people discover their passions, our mission remains centered on empowering individuals and strengthening communities through workforce innovation. Our
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On October 6, 2025, community leaders, partners, and staff gathered at Iterro Life Sciences in Balaton to celebrate a milestone moment, the 40th Anniversary of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC). The event brought together members of the Joint Powers Board, Workforce Development Board, and PIC nonprofit board for a joint meeting and dinner
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October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota, a time to shine a light on one of the state’s most essential and innovative industries. For the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), this year’s celebration carries extra meaning as we mark 40 years of helping people connect with education, employment, and opportunity. Our story, much like the
September is officially Workforce Development Month in Minnesota, as proclaimed by Governor Tim Walz. This statewide recognition highlights the importance of equipping Minnesotans with the skills, training, and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s evolving economy. It’s a time to celebrate the partnerships that make workforce development possible and the individuals whose lives are transformed
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The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), the Lower Sioux Indian Community (LSIC), and Minnesota West Community and Technical College are proud to share that together they received 1st place for the 2025 Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB) Promising Practice Award. This recognition honors our collaborative work on the Electrician Cankuya Program, an innovative
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Celebrating a Successful Third Summer of Internship Programs This summer marked the third year of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council’s (PIC) internship programs, connecting college students with hands-on career experiences across Murray, Nobles, and Swift Counties. These programs are made possible through partnerships with County Commissioners and local host sites, offering students the chance
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The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Antonio Ledbetter, Bridgette Grunewald, Maria Peters, and Torrie Ward, who have successfully completed the rigorous requirements to become Certified Career Services Providers (CCSP) / Global Career Development Facilitators (GCDF). This nationally recognized certification, developed by the Center for Credentialing & Education
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On July 1, 2025, the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) celebrates a remarkable milestone: 40 years of service to the communities, businesses, and people of Southwest Minnesota. Since its founding in 1985, PIC has remained a steadfast partner in building a stronger, more resilient regional workforce, helping thousands of individuals find meaningful careers and
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