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Fueling Futures

Fueling Futures for 40 Years: Celebrating a Legacy of Workforce Innovation

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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Manufacturing Month 2025

Building the Future Together: Celebrating Manufacturing Month and 40 Years of Workforce Connections

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

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workforce development month + PIC

Celebrating Workforce Development Month and 40 Years of Impact in Southwest Minnesota

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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mawb award

MAWB Promising Practice Award

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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summer internship program spotlight 2025

Celebrating a Successful Third Summer of Internship Programs

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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CCSP GCDF Congratulations

Four PIC Staff Earn Prestigious National Credential in Career Development

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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40th Anniversary

Celebrating 40 Years of Workforce Innovation and Impact in Southwest Minnesota

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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porter and lindsey infographic

Keeping Small-Town Meat Lockers Thriving: Porter and Lindsey’s Story

  Southwest Minnesota Meat Processor Workforce Development Initiative offers career pathway opportunities in meat processing. Highwater Creek Meat Market’s experience shows that with the right support, businesses can thrive, employees can grow, and communities can continue to enjoy the benefits of locally sourced, high-quality meat products. In small towns across Minnesota, local meat lockers are

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Benson Job Fair

PIC Hosts Benson Career Fair to support Dislocated Workers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carrie Bendix Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (SWMNPIC) 507-476-2188   Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council Hosts Benson Job Fair to Support Dislocated Workers Benson, MN – In response to the permanent layoff of 175 employees from CNH Industrial America LLC, beginning April 11, 2025, the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (SWMNPIC),

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CTE Month

February is Career Technical Education Month

February marks Career Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to recognize the impact of CTE programs in preparing students and workers for high-demand careers. At the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), we are dedicated to strengthening career pathways through hands-on learning, workforce training, and industry partnerships that equip individuals with the skills they need

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josue infographic

Josué’s Success Story

Josué T. Lobato Cruz’s journey to building a new life in Minnesota is one of resilience, determination, and community support. Josué faced significant challenges but remained committed to self-improvement. “When I arrived in Minnesota, I felt lost and with few options to advance professionally,” he shared. Working limited hours at an ice cream processing plant,

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