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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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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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Success Story: Natalia

When Natalia first walked through the doors of the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), she was facing uncertainty. A recent high school graduate with experience in healthcare as a Direct Support Professional, Natalia had been unemployed for several months and was eager to return to a career she was passionate about. Working closely with

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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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Veteran Finds Success in the Trucking Industry with Support from PIC

When Kurtis expressed his interest in obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), he wasn’t sure where to start. Fortunately, the Yellow Medicine Veterans Office referred him to our team at the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), where he discovered the support and resources available to help him achieve his goal. Kurtis was eager to

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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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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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Mary Mulder Social Media Image

Celebrating Mary Mulder!

The Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC) bids a heartfelt farewell to Mary Mulder, Public Assistance Program Manager, who is retiring after nearly 40 incredible years of service. Mary’s journey with the PIC began on July 1, 1985, the day the organization first opened its doors, and her contributions since then have made a lasting

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Southwest Minnesota Launches Summer Internship Programs Across Nobles, Murray, and Swift Counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 11/15/2024 Contact: Carrie Bendix Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council Southwest Minnesota’s counties are gearing up for another round of successful summer internships, offering college students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their home communities. The programs, organized in partnership with the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), provide students

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