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

   Workforce Development Initiative, with the leadership of PIC, offers a pathway to success. 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 an […]

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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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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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Breaking Traditions 2024

Breaking Traditions 2024

The 2024 Breaking Traditions event series, sponsored by Minnesota West Community and Technical College and the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), once again proved to be a transformative experience for high school students across Southwest Minnesota. Through a unique blend of hands-on activities and interactive learning sessions, this event encourages students to explore nontraditional

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Fostering Wellness and Connection: PIC’s Wellness Committee Highlights

At the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (PIC), promoting health and well-being among staff is more than a goal—it’s a journey that has united our offices across Southwest Minnesota. As we celebrate two years since the launch of our Wellness Committee, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the progress, activities, and impacts that have

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