At the same time, as businesses grow leaner and budgets trimmer, having the right people in the right jobs is more critical than ever.

We know quality talent may be more willing to relocate during times of high unemployment, yet organizations still face challenges when it comes to making that happen.

Now there's a new tool for businesses and job seekers alike. Simply go to www.centergy.net. Click on the workforce button at the top of the website. Up pops a "Seeking Talent & Finding Meaningful Employment" page. Scroll toward the bottom and you'll find open positions in Marathon, Portage, and Wood counties.

Recruiting top talent is a key priority of Centergy Inc., the regional nonprofit economic development corporation serving central Wisconsin Many businesses, local governments, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, and foundations in our area have come together to encourage Centergy's efforts to help retain and grow existing businesses, attract new businesses, and enhance the quality of life in central Wisconsin.

At one of our first summits we identified talent recruitment, retention, and relocation as top priorities. An informal network of human resource professionals was already exchanging resumes and we wanted to strengthen and broaden this network. We were able to partner with the state and bring to our website a subset of the Wisconsin Job Center. The open positions are specific to our area. In addition, candidates can post profiles. And, our area human resource professionals can search profiles for candidates who'd like to live and work in our area.

This is a great new tool for our region's businesses and we encourage them to take advantage of it. Interviewing is an activity that costs valuable time and money. Whatever we can do to help narrow the category to quality professionals with an interest in central Wisconsin, the more value it has. Centergy's Marketing committee is working with the local chambers on a communications plan to announce the new tool to its employers shortly.

This is just one example of the many ongoing regional programs through Centergy. In addition to workforce development, other key areas include business and community development. It’s made possible by the participation and funding of area organizations like Marshfield Clinic. For instance, not only does Marshfield Clinic have several professionals participating on committees, it is proud to host the October Executive Council Luncheon which will feature a roundtable discussion with Governor Jim Doyle, Department of Commerce Secretary Dick Leinenkugel, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank, and Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Rod Nilsestuen.

Marshfield Clinic is a strong supporter of Centergy as it brings together local resources to develop solutions for over-arching regional business and community issues and provides a unified voice for advancement of regional initiatives at the State level.

You can view the 2009 Centergy Plan of Work and other information at www.centergy.net. If you’d like to get involved, contact Barb Fleisner, executive director, 715-843-9563.

Victoria Strobel is a Director, Business Development for Marshfield Clinic. She is a Centergy board member since 2005 and the current chair of the marketing committee.