forward fergus falls telework
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- 1. Forward Fergus Falls Telework InitiativeDave Bickett, GM/CEOPark Region Telephone/Otter Tail Telcom/Valley [email protected]
2. History Business leaders in the Fergus Fallscommunity formed Forward Fergus Falls toestablish destiny drivers or goals thecommunity as a whole would strive for inorder to provide momentum and direction forthe future of the community. 10 Drivers 3. Driver: Promote the area as TeleworkReady Promote Fergus Falls and the surroundingareas broadband infrastructure, creatingopportunity for employment in a time whenour community was losing local employersand manufacturing. Utilize and promote the assets of thecommunity as a great place to live and haveyour dream job. 4. MTA Telework Program acted as a springboard for our initiative. Fergus Falls EDA jointly attended MTAsTelework Program with companyexecutives. Created the excitement we needed United Healthcare was key. 5. In December 2010, Forward Fergus Fallsapplied for and received a Blandin Grantof $5,000 to aid in startup of the teleworkinitiative. Intentions: Develop a website for Forward Fergus Fallsand the telework initiative Educate the public and businesses on thepotentials of telework 6. Create our own Fergus Falls TeleworkSummit Summer 2011 Invite businesses who have establishedtelework programs and looking for teleworkers Invite businesses looking to establish atelework program Invite people interested in teleworkemployment Promote Fergus Falls as the TeleworkCapital of Minnesota 7. Summit 2011 Something for everyone Advertised through MTA,MN HR Association,chamber, radio and printads 90+ in attendanceincluding Blue Cross-Blue Shield andMicrosoft! Picked up by 3 local TVnews affiliates 8. Began work on website. Wanted to createa centralized location for employers andemployees to come together. Worked with DEED on their site andgarnished input from them regarding oureffort. www.fergusfallstelework.com was created! 9. Gaining national attention Received inquiry from a group in Washingtonwho was attempting a similar initiative Well-known employers from as far asCalifornia calling stating they had read anarticle detailing our effort and were interestedin having their company listed on the websiteas an employer in search of teleworkers 10. Keeping the momentum whats next?? Prepare for Summit 2012 Develop radio advertising campaign centered ontelework employment opportunities Begin discussions on how Forward Fergus Fallscan work with local business to establish aTelework Hotel Develop a video clip highlighting the FergusFalls area 11. Agenda largelyprepared by MN DEEDoffice in Fergus Falls incooperation withFergus Falls EconomicImprovement and ParkRegion Telephone/Otter Tail Telcom 60+ in attendance 12. In second quarter 2012, Forward FergusFalls launched the Fergus Falls TeleworkMinute radio campaign Features telework opportunities for listeners Program is scheduled to run for 6 months Currently running telework ads weekly inlocal newspaper using Flexjob resources 13. Local business leader steps up toestablish the telework hotel Offers office space, conference rooms, officeequipment, etc., by the day, hour, month, andyear Hotel concept has expanded to now actalso as a business incubator sight 14. Currently has the following tenants: Medical field/medical coder Non-profit/2-field staffers Retail Fortune 100/field staffer Company offices for Green Sneakers/6 staff and adirector Commercial bus company/6 people SBDC Regional Satellite office Comfort Keepers/1-2 field staffers (pending) Economic Impact Estimate: $400-$450Kin payroll 15. Overall impacts of the Telework Initiative Established Telework Hotel/Business incubator - $400-$450K in payroll Have major insurance company looking at establishinglocal office to employ 50 due to contacts through thetelework program Attracted 2 major fortune 500 companies who have hiredteleworkers and created at least 4 new jobs Deals pending for more telework jobs within regionalcompanies Telework (full/part-time) job estimates in the Fergus Fallsarea 350+ and growing with an estimated payroll of over$9 million 16. Conclusion by some nothing more to do Conclusion by others were onlybeginning Conclusion by all a very successful andbeneficial initiative for Forward FergusFalls, filling an employment need whileattracting new potential teleworkers to ourarea. After all, who wouldnt want to workin Gods country! 17. Questions?? Thank you.I want to close with the video clip developedto advertise the Fergus Falls area toattract people to live and work in our area. 18. Dave Bickett, GM/CEOPark Region Telephone/Otter Tail Telcom/Valley [email protected]