Local economic development groups, Wisconsin employers embrace DEI

After graduating from college, many young professionals move to major metropolitan areas like New York, Chicago or the Twin Cities. But that wasn’t the case for 23-year-old Alex Akmal.

She moved from Missoula, Montana to Madison after finishing college last year. Her story was recently shared by Business Insider. She told the publication she chose Madison for its college-town vibe, friendly community and outdoor amenities.

Following the article’s release, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce President Zach Brandon had lunch with Akmal. When talking about what attracted her to Madison, their conversation turned to the importance of diversity...

...If Wisconsin doesn’t improve efforts to attract and retain young people, its labor shortage could get worse by the end of the decade, according to a 2022 report by Forward Analytics, the research arm of the Wisconsin Counties Association. If current demographic trends continue, Wisconsin’s working-age population could shrink by 130,000 people by 2030...