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Jim Leef Moderates Panel of 5 at Business Breakfast

Jim Leef, CEO and president of ITU AbsorbTech, moderated discussions between five county government workers at the monthly Business Breakfast meeting at ����ԭ��, Oct. 11.

The Panel

• Jim Mielke, Dodge County Administrator
• Ben Wehmeier, the Chief Administrative Officer for Jefferson County
• Paul Farrow, County Executive for Waukesha County
• Josh Schoemann, County Administrator for Washington County
• Dwayne Morris, Jefferson County Supervisor

(More in depth bios of the panel are available here.)

Leef began the meeting with a brief overview of his background and role within ITU AbsorbTech. He also gave the students insight into what employers are looking for.

“The biggest and most important characteristics that we’re looking for is a very positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a desire to be part of a successful team.”

Business Breakfast Discussions

The panel addressed the impact of Foxconn’s presence in Wisconsin, the employment situation of each county, the infrastructure of each county, and concluded with Leef asking the panel to tell the audience something unique  or unknown about their county.

In regards to Foxconn, Schoemann said “I think that there is very little that is not good about the news with Foxconn.”

He built on Farrow’s comments, who had spoken before him, about the positive impact Foxconn will have on the job market in the surrounding counties and credited Foxconn for being an instrumental part in turning around Wisconsin’s recession.

Wehmeier favorably commented on the collaboration it would cause within the region, which led into the next question where he addressed the partnership that had already occurred between Jefferson and Dodge county to increase job opportunities the year before, after a major job loss in Jefferson County.

Southeast Wisconsin comprises mostly manufacturing jobs, and the panel heavily discussed the need to expose students through , , or educational opportunities, to the great opportunity that exists within that job market.

“Think about what is going on in your life. Not only your degree is teaching you,” Farrow said, “and what I want you to learn is that you’re going to be a life-long learner.”

Business Breakfast Tips

Farrow asked the business men and women in attendance how many had possessed, by show of hands, more than 5, 10, 15, and 20 different job titles or positions until they obtained their current position. After many hands were raised, he challenged the students to be open to the possibility of taking a job in manufacturing as a means to their end goal, hinting that they might discover they enjoy the manufacturing industry.

“When you are looking at a job, look at what you really want out of it, and what you can give back to the company,” Farrow concluded.

The meeting continued with discussion about the road systems between the counties as well as the unique features each county has to offer.

Overall, the meeting provided helpful information about practices the counties have put and will continue to put into action to improve job opportunities, education, and quality of life.

In addition, students walked away encouraged that jobs will be waiting for them after graduation.

“I can’t think of a single business person who would say, ‘You know, as far as talent that I need to run my business in the future, I’m good.’ Nobody is saying that,” Leef said.

A complete recording of the Business Breakfast is available for your viewing, as well as schedules and information regarding upcoming breakfasts.