Community & Economic Development Educator
Division of Extension | Eagle River
Hometown: Youngstown, OH
Chris Stark is a Community and Economic Development Educator for UW-Madison, Division of Extension. Based in Eagle River, Stark had multiple roles in economic development prior to coming to Extension, including as a site location consultant for businesses. His Extension tenure has focused on economic development activities in rural north central Wisconsin, with an area of focus on rural workforce solutions.
Talks:
What Defines Success in Workforce Development?
Successful workforce development should not be thought of ONLY as a gain for employers. Rather, success in this fight means happy employees, which = productive employees and happier communities. So, what are employees really looking for?
How Can We Get Better Broadband in Our Community?
Nobody else is going to solve your broadband issues for you. YOU have the option of doing nothing or “pitching in.” Left to fend for themselves, some communities are floundering while others are prospering. This talk reviews best practices of what has worked at the local level.
Rethinking Our Attitudes on Workforce Development
Effective workforce development isn’t just about employee training; rather it is about what companies are doing to attract and keep workers. This presentation focuses on what employers and community leaders might do in rural areas to help attract employees. Hint: Change Your Attitude!
Broadband Access, Affordability & Adoption: Getting Everyone On
Finally, everyone recognizes the need for broadband and how important it is to your community. Getting people connected is your primary objective. But what about those who simply can’t afford the monthly broadband bill, or who lack digital devices with which to connect, or lack the skills to use those devices? This talk will address the fight to attack the digital divide and work towards getting all people connected.