Each year, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development puts out a snapshot of every county’s workforce landscape. Green County’s 2025 report offers a lot to think about — it highlights the strength of our core industries and the resilience of our people, but it also reminds us of the challenges ahead.

 Based on this report — and what we’re hearing firsthand from employers across the County — it’s clear that manufacturing still plays a major role in our local economy, accounting for over 30% of all jobs. That’s something we’re proud of. It reflects our agricultural roots, strong work ethic, and the determination of our business community. But things are changing. As technology advances and more experienced workers prepare to retire, the demand for skilled labor continues to climb. We hear it constantly — businesses are ready to grow, but finding qualified workers is a challenge. This report also highlights that at the same time, sectors like healthcare, education, and services are picking up speed, creating new opportunities for local residents — but also bringing with them a need for fresh training and different skill sets.

This report should not be a surprise to any of us. This continues to reinforce conversations we have been having for years. We know that our population is aging, and we’re not seeing the same influx of new residents that urban areas do. That puts pressure on everything from housing to childcare to the availability of workers. But despite those challenges, I truly believe we’ve seen meaningful progress over the past few years. We’re not just talking about the issues — we’re taking action.

At GCDC, we’ve been lucky to work alongside so many dedicated community leaders and organizations who care deeply about these challenges. One example is our Housing Development Fund, which was created to help close financing gaps and get more workforce housing built — because if people can’t find a place to live, they can’t take the jobs we’re trying to fill. We’re also leaning into workforce development by partnering with the Monroe School District, our Home Construction Cooperative, and leveraging a $2 million non-state grant to help build a new CTE wing at the high school. That includes expanded training in welding, manufacturing, and skilled trades — areas where students can step right into solid, good-paying careers.

We’re continuing to back our small business community too, through the Elevate Entrepreneurs Pitch Contest, targeted roundtables, and hands-on support. These efforts are helping local businesses grow and stay rooted here in Green County.

There’s a lot to be proud of, but we also understand there’s a lot more work to do. Staying competitive means we have to keep investing in our people — whether that’s through training, housing, childcare, or business development. These aren’t quick fixes, but they’re the kind of long-term moves that keep communities strong.

You can view the full 2025 Green County Workforce Profile at www.

jobcenterofwisconsin.com/wisconomy.

To learn more about our work, visit www.greencountydevelopment.com or reach out at (608) 328-9452 or gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com.

— Olivia Otte is the Executive Director of the Green County Development Corporation (GCDC). She can be reached at Olivia@greencountydevelopment.com, or by calling 608-328-9452.