 | The Talent Bridge: Empowering Workforce Growth at Every Level
Tools to grow your workforce, build internship programs, and lead multi-generational teams with confidence.
Join us for a practical, solutions-focused event designed for employers, educators, and workforce leaders on Tuesday, July 22nd at the Monroe Convention Center starting at 10:30am. This half-day event will explore effective strategies for engaging with schools, developing meaningful internship programs, and upskilling talent at every stage. Through interactive breakout sessions and a keynote presentation from Dr. Carolyn Goerner on leading multi-generational teams, attendees will walk away with actionable tools to strengthen their talent pipelines and improve team communication. Whether you're looking to invest in future talent or better support your current workforce, this event offers insights and connections to help you move forward.
Schedule
- 10:30-11:00am – Network/Check-in
- 11:00-11:45am – Breakout 1 (Choose one option below)
- 11:45am-12:00pm – Break
- 12:00-12:45pm – Breakout 2 (Choose one option below)
- 12:45-1:30pm – Lunch (Duke Energy Room West)
- 1:30-2:30pm – Keynote presentation (Duke Energy Room West)
Keynote:
Dr. Carolyn Goerner, Indiana University
Managing Cross-Generational Teams
In this course you’ll examine your own work-related expectations and worldviews. You’ll explore the ways in which your values complement and conflict with those of others, and develop new strategies to recruit, mentor, coach, and support one another across generational divides.
BREAKOUT SESSION OPTIONS:
Breakout Session 1: Monroe County Education/Employer Collaboration Team [ROI, MCCSC, RBBCSC, and The Success School] (Cook Group Room West & East)
Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today: Collaborative Strategies for Employer Engagement
Discover how your business can play a pivotal role in shaping the future talent pipeline in Monroe County. This session will explore the urgent need for collaboration between education and workforce sectors, highlighting opportunities where employers can make a meaningful impact—such as Career Discovery Meetings, mentorship, job shadowing, and modern youth apprenticeships. Attendees will hear real-world success stories from local employers who’ve strengthened their organizations through student engagement. Walk away with practical next steps and a clear roadmap to get involved. Whether you’re just starting or already engaged, this session will offer fresh insights and connections to grow your future workforce.
Breakout Session 2: Ivy Tech's Ivy+ Career Link (Zebendon Room West)
Sarah Cady & Michael Waterford, Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington
Investing in Your Workforce - A Smart Business Strategy
In today’s competitive labor market, upskilling isn’t just an employee perk; it’s a business imperative. This breakout session will explore the critical role that employee training and development play in strengthening business operations, increasing employee satisfaction, and driving economic growth across the Indiana Uplands. With workforce shortages and rapid industry evolution challenging many Monroe County employers, investing in talent through structured training programs has never been more important.
Business owners will learn how targeted upskilling strategies can improve retention, close skill gaps, and position their companies and the region for long-term success. The session will highlight how Ivy Tech Community College serves as a co-producer of talent, offering scalable, employer-aligned training programs and customized workforce solutions. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to begin or expand their training initiatives, access regional resources, and play a direct role in shaping a more resilient, skilled workforce in the Indiana Uplands.
Breakout Session 3: Indiana University's Walter Center for Career Achievement (Hansen Room East)
Andrea White & Andrea Hadsell, Indiana University - Bloomington
From Campus to Career: Connecting with IU Students for Internship and Hiring Success
Looking to attract fresh talent and strengthen your workforce pipeline? Learn how to effectively connect with IU students for internships and entry-level roles and discover the many resources available to help employers build a strong presence on campus.
This session will cover:
- Practical strategies for recruiting students and building your brand at IU
- Employer services and partnership opportunities through the Walter Center for Career Achievement
- Tips for creating meaningful, growth-oriented experiences that help interns and new hires succeed – and stay
Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, this session will help you tap into the next generation of talent and build lasting connections with Indiana University.
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