Employment

Resources for Jobseekers in the MNbump

The area recently received some unfortunate news with the announced closure of the Saputo Cheese plant in Big Stone City during the third fiscal quarter of 2024.  The closure will impact not only Big Stone City, but surrounding areas as well as employees seek new employment opportunities.   We would encourage not only job seekers to take advantage of the resources that exist, but also for employers to use the opportunity to get the word out on their open positions.  A variety of resources exist to help identify employment opportunities for jobseekers including:

DEED:  The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has an entire page of resources dedicated to job seekers.   These resources can help employees create strong resumes, improve interview skills, and connect you to a variety of resources such as data on jobs by wages, training requirements, CareerForce, etc.  

https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/ 

MinnesotaWorks:  www.Minnesotaworks.net is an online tool for both employers and employees.  Job seekers can post their resume and search for jobs.  Employers can list job openings and search for potential employees that may be a match for their company.  

Online Resources:  Various online sites exist to connect employers to job seekers including resources such as Indeed, Ziprecruiter, etc.  

Newspapers:  Many local companies will post help wanted ads in local newspapers.

A FEW EMPLOYMENT CONNECTIONS FOR THE AREA.

Ortonville Area Health Services (hospital, clinics & senior housing)

Essentia Health in Graceville (hospital, clinic & senior housing)

Big Stone Therapies (Minnesota & South Dakota +)

Hasslen Construction

Pepsi Cola – in search use our zip code of 56278

Pro Image Partners

Schools – Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley

Schools – Ortonville

Big Stone County Employment

Big Stone City, SD – Otter Tail Power Big Stone Plant 

Milbank, SD – Valley Queen Cheese

Milbank, SD – United Hardware  

Appleton, MN – Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission

Morris, MN – Superior Industries

IWORKFORCE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE:

Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council
Partnering with the Workforce Centers
Although their offices are in Montevideo, Marshall, and Worthington, they have staff hours at the Ortonville Public Library (Carrie Kwilinski!) who is available to help you and/or get you connected to services that can assist you in finding and preparing for your next job.

Among their many services and resources (check out the link above to their website), listed below are just a few of the things that they can assist with:

• Skill training in reading, math, job, and life skills
• Post-High School Education Assistance
• Goal Setting
• Career Counseling and Exploration
• Tests and Assessments to find your interest levels and skills
• Referrals to other service agencies that may be of assistance
• Paid Work Experience Programs with local employers
• Job Placement Assistance
• Assistance with resumes, job applications, and interview preparations
• On-the-Job Training Opportunities
• Employment and Job Search Workshops
• Introduction to listings of regional job openings
• Budgeting assistance
• Supportive Services such as transportation, childcare, housing, etc. may be available if you are eligible for one of our programs.

If you are looking to purchase or start a new business in Big Stone County, Big Stone Area Growth (LINK) should be your first call!  Please call 320-839-6155 and let us assist!

Are you bringing your job with you?  We are CONNECTED!  All rural areas of Big Stone County are Fiber-to-the-Premise – so online from anywhere!