Sept. 15, 2009 (Eau Claire, WI) – This month, the SMARTT Network will be contacting over 30,000 alumni from four of the region’s higher education institutions to let them know about opportunities in western Wisconsin. The campaign is part of the overall marketing strategy of the SMARTT Network, a program to connect people to opportunities in the western Wisconsin region, whether it’s for employment, business ventures, or advancing early-stage technologies.

“We have developed partnerships with four of our region’s higher education institutions to manage relationships with talented individuals who have connections to western Wisconsin,” says Brian Doudna, executive director of the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation, which developed the SMARTT Network.

Higher education institutions involved with the SMARTT Network include Chippewa Valley Technical College, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout, and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. UW-River Falls and UW-Barron will be approached in 2009 to participate.

“This program provides a terrific opportunity for our alumni who are looking for employment opportunities in the Chippewa Valley,” says John Bachmeier, director of alumni relations at UW-Eau Claire.

 “[Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College] is extremely excited to be a SMARTT Network partner,” says Bob Meyer, president of WITC.  “SMARTT is a vital link between our graduates and the many exciting business and technology-based career opportunities that are emerging in the region.”

Businesses also have a unique opportunity to reach a qualified candidate pool for their talent recruitment efforts.

“Subscribers to the SMARTT Network can really benefit from this campaign by reaching a new audience of people who have existing connections to western Wisconsin,” says Doudna. “The Web site reduces many relocation barriers for individuals and their families.”

Additionally, profiles on the SMARTT Network help brand the region as a preferred place to accomplish one’s personal and professional opportunities.

“By becoming part of the SMARTT Network, companies are saying ‘Yes, we have great opportunities in western Wisconsin.’ Their presence provides visibility and lets people know that not only do we have great quality of life, but that we also have great companies.”

The SMARTT Network is a program of the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit, public/private sector partnership that facilitates the growth of quality job opportunities by working with entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities seeking to create, retain, and expand quality jobs in the Eau Claire area.

For more information about the SMARTT Network, please visit www.smarttnetwork.com.