The Pulse of Career Innovation: Be There for the Workforce Breakthrough Our Region Has Been Waiting For

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07.29.25

The Pulse of Career Innovation: Be There for the Workforce Breakthrough Our Region Has Been Waiting For

By Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber

Attendees seated and engaged during a panel discussion at a past Pulse event, highlighting strong community interest in career innovation.

The Pulse of Career Innovation | Tuesday, August 12 | 8 to 9 a.m. | Microsoft Commons

The talent gap is real... and it’s growing. Businesses are hungry for skilled workers. Students and job seekers are ready to contribute. But the systems connecting them haven’t kep pace. That’s about to change.

Introducing the Cass County Career Innovation Center

The Cass County Career Innovation Center (CIC) is a game-changer for hands-on learning, future-focused training and career exploration. And it’s built right here in our community.

Before its official opening, you’re invited to an exclusive preview at The Pulse of Career Innovation on Aug. 12. This event is your front-row seat to one of the region’s most ambitious, collaborative efforts to reimagine workforce development and prepare people for careers that exist right now.

Why You Don’t Want to Miss The Pulse of Career Innovation

Hosted by the FMWF Chamber, this high-impact, one-hour program brings together bold thinkers, builders and changemakers from across education, health care and other business sectors.

Highlights include:

A first-look at the CIC’s powerful career pathways for students and adult learners
Behind-the-scenes insight into construction progress, programs and partnerships
Details on long-term sustainability and funding strategy
Practical ways for your business or school to get involved right now
A dynamic panel discussion with leaders driving this transformation forward

Featured speakers and panelists:

Rod Flanigan, President, North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS)
Kim Nelson, NDSCS Consultant
Cory Steiner, Superintendent, Fargo Public Schools
Ron Lawler, Director of Education, Sanford Health
Lisa Karch, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, NDSCS
Travis Hoeg, Executive Director of Operations, NDSCS
Moderated by Shannon Full, FMWF Chamber President and CEO

What Workforce Readiness Looks Like Today

Workforce readiness used to mean having the right degree. Today, it means something more:

Hands-on experience with real-world tools
Exposure to career pathways starting in high school
Confidence in communication, problem-solving and adaptability
Alignment between what’s taught and what’s needed

The CIC brings these elements together under one roof. Whether it’s students exploring skilled trades, professionals reskilling in technology or employers mentoring emerging talent, the center will create practical connections that matter for everyone.

Who Should Attend and How it Matters to You

If you lead a business, this is your chance to see how the CIC can support your talent strategy.

If you’re an educator, it’s a chance to explore new programming that connects your students to career opportunities (Starting now).

If you’re a community leader, you’ll gain a firsthand look at a solution built for long-term economic strength and regional growth.

And if you care about the future of our workforce, this is where you belong.

This Isn’t Just a New Building—It’s a New Way Forward

The Cass County Career Innovation Center will power the next generation of skilled professionals – with real-world experiences, industry-aligned instruction and connections that count. From high schoolers to individuals transitioning into new careers to employers ready to give back, the CIC is where preparation meets opportunity.