Workforce Development Area Directory

WDA 9 - Western

Buffalo, Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon Counties

Board Web Directory:

Western Workforce Development Board

Labor Market Economist:

Sawyer Meisel

email or call 608-405-4445

Sawyer Meisel currently serves as the regional economist for Western Wisconsin at the Office of Economic Advisors. Graduating from Louisiana State University, Sawyer holds a master's degree in financial economics, laying a robust foundation for his career. Prior to taking on his current role, he honed his analytical skills as a data analyst at a prominent private firm in Wisconsin. With a keen focus on labor and macroeconomics, Sawyer brings a wealth of expertise to his work. Skilled in utilizing advanced tools like Power BI, R, and Microsoft SQL Server, he adeptly navigates intricate economic landscapes, delivering pivotal insights that drive informed decision-making and foster regional prosperity.

Description

The Western region is composed of eight counties; Buffalo, Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon. Together, La Crosse and Monroe Counties are a principal force in the region accounting for over half of the region's populace and labor force, and about two-thirds of the nonfarm jobs. Nine of the ten largest municipalities in the area are located in La Crosse or Monroe County. Two major health care systems are centered in La Crosse County, and a veteran's hospital is located in Monroe County, creating one of the clusters of health care employment in Wisconsin. Manufacturing is the backbone of several of the outlying counties, such as Juneau and Trempealeau. Buffalo and Vernon Counties are two of just a handful of Wisconsin counties where 40 percent or more of total county employment is directly related to agriculture or farm related products.

The transportation industry is another key to the region's economy. The region features an interstate highway system winding through the heart of the area, and like an artery in many ways, the highway provides nourishment to the area economy. This highway system ties the area to Minnesota and other parts of Wisconsin. Water transport via the Mississippi River and its tributaries and a well-developed freight and passenger rail system aid in the task of moving goods, services, and the people who provide them throughout the region and beyond.

Occupational & Industry Employment Downloads

State Information

Occupational & Industry Employment Downloads