MUS 2026 Sponsor Spotlight
At Midwest Urban Strategies, we are proud to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to strengthening workforce systems through collaboration, innovation, and partnership. WorkforceWorks!! The Urban Rural Connection is designed as an immersive learning experience that brings attendees directly into communities across Northwest Indiana through curated site visits, regional conversations, and workforce strategies in action in Michigan City, Rensselaer, and Gary.
As attendees travel together by bus throughout the convening, they will experience firsthand how sector partnerships and local workforce systems are working to strengthen workforce pathways, economic mobility, and regional growth. From opportunity hubs and employer-led initiatives to apprenticeship, work-based learning, and community revitalization efforts, this year’s convening highlights how collaboration takes shape across both urban and rural communities.
This experience would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Their investment helps create opportunities for shared learning, connection, and innovation while supporting conversations that continue to move workforce systems forward. We invite you to learn more about the organizations helping make this year’s convening possible.
The Machinists Institute is dedicated to strengthening the manufacturing workforce through hands-on training, technical education, apprenticeship support, and industry-aligned workforce development strategies. Rooted in the skilled trades, the organization works closely with employers, labor partners, educators, and workforce systems to help individuals build pathways into high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and related industries. Through its focus on workforce readiness, economic mobility, and talent development, the Machinists Institute supports efforts to grow a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet evolving industry needs.
The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) is a national membership association that supports workforce development professionals through training, certification, advocacy, and professional networking opportunities. Serving practitioners across workforce, education, economic development, and human services systems, NAWDP is committed to advancing workforce excellence and strengthening the capacity of professionals who help individuals and communities succeed. Through conferences, learning opportunities, and industry-recognized certifications, NAWDP helps equip workforce professionals with the tools and connections needed to respond to evolving workforce and economic demands.
NAWB (National Association of Workforce Boards) represents over 590 local workforce development boards and more than 12,000 business partners across the U.S. They champion workforce solutions through federal advocacy, training, technical assistance, resource sharing, and strategic convenings, including their annual Forum, the nation’s largest workforce development event. NAWB equips its members with data-driven tools, professional development, and policy influence to strengthen local systems and expand economic opportunity.
Skilltrade delivers flexible, employer-aligned healthcare training programs designed to reduce staffing gaps, accelerate job placement, and improve retention. Their hybrid model blends online learning, hands-on training, and industry-informed curriculum to meet the needs of healthcare providers, workforce boards, and academic institutions. With turnkey solutions that include lab coordination, externship support, and real-time reporting, Skilltrade helps partners train new talent, retrain dislocated workers, and expand non-credit offerings with measurable impact.
Opportunity Bridges Workforce Development Consulting Services is a workforce development consulting organization focused on helping communities strengthen career pathways, workforce strategies, and economic opportunity through collaborative solutions. Their work supports Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), employers, educational institutions, and community organizations by providing guidance on program development, partnership building, strategic planning, and workforce engagement. Through a community-centered approach, Opportunity Bridges works to help organizations create stronger connections between workforce systems, employers, and the individuals they serve.
EDSI is a workforce development and consulting organization focused on helping individuals, businesses, and communities thrive through employment, training, and talent solutions. For more than four decades, EDSI has partnered with Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to deliver workforce programs that strengthen economic mobility and support regional growth. Their work spans career services, employer engagement, youth programming, reentry initiatives, and workforce system operations, all designed to create practical pathways to employment and long-term success.
TriMetrix Inc. is a consulting and workforce solutions organization focused on helping businesses, workforce systems, and public sector partners improve performance through data analytics, strategic planning, and operational support. Their work centers on using data-driven insights to help organizations strengthen decision-making, improve efficiency, and better respond to workforce and economic challenges. Through customized consulting, analytics, and workforce strategy development, TriMetrix partners with organizations to support innovation, accountability, and long-term organizational growth.
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s statewide community college system and the nation’s largest singly accredited community college, serving students across communities throughout the state. Ivy Tech provides accessible education and workforce training aligned with regional employer and industry needs, offering programs in high-demand career fields including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, business, and skilled trades. Through partnerships with employers, Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), and community organizations, Ivy Tech helps individuals build skills, earn credentials, and connect to career pathways that support long-term economic mobility and workforce growth.
