ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – The upcoming closing of Shopko in Ashwaubenon will leave hundreds looking for jobs this summer and means another empty building in Bay Park Square.
Ashwaubenon Village President Mary Kardoskee says the news is sad, but when one door closes, another one opens.
“Business that are looking to expand and hopefully something like that would come along for those blank stores right now.
She says she is confident that the buildings will not stay empty long and it won’t impact activity in Bay Park Square.
“If there is a group of people that have to leave, there would be another group of people coming in, but that would, of course, be the hope.”
If there is any positive news, it is that Northeast Wisconsin has plenty of employment opportunity right now and there are 16,000 job orders in the area.
“That is 16,000 employers looking to hire people in Northeast Wisconsin, and many of those job orders represent more than one opening,” said Jim Golembeski, Executive Director of The Bay Area Workforce Development Board.
He says for those looking to stay in retail, they should be able to land on their feet quickly.
“Some of them are a little older and just want to work part-time and some are high school age.”
The board is also working to help those in corporate positions.
“There are almost 600 people there and these folks are going to be mid-career professionals.”
He says they are looking at putting in a program that will respond to their needs including resources for finding jobs and perfecting resumes and cover letters.
Golembeski says it is likely that some will have to change career focuses, but the jobs in a corporate office range in all kinds of skills that will match other openings.
Kardoskee says the news is sad, but she feels the Village has a lot to offer new businesses owners, employees, and families, and it’s a good place to set up shop.
“I don’t know if people realize that between the Packer games, the Resch Center and Expo Hall, we bring in over a million people a year.”
She adds it is all about a positive attitude.
“You have to stay optimistic that something else will come about.”
