About Us

RMCEP helps people find jobs or get the training they need to find the job they want.  If they are undecided, we have career exploration and planning activities. RMCEP is a private non-profit CareerForce partner that is located in eight CareerForce offices. Each has information on job openings. There are a variety of workshops on job search techniques, resume writing and interviewing. Each CareerForce offices has computers with Internet access, phones, printers, copiers and fax machines. Customers may use them to look for job openings, write their resumes, and get information on training and education available.

We can also help employers by posting their job openings and hosting job fairs where employers can access large numbers of job seekers at once. Staff can provide information and answer questions about the labor market and employment law. We have office space that employers can use to conduct interviews. RMCEP can help cut the cost of training a new employee through on-the-job training. RMCEP helps train new and existing staff with state and local funds. Through the use of On-the-Job Training contracts we can cover up to 50% of new staff wages. Using our Incumbent Worker Training grants, RMCEP provides funds to train current employees at a cost savings to employers of up to 90% of the cost of training.

These services are available at no charge. Our offices are easily identified by both our name and logo, look for the Rural Minnesota CEP name and image of the state of MN, along with the blue and green CareerForce sign. We have offices in Moorhead, Alexandria, Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, Brainerd, Wadena and Little Falls. We are listed in the phone book under Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP).

Organizational Philosophy

History

Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (RMCEP) is a private, non-profit corporation that provides quality workforce development services in a nineteen county area in North Central and West Central Minnesota. The agency was incorporated in 1968 to operate employment and training programs, which include Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services. RMCEP’s vision is to be viewed by customers and prospective customers as the leader in employability development services in the state. We currently serve over 6,000 customers annually. RMCEP consistently exceeds the national performance standards that are set annually. RMCEP has received recognition as the Service Provider of the Year in the state of Minnesota.

RMCEP plays a vital role both in the economy of the region and the financial health of businesses, adults and youth. RMCEP prepares people for work and helps businesses strengthen their workforce through a variety of programs and services specifically designed to meet the needs of each individual or business. RMCEP prepares people for work and promotes the dignity of workers. RMCEP trains workers in careers of the future and assists them in earning living wages. We help improve lives one job at a time!

RMCEP functions under the guidance of a Board of Directors and Workforce Development Board, which are comprised of representatives from a wide variety of industry sectors, education and human services. Over the years, RMCEP has adapted to the challenges that come from changing economies and changing legislation. At RMCEP, we believe in being proactive. We look at trends and position ourselves to be ready when layoffs occur or when there are employment shortages. By anticipating change and making strategic adjustments, RMCEP has consistently achieved its performance objectives in serving clients, employers and job seekers.

Past Directors

• Emil Marotzke 1968-1975
• Larry Buboltz 1975 – 2005
• Dan Wenner 2005 – 2019
• Vicki Leaderbrand 2019 – 2023
• Tina Jaster 2023 – Present

Our promise to our stakeholders is to offer exemplary workforce development services in Northwest Minnesota.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: