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Change
has final come to Lincoln County! On Friday April 4, 2008 the 
This
program will prepare students for careers as maintenance technicians,
building automation operators, commercial control technicians and
expert HVAC/R service providers.
The
new facility offers more to individuals who come in seeking assistance.
The computers have reading companion software that corrects punctuation
and reads aloud with the student. The resource room allows students
to choose from shelf after shelf of reading materials at different
skill levels to take home and read for extra practice.
YMCA
Adventure Guides is a parent-child program specifically developed
to help parent-child pairs build strong, lasting relationships by
spending quality time together doing enjoyable activities that promote
communication. 
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JobLink Partners Getting Down to BusinessStanly County JobLink Career Center and Stanly Community College Offer Seminar to Businesses on Lawful EmploymentThanks to a partnership between the Stanly County JobLink Career Center and the Stanly Community College Small Business Center, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) visited Albemarle and held a seminar on lawful employment with Stanly county small business personnel.
“This day and time, immigration is a hot topic in general and we thought it would be a good idea to offer our local small businesses the opportunity to become educated on lawful employment,” Nathan Sanges, manager of the Stanly County JobLink Career Center said.
Fikes also discussed the I-9 process and employment eligibility verification, work authorization, fraudulent documentation and free programs that allow employers to verify lawful employment. “These issues are so important for business owners, big and small alike, to be familiar with,” Kathy Almond, director of the Stanly County Small Business Center said. The
Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to have
partners working together to bring information to small
and large employers in the region. Assisting businesses
in staying globally competitive is just one of the priorities
for the Centralina Workforce Development Board. For more
information about some of the free programs administered
by the US DHS please visit their website at www.dhs.gov.
For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development
Board please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or
by email at dhollars@centralina.org.
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The
program was aimed to educate local business owners and human
resources personnel on various issues associated with citizen
and immigrant employment. It was also designed to keep employers
on their toes and give them useful tools to ensure their
compliance with employment law.
Blum
Inc.
In
2006, the 450,000 square-foot Blum building off NC Highway
16 in eastern Lincoln County got the stamping and assembly
operations of two of the company’s most important
products, drawers that open and close by electronic servo
motors.
Novant
Health, Inc
Health
Management Associates will continue to manage the facilities.
Novant will share governance of the joint venture. 
Harris
and the construction crew are working under a completion
deadline for the 
Since
the show was dealing with a house in Charlotte, Kristin
remembered Morgan Chair and asked them to create a custom
piece for the home that would be featured on the TV show.
Employment Statistics
Updated
Monthly on this E-Newsletter
| March
2008 (Source: NC Employment Security Commission) |
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| County | Unemployment
Rate |
Persons
Employed |
| Anson | 7.1% |
9,951 |
| Cabarrus | 4.7% |
78,058 |
| Iredell | 4.9% |
77,869 |
| Lincoln | 5.8% |
38,853 |
| Rowan | 5.3% |
67,674 |
| Stanly | 5.2% |
29,713 |
| Union | 4.7% |
86,186 |
For more information on employment, click here
“Generation Destined for Greatness”
The 2nd Annual NC Youth Summit Brings Youth Together from Across the State
The NC Youth Summit was held April 18-19 at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro, NC. The NC Summit is sponsored by the NC Division of Workforce Development, the NC Workforce Development System and local Workforce Development Boards. The conference theme was “Generation D: Destined for Greatness”.
The
Summit kicked off with a welcome from Greensboro Mayor Yvonne
Johnson. The youth were given presentations from Regina
Smalls from JobLinks of North Carolina, and Takeila
Barnes of the North Carolina College Foundation. Patricia
White, Centralina WDB Operations Manager introduced the
key note speaker Mr. Thomas Barksdale II who gave
a well received, encouraging and inspiring keynote address. Other
speakers featured were Callie Northern, owner of GTC Services; Ronette
Jacobs, founder of “Tools for Life”; Sandra McClammy
& Brandon Hickman of Urban Promotions©, and T. Sharee Fowler,
Associate Organizer of C.H.A.N.G.E. – Communities Helping
All Neighbors Gain Empowerment.
Centralina was well represented at the NC Youth Summit. Ten youth from the area attended. They were: Jasmine Knotts, Ken Gaddy, Marcs Lisenby, and Brittany McGregor from Anson County Schools; Justin Imes from I Care, Inc. Iredell County; and Kristina Stout, Kelli Sheehan, Larry Cruse, Krislyn Chunn, and James Robinson from Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency, Rowan County. Manzel Spencer (Anson), Robert Barber (Iredell), Almond Miller and Keionya Bolar (Rowan) and Natasha Pender, Centralina WDB Program Associate served as youth chaperons.
Workshops featured during the NC Youth Summit were Career Exploration, Independent Lifestyles, Grooming & Etiquette and Interviewing Techniques, Customer Service and Tolerance & Diversity. Entertainment was provided by the North Carolina A &T State University Jazz Choir.
The youth, chaperons, Workforce Development Board Directors and all that attended really enjoyed the Youth Summit. James Robinson stated “the best part of the Youth Summit was meeting new people, and the food!” Kristina Stout stated that she “plans to take what she has learned from the workshops and apply it to her everyday life”. A wealth of knowledge and expertise were shared. It was evident that Generation D is truly “Destined for Greatness!” For more information on the NC Youth Summit please contact Patricia White at (704) 348-2718 or by email at pwhite@centralina.org.
Let’s Celebrate!
On Thursday April 17, 2008 the Cabarrus County JobLink Career Center held a celebration in honor of earning a Level III status on their JobLink rechartering, as well as showing off the newly remodeled and expanded Center. The Employment Security Commission is the host agency for the Center. Over 200 people attended this grand event which showcased not only the JobLink Career Center and its services but also the relocation of the Cabarrus County Literacy Council to the Center.
The A.L. Brown High School Naval ROTC Honor Guard presented the flags, under the direction of Lt. Commander Daren Pelkie and the National Anthem was sung by the Northwest Cabarrus High School Choral Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Drew Howard, Choral Director.
Carolyn
Mays, manager of the Cabarrus County JobLink Career Center/
Employment Security Commission welcomed attendees and encouraged
them to tour the newly remodeled building that added 3,000 square
feet. Harry E. Payne, Jr., Chairman of the Employment
Security Commission brought greetings from ESC and said
how impressed he was with the Center.
David Hollars, Executive Director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board thanked all the partners at the JobLink Career Center for their hard work and commitment to the community. David emphasized the Board’s role in the oversight of the local centers. He also thanked Carolyn Mays for her leadership in the development, expansion, and continued growth of this great community asset.
Attendees were then treated to barbecue provided by Gary’s BBQ and special desserts from the culinary arts class from Hickory Ridge High School under the direction of Chef Felecia Pritchett. Light jazz music was also provided. Guests had the opportunity to tour the center and the Literacy Council and to interact with staff members. Linda Strong, NC Department of Commerce, stated that she was “very impressed” by the cooperation and support from so many different partners at the Cabarrus JobLink Career Center. She said this is a “true Level III center”.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a strong partner with the Cabarrus County JobLink Career Center and is proud to have a Level III Career Center in the Centralina WDB region. The Board would like to thank all of its partners who work hard with the staff members of the JobLink Career Center in a never wavering effort to help the community and the region. For more information on the Cabarrus County JobLink Career Center please contact Carolyn Mays at (704) 786-3183 or by email at Carolyn.mays@ncmail.net or visit their website at www.cabarrusjoblink.com.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce Today
South Piedmont Community College Opens New Advanced Manufacturing Center
South
Piedmont Community College (SPCC) has opened the first
phase of its Advanced Manufacturing Center, which is designed to
provide advanced machinist training for Union County industries.
A
grant from Duke Energy supported the purchase of
critical manufacturing training equipment and start-up funds for
an instructor for the machining program.
A
second grant from Union County provided much-needed
funds for the redevelopment of a 3,500 square-foot facility at the
Monroe Campus.
Employers in the county are wasting no time in using this new facility to train their employees. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry’s Plastic Division in Monroe is already a strong partner in the project.
The course will cover blueprint reading, applied mathematics, measurement, CNC programming, advanced programming, CAD software and welding.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner with South Piedmont Community College and is excited to see them moving forward in working with employers in the region to train and retrain the current workforce. For more information on the Advanced Manufacturing Center at South Piedmont Community College please contact Stuart Wasilowski at (704) 290-5240 or Todd Morris at (704) 290-5219 or visit www.spcc.edu.
Arc Services of Stanly County Transforms into Monarch
What’s in a name? Apparently there is a lot in a name according to the Arc Services of Stanly County who has announced its new name. The nonprofit organization will now be called Monarch, with a new tagline: “Helping Dreams Take Flight.”
The
organization supports individuals with mental retardation and other
disabled individuals to help them achieve their dreams, such as
getting suitable education, living on their own and obtaining a
job.
After some one-on-one surveys, the general consensus from the community was that people understood the services provided by Arc Services but wanted the name to change.
“We liked Monarch because it is the king of the butterflies,” Peggy Terhune, executive director of Monarch, said. “This name will create unity for all our services throughout our 35-county reach.”
Monarch serves between 500 and 600 people a day in its facilities, with approximately 250 employees and many volunteers.
Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for updates on this exciting development! For more information on Monarch please contact Peggy Terhune at (704) 983-3911 or you may email her at pterhune@arcofstanlync.org.
NC Research Campus Update
Find Out the Latest from One of the Most Happening Places in Our Region
Campus
Nets up to 300 Jobs
NC Research Campus officials have announced that international company,
Pharmaceutical Product Development Inc., known as PPD, will open
a large office at the campus and hire up to 300 people over the
next three years to work in clinical research.
Salaries will range from $60,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Campus officials state that this tenant will not only create jobs but also attract additional tenants. To meet this need of the workforce Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is going to offer a clinical research certification program. The program will train students for entry-level positions within clinical research organizations, such as PPD.
PPD is based in Wilmington and has offices in 30 countries. It is a contract research organization that helps other companies develop and test new drugs and medical devices. PPD employs about 11,000 people worldwide.
Carolinas
HealthCare Links Up with NC Research Campus
Officials at the NC Research Campus have reached an agreement naming
Carolinas HealthCare System as the exclusive provider of inpatient
and outpatient medical services.
Carolinas HealthCare System will be the official entity providing medical care at the campus. They will occupy the first dedicated medical office building through the purchase of 40,000 square-feet of office space near the campus entrance.
The agreement includes participation and medical staffing by two physician groups, which will support the ongoing initiative: Cabarrus Family Medicine and NorthEast Physician Network.
Research
Campus Receives Cutting-Edge Microscopes
The NC Research Campus will be getting the newest in microscope
technology and this has many researchers on the campus very excited.
The micro-imaging
equipment is said to be worth $5 million.
Scientists and Research Campus executives recently announced a multi-million-dollar deal with Carl Zeiss MicroImaging Inc., which will supply microscopes and imaging systems for the campus in Kannapolis.
These developments in microscopy have elevated the Research Campus from a research park to a world-class science institute, according to Randy Allen, a consultant for the David H. Murdock Research Institute, which will own and operate the Core Lab.
“This is how we are different from Harvard, Yale and Salk,” Allen said.
Please stay tuned to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for more developments on these exciting stories. For more information on what is going on at the NC Research Campus please visit the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s website at www.centralinaworks.com.
In
April McDonald’s USA named S&D
Coffee, a supplier of the chain’s premium roast coffee
and iced tea, its 2007 Supplier of the Year.
S&D Coffee is a Concord based coffee company and its President and CEO, Ron Hinson said the award is based on product quality that its hard working sales team provides to the company.
S&D has employees that train McDonald’s restaurant workers in the proper preparation of their products. S&D supplies all coffee products in over 9,000 McDonald’s.
In 2007 trade magazine Consumer Reports called McDonald’s coffee better than Starbucks, which Hinson said speaks strongly to the company’s focus on providing quality coffee products.
S&D Coffee also provides custom coffee blends to restaurant chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee and Bojangles’.
Did you know that this local employer was awarded Supplier of the Year for McDonald’s? Do you think your neighbor knows? Spread the good word and the hard work of our region!
There's a JobLink Near You!
Anson
County JobLink Career Center
116 West Wade Street
Wadesboro, NC 28170
Phone: 704-694-6551
Cabarrus County JobLink Career Center
2275 Kannapolis Highway
Concord, NC 28027
Phone: 704-786-3183
Iredell County JobLink Career Center - Mooresville Center
470-A North Broad Street
Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone: 704-664-4225
Iredell County JobLink Career Center - Statesville Center
1907 Newton Drive
Statesville, NC 28677
Phone: 704-878-4241
Lincoln County JobLink Career Center
529 North Aspen Street
Lincolnton, NC 28092
Phone: 704-735-8035
Rowan County JobLink Career Center
1904 South Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704-639-7529
Stanly
County JobLink Career Center
2215 US Highway 52 North
Albemarle, NC 28001
Phone: 704-982-2183
Union County JobLink Career Center
1125 Skyway Drive
Monroe, NC 28110
Phone: 704-283-7541
For more information on Centralina region JobLink Career Centers, click here.
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Stanly County Youth Achieves Her Dreams with Help of Community ResourcesHolly Shaver entered the Stanly Workforce Investment Act (WIA) LifePath program when she was 16. During a time of unfortunate tragedies and difficulty; Holly left high school… twice. Refusing to give up; she committed to rising above her troubles one step at a time and began pursuing the education she knew would be necessary to succeed. Holly enrolled in the LifePath program at the Resource Development Center where she received support continuing her education and volunteer opportunities to serve our community. While
working toward her diploma; Holly was eager to learn and
apply new skills. When help was needed, she also volunteered
to coordinate the updates and changes for the
“This is a bright young woman whose personal commitment and genuine service toward others are only examples of her many outstanding qualities,” Claudia Covington, director of the Resource Development Center said.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board and Youth Council are strong partners with the Resource Development Center and the Stanly County JobLink Career Center. The Board and the Council would like to wish Holly the best and congratulate her in achieving her dreams! Now go out there and achieve yours! For more information on the Resource Development Center please contact Claudia Covington at (704) 982-0120. For more information on the Stanly County JobLink Career Center please contact Nathan Sanges at (704) 982-2183.
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Union County holds Second Annual Transition Fair
Representatives from several agencies were on hand to answer questions and address concerns that students may have regarding the services that they provide. High School Juniors and Seniors from across Union County attended the morning session where Marc Jones, a Casework Assistant for Independent Living of Vocational Rehabilitation in Albemarle, NC conducted a presentation on Independent Living. Vocational Rehabilitation - Independent Living Services act as a transitional program that empowers individuals to manage their own lives and to make everyday decisions on their own. During the evening session, attendees heard a presentation from Gail Falk regarding Social Security Benefits. Ms. Falk is a Community Services Consultant with Vocational Rehabilitation. She serves as the liaison with Vocational Rehab clients and other organizations, such as Social Security to collaborate benefits. The Transition Fair was a great success and Vocational Rehabilitation would like to thank the sponsors of the 2nd annual event. The sponsors included: A.D.E.P.T. Nonprofit Services, Centralina Workforce Development Board, Union County Department of Social Services, Union County JobLink Career Center, Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare, South Piedmont Community College, Union County Public Schools and Vocational Rehabilitation. The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud sponsors of the Transition Fair in Union County and look forward to next year’s fair! For more information the Centralina Workforce Development Board Youth Council or on the 2nd Annual Transition Fair, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org. * * * * * * *
Anson County Early College Youth to Attend Governor’s School
Students are selected on specific criteria. Through an application process, students are screened to interview with a local Governor’s School Selection Committee. Ben Morgan, a junior at Anson County Early College, and Courtney Morton, a junior at Anson County Early College, were both accepted to the school. Morgan plans to pursue a career in politics and is the current president of the JOY Club at ACEC, and is a representative on the Student Government Association of South Piedmont Community College for the junior class. Morton is working towards an Associate in Arts degree with plans to become a teacher. She has served on the Student Association of South Piedmont Community College for the sophomore class and is currently secretary of the JOY Club for ACEC, and was also the winner of HOLLA’s “100 Reasons to Achieve” contest in 2007. The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud to be partners with Anson County Schools and are strong supporters of Anson County Early College. The Board and Youth Council are very proud of these two youth for working hard and succeeding at their goals. We wish them luck in the future! For more information on the Centralina WDB Youth Council or the Anson County Early College, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.
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* * * Three Reports Released that Touch on the Youth of Today
Using the report, Southern policy leaders can track progress in implementing relevant policy in their states in comparison to others in the region and nationally over the last 3 years. To download the report, click here. CULTURE
AND ACHIEVEMENT Brink Lindsey raises the same question in a March 12, 2008 article in the New Republic. Citing recent research, he advances the argument that differences in academic achievement are fundamentally the result of a cultural divide. You can read the article, “Culture of Success” by clicking here.
This
report, by Christopher Swanson, Director of Editorial Projects
at the Education (EPE) Research Center, includes 5 cities
in Southern Growth member states. You can download the report
by clicking
here. Independent assessment of graduation rates
for any school district can be accessed at http://maps.edweek.org/. |
The
LifePath program is the Stanly County Workforce Investment
Act Youth program managed through the Resource Development
center in Albemarle and is funded by the Centralina Workforce
Development Board. The Resource Development Center, Inc.
partners with the Stanly County JobLink Career Center in
providing employment and training opportunities to youth
and adult job seekers and to employers.
This
second annual Transition Fair provided students with disabilities,
and their parents, information for making a successful transition
from high school to life as an adult. Attendees had access
to information on academic and non-academic courses &
learning experiences; employment & related training
opportunities; independent living options; and recreation
and social activities. 
Anson
County Early College
The
HIGH
SCHOOL TO COLLEGE AND WORK
A
new report released Wednesday April 9, 2008, and aptly dubbed
“the Cities in Crisis Report,” is an independent
analysis of graduation rates in America’s 50 largest
cities by.
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What's Happening in the Region?Comings, Goings, Kudos…
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•
Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting • Centralina
WDB Youth Council meeting •
Centralina Workforce Readiness Committee meeting
• Tools for Trade •
Starting a Small Business •
Job Fair •
Notary Public •
Self-Employment & Franchise Options •
CPR for Healthcare Providers and Others •
Vehicle Safety License Renewal •
Leadership Development Series •
NC Commission on Workforce Development Commission meeting •
Nurse Aide I •
Youth! •
12th Congressional District Grant Conference •
Junior Achievement is looking for volunteers and sponsors
in Cabarrus & Rowan Counties:
NC Workforce Development Training Center Training Announcements Keeping
Your Cool (When Others are HOT!) Job
Seekers…Who Happen to Have a Criminal Record Introduction
to WorkforcePlus Labor
Market Information – A Guided Tour For
more information about these and other training offerings or to
register for training, please visit: www.ncwdtc.com |
Pfeiffer
University has announced the promotion of Steve
Cumming from director of admissions to vice
president for enrollment management. Cumming has worked
for Pfeiffer since graduating from there in 1992. He
assumed his new position on April 1, 2008. 
Jan
Ball has been named as the new Economic Development
Specialist for Monroe Economic Development.
Ball has worked for seven years at the City of Monroe
and had previously worked for the Union County School
System. She will be assisting in the Existing Industry
area of the Economic Development. Welcome Jan!
Dianne
Snyder has been promoted to chancellor of the
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences.
Snyder currently serves as the college’s vice
chancellor. She will replace current chancellor Anita
Brown when she retires in June 2008. 
Dr.
Debra Morris, principal of A.L. Brown
High School in Kannapolis, was named the 2008
Wachovia North Carolina Principal of the Year
by the NC Department of Public Instruction.
Morris was chosen from among eight regional finalists
and was honored during a luncheon in Raleigh. Congratulations
Dr. Morris! 
Gary
Page has been chosen to be the new county manager
for Rowan County. Page is currently
the manager of Wilkes County and has served there for
12 years. He will begin his new position on May 12,
2008. Welcome back to the region Gary! 
Michael
Cowling is the new Chief Executive Officer
at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center.
Cowling has 30 years of health care experience and was
formerly CEO at Lancaster Regional Medical Center and
Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center
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Visit
our website at www.centralinaworks.com
to learn more about the Centralina WDB |
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To
learn more about the Centralina Council of Governments please visit
www.centralina.org
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