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The
Board heard an informative and innovative presentation from Rick
Smyre, President of On August 11, 2009 Rick Smyre presented the idea of a Molecular Economy to the Centralina Workforce Development Board. |
Centralina Workforce Development Board Welcomes Two New Members, Honors Two Outgoing Members
On Tuesday August 11, 2009 the Centralina Workforce Development Board welcomed two new members to the Board.
Ms. Judi Morton is the Manager of the Lincoln County JobLink Career Center/Employment Security Commission in Lincolnton. She is representing the public employment sector for Lincoln County. She may be contacted at judi.morton@ncmail.net.
Mr. Christopher (“Skip”) McCall is the Director of Human Resources at Glen Raven Technical Fabrics in Statesville. He is representing private sector business in Iredell County. He may be contacted at mccac@blenraven.com.
While the Board welcomed Judi and Skip, they honored two members who were completing their terms.
Ms. Jean Manall, Manager of the Iredell County JobLink Career Center/Employment Security Commission in Statesville is retiring effective September 1, 2009. Jean has had a long and distinguished career with the Department of Social Services and the Employment Security Commission and has served on the Centralina Workforce Development Board since February 2006. She was honored with the “Leader, Visionary, Friend” Award from the Board at the meeting. Jean served on the Executive Planning Committee. She has also been a leader in the development of the local JobLink Career Center system as she spearheaded the effort to bring JobLink services to northern Iredell County at the Goodwill site in Statesville.Jean has been an excellent Board member and will be missed!
Mr. Tom Miltier is the Director of Human Resources at Actavis in Lincolnton. Tom has served his community on the Centralina Workforce Development Board since August 2001. He was not present to receive the award but Tom is also being honored with the “Leader, Visionary, Friend” Award from the Board. Tom was a great member of the Board’s Community Relations Committee where he provided terrific insight from a business perspective. He also will be missed.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is excited to have new members that bring ideas and are willing to commit to helping develop a highly skilled productive workforce for the region and wishes previous members great success in their future endeavors. The Board appreciates the hard work and efforts that all Board members contribute. For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development Board, please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by email at dhollars@centralina.org.
Outgoing Board member Jean Manall received the Leader, Visionary and Friend Award at the August 11, 2009 Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting. From left-to-right, David Hollars, Centralina WDB Exectuive Director; Jean Manall, Manager of the Iredell County JobLink Career Center/Employment Security Commission; and Bob Van Gorden, Chair, Centralina WDB. |
Fast Training NOW = JobsNOW
Centralina WDB, Local Community Colleges, and JobLink Career Centers Roll Out JobsNOW “12 in 6” Program
JobsNOW
“12 in 6” is the central theme of a plan for the North
Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). This plan
will address the workforce challenges related to ensuring that enough
workers are trained with the right skills for the current economy.
The goal of the “12 in 6” initiative supports training
activities in 12 occupational areas that can be completed in six
months or less, lead to recognized credentials, are affordable and
have flexible hours.
JobsNOW “12 in 6” is a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Development, Centralina Workforce Development Board and the North Carolina Community College System.
This program is subsidized by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) utilizing funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The Centralina WDB has funding available through WIA-ARRA funds and its WIA service providers (Employment Security Commission and Union County Community Action) to pay for the training for WIA eligible Adults and Dislocated Workers.
Stanly
Community College (SCC) is just one of the many local
community colleges in the region that is excited to offer some of
the “12 in 6” training programs. These include Masonry,
Geriatric Aide, Healthcare Billing and Coding, Heavy Equipment Operator,
Welding, Energy Auditor, Healthcare Informatics, HVAC Industrial
Systems, and Pharmacy Technician.
Individuals interested in JobsNOW program training should contact their local JobLink Career Center or community college for information. To view a list of all JobsNOW programs offered at community colleges throughout North Carolina, please visit our website at www.centralinaworks.com or contact Emily Clamp at (704) 348-2732 or by e-mail at eclamp@centralina.org.
Charlotte Regional Partnership Energy Investors Forum
The
Energy Investors Forum held by the Charlotte
Regional Partnership (CRP) on Wednesday July 29th was
the first public meeting on the “energy hub” initiative
since Duke Energy Chief Executive Jim Rogers proposed
it at an energy summit in April.
The attendees were generally enthusiastic about the idea. Keynote speaker Kateri Callahan, president of the Washington-based Alliance to Save Energy, praised Charlotte for its forethought. And she pushed to have the community put energy efficiency in the forefront of its efforts, noting that the region uses significantly more electricity per capita than other regions of the country.
Many of the questions to the panel revolved around the question of funding; as in, “where is the funding for this initiative going to come from?”
While
there were no easy answers to that question, Ronnie Bryant,
chief executive of the CRP, the organization leading the effort,
says he is certain the money will be there. In fact, one of the
next steps in the process will be hiring a consultant firm to figure
out what the region has in terms of energy assets, what is required
to make itself a hub and how much it will cost to make it happen.
Bryant indicated he has the money on hand for that study. A proposal
will be out for consulting firms within two weeks, he said, and
he hopes to have a report in hand by early fall.
Charlotte Chamber President Bob Morgan asked the crowd for proposals for legislative support the region will need. His public policy group for the initiative will hold a meeting to start forming a legislative agenda.
David Swenson of the Partnership discussed broad efforts to market the region. Carl Mahler of UNC Charlotte and Gene Christiansen of Metso Power talked of what was needed to develop technologies and turn them into commercial products. David Hollars of the Centralina Workforce Development Board talked about how the region could turn all this into jobs. Dave Navey, who works with alternative fuel vehicles and green technology for Charlotte Truck Center said the idea has a lot of support.
The question about where the money would come from was the second one asked once the floor was open for comments. And Mahler says it clearly is the key question.
“If we don’t find the funding, we won’t get much done,” he said. And that money is going to have to come, in some part, from local sources. Mahler says the federal stimulus package can provide some seed money. But to make a hub in the Charlotte region, the region is going to have to bring some cash to the table. That will come, he stated, if the region can show local businesses and organizations that the initiative will benefit them.
Ronnie Bryant says that it can be done. He does not worry about finding money for the effort. And he says some will come from outside sources, through grants and investments.
The
Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to be included in
such a great event and is excited to see its partners looking to
the energy field for the future. Note that David Hollars
has been asked to serve on the Charlotte Energy Capital Taskforce
to provide valuable input on solving the workforce related issues
for the energy sector in our region.
Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for current up to date information on this new development.
Community Development Conference Tackles Challenges
Centralina WDB Staff Informs Community of Job Creation
More
than 300 professionals representing community development corporations
from across North and South Carolina met in Greensboro on Tuesday
August 3-5 for the annual North
Carolina/South Carolina Association of Community Development Corporations
Conference. The theme of the conference was tackling
challenges in community development. Vail Carter,
Business Services Coordinator for the Centralina
Workforce Development Board was a workshop presenter
at the conference.
Mr.
Carter’s presentation focused on job creation, outlining steps
and giving specific examples of how community development corporations
can partner with their local workforce development boards to create
jobs. He encouraged the attendees to consider offering green skills
training for their communities.
The conference offered the opportunity for networking and hearing the latest trends in community development. Sponsors for the event hope the exchange of ideas during the three days will foster transformation in communities.
For more information on the Annual North Carolina/South Carolina Association of Community Development Corporations Conference, please contact Vail Carter at (704) 348-2710 or by e-mail at vcarter@centralina.org.
It’s Time to Register for the NC Workforce Development Partnership Conference
It is that time of year again as workforce professionals across North Carolina gear up for the Workforce Development Partnership Conference 2009. This year's conference titled Recovery Through Innovations will be held October 7-9 at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. Several featured presenters have been highlighted. They include Susan Gaddis, Beth Lengel, Bob Knight, Paul Clayton and many more! Some of the featured workshops include: “Taking the Risk out of At Risk Youth: 10 tips for Youth Leaders,” “Creating Your Workforce Avatar,” and “Workforce 2020: What the Futurists Say.” There will also be a celebration of the JobLink Career Center System in North Carolina. The closing session on Friday October 9 will be “Choosing To Live In Joy! How to Provide Meaningful Work in a Complicated World” presented by Hope Ethington.
Registration and preliminary agenda information can be found at the NC Workforce Development Training Center website at www.ncwdtc.com.
The early registration deadline is September 7, 2009. So don’t delay and sign up today! And be sure to make your room reservations at the Sheraton Four Seasons as soon as possible at 1-800-242-6556 or www.sheratongreensboro.com. For more information about the NC Workforce Development Partnership Conference please contact Robbin Davis Broome, Conference Coordinator at (919) 329.5588 or rbroome@nccommerce.com.
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Storm Technologies to Receive 2009 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development as Outstanding Employer
Each year, the North Department of Commerce - Division of Workforce Development and the Commission on Workforce Development solicits nominations for the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development. Award categories are: 1. Outstanding Workforce Development Employer (only two
awards given to represent all employers across the state) Criteria for the Employer award included: The extent to which the business has demonstrated a continuing commitment to the workforce development system through donation of employee time and services, exemplary hiring practices and the encouragement of business involvement in workforce development efforts. The extent to which the business has demonstrated involvement/use of public education and training programs. Examples include work with School-to-Careers, JobLink (One-Stop) Career Centers, vocational training or other training offered through the public school system, community colleges, community-based organizations, apprenticeship training, supported employment, on-the-job training, older worker training, workforce literacy training, Workforce Investment Act program, the Work First program, the Workfare program, the Food Stamp Employment and Training program, Job Corps, and other workforce development programs. The extent to which the business has promoted positive community/public relations for workforce development programs and supported/encouraged individuals in need of workforce development. Storm Technologies participates in and financially supports events held by the Stanly County Manager’s Association and the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce. They also are one of the main sponsors for the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and perform public service announcements concerning energy and its usage on local radio and in the Stanly News and Press. Storm Technologies promotes the Chamber’s “Buy Local” campaign and advertises on the local radio and newspaper even though much of their business is conducted outside of their circulation area. Storm Technologies Executive Vice President Stephen Storm agreed to work with and has led involvement with APP partners in Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, and with private sector partners to meet goals for energy security, national air pollution reduction, and climate change in ways that promote sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction. Charlotte Maness, HR Director with Storm stated, “We are a family at Storm and we take care of each other.” Storm Technologies believes that they need to support not only institutes of learning and organizations that champion workforce development, they also need to support agencies in the community such as Boy Scouts of America, OASIS, YMCA, Uwharrie Players, Rotary Club, and the Stanly Concert Association. For additional information on the Governor’s Awards and local partnerships, please contact: Kathy Gardner – Stanly Community College – (704) 991-0278 - David Hollars – Centralina Workforce Development Board – (704) 348-2717. An Expansion and 15 New Jobs? Sweet!BestSweet Inc. Plans Expansion That Will Add Jobs in Mooresville
Despite the recession, Chief Executive Richard Zulman says the company is “committed to growth.”
BestSweet will add 40,000 square feet to its 100,000-square-foot facility on Mazeppa Road. The addition is expected to be in operation by June 2010. The project will allow for an extension of production lines to increase capacity, Zulman says. It will also make room for additional research and development space. Mooresville needs the added jobs and investment, says Ken Robertson, a county commissioner. “It is nice to see one of our local companies to be able to grow in the challenging economy.” BestSweet Inc. was one of the first companies to receive the Incumbent Worker Development Grant from the Centralina Workforce Development Board. They received the grant in 2003 and successfully trained their employees to improve operations at their facility. The Centralina Workforce Development Board is happy to see local businesses thrive and survive in the current economy. Stay tuned to the Centralina WDB e-newsletter and website for more information.
Lincoln Economic Development Association Works on International Relationships “Several times a year, we will have a speaker from a different country come during casual lunch periods and tell us about their culture, business practices and anything unique,” said LEDA executive director Barry Matherly.
“We are trying to build a relationship where we not only go down there and look for companies, but we also work with our existing companies to see if they have any supplier relationships here,” Matherly said. “The issue with international relations is you have to build relationships first before the recruiting really takes places, so what we are trying to do this year is really establish those relationships, find that community and bond together.” For more information about this exciting development please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly newsletter.
Get LinkedIn with the Centralina WDB!Centralina Workforce Development Board Joins LinkedinThe Centralina Workforce Development Board invites you and your business to come join us on LinkedIn!
Think of LinkedIn as a social networking site by professionals for professionals! So have you joined yet? If not you should now! The registration is free and the only thing you have to gain from it is staying connected with your community! For more information please visit their website at www.linkedin.com. And when you join be sure to visit our page and add us to your network! |
Storm
Technologies
Storm
Technologies, Inc. has encouraged its employees to become
involved with a wide variety of programs in Stanly County.
Richard Storm, CEO of Storm Technologies and Danny Storm,
Executive Vice President, together serve on the Stanly County
Career Readiness Task Force committee. The focus of this
committee is to bring together business leaders, educators,
and private citizens in the county to develop programs to
improve the work skills, education levels, and overall workforce
development efforts in Stanly County. The Storms have also
served on the Lifelong Learning Campaign taskforce with
the Centralina Workforce Development Board. Storm Technologies
employees have done presentations on what job skills, training,
and education levels are needed to obtain jobs within their
industry. 
BestSweet
Inc.
The
plant makes lozenges, cough drops, candies, dietary supplements
and over-the-counter medicines. It has been based in Mooresville
for more than 21 years.
LinkedIn
is an online community website where a member can connect
with other professionals. You are able to maintain contacts
with colleagues and you can find people in related or complementary
business fields. It allows your professional profile to
be widely available. 
The
airport will be able to accommodate aircraft weighing up
to 99,500 pounds when the work is completed. The job also
involves removing a depression or dip in the middle of the
runway. 
The
82,000 square-foot facility with 101 beds, the same number
of beds as the current building, will sit on 55 acres with
space for expansion if needed in the future.
Hendrick
Motorsports
The
The
timing of the building, which was planned as the recession
started, also helped the airport authority save money. The
building was originally estimated to cost $2 million. It
is now expected to cost $1.6 million. The new terminal will
replace a 32-year-old building that will be offered for
lease. It measures about 3,000 square feet.
Employment Statistics
Updated
Monthly on this E-Newsletter
| July
2009 (Source: NC Employment Security Commission) |
||
| County | Unemployment
Rate |
Persons
Employed |
| Anson | 14.9% |
8,887 |
| Cabarrus | 11.6% |
73,553 |
| Iredell | 13.0% |
72,087 |
| Lincoln | 14.5% |
34,362 |
| Rowan | 13.8% |
61,040 |
| Stanly | 12.6% |
26,917 |
| Union | 10.8% |
81,969 |
| Centralina WDB Region | 12.5% |
358815 |
| State of NC | 11.1
% |
4,085,203 |
For more information on employment, click here
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is in YOUR Community!
During the month of August 2009, the Centralina Workforce Development Board has been actively involved with events, seminars, training sessions, and other meetings all designed to help build a better workforce for our region. Beyond our involvement with the Charlotte Regional Partnership Energy Investors Forum, the Community Development Conference, JobsNOW implementation, the REAL World event, and the WIA-ARRA Summer Youth activities detailed in this e-newsletter, here are some the activities of the Board members and WDB staff for August.
Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting - held on Tuesday August 11 at the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce in Kannapolis. Rick Smyre the Center for Communities of the Future presented a riveting presentation on Building a 21st Century Workforce. His presentation centered on the creative molecular economy and the emergence of an organic age. Board members were particularly in tune with Rick’s comments on creating economic resiliency in an age of constant change. The Board welcomed 2 new members – Judi Morton – ESC/JobLink Career Center – Lincoln County and Skip McCall – Glen Raven (representing Iredell County and the private sector). Outgoing Board members Jean Manall (ESC/JobLink – Iredell County) and Tom Miltier (Actavis – Lincoln County) were presented with the “Leader, Visionary, Friend” award. The Board recognized all the local nominees for the Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Workforce Development. Staff presented updates on the 5 recently awarded Incumbent Worker grants, announced the $250,000 award to the Competitive Workforce Alliance for the Allied Health Implementation grant, informed members of the WDB sponsored Youth Services Summit on September 18, presented the JobLink Quarterly Reports for the period ending June 30, 2009, and local labor market information. Information on regional initiatives and updates on other key workforce issues were also provided.
Centralina WDB JobLink Career Center Managers meeting – held on Tuesday August 11 at the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce in Kannapolis. Managers and WDB staff discussed the use and implementation of additional WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker funding through the JobsNOW 12-in-6 program, additional staff development/training needs for the centers, and use of JobLink enhancement funds for improvements at the centers.
Charlotte USA – Energy Capital Initiative – Workforce Taskforce meeting – held on Friday August 28 at CPCC Harris Campus. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars participated in this meeting.
Monroe Economic Development Commission meeting - held on Thursday August 27 in Monroe. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars attended this meeting and provided participants with valuable local labor market information as well as updates on activities with the Union County JobLink Career Center and its partners.
Union County JobReady Partnership meeting – held on Thursday August 27 at Union County Public Schools Staff Development Center. Centralina WDB Program Associate Natasha Pender participated in this meeting.
Golden LEAF Briefing Session on Aerospace – held on Tuesday August 25 at South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) in Monroe. Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative participated in this meeting and provided information to assist SPCC in applying for grant.
National Emergency Grant (NEG) Monitoring Review – held on Wednesday August 12 and Thursday August 13 at the Rowan County JobLink Career Center in Salisbury. The review was conducted by Jean Wooten (NC Department of Commerce-Division of Workforce Development) of the $1.25 million grant that the Centralina WDB received to assist former transportation industry workers, primarily former Freightliner employees. Rowan JobLink Career Center manager Debbie Davis and Centralina WDB staff members David Hollars and Patricia White provided staff support for the reviewer.
Charlotte Regional Workforce Development Partnership meeting – held on Monday August 17 at CPCC Harris Campus. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director participated in this meeting where over 50 community college and workforce professionals from throughout the region heard from Dr. James McKenney with the National Association of Community Colleges. Dr. McKenney spoke about the role the colleges play in economic recovery and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). David Hollars presented an update on behalf of the Competitive Workforce Alliance, the Alliance’s workforce efforts over the past several months.
Commission on Workforce Development meeting – held on Wednesday August 26 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director participated in this meeting
Charlotte Regional Economic & Workforce Recovery Initiative Team meeting – held on Wednesday August 26 at CPCC Harris Campus. Acting upon a request from Governor Beverly Perdue, this group is implementing plans and strategies to address the current and anticipated layoffs from the financial services sector in the Charlotte region. Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Coordinator participated in this meeting and provided an update on specific solutions for the faith-based/community-based connections.
Workforce Business Development and Assistance – provided
by Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative
for the following area companies and organizations:
» Incumbent Worker Grant Orientation session - Opto-Alignment
Technology (Indian Trail –Union County) – August 4
» Incumbent Worker Grant Orientation session – Gaylor,
Inc. (Mooresville – Iredell County) – August 6
» Incumbent Worker Grant Orientation session – Safety
Solutions, Inc. (Mooresville – Iredell County) – August
6
» Incumbent Worker Grant Orientation session – Maxon
Furniture (Salisbury – Rowan County) – August 7
» Incumbent Worker marketing visit - Square D and Bertram
Barco (Salisbury – Rowan County) – August 11
» SHARE Network Training Session for First Baptist West -
South Blvd. JobLink Career Center – August 12
» Incumbent Worker Grant Orientation session – Yates
Precision Machining (Mooresville – Iredell County) –
August 18
» Incumbent Worker marketing visit - Turbomecca (Monroe –
Union County) – August 19
» Incumbent Worker Contract Monitoring visit with management
at PGT (Salisbury – Rowan County) – August 24
» Incumbent Worker marketing visit - Solid Tops (Indian Trail
– Union County) – August 25
These are only a few examples of how your Centralina Workforce Development Board is actively involved with our partners in our counties every month. To find out more about getting involved with the Centralina Workforce Development Board, please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by e-mail at dhollars@centralina.org or visit our website at www.centralinaworks.com. The Centralina Workforce Development Board – The Competitive Force in Our Global Economy.
Building a Strong Healthcare Workforce for the Region
Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership is Moving Ahead!
The Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) met at the Cabarrus Business and Technology Center of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Concord on Thursday July 30, 2009. The meeting was conducted by RSP chair Joann Spaleta of the Charlotte Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Project consultants Melinda McVadon and Donna North of the McLynn Group assisted with the meeting.
The Partnership celebrated the receipt of the $250,000 grant awarded by the North Carolina Department of Commerce that will help fund a two-year initiative to address workforce shortages and skills development in the Allied Health industry in the region.
The
members of the Partnership also heard from the committees of the
RSP, who gave updates on the progress of many of the initiatives
that the Partnership has already put in place. Some of them include
Health Career Expos, Career Pathways and even starting a new academic
program in the region.
The Partnership also took time to brainstorm ideas on ways to improve the website content and format. The current Allied Health section on the Competitive Workforce Alliance website (www.agreatworkforce.com) is a good start but the Partnership wants to offer more to the community and to its members.
Committees were also given time to meet together and discuss their next steps since it was their first meeting since the grant announcement. Members of the RSP Steering Committee not only reviewed the grant but also looked to the future and the continuous development of the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership.
“The Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership is a true regional collaboration of business, education, and workforce development to help remedy workforce issues for the allied health community”, said David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director. “This Partnership is doing great things already and its long-term impact will provide great benefit to local workers and employers”.
The Competitive Workforce Alliance and the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership are excited and honored to receive the grant and look forward to rolling their sleeves up and getting started on helping the Allied Health industry in our community. For more information on the Competitive Workforce Alliance and the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership, please visit their website at www.agreatworkforce.com or contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by e-mail at dhollars@centralina.org.
The Steering Committee of the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership met on July 30, 2009 to discuss the future of the Partnership. |
 |
Members of the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership met to discuss the $250,000 grant received from the NC Department of Commerce. |
Centralina WDB Grant Application Workshops Get Great Reviews
Incumbent Worker Funds Now Available to Help Local Businesses Succeed
Businesses and training vendors turned out for two grant preparation workshops hosted by the Centralina Workforce Development Board held on August 13 and 14. David Hollars, Executive Director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board kicked off the August 13 session held at Stanly Community College’s Crutchfield Campus in Locust. He stressed the importance of developing world class skills for the existing workforce in our region. The second session was held at the Centralina Workforce Development Board office.
The primary focus of the two-hour workshops was to familiarize potential applicants with the Incumbent Workforce Development Program guidelines and give attendees practical tips on preparing a competitive grant application. Vail Carter, Business Services Coordinator for the Centralina Workforce Development Board says the feedback from the sessions has been very positive and has greatly improved the quality of the applications. He is planning to continue these sessions and expects to announce additional dates very soon.
Does this sound like a great way to help upgrade the skills of your current workforce and prepare for the future? The Centralina Workforce Development Board can help. The Board is currently accepting applications from local businesses for Incumbent Workforce Development training. The Incumbent Worker training is designed to upgrade employees' skills and increase companies' competitiveness in the global marketplace.
The first application round for funding will close on Tuesday September 22, with two other rounds to follow. The maximum amount of funds available per business is $25,000. Since the grants are competitive, local businesses are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Don’t miss out on your opportunity for success!
Please contact Vail Carter prior to submitting your application to the Board. Vail is available to assist your company in completing the application and getting it to the Board for review prior to September 22, 2009. He can provide you with the same tips shared in the workshops for creating an award winning application. So don’t delay, submit your application today.
The Centralina WDB looks forward to working with local businesses who wish to submit applications. For more information and to review the NEW Incumbent Worker guidelines and application, please visit the Centralina WDB website or contact Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Coordinator at (704) 348-2710 or vcarter@centralina.org.
Mitchell Community College and its Staff Recognized Nationally
College Sets High Standards in the Region
It’s
been a busy and wonderful month for Mitchell
Community College located in Iredell County. Not only
were staff members recognized for service, but the school received
national recognition as well.
Twenty (20) Mitchell Community College employees were recognized for their dedication and service to the college this past month. During a meeting at the Continuing Education auditorium, employees who have worked for the college from five to 35 years were given an award or a Mitchell pin.
Carol
Johnson, Vice President of Workforce Development and Continuing
Education at the college has worked for Mitchell for 35 years, and
was among the honorees. Carol is also a valuable member of the Centralina
Workforce Development Board and chair of the Board’s Youth
Council.
Johnson, who attended Mitchell Community College as a student began work at the college after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has spent her entire career in the continuing education department.
“It’s a great place to work,” she said.
Others were honored for their years of service including: Carolyn Gray for 30 years, Mike Brown, Sarah Davis, Betsy Yarborough for 25 years, Candy Putnam for 20 years, Peggy Murdock for 15 years, Jeff Benfield, K.C. Caldwell, Chuck Howell, Joan Jordan, Tammy Tackley, Donna Worrell for 10 years and Milton Beamon, Jeanne Compton, Sally Dellinger, Manuel Dudley, Donavon Kirby, Doug Knight, Rebecca Manning, Mary McClish, Mark Niswonger, Janie Patterson, Pam Robinson, Ann Saunders, Lee Jan Waddell, Jennifer Warren, Loraine Watt, DeShaun Williams for 5 years.
Not
only has the Mitchell Community College’s staff been recognized
but the whole school has been recognized as one of the top 11 colleges
in the state by the North
Carolina Community College System for their “Exceptional
Institutional Performance.”
“Other colleges met some of the standards, but only 11 not only met but exceeded the standards,” Mitchell Community College President Douglas Eason said.
The standards relate to: progress of basic skills students, passing rates on licensure and certification exams for first-time takers, performance of college transfer students, passing rates in developmental courses, success rate of development students in subsequent college level courses, student satisfaction of completes and non completers, curriculum student retention, graduation and transfer, and business/industry satisfaction with services provided.
Eason said the achievement is shared by everyone at the college. “It’s a pat on the back to our faculty and staff who interact with students every day,” he said.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner with Mitchell Community College and congratulates them on their outstanding staff and service to the community! For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development Board and great Board members like Carol Johnson, please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by e-mail at dhollars@centralina.org.
NC Research Campus Update
Find Out What’s the Latest with this World Renowned Biotech Development
The MURDOCK Study, Looking for You!
The MURDOCK Study has already enrolled about 1,500 people from Kannapolis
and Cabarrus County, but researchers are looking for more participants.
Duke University researchers are studying the genetic causes and differences of certain human disease -- such as osteoarthritis, hepatitis-B and cardiovascular disease.
Based at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis, the MURDOCK Study proposes to "rewrite the textbook of medicine."
Dole Food Company owner David Murdock gave Duke $35 million in 2007 to jump-start the study. The first participant was enrolled earlier this year.
Participants are asked about their complete medical history and give a blood sample. To enroll, call 877-673-2508 or go to https://www.murdock-study.com.
Federal Center at Research Campus is Getting Closer
The North Carolina Research Campus is one step closer to seeing
a federal presence on its grounds.
U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell introduced $500,000 for a U.S. Department of Agriculture human nutrition center at the biotechnology center in Kannapolis in the FY2010 Agriculture Appropriation bill.
The earmark, now up to $1 million, passed the Senate Tuesday and it looks like the bill is headed to President Barack Obama's desk.
"I am pleased to see this appropriations request has passed the Senate, and we will continue to work to make sure it is included in the bill that President Obama will sign into law," Kissell said. "The Human Nutrition Center will be the only one of its kind in the southeast, and provide ground-breaking nutritional research to help make our communities healthier."
The appropriation passed the House in June.
Once approved, the Agriculture Research Service, the research arm of the USDA, would use the funds to hire staff to establish the center in the Core Research Laboratory. It would be the seventh center dedicated to human nutrition the USDA operates in the country. Campus developer Castle & Cooke and the City of Kannapolis have been lobbying to have a federal presence in Kannapolis.
North Carolina has a significant investment in the research campus, through funding eight research institutes through eight campuses of the UNC system. The state also is supporting Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and its biotechnology training programs.
Business Students Tour Research Campus
"Biotechnology is not just for scientists", Kenneth Paulus
said to approximately 75 MBA students from Lovely Professional University
in India. The students visited the North Carolina Research Campus
as a part of their four-week international business program offered
through UNC Charlotte.
Over the 4 week period, the students attended business classes, met with business managers, participated in cultural activities and heard guest lecturers and panel discussions.
Learning about the research campus was a part of Entrepreneurship Day.
"Their program has been to study business school processes and differences in business cultures between India and the U.S.," said Paulus, assistant director for business and entrepreneurial development for the Charlotte Research Institute at UNC Charlotte.
While at the research campus, the students heard a presentation from Sheetal Ghelani about the various studies being done there. Ghelani also told the students about the partnerships between businesses and universities and the research campus.
"It takes all types (of people) to do every little function at this place," Ghelani said.
After the presentation, the students took pictures around the David H. Murdock Research Institute before returning to UNC Charlotte.
Hearing about the latest research and technology was fascinating for the students and something that several said they will keep in mind when they return home.
"In India, we don't have that advanced technology," Puja Chopra, 24. "We, being the youth, are responsible. I would like to say I would take all of this innovation to India. This type of strategy should be followed in India."
Most importantly was the idea that business professionals can be involved with research studies, which students said was great to hear.
"It is not only for engineering or medical students," Chopra said. "The best opportunities are for all kinds of students."
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.
There's a JobLink Near You!Anson County JobLink Career Center Stanly County JobLink Career Center For more information on Centralina region JobLink Career Centers, click here. Commitment to workforce excellence |
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Nearly
150 employers graciously accepted youth participants into
their workplace and offered them work experience throughout
the summer. The main goal of this summer program was “work
readiness” to prepare youth for the workforce. 
At
the same meeting the Centralina Youth Council welcomed a
new member to the Council, Ms. Katrina Duke. Katrina Duke
is the Executive Director of the Cabarrus Literacy Council
in Concord, NC. Katrina is the mother of six, yet she still
finds time to serve as the Vice President of the Board of
Directors for the Cabarrus Community Kitchen; she also serves
on the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Learning Center;
the Centralina Workforce Readiness Committee; the North
Carolina Department of Corrections Community Resource Committee;
the Youth Advocate Coalition of Kannapolis; the Cabarrus
Community Planning Council; Project Safe Cabarrus; and Safe
Schools SHIELD Team. Chakia Dixon from Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc. updated the Centralina Youth Council on her activities from her summer youth employment experience. |
Semika Garmon from Union County Community Action Agency, Inc. told the Centralina Youth Council what she got out of her summer youth employment experience. |
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Come one, Come all to the 3rd Annual Centralina WDB Youth Services Summit!
Do you work with youth in the region? Are you looking for some ideas and support to help guide the youth in your community? If so have we got an event for you!
On Friday September 18, 2009 the Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina WDB Youth Council are holding its 3rd Annual Youth Services Summit themed “YES WE CAN” at the Embassy Suites in Concord. The event will run from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM and is open to the public.
The purpose of the Youth Services Summit is to inform individuals who work with youth, and create awareness of resources available to young people in their communities. The Summit will offer practical strategies for working with youth, evidence based information and networking opportunities.
Some of the featured workshops include topics on: “Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention,” “Beyond Race," a workshop focusing on Diversity/Multicultural Inclusion Strategies, “Entrepreneurship,” “Customer Service,” and “Futures for Kids (F4K).”
The past two Summits have been great successes so don’t miss your chance to get in on this action! To register or to find out more information please visit www.way2work.org contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.
Attendees of the 2nd Annual Youth Services Summit celebrate relationship building and time spent together. |
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Centralina WDB Staff and Partners Participate in REAL WORLD SIMULATION for Youth
Independent Living Resources Inc., Associate Director -
Nancy Carter, held a REAL WORLD SIMULATION
training in Carthage, NC on Thursday August 13 - Friday
August 14, 2009.
The ten hour training course taught attendees how to conduct
a REAL WORLD simulation in their local areas. The course
was developed by Independent Living Resources, Durham, NC.
The one day simulation is adapted from the REAL LIFE FAIR
Program created by Jane O’Leary – Rapid City,
SD.
The purpose of the simulation is to teach independent living skills to youths age 15-21. In order to do so, youth complete a Career Exploration Inventory to determine what careers that they are interested in. Prior to attending the simulation, youth are expected to discuss, with an adult, how much education they plan to complete.
Upon
arriving at the simulation, youth are given an “occupation”
with salary and benefits information. Youth are then challenged
to take their “salary” and develop a budget
based on everyday needs such as food, housing, electricity,
etc. Youth must purchase groceries, find transportation,
complete rental applications, job applications, they must
buy insurance and more – all while staying within
their budget. Some youth even have to factor in childcare
and student loan expenses.
Natasha Pender, Centralina Workforce Development Board Program Associate and lead staff person to the Centralina WDB Youth Council, participated in the event and assisted in the progress of the program. The event is an awesome opportunity for youth and adults who care for them to open up dialogue regarding life decisions such as education, occupational choices and how today's choices can and will affect tomorrow.
Natasha Pender and Centralina WDB Youth Council member Sharon Allen are excited about the possibility of bringing such an event to the Centralina WDB region. Look for the Youth Council to explore the possibilities of holding such a simulation in the near future. Agencies and organizations interested in partnering for such an event should contact Natasha Pender at 704.348.2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.
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The Early Bird Catches the Career
Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School Kicks off this Year
On
Monday August 10, 2009, 49 students began their academic
year at the new
Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School.
The new high school is an opportunity for rising freshmen
to earn a high school diploma and associate’s degree
or up to two years of college transfer credit in the four-or
five-year program.
“These are more the middle students who have never been challenged,” said Vance Fishback, principal for Early College High School. “We are able to take them in the small class environment and really challenge them.”
Students will take the traditional high school classes, such as Algebra I and Earth Science, but they will also earn credit for college-level classes.
Currently,
Early College High School is operating at the new Cox Mill
High School, but in October the school expects to move to
its home at Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College’s South Campus in Concord
when renovations are complete.
Seventy percent (70%) of the students at the new high school will be first-generation college students, meaning that their parents did not receive a four-year degree or they were delayed in earning it, Fishback said.
The
Centralina WDB Youth Council and the Centralina Workforce
Development Board are proud partners with the Early College
program in Cabarrus County and with Rowan-Cabarrus Community
College. The Board and the Youth Council are happy to see
partners helping the youth of today reach and accomplish
their goals for the future. For more information on the
Centralina Youth Council, please contact Natasha Pender
at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.
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What's Happening in the Region?Comings, Goings, Kudos…
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• Centralina 3rd Annual Youth Services
Summit • Centralina Workforce Development
Board meeting • Centralina WDB Executive Planning
Committee Meeting • Centralina WDB Youth Council Meeting • Centralina WDB Workforce Readiness
Committee Meeting • GREEN 101:
Planting a “Green” Foundation for NC Workforce Development
• Advertising Expo • Annual Business Showcase • Wage and Hour Seminar • NC Workforce Development Partnership
Conference 2009
The North Carolina Workforce Development Training Center Training offers many great training sessions for every workforce development professional. The Center can even do online trainings for you and your colleagues. Some of the great training sessions include: Keeping Your Cool (When Others are HOT!), Assessment: The Foundation of Case Management, Delivering Excellent Customer Service, and Youth Services: A Variety of Topics. These are just some of the great training sessions they can put together for your team. So give them a call and see what they can do for you! Contact Robin Broome at (919) 306-1819 or visit their website for more information at www.ncwdtc.com. |
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Jean
Manall, Manager of the Iredell County
JobLink Career Center/Employment Security Commission
in Statesville is retiring effective September 1, 2009.
Jean had a long and distinguished career in the community,
which included the Department of Social Services as
well as the Employment Security Commission. Jean also
served on the Centralina Workforce Development Board
and its Executive Planning Committee. You will be missed
Jean!
Jim
Cowden, county extension director in the
Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office,
became the District Extension Director
for 17 counties of the North Central District of North
Carolina. Cowden will have an office on the campus
of NC State University. 
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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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| CentralinaWORKS is a publication of the Centralina Workforce Development Board. If you do not wish to receive this E-Newsletter in the future, please send a return e-mail and type "REMOVE" in the Subject Line and you will be removed from our distribution list. The CWDB does not share its distribution list with other organizations. Please feel free to share this E-Newsletter with co-workers and other business associates. |