Centralina WDB and Partners Bring Spotlight to the Region’s Racing Industry

Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Florida

Motorsports is a critical industry for the region. In December, the Charlotte Regional Partnership led a contingent of 20 people representing six of the Partnership’s 16 counties and two colleges, to the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show held in Orlando, Florida on December 11-13. The world’s largest show that’s targeted to the racing industry features the latest in racing products and engineering.

“At PRI, we underscored the collaboration among our 16 counties and presented a regional brand,” said Ronnie Bryant, Charlotte Regional Partnership president. “I know of few others areas that are able to set aside individual interests to work for greater economic good of the region. Our ability to do so is our greatest strength and a competitive advantage.”

Members of the Charlotte Regional Partnership group fanned out, leveraging those contacts and strategically targeted the 1,449 exhibitors. They thanked those already located in the region and let selected companies know how they would benefit from having a presence in the region. And, of course, the Charlotte USA exhibit reinforced the region’s brand.

David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, participated in business seminar sponsored by the NC Department of Commerce entitled "Driving Your Workforce: Training and Retaining Talent in Today’s Motorsports Industry." Seminar panelists were Greg Fornelli, President and Founder of Supplies for Racing and Industry, Inc. and Stock Car Steel and Aluminum, Inc.; Richmond Gage, Program Head for Motorsports Management Technology with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and Director of the NC Community College System Motorsports Consortium; Andy Papathanassiou, Executive Director of the NC Motorsports Association and Personnel Director at Hendrick Motorsports in Concord; and David Hollars, Executive Director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board. The seminar, facilitated by Derek Chen and David Rhoades with the NC Department of Commerce, was aimed at business owners in the motorsports industry, provided useful tips for managing workforce issues and highlighted the statewide resources North Carolina and the Centralina WDB offer to the industry. David Hollars also shared information on the advantages of North Carolina’s Incumbent Workforce Development grants to the continued development and growth of the local motorsports workforce. The state also hosted a reception highlighting North Carolina’s motorsports industry. The event was attended by more than 200 national and international government and industry leaders.

In addition to Bryant, the Charlotte Regional Partnership’s David Swenson, vice president of economic development services, and Laura Foor, project manager, led the trip. Regional economic development professionals who participated were Jerry Broadway, Lake Norman Regional Economic Development Corporation; Robby Carney and Russell Rogerson, Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corporation; John Cox, Ryan McDaniels and Anna Lu Wilson, Cabarrus Economic Development; Jeff Edge, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce; Steve Nye, Gaston County EDC; and Robert Van Geons, Salisbury-Rowan ED Commission. Tracy Rishel, Belmont Abbey College; David Hollars, Centralina Workforce Development Board; Leslie Horne, NASCAR Hall of Fame; Ron Leitch, NCDOC; Marion Cantor and Jim Cuttino, UNC Charlotte; and Randy Smith, Visit Charlotte also participated.

The economic impact of the motorsports industry in North Carolina is $6 billion, according to a UNC Charlotte study by John Connaughton. Much of that is centered in and around Charlotte USA, which boasts more than 400 motorsports-related companies. Over 90 percent of NASCAR’s teams are located within 50 miles of the region.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to participate in such a groundbreaking and important event for our region. Partnerships and regionalism in all industries lead to a strong employer base and workforce in our region. For more information on the Performance Racing Industry trade show, please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by e-mail at dhollars@centralina.org.

Motorsports Employment Task Force Formed to Tackle Industry Layoffs

Centralina WDB and Partners Helping Displaced Motorsports Workers

The Motorsports Employment Task Force, founded by Humpy Wheeler and the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), have teamed up with www.DontCheckUp.com, an online resource for information and resume postings to help recently displaced motorsports workers.

The re-launched website (www.dontcheckup.com) now features a user friendly design to post resumes and employer opportunities as well as share important communications. The site provides a central online resource for displaced workers to take immediate action steps.

David Hollars, Executive Director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board serves on the task force with other regional partners representing NC Legislature, career transition consultants, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, NASCAR Technical Institute, Women’s Auxiliary of Motorsports, BRANSTORM PR, Belmont Abbey College, Winston-Salem State, local economic development agencies, and other industry leaders.

David Hollars noted that the Centralina WDB added a “Laid Off? What to do Next” information flyer on the website that provides contact information for the area JobLink Career Centers and connections to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s R3 Center for career assessment and retraining options.

"Everyone that works in the motorsports industry has a passion for the sport; however, there many not be enough jobs to sustain the current workforce”, Hollars stated. "The marketable skills that many of the displaced motorsports workers have are often what is needed by the area’s advanced manufacturing and distribution companies."

The Motorsports Employment Task Force will continue to serve as the clearing house for information and resources for displaced motorsports workers. DontCheckUp.com will be the online arm for promoting the information and showcasing these qualified professionals available for hire. For more information on the Motorsports Employment Task Force, please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by e-mail at dhollars@centralina.org.

Your Support is Needed to Help Lifelong Learning

Cabarrus Literacy Council Seeks Funding to Expand Needed Programs

Three years after volunteers restarted a dormant Cabarrus Literacy Council in response to mass textile layoffs, the organization has reached a crossroads. Council officials urgently pleaded with a group of community leaders for help to raise awareness and funds at the first Cabarrus Literacy summit held on November 25 at the Cabarrus Literacy Council’s offices (located within the Cabarrus County JobLink Career Center), saying the organization cannot sustain an expanding array of programs without more support.

The Council, which estimates 18 percent of American-born adults living in the county are functionally illiterate, has annual operating needs of about $112,000, board president Wayne King said. That requires officials to generate about $6,000 per month from sources other than private and government grants.

King said the Council has about four months to find new sources of money before a shortfall could affect its efforts to address the area’s illiteracy rate, which he said is higher than average for communities of similar size.

The Council has been funded through a $120,000 grant from the Foundation for the Carolinas. Council officials have spent almost all of that money, however to start several new programs, such as its tutoring programs in local high schools, the Boys & Girls Club, and correctional facilities.

At the summit, leaders of the Council stressed the importance of the mission. They noted two issues involving literacy – workforce development and education – that were identified as among the community’s six most important in a quadrennial needs assessment released this year.

After hearing the situation, Concord Mayor Scott Padgett said the council seems deserving of help.

“That’s really a small amount of money for such a big cause,” Padgett said.

Before closing the summit, Council officials again said potential supporters must step forward if the Council is to continue expanding programs and serving people in need.

“We will continue to go and find them, because we know they’re not going to come knock on our door,” Executive Director Katrina Duke said of the Council’s clients, “but we need the support of this community.”

Natasha Pender, Centralina WDB Program Associate, participated in this meeting which brought together both community and educational leaders to discuss the state of illiteracy within Cabarrus County, as well as the collaborative efforts required to address the needs of the community. Natasha shared information on the Board’s Lifelong Learning Campaign. Katrina Duke of the Cabarrus Literacy Council is also an active member of the Centralina WDB Workforce Readiness Committee.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner of the Cabarrus Literacy Council and believes in their programs to help improve our current and future workforce. To find out what you can do to help the Cabarrus Literacy Council, please contact Katrina Duke at (704) 786-7323.

Workers + Wheels = Success

Anson County Department of Social Services Program Helps Connect Workers with Cars

A new program in Anson County can help individuals purchase a car. The program that is called Wheels that Work, is an initiative by the Anson County Department of Social Services that helps vulnerable workers cope with an increasingly tough economy.

A car of their own represents independence to many of the individuals enrolled.

“You don’t have to rely on other people,” said Adrian Jones.

Jones had a job at Wendy’s in Rockingham, but was fired after her transportation with the Work First program expired because she was unable to get to work.

For many students relying on others for a ride to their job often made them late to work if they could find a ride at all.

The individuals enrolled in the program also have to take driver’s education. The Wheels that Work program requires students study for 20 hours a week for a month in a driver’s education course. If they meet other requirements, such as taking a class on automobile maintenance, they could receive up to $4,500 toward a $5,000 car.

Another perk of the program is that students do not have to wait a year after acquiring their learner’s permit if they are over 18. They can test for their license whenever they are ready.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to see one of its JobLink partners using creative ways to help assist the workforce to make it one of the best in the state! For more information about the program and others offered by the department, please contact the Anson County Department of Social Services at (704) 694-9351.

Centralina Workforce Development Board Has Training Money to Help Your Business!

Incumbent Worker Funds Now Available

Want 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 Workforce Development training is designed to upgrade employees' skills and increase companies' competitiveness in the global marketplace.

The second application round for funding will close on Tuesday January 20, 2009, with one more round 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.

The Centralina WDB looks forward to working with new local businesses to submit applications, as well as, past companies who want to resubmit from previous periods. 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.

Please contact Vail 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 Tuesday January 20, 2009. So don’t delay, submit your application today!

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
470-A North Broad Street
Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone: 704-664-4225

Iredell County JobLink Career Center - Statesville
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.

Tell Us More

Every month the Centralina Workforce Development Board works hard trying to bring you the most up to date and innovative stories from around the region. We try to incorporate information that can be beneficial to both businesses and job seekers, as well as promote the accomplishments that are being done throughout the Centralina region.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is currently undergoing a rebranding process and we need your help! We want to know what you think of the monthly E-Newsletter. We want to know if the articles are informative and if they are relevant to you and your organization. We’d like to know what you’d like to see more of in the newsletter, as well as what you’d like to see less of. We are looking to improve so that we can give back to you the most cutting-edge and informative newsletter out there.

Please send any comments about the monthly E-Newsletter to Emily Clamp at eclamp@centralina.org. If you are new to the newsletter and would like to see our previous issues please visit them at the Centralina WDB website. We thank you in advance for your feedback and your assistance in our rebranding process!

Big Plans for Local Business Park

Union County Partnership for Progress Plans Future of Legacy Park

Union County Partnership for Progress wants to develop the area’s largest industrial park, which could eventually house more than 20,000 employees. The partnership’s vision for the 5,000 acre Legacy Park includes a detailed land-use plan that carves out space for a range of businesses and industry. The park could eventually represent a $2.3 billion investment.

It is still early in the process for the park, which could take up to 40 years to complete. Planners have taken only small steps toward buying the land. Legacy Park could contain 14 million square feet in dozens of buildings. The site is on US Highway 74 east of Marshville.

“Development of the park is a key step in diversifying Union County’s tax base, which is heavily reliant on residential property taxes,” says Maurice Ewing, president and chief executive of Union County Partnership for Progress.

Besides having industrial and commercial sites, Legacy Park could include residences above retail, green space and perhaps an educational facility.

Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for current up to date information on this new development.

Surprise!

Lincoln Economic Development Association Finds Increase in Jobs in Lincoln County

When Lincoln County asked the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA) to look at all the jobs the county has gained and lost over the past five years, a statistic emerged that some might find surprising. “We’re plus 1,500 jobs,” Barry Matherly, executive director of LEDA, said.

According to Matherly, it’s not unusual for Lincoln County to experience periods in which companies leave the area. He says that’s why LEDA does what it does: recruiting new companies and focusing on helping existing companies expand. Within the past couple of months, this technique has paid off.

“We have two new companies coming into the community and an existing company expanding,” he said.

Sennebogen North America, a company that manufactures material moving equipment used in a variety of industries will open a facility in eastern Lincoln County, while MagnaTech Inc., a business that strengthens engine parts will move in to the Lincoln County Industrial Park. In addition, HofTextiles Inc. in Lincolnton has expanded its operations.

And according to Matherly, there may be more good news coming.

“We have a number of existing businesses that are contemplating expansion in ’09, and we still have a list of new companies looking at the area,” he said.

While Matherly says he knows any loss of jobs in the county does affect local residents, he also points out that it’s important to look at the big picture.

“The point is to look at the total picture, not just one announcement, as a barometer for the whole community,” he said.

Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for current up to date information on this new development.

Kannapolis Business Park Gains Certified Site Status

Concrescere Corporate Park Receives NC Department of Commerce Certification

Concrescere Corporate Park in Kannapolis has been approved for designation as a North Carolina Department of Commerce Certified Site.

The North Carolina Certified Sites program showcases premium sites that have been prequalified by undergoing a stringent site package preparation process, and have applied and met the approval of the North Carolina Certified Sites Steering Committee. Currently there are only 91 certified sites in the state and three are located in Cabarrus County.

Concrescere, by name definition, means to come together or grow together. The 75-acre corporate park is centrally located between Kannapolis, Concord, Mooresville and Davidson in northwestern Cabarrus County at NC Highway 3, Odell School Road and Davidson Road.

“The Concrescere Corporate Park is an example of the type of development we value as a city,” said Kannapolis Mayor Bob Misenheimer. “The project is very important as we continually work to expand our corporate and industrial product mix."

The park will also offer a solid anchor for the expansion along the Highway 3 corridor.

According to John Cox, president and CEO of Cabarrus Economic Development, the Cabarrus EDC is excited to partner with Concrescere.

“This park is strategically located between the NC Research Campus and Lowe’s Corporate Headquarters and will be a job creation center for years to come,” Cox said.

Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for current up to date information on this new development.

Concord Marketing Company Receives High Honors

Walker Marketing, Inc. Honored by MarCom Creative Awards

Walker Marketing, Inc. in Concord has received six MarCom Creative Awards for its marketing and communications projects.

The MarCom Creative Awards is an international awards competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communications professionals. Entries come from corporate marketing and communications departments, advertising agencies, public relations firms, graphic design shops and freelancers. Projects are evaluated individually based on stringent judging criteria and not judged directly against other entries.
Walker’s work was selected for recognition from more than 5,000 entries submitted from the United States and several foreign countries during this year’s competition.

“The MarCom Creative Awards gives winners the opportunity to show that their work is highly regarded within the creative industry,” said Gary Walker, president and CEO, Walker Marketing. “And further, it’s very rewarding for our clients to know that their projects rank among the best in the business.”

Walker Marketing took top honors – two MarCom Platinum Awards – ones for the agency’s own website, and one for the development of a capabilities brochure for Windshear, Inc. Projects for three other clients also received recognition as MarCom Gold Award winners. An image and capabilities brochure created for CM Black Construction Co., an advertising campaign for McClancy Seasoning, and a media placement in Southern Hospitality magazine for S&D Coffee all won Gold Awards.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to have Walker Marketing, Inc. and other outstanding businesses in the region. Thinking creatively and thinking outside of the box will help to continue to make this region the best in the state! For more information on Walker Marketing, Inc. please visit their website at http://walker-marketing.com/.


A Big Help for Small Businesses

First Bank Pledges $25,000 the Central Park NC Project

First Bank recently pledged $25,000 to Central Park NC in support of their mission to grow the regional economy by attracting and supporting small businesses. Central Park NC focuses their revitalization efforts in eight counties surrounding their Star headquarters: Anson, Davidson, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Rowan, and Stanly.

“First Bank is proud to make this donation to Central Park NC,” said First Bank President and CEO Jerry Ocheltree. “We look forward to continuing this successful partnership with the goal of helping to grow the region’s economy.”

Formerly known as the Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project, Central Park NC is a non-profit organization formed in 1993 with strong federal, state and foundation support. Central Park NC Executive Director Nancy Gottovi says that support from local business and individuals is essential in moving forward with the region’s development.

“First Bank’s leadership in making this donation sets a great example,” said Gottovi. “When community businesses like First Bank invest in these projects, that money stays in the community.”

First Bank’s donation, along with other local business contributions, goes towards funding the ongoing operational costs of running Central Park NC’s numerous cooperative programs aimed at growing new sustainable businesses based on the region’s natural and cultural resources.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to see local businesses contributing to organizations that help the community thrive. For more information on Central Park NC, please visit their website at http://centralparknc.org/.

December's Business Survey Prize Winner is…

Each month, the Centralina Workforce Development Board holds a drawing from Business Surveys that area businesses have completed and posted on our website.

Centralina is pleased to announce that the winner of this month’s drawing is the Stanly County Airport in New London, NC. David Griffin of the Stanly County Airport completed and submitted the survey. We thank David for helping us with our continuous improvement feedback process! For more information about the Stanly County Airport please visit their website www.stanlycountyairport.com.

If you haven't completed the survey, you can do so now by going to our website. It only takes a couple of minutes and by completing the survey, it will guarantee your entry into our next drawing.

For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development Employer Survey and the business services available through the Board and our local JobLink Career Centers, please contact Vail Carter at (704) 348-2710 or by email at vcarter@centralina.org.

 

Employment Statistics
 Updated Monthly on this E-Newsletter

October 2008
(Source: NC Employment Security Commission)
County
Unemployment Rate
Persons Employed
Anson
9.8%
10,009
Cabarrus
6.5%
78,508
Iredell
6.9%
77,315
Lincoln
8.5%
37,890
Rowan
7.3%
67,799
Stanly
7.4%
29,079
Union
6.2%
86,683
Centralina WDB Region
7.0%
387,283
State of NC
6.8%
4,285,788

For more information on employment, click here

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is in YOUR Community!

During the month of December 2008, 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 Performance Racing Industry trade show and the Motorsports Employment Taskforce detailed in this e-newsletter, here are some the activities of the Board members and WDB staff for December:

Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting - held on Tuesday December 9 at the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce in Kannapolis. Bill Heitman, Executive Director with Central Piedmont Community College’s Training Services presented a very informative and timely presentation on the Energy Economy and our region. Bill is head of CPCC’s Energy Taskforce. He discussed how the Board could seize on this opportunity to meet the workforce needs of existing and emerging energy providers and component manufacturers.

Centralina WDB JobLink Career Center Managers meeting – held on Tuesday December 9 at the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce in Kannapolis. Mike Massey presented information on the Disability Navigator Program designed to assist those with disabilities in obtaining JobLink services.

Monroe Economic Development Commission meeting - held on Thursday December 4 in Waxhaw. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars attended this meeting.

Rowan Biz-Ed Connect meeting - held on Friday December 5 at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director and Natasha Pender, Centralina WDB Program Associate participated in this meeting which included a presentation on the NC Graduation Project.

Union County JobReady Partnership meeting – held on Thursday December 11 at South Piedmont Community College in Monroe. Natasha Pender, Centralina WDB Program Associate participated in this meeting which featured a presentation from Greiner Bio One and a tour of their facility.

Mooresville Graded Schools Career and Technical Education Advisory Board meeting – held on Monday December 15 in Mooresville. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, participated in this meeting

PY 2008 Annual Workforce Investment Act (WIA) monitoring of Adult and Dislocated Worker and Youth services – conducted by Patricia White, Centralina WDB Operations Manager (I Care - Iredell County – December 1; Salisbury-Rowan Community Action - Rowan County – December 4; Union County Community Action – December 10; Employment Security Commission (ESC) – Finance Office in Raleigh – December 11; READ, Inc. – Anson County on December 16; I Care – Lincoln County – December 29; and ESC – Rowan County on December 31). Patricia and David Hollars also participated in a National Emergency Grant fact finding review with NC Department of Commerce, ESC, and Rowan JobLink officials in Salisbury on December 3. Additionally, the Centralina WDB staff assisted NC Department of Commerce –Division of Workforce Development officials in their Data Validation review of Workforce Investment Act participant case files on December 17-18.

Workforce Business Development and Assistance – provided by Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative for the following area companies:

  • Carolina Beer & Beverage (Mooresville) – Iredell County – December 1
  • Sullivan Corporation (Statesville) – Iredell County – December 3
  • Universal Forest Products (Salisbury) – Rowan County – December 10
  • Accuma (Statesville) – Iredell County – December 11
  • Crawford Composites (Denver) – Lincoln County –December 16
  • Cooper Tools (Monroe) – Union County –December 17

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 – The Competitive Force in Our Global Economy.

Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership Continues in 2009!

The Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) has announced its upcoming meeting for January 2009!

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday January 29, 2008 from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM with a location to be announced early next month.

This meeting is being held to review guidelines that will be released from the state that could allow the Regional Skills Partnership to receive funding for the execution of many of the elements outlined in the RSP implementation plan.

The implementation plan was submitted to the NC Department of Commerce in early November for review. The implementation plan is the action agenda for the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership for 2009-2010. Based on this implementation plan and with potential implementation funding available from Commerce, the Allied Health RSP will be addressing key issues to assure that the region has the allied health resources necessary to meet the healthcare needs of its citizens.

The plan contains the goals of the Allied Health RSP, both short term and long term, and also discusses governance, sustainability, funding, and leadership within the region.

To find out more about the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership, please visit the Competitive Workforce Alliance website at www.agreatworkforce.com and click on the Allied Health tab at the top of the page. To view the implementation plan, please click here. To get involved with the Allied Health RSP and the Competitive Workforce Alliance, please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by e-mail at dhollars@centralina.org.

New Lab at Community College Will Help Serve Workforce and Businesses in Iredell County

Mitchell Community College Receives Duke Energy Grant

Local manufacturers are concerned about the shortage of multi-skilled workers in Iredell County and they’ve turned to Mitchell Community College (MCC) for help.

Mitchell Community College is creating an Advanced Integrated Manufacturing System lab that will prepare the local workforce for 21st century jobs.

“This really adds a very important component to the resources we have at the college for training people for modern industry and industrial settings,” said President Douglas Eason.

The lab will provide training in motors and controls; programmable logic controls; electrical installation and maintenance; electrical power distribution and welding applications.

The lab, which will be set up in the Workforce Development building, will provide hands-on training for students in the continuing education program and curriculum program.

Workforce Development and Continuing Education Vice President and Centralina Workforce Development Board member Carol Johnson said MCC is “targeting maintenance people who work in industry and are required to know about a lot of different things.”

While corporate profits are on the decline, companies may begin looking for ways to squeeze more value out of workers.

“This economic slowdown is probably going to change the way companies do business,” Eason said.

Funding for the lab was made possible through a $177,500 grant the college received from Duke Energy. Over a two-year period, 30 students within the program will be served, according to Johnson. The $177,500 will be used to purchase equipment for the lab and will begin immediately.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to see one of its partners working to think of innovative ways to reach local businesses and to improve the workforce. Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for current up to date information on this new development.


Outstanding Achievements of our Local Schools

All of the school systems in the Centralina WDB region have been very busy lately making names for themselves and bringing a creative and innovative spotlight to our great region. Here is a list of just some of the things that they have been up to!

• Stanly Early College High School (Stanly County) was one of 15 schools across the state to receive the Real D.E.A.L. (dedicated educators, administrators and learners) award at the Teacher Working Conditions Conference.

• The Rowan-Salisbury School System is receiving two state grants to help keep students in school. The grants, worth a total of $263,000, were awarded to West Rowan High School and the Communities in Schools program. The money will go towards a flexible class schedules for students at risk of dropping out, and a new program called Mission Possible which will place a graduation coach at schools.

• Monroe High School (Union County) has landed a spot in the US News & World Report’s list of the best high schools in America for the second consecutive year. They received a bronze medal status from the magazine.

• Salisbury High School (Rowan County) and A.L. Brown High in Kannapolis (Cabarrus County) were recognized in the US News & World Report’s list of best high schools in America. Salisbury High was awarded the silver recognition and A.L. Brown High was awarded a bronze medal.

• Iredell County Tech Prep Consortium received a $99,500 grant from the State Board of Community Colleges. The grant will provide funding for opportunities and activities that support technical education and provide a seamless transition for high school students into community college technical programs. The Iredell Tech Prep Consortium is a collaboration among Mitchell Community College, Iredell-Statesville Schools, and the Mooresville Graded School District.

• Marshville Elementary and Sun Valley Middle Schools (Union County) were recognized at the STAR Award Celebration held by the Southwest Education Alliance. The award recognized the extraordinary efforts made by the schools across the Southwest Region that resulted in student success.

• Iredell-Statesville Schools has distinguished itself as one of the nation’s leaders in quality education. US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and President George W. Bush announced that the district is the 2008 recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The award is the nation’s highest presidential honor for organizational innovation and performance excellence. They were chosen out of 85 applicants.

• Southeast Middle and Bostian Elementary School (Rowan County) received the STAR award from the Southwest Education Alliance at UNC-Charlotte.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to see the local schools and school systems in our region achieving great accomplishments and working hard to improve our future workforce. We are very proud to be associated with each and every one of you!

 


NC Research Campus Update

Find Out What’s the Latest With This World Renowned New Development

Campus Welcomes New Member
Dr. Mihai Niculescu has been named to the UNC Nutrition Research Institute’s brain team at the NC Research Campus. In Kannapolis, Niculescu will study epigenetics and nutrition. This research helps explain how diet sets the “switches” that control gene expression. Specifically, he will investigate the role that a mother’s diet plays in how the brain of her fetus develops.

Niculescu earned his medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine in Bucharest, Romania, in 1995. He practiced medicine in Romania and was an assistant professor of physiology at Transylvania University in Brasov, Romania, from 1996 to 2000. In 2005, he earned his Ph.D. in nutritional biochemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill. His research focuses on how high-fat diets alter geneexpression.

Unusual Team to Run the Campus’s Core Lab
The Cabarrus Health Alliance announced it will launch the Public Health Research Institute at the North Carolina Research Campus. With financial help from Dole Food Company owner David Murdock, the health alliance “will seek to enhance and develop joint public health research opportunities between Cabarrus Health Alliance and the North Carolina Research Campus through collaborative relationships with university, corporate and community partners,” according to a release.

The institute will, primarily, work with the existing university partners at the research campus, like UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University. This will also push the health alliance’s efforts to become a Model Public Health Agency, where other public health departments across the country look for best practices in public health, Public Health Director, Fred Pilkington said.

“Public health never really gets to the forefront of anything,” said Pilkington. “This says a lot about the role of public health at the research campus.”

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.

Bright Rowan County Youth Looks to the Future Thanks to the Workforce Investment Act Program Funded by the Centralina WDB

Jamar, a bright young man with a troubled past, remembers the day during an eighth-grade class when he was reminded that some people didn’t believe in him. A substitute teacher that day said it loud and clear.

“Her words exactly: “Kids like you turn out to be nothing,” says Jamar.

Jamar struggled daily with troubles and issues. His life, at that time, had recently been turned upside down and he was living in a foster home and dealing with legal troubles. He struggled to focus on his classes and in the end, ending up dropping out of school. He says that he became totally disconnected in high school.

“I wasn’t doing nothing at all,” he says. “I would go to class and just sit there.”

Jamar figured he could speed up his education by quitting school and enrolling in a GED program. Now he is enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program at Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc.

The WIA Program is funded by the Centralina Workforce Development Board, and encourages youth to stay in school or earn a GED. Students who enroll in the program receive job training skills, guidance and counseling.

Joann Diggs is in charge of the Workforce Investment Act Program at Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc. and says that if Jamar works hard he can earn his GED before January 2009. Diggs says Jamar is a good example of what happens too often in our school system.

“I think the public needs to know about students like him,” she says. “They fall through the cracks if a program like this doesn’t help them.”

Jamar is determined to prove wrong the people who didn’t believe in him. He’s determined not to be a kid who turns out to be nothing.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud of Jamar and wishes him the best in his future and knows that he will be a positive impact in our workforce. For more information on the WIA Program please contact Patricia White at (704) 348-2718 or by e-mail at pwhite@centralina.org. For more information on the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc., please contact Joann Diggs at (704) 216-2189.
Joann Diggs, director of the Workforce Investment Act Youth Program, works at her desk in her office on Bank Street.

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NC Graduation Project and You

During the December 2008 Rowan County Biz –Ed Connect meeting in Salisbury, Kathy McDuffie talked to the group of attendees about the North Carolina Graduation Project’s implementation in the Rowan-Salisbury School System.

The North Carolina Graduation Project is a performance assessment that allows students to connect skills, content knowledge, and work habits to real world situations. The program is a state requirement for graduation, beginning with the class of 2010.

The Graduation Project is a culmination of skills that each student should have acquired during the course of their educational journey. The components of the project are: a research paper that demonstrates the students research and writing skills; a “product” which will serve as a demonstration of the topic that was chosen for the research paper; a portfolio that combines documents that tracks the students learning experience and research; and a 10-15 minute oral presentation that should communicate information gathered throughout the entire process, to a panel of reviewers.

The Project begins with 11th graders. They choose a topic to submit for approval. Once the topic is approved, students can immediately begin with gathering information. Students are required to pair with a mentor who is an expert in the field that the student has chosen to research for their project.

How can YOU help? Become a Mentor. You must be willing to commit to a minimum of 15 hours to “coach” a student and share your expertise. Become a Review Panelist. If you can devote one or two evenings to a local high school to serve as a reviewer during the oral presentation stage, all you need is one hour of training, and you can help to evaluate the project presentations. Or become a supporter. Provide resources or be willing to be interviewed by students whose project relates to your field of expertise.

Through the Graduation Project, students have an opportunity to demonstrate such skills as employability, information retrieval, computer knowledge, language, writing, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving. Completion of the project does not earn the student an actual letter grade. Students must complete the Graduation Project to receive their diploma, regardless of GPA. For more information please visit this website or contact your local school system to see how you can get involved and help with the NC Graduation Project.

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Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Conference for Students

The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Y.E.S. Conference for students from Cabarrus County and Kannapolis School Districts on Friday November 21, 2008. The Conference addresses Youth Employability Skills. Employers were on sight searching for factors that differentiate between a “fair” employee and a “great” employee.

The purpose of the YES Conference is to identify and address key skills that are important to getting and keeping a job.

Students underwent an actual interview process in which human resource managers were looking out for “soft” skills as they talked to potential employees. The students also heard from quest speakers that informed them of ways to have an advantage when seeking or keeping employment. Topics ranged from resume writing all the way to leadership skills.

Guest speakers included Keri Allman-Young (Rowan-Cabarrus Community College); Jason Pope (Chick-Fil-A owner); Tina Martin (Kannapolis City Schools); Cornelia Kerr (Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce); and Sandra Benfield (Carolinas Medical Center– Northeast). Conference topics were: Attitude, Dressing for Success, Interviewing Skills, and friends at work.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and Youth Council are proud to be partners with the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and are glad to see businesses and economic development reaching out to youth. The youth of today are tomorrow’s workforce. For more information on the Y.E.S. Conference, please contact Cornelia Kerr at the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce at (704) 782-4000.

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Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont Celebrate Generous Community Donations

The Boys and Girls Club of the Piedmont officials gathered recently to celebrate the financial support the club has received. During a gathering at Signal Hill Mall, club officials announced $489,573 in grant money had been received for the 2008-09 school year. The grant money will support afterschool and summer programs.

“Our community has stepped up once again, and it doesn’t surprise me,” Interim Chief Professional Officer and Centralina Youth Council member Rudy Davis said. “We certainly are amazed and grateful.”

Grants were received from many organizations, including Microsoft, NC Department of Public Instruction, the Iredell County Community Foundation for the Keystone Club, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, the Governor’s Crime Commission, and Carole and Ralph McKay also donated funds to the organization.

The new facility, which is being built at the corner of Garner Bagnal Boulevard and Cochran Street in Statesville (Iredell County), is slated for completion in March 2009. It will have two gymnasiums, game rooms, a learning and technology center, a teen center and five activity rooms.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud to see the community coming together to help serve the youth of today. A healthy well prepared youth, leads to a healthy well prepared workforce. For more information on the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont, please contact Rudy Davis at (704) 871-1607 extension 16.

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Organizations Partner to Reach Youth in Union County

Thanks to a partnership between the Union County Public Schools (UCPS) and the Union County Chamber of Commerce, 19 high school students are getting first-hand lessons in being the leaders of tomorrow. The students were chosen to participate in Youth Leadership Union, which was just formed this past August.

“The goal of this is to build leadership skills, while learning about the wealth of opportunities and diversity here in Union County,” said Linda Smith UCPS job development coordinator and Centralina Youth Council member.

Students meet regularly to tackle certain projects, most recent they met to focus on volunteer opportunities. The students established a volunteer project as a group that would benefit Union County. Other sessions dealt with diversity and creativity. The students meet once every six weeks until May 2009, when the group will have a culminating project together. The next meeting in January 2009 will allow students a first-hand look at the city and county government.

“I’m so pleased with these students,” Smith said. “They represent the richness of our youth here in Union County. These are the young adults I want to introduce to our local business and industry. I want them to know that this is the caliber of student we’re able to produce through partnerships with the Chamber; Union County Public Schools and the JobReady Partnership.”

Jordan Burrell, events and programs coordinator with the chamber had similar comments.

“These students are so well-rounded. I’m very impressed,” Burrell said. “This event teaches professionalism and helps these students learn self-confidence. It gives them opportunities and open doors for them.”

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud partners with Union County Public Schools and the Union County Chamber of Commerce. For more information on the Youth Leadership Union, please contact Linda Smith at (704) 283-5223.
Linda Smith, standing at right, and Jordan Burrell, events and programs coordinator with the Chamber of Commerce, standing in background, pass out information during the November 13, 2008, Youth Leadership Union meeting.

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New Graduates from Iredell County Teen Entrepreneurship Program are Ready to Take on the World

More than a dozen new Iredell County business owners can say they got their start at Teen Health, Inc. After participating in the Teen Entrepreneurship Program for four months, 16 high school students graduated this month. They can now officially call themselves business owners.

Sophomores from North Iredell High, South Iredell High, Collaborative College for Technology and Leadership, Statesville Senior High and West Iredell High students participated in the Teen Entrepreneurship Program and received certificates of completion for the course.

Students created a kaleidoscope of businesses that included babysitting, pet grooming, jewelry making, lawn care and nail care. They started at the bottom by creating business cards and flyers, analyzing their competition, learning to balance a check book, cultivating business plans and more.

The graduates of the Teen Entrepreneurship Program for 2008 include: Christopher Garrison, Kerry Hinson, Maria Marsh, Jaron Smith, Tifani Cupp, Adrionna Carey-Marks, Hailey Borkowski, Andrew Casteel, Daisy Chilchoa, Heidy Discua, Brittanee Frost, Sheila Rucker, Cody Chapman, Allen Eades, Rebecca Johnston, and Anthony Windsor.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and Centralina Youth Council would like to congratulate this year’s graduates and wishes them well in their future business endeavors. The next session for the Teen Entrepreneurship Program will begin on January 5, 2009. For more information on Teen Health, Inc. or the Teen Entrepreneurship Program, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.

Fall 2008 Teen Health Entrepreneurship Program graduates stand with their certificates.


 

  

What's Happening in the Region?

Comings, Goings, Kudos…

  • Jeanie Moore, Vice-President of Continuing Education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College gave a presentation at the Alabama College Association’s 2008 conference in Mobile. She discussed in depth Rowan-Cabarrus’ experience working with and retraining displaced workers from Pillowtex and other local manufacturers.
  
  • Anne Laukaitis has retired from the Cabarrus Partnership for Children. She has led the partnership since its inception 11 years ago. During that tenure, she has administered about $32 million in public and private funds for several early childhood education programs. Laukaitis is also an active on the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s Workforce Readiness Committee.
     
  • Cathy Cook, an English and communications instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College was chosen as a finalist for the 2008 NC Community College System – R.J. Reynolds Excellence in Teaching Award.
  
  • Gina Goff retired from the Cabarrus Health Alliance after 30 years of service. She has served as a health educator and executive director of Health Cabarrus for 10 years.
     
  • Patti Talley and Lisa Mauldin have recently joined the NC Cooperative Extension staff in Stanly County. Talley is the 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent and Maudlin is the 4-H secretary.  Talley is a graduate of NC State University and a long-time resident of Stanly County. Mauldin was most recently employed in the medical field and brings an enthusiastic desire to help youth.


  • Altria Group (parent company of Philip Morris USA in Concord) has made a $100,000 contribution to help shelter, feed, clothe, and keep warn Cabarrus County residents in need. Grants will be awarded from the Critical Needs Response Fund during the winter months to local non-profit service providers.

  • The Union County Chamber of Commerce awarded local leaders in the community with their 2008 awards. Linda Smith, a career development coordinator for Union County Public Schools and Centralina Youth Council Member received an award for her passion for bringing people together to accomplish a shared goal. Mumukshu Brahmbhatt was awarded the Minority Businessperson of the Year award, for his numerous UPS stores in the county. Shellee Comer, owner of accessory shop Silver Lining was awarded the Businesswoman of the Year award. Bill Norwood, president and CEO of State Utility Contractors was awarded the Businessman of the Year award. Clark Goodwin was awarded the Business Leadership Hall of Fame award.
 

• Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting
Tuesday January 13, 2009 – 4:30 PM
Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce – Kannapolis

• Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership Steering Committee
Thursday January 29, 2009 – 11:30 AM
Location: TBA
Contact: Emily Clamp 704.348.2732

• Centralina Youth Council Meeting
Thursday January 15, 2009 – 10:00 AM
Boys & Girls Club - Concord

• Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon
Friday January 16, 2009 – 11:30 AM
Charles Mack Citizen Center
Contact: 704.664.3898

• Eggs & Issues: Annual Legislative Breakfast form the Rowan Chamber of Commerce
Thursday January 22, 2009 – 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Holiday Inn of Salisbury
Cost: $15 (includes breakfast)
Contact: 704.633.4221

NC Workforce Development Training Center Training Announcements

Career Development Facilitator
Thursday January 22 and Friday January 23, 2009
or Wednesday February 11 and Thursday February 12, 2009
Cost: $525
Location: Workforce Development Training Center – Raleigh
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Contact: Robin Broome at (919) 306-1819

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 Robbin Broome at (919) 306-1819 or visit their website for more information at www.ncwdtc.com.
 

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