The Centralina Workforce Development Board has been recognized by the North Carolina Commission on Workforce Development for meeting the standards for high performance workforce development boards as established by the Commission. Centralina WDB Chairman Bob VanGorden and WDB Executive Director David Hollars participated in an awards ceremony held at the Commission’s February 25, 2009 meeting at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh.

David Hollars stated “the Centralina WDB and its members, under the leadership of Bob VanGorden, have worked tirelessly to build strong partnerships and develop strategic workforce development solutions that help local businesses and career seekers”. Hollars also said that “our Workforce Investment Act program operators, JobLink Career Centers, and other partners are the true local workforce heroes that help make the Board so successful."

For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development Board or how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.centralinaworks.com or contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or e-mail at dhollars@centralina.org.

“Nip It In the Bud!”
Silos in Non-Profits

Viewpoint from Centralina WDB Chair Bob VanGorden

When I was a child growing up in the farm belt of Central Indiana, silos were nothing out of the ordinary. They rose above the weather-beaten farm houses along every gravel road. From the time I was ten years old until I was out of high school I must have seen all of them at one time or another from the passenger side of my father’s dusty truck.

Dad drove for an Indianapolis creamery and every day ran his route of back-road dairy farms, collecting huge cans of milk for processing. I often went along to help him out. The silos were the tallest structures I had ever seen. Their purpose was to hold corn silage – the fermenting grain, corn stalks and other leftovers from crops. Silage was a high-protein food for cattle. Although it had a terrible odor, when cycled through a cow it produced great milk.

I don’t remember the first time I heard “silo” used to describe how some departments, divisions, or even committees try to function within an organization. I do remember the concept caught my attention and I realized these “business silos” had the same terrible odor as the silos of my youth, but without producing anything that someday could be turned into ice cream.

I remembered seeing these silos rising from the cubicles and production lines of businesses, but I also had seen them towering above non-profit organizations, schools, government agencies, churches, and even families. Any time two or more human beings got together to try to accomplish some task, it seemed it was just a matter of time before someone tried to construct a silo.

Several business gurus have attempted to define precisely what a silo is. My favorite comes from Patrick Lencioni, author of “Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars.” Lencioni says silos are nothing more than the barriers that exist between departments within an organization, causing people who are supposed to be on the same team to work against one another.

My own observations tell me people build these silos out of fear and insecurity. Those who operate within a silo view feedback from outside the group like the judgment of a jury. In other words, the best offense is a good defense. High walls make good neighbors. Hide what you are doing in the silo and no one can challenge your wisdom.

It would be a mistake, however, to lay the blame for silos primarily on the workers and sub-managers who build them. The real construction engineer is not at the bottom of the organization or even in the middle. The real engineer is sitting behind the big walnut desk in his or her private office.

Silos are the result of inconsistent, poorly-focused leadership. Leaders cause their subordinates to build silos by failing to provide vision, a sharply defined mission, proper planning and adequate training. If we were unable to clearly define the goals and objectives of Centralina Workforce Development Board, it is a safe bet that silos will flourish within our organization.

But there is good news. It is much easier to not build the silo than it is to disassemble it once it is constructed. Silos not only cost organizations and company’s dollars through inefficiency, they cost them through the loss of good employees and committed volunteers. Real team players cannot grow or contribute in a silo. Eventually, they will leave for places where they can make a contribution and receive the rewards of success.

With the game changing events taking place in our economy today, it’s time to be ruthlessly honest about the old “Silos” towering above our agency, while keeping an eye out for any new ones we might be tempted to build.

The next time you hear words like “my department” or “my division” or “my people” or “my budget,” or “my funds,” you can be assured the foundation is being laid for an awesome “Silo.” My recommendation is that you follow the advice of Barney Fife: “Nip it! Nip it in the bud! Nip it! Nip it!”

Students were able to participate in some hands on activities to help them find out more about certain careers.

Representatives from South Piedmont Community College attended the first Annual Career Fair in Anson County.

What’s New in Training?

Update on New Programs at Centralina WDB area Community Colleges

During the economic downturn, local organizations are working hard to help those that are unemployed. The local community colleges in the Centralina WDB region are no exception. Here are some recent new offerings and assistance available to help those looking to improve their skills.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
For a second-consecutive year, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) and its R3 Center have received a grant from the NC Tobacco trust Fund Commission to provide career training assistance to local tobacco workers, their family members and local businesses adversely impacted by changes in the tobacco industry.

RCCC and the R3 Center have received a $30,000 grant to continue work the center started in 2008 from an initial grant of $40,000. Both grants are part of the Project Skill-UP Program of the NC Community College System. The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is supporting Project Skill-UP with funding to support workforce development programs at a number of community colleges. The overall objective of Project Skill-UP is to provide assistance for individuals in the tobacco industry, including career exploration activities.

For more information about the Skill-Up Program please contact the R3 Center at (704) 216-7201 or visit the center’s website at www.rowancabarrus.edu/r3center.

Mitchell Community College is helping train laid-off workers in Iredell County by offering a new high in demand program. Mitchell Community College’s Industrial Technician Program is in its first year and is filling seats fast. The courses are part of a three-part program in which students learn welding, programmable logic controls and industrial motors and controls.

Instructor Andrew Maylish has noticed a trend in the students who enroll in his class. Most are unemployed or retired and looking to do something different, or a younger generation seeking skills to get a job that pays more than minimum wage.

Beverly Hedrick, director of occupational extension for Mitchell Community College’s Continuing Education Division, said the students are looking to be trained in advanced technical skills so they can find work. For more information on this program at Mitchell Community College please contact Beverly Hedrick at (704) 878-3235.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner with all of the community colleges in the region and encourages you to find out what your local community college can offer you. These are just two examples of what our community colleges are doing to assist during this downturn. For more information on your local community college, please contact Emily Clamp at (704) 348-2732 or by e-mail at eclamp@centralina.org.

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 third and final application round for funding will close on Tuesday May 19, 2009. 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 May 19, 2009. So don’t delay, submit your application today!

Creating Success through Hope, Opportunities, and Jobs

Centralina Workforce Development Board, Stanly Community College, and Others Partner to Educate on Workforce Needs

Creating Success — Hope, Opportunity and Jobs was the theme for a seminar held at Stanly County Commons in Albemarle on Wednesday February 18, 2009.

The event sponsored through Stanly Community College, Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, Stanly County Economic Development Commission, the Stanly County JobLink Career Center/ESC, and the Centralina Workforce Development Board was designed to explain to the community what skills, education and other information is important to companies when hiring their employees.

Panelists from various areas such as healthcare, business and industry, retail and service, financial and government were on hand to answer questions about jobs in their businesses, as well as skills and education needed for those jobs.

In addition to the panelists, the event featured vendors from Stanly County Schools, Pfeiffer University, Department of Social Services, Stanly County JobLink Career Center/ESC, Monarch NC, Centralina Workforce Development Board, First Bank, Greene’s Catering and Amusements, Stanly Community College, N.C. Air National Guard, Vocational Rehabilitation, Stanly County Library, GHA, Bank of Stanly and Stanly Manor.

Vail Carter, Centralina Workforce Development Board Business Service Representative who served as a panelist at the event said, ““Education is the key. Whether it’s in the form of an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or a certification, having a working knowledge of the skills needed for a job is essential.”

Kevin Gullette, Stanly County Economic Development Director, agreed with this statement, saying: “Skills stay with you. They cannot be shipped offshore with a business. People need to take a proactive role in their careers. They need to be curious and want to continue to learn.”

Several panelists all agreed that having the basic “soft skills” was also important.

“Things like being on time, being prepared and dressing properly are all important. Also people need to be aware that most businesses now complete drug screenings,” according to Nathan Sanges, Stanly County JobLink Career Center Manager.

Other skills and traits businesses look for are to be present and on time, to be ambitious but not be afraid to state what you cannot do and to embrace change by being willing to continue to learn and train.

This was the first event of this type held in Stanly County and would not have been possible without the assistance of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, Stanly County Economic Development Commission, the Stanly County JobLink Career Center and the local business community. For more information concerning the Creating Success Event contact Kathy Gardner at Stanly Community College at (704) 991-0278 or Vail Carter at Centralina WDB at (704) 348-2710.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is in YOUR Community!

During the month of February 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 Anson County Career Fair and the Stanly County Creating Success event detailed in this e-newsletter, here are some the activities of the Board members and WDB staff for February:

Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting - held on Tuesday February 10 at the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce in Kannapolis. As a means to address the Board’s “Improving Functional Literacy” goal, the Board welcomed three local Communities in Schools (CIS) directors (Billy Marsh – Lincoln, Catherine Campbell – Cabarrus, and Dr. Bill Anderson – Charlotte-Mecklenburg) who presented CIS’ Performance Learning Center concept. The centers offer a business-like learning environment for academic innovation especially for students who are not succeeding in the traditional school setting. Board members had a spirited and informative discussion regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“Economic Stimulus”) and its impact on workforce development services. Board committee chairs presented reports. The Board approved the submission of 10 Incumbent Worker applications to NC Department of Commerce. Information on regional initiatives and updates on other key workforce issues were also provided.

Financial Services Sector Project Team meetings – held every Wednesday during February. This group, led by Leslie Boney, is charged with developing the plans and strategies to address the current and anticipated layoffs from the financial service sector businesses in the Charlotte region for submission to Governor Beverly Perdue in early March. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director and Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative participated in these meetings and are charged with development of project specific solutions.

Centralina WDB Business Performance Committee meeting – held on Thursday February 5 at WA Brown & Son in Salisbury. Chaired by WDB member Pam Cordts, the Business Performance Committee agreed to draft a short survey, to include some open ended questions for deployment to local businesses. The focus is to gain intelligence on how the current economic conditions are impacting their business as it relates to workforce development.

Centralina WDB Workforce Readiness Committee meeting – held on Friday February 6 at Union County Smart Start offices in Monroe. Chaired by WDB member Mary Ann Rasberry, the Workforce Readiness Committee critiqued and added feedback on the Valuing Education Initiative Taskforce’s recommendations in relation to the Board’s Lifelong Learning Campaign.

Stanly County Career Readiness meeting – held on Wednesday February 11 at Stanly County Schools offices in Albemarle. The meeting was designed to keep agencies, organizations, and businesses in touch with workforce needs and services in the community. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director attended the meeting and provided up-to-date information on the impact of the economic stimulus package on workforce development efforts in Stanly County.

Union County Career & Technical Education meeting - held on Friday February 13 at the Union County Schools Professional Development Center in Monroe. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director served as a presenter at the meeting to bring school administrators, school/career counselors, and others information on the use of the Career Readiness Certification program and WorkKeys with the schools and with local businesses.

Stanly County First Responders meeting – held on Monday February 16 at the Stanly County Economic Development Commission office in Albemarle. Called by Kevin Gullette, Stanly County EDC Director, the meeting was focused on Stanly County being ready to handle any plant closings or layoffs that may occur and to provide a smooth transition for dislocated workers into other employment or into training opportunities. Also participating in the meeting were David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director; Nathan Sanges, Stanly County JobLink/ESC; Lindsey Sigmon, Stanly County EDC; and Kathy Gardner and Kathy Almond from Stanly Community College.

Union County JobReady Partnership meeting – held on Thursday February 19 at Goodrich Corporation in Monroe. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, attended this meeting.

Mooresville Graded Schools Career and Technical Education Advisory Board meeting – held on Monday February 23 at Mooresville Ford in Mooresville. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, participated in this meeting where participants developed a mission statement and action plans for the board.

NC Department of Public Career and Technical Education Administrative Internship Program conference – held on February 26 and 27 in Winston-Salem. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director served as a panelist at the conference and provided insight on the Centralina WDB’s partnerships local career and technical education programs in local school systems and the community.

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

• PowerStream Industries (Locust) – Stanly County – February 18
• Chicago Tube & Iron (Locust) – Stanly County – February 18
• Cross-Tech Tool & Die (Troutman) – Iredell County - February 23
• Yates Performance Engines (Mooresville) – Iredell County – February 24
• Rock Tenn (Formerly Southern Container – Mooresville) – Iredell County – February 25
• Oiles America (Concord) – Cabarrus County – February 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.

Looking for a Job? Ask the Expert!

R3 Center Director Answers Questions about Job Searching

The R3 Center in Kannapolis, an adult career development site run by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, has been well positioned to help job seekers lately.

Between layoffs at NASCAR shops, Freightliner and Philip Morris USA, there has been no shortage of clients using the center. The advent of the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis also has sent people to the center looking for information about jobs tied to the biotech complex.

The R3 center has served more than 3,000 clients since it opened in January 2007, and offers free individual counseling services as well as career development workshops throughout the year. Keri Allman-Young, the site director, stressed the free nature of the service, as well as the need to call ahead at (704) 216-7201 for that help.

Those who use the service do not have to be from Cabarrus or Rowan County, Allman-Young said, and people from all over the region have been checking it out, especially with an eye toward biotech jobs.

The three Rs stand for Refocus, Retrain and Re-employ. Workshops are meant to help with career plans and offer practical advice for landing jobs.
Allman-Young gave some tips they offer at various workshops for individuals looking for a job.

Q. What are some challenges facing people who are 50 or older looking for work?
We talk about age perception. Our No. 1 thing we tell them is you never put the year you graduated from high school on your resume. A resume is not an application. It's OK to show a work history of 20 years, but we're trying to eliminate (chances of) age discrimination.

We also work on the confidence level of people who have not interviewed for a job for a number of years or who are trying a new industry. Preparation is important, and will help build confidence. They need to learn about a company or a career in the industry, what to expect going into an interview and how things have changed. There is more ethics testing. And they should not expect an immediate response. We also look at their networking circle, and for programs that apply to them (that look to hire older workers). We are a resource for that.

Q. Can you talk about online job hunting issues?
We've had a lot of people ask questions about using the Internet to submit resumes, and how online applications work. We know a lot of companies' Web site applications are very long. People are intimidated by that and stop midway through. People need to assess their computer skills.

We list online places that people can register with their local Employment Security Commission. And we focus on (job boards) that are free of charge. It's also important to have your resume in a format that can be transferred electronically, and be opened as an attachment.

Q. What are a few common job fair mistakes that people make?
People forget to dress appropriately. Remember, this is the first contact with a (potential) employer. They need to have something to write with. And they should not bring their kids. They should be prepared to fill out a job application, provide contact information and ideally have a resume with them. They should also have a game plan. A lot of people walk up to a table and ask about what you can tell me. Be forward. Introduce yourself first and start a conversation. And keep in mind the job fair is not a giveaway. We've had people come in with bags for picking up pins or squeeze balls.

Q. With so many folks attending job fairs, how can people help themselves stand out?
Tip No. 1 is research as much as possible. See who is sponsoring the fair and the types of employers that will be there. Or tailor your resume to a specific employer. If it's Food Lion, for instance, tailor your resume for an entry position at Food Lion, and know as much about the company as possible. The more prepared the better. People are not prepared when they come into a job fair. It's rare that people go in with resumes and introduce themselves on the spot.

Q. Talk about what people need to do if they are looking for work and have a criminal record.
A criminal record is the easiest thing to find out about an individual. Some employers will ask about a criminal record for the past seven years, or whether it was a misdemeanor or felony. Some will just ask a yes or no question. We're talking about something that really has an impact on someone's confidence.

We go over how you approach a discussion about your background in your application or interview. It's very hard for (people with a criminal background) to even get to an interview. On the application, if they ask for an explanation, say, “I would like to discuss it with you in an interview.” Some people stick to the facts, dates, charges, and say they would like to detail it in an interview. And we stress that they need to learn how to take one word out of their vocabulary: “Explain.”

Q. What's wrong with “explain?”
If you “explain,” it builds up differences between you and someone with no criminal record. You don't want the word “explain” to be misinterpreted as a justification. Instead, say this is part of my past; I'd like you to understand this happened, and I overcame it.

Q. Any other advice for job seekers?
We hear about a lot of unemployed individuals are preyed upon. A lot of people claim they have solutions. Try us before you spend money (to find a job), especially with the economy the way it is.
We also talk about creating business cards or index-card size profile cards with contact information, and that is a little eye catching, or develop an individual brochure to help you stand out that you could include with a resume or job application.

These are just some of the tips that are given at the workshops that are held at the R3 Center in Kannapolis. For a full list of their workshops and other events please visit their website at www.rowancabarrus.edu/r3center. For other helpful tips when job hunting please visit the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s website at www.centralinaworks.com.

Help is Not a Four Letter Word!

Celebrate Workforce Development Professionals Month with the Centralina Workforce Development Board

May is Workforce Development Professionals Month and the Centralina Workforce Development Board wants to show appreciation to all who work in the profession. It is not an easy job and your hard work does not go unnoticed. We are all stretched to the limit, but remember - Help Is Not a Four-Letter Word! Join us in celebrating Workforce Development Professionals and see Why Doing It All Is Doing You In.

Can’t ask for help? Can’t delegate because no one else can do it as well as you can? Feel responsible for everyone and everything? Need to always be in control? You may have Self-Sufficiency Syndrome.

Come learn all about this never - before discussed self-defeating behavior that just might be the reason you’re feeling close to burn-out, off balance and stressed to the max.

Peggy Collins, professional motivational speaker, trainer and job coach will be featured at two events in the month of May honoring Workforce Development Professionals. At these events you will be able to:

• Find out what Self-Sufficiency Syndrome is
• Learn all about its Payoffs and Price Tags
• Where did it come from?
• What can we do about it to move toward work-life balance and life fulfillment?
• Design an Action Plan for Change

As a recent participant at one of Peggy Collins’ session said “this is life-changing information!” This is not-to-be missed workshop is full of accounts, stories, interactivity, and great right to the point information. You will walk out different and better than when you walked in!

Registration information will be sent out soon. For more information on these events or to find out how you can get involved in your community during Workforce Development Professional month, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.

NC Research Campus Update

Find Out What’s the Latest with This World Renowned Biotech Development

New Partners in Talks with the Campus
It seems like every day more and more companies, universities, and colleges join the NC Research Campus and become strong partners. Here are a few possible newcomers to the Campus.

Monsanto, the St. Louis – based agriculture company, is said to be in talks with research campus developer Castle & Cooke, but nothing definite has been planned. Monsanto focuses on agriculture research and technology. Its brands include Round-Up weed killer and Bollguard, which protects cotton plants against the insect boll weevil.

Ketchup maker H.J. Heinz Co. visited the NC Research Campus recently and might partner with the biotechnology complex. Heinz is evaluating how a partnership with the campus could fit with the company’s long-term product research and development initiatives, specifically relating to nutrition and wellness.

Sensory Spectrum will be moving to the Campus and using the old K&W Cafeteria space on Oak Avenue in Kannapolis. The building will be an 11,000 square-foot lab and will be called the Spectrum Discovery Center North Carolina. The new lab will offer a variety of services to companies around the world and researchers in Kannapolis. Please continue to look to the Centralina E-Newsletter for updates about this exciting development.

Seeing the Future
Recently 2,300 elementary students in the Kannapolis City School System were able to visit the UNC Nutrition Research Institute over five days.

Researchers talked to each group in kid-friendly terms about what a scientist does. Then students were able to check out science exhibits prepared by every elementary school and displayed at the Research Campus.

Each school took a different theme from the system’s science curriculum. High school students set up interactive labs where kids could jump on plates or squeeze sensors to see how much force they created. All in all, the event was a great success!

MURDOCK Study
The MURDOCK Study has started at the NC Research Campus. Many locals are already participating in the study that is being conducted by Duke University.

Dole Food Company owner David Murdock gave Duke a $35 million gift in 2007 to start the study and pledged his support to find other grant funding to keep the study going.

The study is centered at the NC Research Campus and will use the advanced scientific equipment in the Core Research Laboratory to help identify genetic differences of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis and hepatitis.

Anyone interested in participating in the study must enroll and must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Kannapolis or Cabarrus County. For more information contact the MURDOCK Study office in Kannapolis at (877) 679 – 2508.

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.

Visit our website at www.centralinaworks.com to learn more about the Centralina WDB
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