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Picture above article: Lab students from Central Piedmont Community College had a booth at the Expo to show participants their equipment and educate them on their profession. |
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Crime Scene Analysts did a demonstration at the Healthcare Career Expo. |
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A family stops at a booth to learn about the career. |
Reaching the Workforce of Tomorrow Today
Union Smart Start Teams with Union Department of Social Services to Offer First Ever In-Home Parenting Program
Union County is doing something quite groundbreaking in the community, by trying to reach the upcoming workforce of tomorrow today. Union County’s new in-home parenting assistance program for Work First recipients is a collaborative effort between the Union County Department of Social Services and Union Smart Start.
Smart
Start In-Home Parenting will assist Work First families with children
5 years of age or younger by teaching basic skills such as parenting,
child development, budgeting, household management and crisis management.
According to Work First employment supervisor Steve Ramsey, In-Home Parenting will allow in-depth counseling that currently is not available.
“Many participants need more than the financial assistance they’re receiving; they need assistance with basic parenting and life skills,” he said. “Some Work First clients are single parents who struggle with family demands on a daily basis.”
“Currently, our social workers don’t have time to go to the homes,” Ramsey said. “Their typical interaction with clients is at our office.”
The
new program will allow the In-Home Parenting social worker to see
a total family interaction and to initiate positive parenting and
life skills practices. In March, social workers started making weekly
home visits for six weeks, followed by twice-month practices.
Using the nationally recognized Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum, the social worker will help families recognize needs that otherwise might not be identified until the child enters child care or kindergarten. Be addressing any issues before the child enters child care or kindergarten can lead to a better student, a more positive youth and a productive individual in the workforce.
The program utilizes practical applications of research such as promoting warm nurturing relationships, making changes toward healthier lifestyles, recognizing early warning signs of health and developmental problems and supporting and enriching their child’s development.
Services such as dental care, speech therapy and other community services will be recommended as needed. Other topics include supporting early language and literacy development, providing environments that support independent movement, choosing quality child care, providing appropriate guidance for young children and dealing with temper tantrums.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is strong partners with both Union County Smart Start and Union County Department of Social Services. The Board is proud to see two partners working together to reach the workforce at its earliest stages and at some of the most formable years. For more information on the Smart Start In-Home Parenting please contact Steve Ramsey at (704) 296-4320.
You Are Invited to Attend!
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!
Save the Dates!
Wednesday May 6, 2009 - 10:00am – 2:00pm at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville
Thursday May 7, 2009 - 10:00am – 2:00 pm at South Piedmont Community College in Monroe.
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.
What’s Up with Local Community Colleges?
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 or looking to be retrained. 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.
Stanly
Community College (SCC) recently acquired mobile units
to address the increasing demands for the adult literacy programs.
The college has provided these programs to the community since its
inception in July 1971.
While the college has witnessed a dramatic increase in these programs, it has severly outgrown the classroom space allocated.
In October 2008, mobile units were assembled next to the Corporate & Professional Education Center on the Albemarle campus. The mobile units accommodate six large classrooms and seven offices, approximately 5,000 square-feet in entirety. By January 2009, students from all over the county were utilizing the units and the services provided
“We offer opportunities to help adults gain the skills needed to move into the workforce at a competitive pay scale or to advance to high education,” SCC President Dr. Michael Taylor said. Basic skills programs are designed to help adults in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and advanced education.
“Our literacy programs enable people to fulfill their educational dreams. SCC’s Adult Literacy Department provides an environment that focuses on each individual’s particular needs. Last semester, 153 students received their high school or GED diplomas. We also serve students through our English as a Second Language, HRD, and Compensatory Education programs,” Said Tammy Barrett, SCC Basic Skills director.
For more information about the Adult Literacy programs at Stanly Community College please contact Tammy Barrett at (704) 991-0335 or by email at tbarrett1350@stanly.edu.
South
Piedmont Community College inaugural industrial maintenance
class is attracting a lot of attention from job seekers in the community.
Many students are taking the 13-week course to make themselves more
attractive job applicants.
“I want a job, and I want to learn a new trade and different responsibilities,” said Glenn Harrah, a man in his 40s with more than 20 years of experience in hospital and building maintenance. “Hopefully, it will help me get a job.”
In the class, students learn everything from power transmissions and chains to belts and gears. Russell Carpenter, the course instructor, makes sure each student has a vast knowledge of industrial conveyer systems and production machines. He also teaches electrical maintenance, fluid power and mechanical classes.
Since SPCC just started the programs in the fall of 2008, Carpenter said, “A lot of people don’t know these courses are here.” He’s already seen the courses taught at the Old Charlotte Highway Campus in Monroe grow from four students to 20 in one semester. Many of Carpenter’s students have felt the stings of layoffs, but they haven’t lost hope, thanks in large part to their teacher’s persistence. Carpenter keeps an open line of communication with businesses and job sponsors about the latest openings.
“We don’t guarantee job placement, but we do everything in our power to help,” said Carpenter. “We try to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry.”
For more information about the new industrial maintenance program at SPCC please contact Russell Carpenter at (704) 290-5100 or by email at rcarpenter@spcc.edu.
Mitchell
Community College has a new nursing lab that is like
walking into a hospital room. The lab houses all sorts of medical
equipment used in hospitals, including blood pressure instruments,
oxygen masks, intravenous tubes, stethoscopes, physical assessment
models and more.
One thing that is clearly different is the patients occupying the beds. Instead of humans, nursing students practice on state-of-the-art mannequins. The mannequins can simulate coughing, vomiting and respiratory problems. They even have a pulse.
Once students have performed a scenario on a mannequin, the simulator provides feedback on their performance. The lab was built and fully outfitted in the summer of 2008. This is the first full year that nursing students are utilizing it.
Gaston
College students can now complete a associate degree
at the school’s Lincoln campus that will allow them to transfer
to a four-year college. Making this possible is the $3.4 million
Jerry W. Cochrane Science and Technology Center. A dedication for
the building was held on Thursday March 26.
“To have my name attached to this building is the greatest honor and I think undeserved that I’ve ever had,” Cochrane said. Those attending the dedication disagreed. “I can’t think of a finer individual for the facility to be named after,” said David Black, mayor of Lincolnton. Cochrane, a Lincolnton native, former president of Cochrane Furniture, and former Centralina Workforce Development Consortium member, has dedicated his time to a long list of organizations.
Students now can receive a two-year degree in Lincolnton that will transfer to any public four-year college. Lincoln County gave $1 million to make the building a reality. Fundraising for the building began around five years ago. Besides Lincoln County, the biggest supporter was the Timken Foundation, which donated $375,000.
“We have citizens who cannot get to the Dallas campus on a daily basis, but they can get here,” said Alex Patton, current chairman of the Lincoln County commissioners. Patton said investing in education is investing in the future of Lincoln County.
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.
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Back at the Top!Statesville and Mooresville are Ranked Number 1 for 2008
These Iredell County communities have achieved the top ranking four out of the past five years. Statesville and Mooresville had an excellent year in 2008, with a total of 17 projects and total new capital investment of $377 million. “New capital investment and job creation is critical to the ongoing success of Iredell County,” said Godfrey Williams, chairman of the Iredell County Commission. “Our past success is impressive and we can build off of this success to overcome what we are facing today as a result of the weak national economy.” Statesville and Mooresville is a key employment center in the Charlotte Region for industrial headquarters/back office and motorsports. The area has seen a tremendous population growth over the past several years providing companies with a solid workforce along with unmatched quality of life, outstanding educational system, and excellent highway accessibility and low operating costs. “We appreciate the recognition,” said Bill Thunberg, Town of Mooresville mayor. “Our area benefits from a strong partnership between the Town, County and the private sector as we seek to create job opportunities and investment. It is a great place to do business.” The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to have two of the top ranked micropolitan communities in its region. Congratulations to these two towns that continuingly work hard to better the region. For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development Board, please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by e-mail at dhollars@centralina.org.
Downtown Albemarle Businesses Spring ForthMany Small Businesses Opening in Stanly CountyDespite the current state of the economy, Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC) recently announced that several projects are underway in the downtown Albemarle area. “In spite of the negative views on the economy, things continue to happen in the downtown area. People are still willing to invest and development continues to happen,” said Vicki Coggins, executive director for ADDC.
According to Chris Bramlett, chair of the ADDC, the plan is to open the restaurant in April. It will be owned and operated by a husband and wife team, who have more than 20 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry and culinary arts field. Another project follows closely on the heels of a store closing. Though Albemarle Hobbies, recently closed its doors, it will soon reopen as a coffee shop. Work is already under way to remodel the inside of the structure, which will soon house a coffee shop/ice cream parlor though a name for the restaurant has yet to be determined. The owner hopes to have it open within two months. Other projects include a specialty retail shop, a dollhouse and miniatures shop, and other restaurants that are utilizing older buildings in the downtown area. “These people are making a major investment in our community and they are excited about what’s happening, not only with the business, but with the entire downtown area,” Coggins 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. Want to Know How to Grow Your Business?Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Small Business Center Offers business Growth Seminars
These programs are designed for people with established and growing small businesses. The Small Business Center at RCCC is a community-based provider of education, training, counseling, information and referral, assisting entrepreneurs with business ideas and existing small business ventures. SBC seminars cover a broad range of small business topics, including business start-ups, business financing, marketing, internet business, business growth and development, taxes, recordkeeping and customer service. For more information about the center, please call Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at (704) 216-3512 or you can send an email to sbc@rowancabarrus.edu, or visit their website at www.rowancabarrus.edu/sbc/. For a listing of their upcoming seminars please click here. |
Statesville
and Mooresville have reason to celebrate!
The two towns have regained their number one micropolitan
community ranking in 2008 for new and expanding facilities
by 
Among
these projects are several new businesses that could be
categorized as retail, dining and entertainment, which are
developmental areas that the ADDC feels the downtown area
has been lacking. Once such project is a new restaurant,
known as Off the Square, which will be located in the old
Firehouse Café on Second Street.
The
Duke
Energy
EDC
chairman Jeanie Moore said her organization
appreciated the chance to partner with Duke Energy through
the Carolinas Investment Fund. 
On
Sunday March 22, 2009, the NBC show “The Celebrity
Apprentice” featured ACN’s videophone, the Iris
3000. During the 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM episode, viewers
saw the competing teams tasked with introducing the videophone
and its new technology to the world. The team with the highest
energy and strongest emotional appeal won.
Employment Statistics
Updated
Monthly on this E-Newsletter
| January
2009 (Source: NC Employment Security Commission) |
||
| County | Unemployment
Rate |
Persons
Employed |
| Anson | 13.8% |
9,118 |
| Cabarrus | 10.1% |
75,466 |
| Iredell | 11.7% |
70,344 |
| Lincoln | 12.7% |
34,544 |
| Rowan | 11.4% |
62,876 |
| Stanly | 12.1% |
26,599 |
| Union | 9.7% |
84,100 |
| Centralina WDB Region | 11.0% |
363,047 |
| State of NC | 10.2% |
4,055,997 |
For more information on employment, click here
Centralina WDB Presents LEAN for JobLink
Quality Conference of the Carolinas
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Charlotte Section 1110, South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCEMP) and York Technical College hosted the annual Quality Conference of the Carolinas on Tuesday March 24 at York Tech in Rock Hill, SC. The theme of the conference was “Applying Quality Principles for Improved Performance”. Mike Helton, President of NASCAR was the keynote speaker for the conference. Breakout workshops were held throughout the day with topics ranging from Six Sigma to Lean Transformation to Training with Industry.
One
of the afternoon workshops was titled “LEAN Government –
Not an Oxymoron!” David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive
Director, and John Lynch with PQI Consulting
served as presenters. John Lynch provided examples of LEAN in action
in governmental situations. David Hollars explained the process
that the Centralina WDB in conjunction with John Lynch has developed
to offer LEAN for the local JobLink Career Center system.
For more information of the ASQ conference, please visit their website at www.asqcharlotte.org. To learn more about LEAN for JobLink, contact David Hollars at the Centralina WDB at (704) 348-2717 or dhollars@centralina.org.
Partnering for a Brighter Future
SHARE Network Summit Provides Valuable Information for Faith-Based and Community Organizations
Over 40 people participated in the Partnering for a Brighter Future SHARE Network event held on Thursday March 26, 2009 at Christ Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC. The workforce summit was designed to help local faith-based and community organizations better assist individuals in their communities to become employed. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars kicked off the event with a challenge to each of the organizations represented to work closely with their local workforce development partners and realize how important their organizations can be to successful delivery of workforce services in their community. The morning plenary session was titled “Marketing to Reach More Customers” and was conducted by North Carolina native Celina Shands Gradijan of Full Capacity Marketing. Celina assisted the Centralina WDB and local JobLink Career Center system in their rebranding process in 2007.
The event was sponsored by North Carolina Department of Commerce – Division of Workforce Development SHARE Network (Showing How Access to Resource Empowers) and was organized with assistance from the Centralina Workforce Development Board, primarily Vail Carter – Centralina WDB Business Services Representative - working in collaboration with the Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board. Several speakers from the across the country were on hand to conduct workshops on how to tap in to state, federal, and private resources for their workforce development initiatives. Workshop topics included Volunteerism – Attraction and Retention, Capacity Building and Budgeting for Non-Profit Boards, Grant Writing Made Simple – Though Not Easy, HUD Grants, Sustainability and Fund Raising, and How’d They Do That? – Becoming a SHARE Network Access Point. The afternoon plenary session was titled “Results Based Management”, conducted by Claudia Horn with Performance Results, Inc.
The Centralina WDB is proud to be a partner with the North Carolina Department of Commerce – Division of Workforce Development SHARE Network and our local faith-based and community organizations. We need everyone to help our local workforce gain the access to the skills training, information, and employment opportunities to be successful. Want to know more about the SHARE network and local Access Points? Contact Vail Carter at the Centralina WDB at (704) 348-2710 or by e-mail at vcarter@centralina.org.
Celina Shands Gradigan speaks to attendees of the SHARE Network event. |
Carol Jones, HUD in Greensboro, and Jean Wooten, NC Department
of Commerce, presented at the SHARE Network event in Hickory. |
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is in YOUR Community!
During the month of March 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 Health Career Expo, Youth Council meeting, and Partnering for Brighter Future events detailed in this e-newsletter, here are some the activities of the Board members and WDB staff for March.
Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership meeting – held on Thursday March 26 at Mitchell Community College in Mooresville. Centralina WDB staff members David Hollars, Emily Clamp, and Natasha Pender provided staff support at the meeting. Participants reviewed the requirements for the implementation grant funding application and completed a SWOT analysis for the partnership.
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 – Summer Youth planning meeting – held on Thursday March 5 at the Cabarrus Boys& Girls Club in Concord. The entire Centralina WDB staff participated in this meeting which brought together Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth contractors to develop plan of action for serving WIA eligible youth ages 14-24 in temporary employment this summer.
Rowan County BizEd Connect meeting – held on Friday March 6 at the Rowan Chamber of Commerce in Salisbury. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, participated in this meeting which included a presentation of the Co-Op program between the school system and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
Mooresville Graded Schools Career and Technical Education Advisory Board meeting – held on Monday March 23 at The Pot in Mooresville. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, participated in this meeting where participants finalized a mission statement and action plans for the board.
Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership Steering Committee meeting – held on Friday March 13 at Charlotte AHEC offices. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars and WDB Program Assistant Emily Clamp participated in this meeting which included healthcare providers, community college and private trainers, and workforce professionals.
Goodwill Industries – Truck Driver Training – Program planning meeting – held on Tuesday March 17 at the Rowan County JobLink Career Center in Salisbury. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director met with Molly Cline (Rowan-Cabarrus CC), Nancy Rominger (Goodwill), Debbie Davis (JobLink), and Randy Batts and Jeff Cook (Future Truckers of America) to plan for potential new truck driver training program for the region.
NC Commission on Workforce Development – Valuing Education Initiative presentation – held on Thursday March 12 in Raleigh. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, presented the Centralina WDB’s Lifelong Learning Campaign to the committee and explained how the Board has begun implementation of the Career Readiness Certification Plus project.
Charlotte Regional Partnership – Motorsports Marketing Strategy meeting –held on Tuesday March 31 at CRP offices in Charlotte. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director participated in this meeting along with CRP and regional economic development professionals and NC Department of Commerce staff to develop strategies for retaining and expanding motorsports presence in the region.
Workforce Information Network – focus group meeting – held on Monday March 23 at the Marriott in Charlotte. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, participated in the focus group to provide feedback to Federal agencies on the current labor market information data systems.
Workforce Development Board – Business Services Representatives quarterly meeting – held on Wednesday March 25 in Hickory. Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative participated in this meeting.
Small Business Roundtable meeting – held on Thursday March 12 at Central Piedmont CC in Charlotte. Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative participated in this meeting.
Public Libraries – Job Search Help Desk Workshop - held on Wednesday March 25 at the Mooresville Public Library. Jean Manall, Iredell County JobLink Career Center manager and Centralina WDB member, served on a panel to explain JobLink and to show the linkage between the library’s job search held desk and the JobLink Career Center.
National Association of Workforce Boards conference – held on March 7-10 in Washington, DC. Centralina WDB Chairman Bob VanGorden and David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, participated in this conference. Over 1,400 workforce professionals and board members from around the nation attended this event.
Workforce Business Development and Assistance – provided by Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative for the following area companies:
- Gaylor, Inc. (Mooresville) – Iredell County – March 19
- Opto-Alignment (Indian Trail) – Union County – March 20
- PGT Industries (Salisbury) – Rowan County – March 23
- deBotech (Mooresville) – Iredell County – March 23
- Crawford Composites (Denver) – Lincoln County – March 24
- Advanced Machine (Denver) – Lincoln County – March 24
- GE Security (Lincolnton) – Lincoln County – March 31
- Pinnacle Corrugated (Landis) – Rowan County – March 31
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.
Centralina Workforce Development Board and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Pilot New Basic Skills Program
Thanks to a strong partnership between the Centralina Workforce Development Board and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) the community has one more great source for receiving in demand training.
The Work Certified program is a pilot program in the Centralina WDB region that was created by employers and benefits both the employer and job seeker in many positive ways. In partnership with the Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast and the Palm Beach Workforce Board the Work Certified program was created to produce solutions to skill standards. The Workforce Development Boards together with focus groups developed a curriculum to teach, and verify skills and behaviors that ensure the success of entry-level employees in the workplace.
Businesses who hire graduates of the Work Certified program have more productive employees, less turnover, spend fewer hours teaching basics and more time conducting business. Employees who are Work Certified are more likely to remain employed and to advance within a business, or obtain a better position at higher pay at another company.
The
Centralina Workforce Development Board in conjunction with Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College hosted a required 30-hour training for instructors.
Instructors must be certified in order to teach the 95-hour course
at RCCC. The training involved a review of the program and a review
of all 9 modules that will be taught to the students prior to becoming
Work Certified. Instructors had to pass a teacher certification
test with a grade of 90% or higher.
Susan Utt Waller, Manager/Curriculum Developer of Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, conducted the training. Ms. Waller manages the Work Certified program maintaining its high standards. With over 8 years of professional training experience and curriculum development, Susan designs and develops all curricula for Work Certified and related programs.
RCCC
launched the Work Certified training for unemployed and underemployed
individuals in both Cabarrus and Rowan counties in March. The students
who complete the program will actively learn through classroom and
technology. Students can earn a Work Certified credential by successfully
completing the nine modules: Reading Comprehension, Business Technology,
Business Math, Pre-Employment, Customer Service, Business Communications,
Employment Expectations, Mastering Career Success, and General Business
Knowledge, and passing the final exam. All participants are required
to have at least a Bronze Career Readiness Certification as a prerequisite.
Based on the success of the pilot program, the Centralina WDB will be partnering with other area community colleges to offer the Work Certified program in all our counties. The Career Readiness Certification combined with the Work Certified program will meet the requirement for CRC+ as part of the Board’s Lifelong Learning campaign.
Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for updates on the first graduates of the Work Certified Program. For more information on the program, please contact Carol Allen at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at (704) 216-3709.
Looking Ahead for the Community
Cooperative Christian Ministry Restructures for Future Success
Cooperative Christian Ministry of Concord recently announced its plans for meeting the challenges ahead as the economy declines, forcing needs to soar and donations to shrink.
The 2010 & Beyond Strategic Plan includes reorganizing some of the agency’s staff to address the needs. Joyce Berry-Biles is now the volunteer coordinator, Mike Wojcichowski will be the crisis ministry director, and Doug McLain is now the Samaritan’s Table coordinator. With Berry-Biles concentrating on the volunteer program it will help grow their list of volunteers.
“This change will significantly increase our commitment to our volunteer program and greatly increase our ability to recruit, train, and attend to our volunteers,” said Ed Hosack, executive director of the Cooperative Christian Ministry and also a member of the Cabarrus County JobLink Career Center Management Team.
The Cooperative Christian Ministry offers many services to the community, including a food pantry, financial assistance program, and can also help some additional calls for help with heating bills and other emergency assistance it offers.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a strong partner with the Cooperative Christian Ministry and is happy to see a partner planning ahead even during these tough times. Planning ahead and overcoming obstacles is a sign of a great organization that will continue to help the community for a long time. For more information on the Cooperative Christian Ministry and their services please contact Ed Hosack at (704) 786-4709 or visit their website at http://www.cooperativeministry.com.
NC Research Campus Update
Find Out What’s the Latest with This World Renowned Biotech Development
Oprah Featured Murdock and Research Campus
Footage from the NC Research Campus appeared on the Oprah Winfrey
Show on Tuesday March 24, 2009. The program included a taped segment
on campus founder David Murdock, billionaire owner
of Dole Food Co., as Winfrey lead a discussion about “extreme
life extension.”
“The show was about extreme life extension, including all the latest technologies and new ways that people are extending their lives,” spokesperson Don Halcombe said. “Often people thought that one couldn’t extend one’s life to 120 to 150, but new advances are showing that may indeed by the case.”
This is just one example of the great exposure the region is receiving from this groundbreaking campus. Earlier in the year Martha Stewart visited the campus for some healthy ideas for living.
Seeing the Future
LabCorp and
Duke University
have signed an agreement on storing and maintaining biosamples at
the NC Research Campus. The deal centers around a biorepository
LabCorp is building on Cannon Boulevard. The 40,000 square-foot
building, slated to open this spring, can house about 10 million
samples. About 1.2 million of those samples will come from Duke’s
MURDOCK Study, a longitudinal research project that will look at
the genetic causes of human disease.
The agreement details security and handling measures for the samples. The biorepository will be linked with Duke and the David H. Murdock Research Institute at the Core research Laboratory.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Signs Lease at Research
Campus
Rowan-Cabarrus Community
College (RCCC) has signed a lease with the Research
Campus and will soon break ground for building at the biotechnology
complex in the coming weeks.
RCCC signed a lease-to-own agreement with campus developer Castle
& Cooke North Carolina for a 62,332 square-foot building, which
will house the college’s new biotechnology programs.
Castle & Cooke will construct the $26 million building and RCCC
will lease it for 20 years. The college plans to hold classes in
the new building in fall 2010.
Students can begin taking introductory courses this summer in RCCC’s biotechnology programs. The college will offer two-year associate degrees in biotechnology and agricultural biotechnology. Graduates can pursue work as lab technicians, research assistants, and quality control associates. To learn more about RCCC’s biotech programs, call (704) 216-7214 or visit www.rowancabarrus.edu/biotechnology.
ASU Moves in at Campus and Starts Research
Endurance athletes can pay thousands of dollars to consult experts
and undergo tests to improve their performance. But as of March,
athletes like marathoners, triathletes and cyclists can get a thorough
workup at the NC Research Campus for less than 200 bucks.
As part of their community service at the campus, Appalachian State University will offer a battery of tests for bargain prices at the ASU Human Performance Lab in Kannapolis. For $100, athletes can get a treadmill EKG and find out their VO2 max, or maximal oxygen consumption. For $25, the lab will prepare a computerized dietary analysis.
ASU leases 5,200 square-feet on the first and second floors of the NC State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute. The school will search for plant molecules that can improve health and test them in human subjects.
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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Centralina Youth Council Explores NC Research Campus in Kannapolis
What was the special occasion? A presentation by Phyllis Beaver, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach on the NC Research Campus, followed by a walking tour of the Core Lab of the David H Murdock Research Institute. Mrs. Beaver shared the background and research of each of the colleges and universities that have a presence on the Research Campus. She explained how each college and university was conducting their studies and how the outcomes would be related to the world’s health in the future. She also informed the group of the future plans for the Research Campus and other partners that would be moving in soon on the grounds. Dr. Lorraine Collins, Director of Career and Technical Education in Union County Public Schools said she “had several agriculture teachers attend because they needed to see the local direction of agriculture and the new opportunities for our students.” Youth Council member Linda Smith said that the meeting was very informative and worthwhile for herself and her fellow Career and Technical Education teachers and administrators. Sorry that you missed the meeting? Well be sure not to miss the next one. For more information on the Centralina Youth Council or if you would like to attend the upcoming meeting, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.
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* * * Rowan Youth Discover CareersPartners in Rowan Hold Career/Job Fair for StudentsThe Biz-Ed Connect Council and the Rowan-Salisbury School System held their Annual Career Fair and Job Expo on Wednesday March 11, 2009. Approximately 500 – 600 high school juniors and seniors attended from across the county.
The Career Fair- was held at the Rowan- Cabarrus Community College – North campus. The Exhibitors/Employers on hand were: Centralina Workforce Development Board, Rowan JobLink Career Center, Rowan – Salisbury Schools, W. A. Brown, Goodwill, Vocational Rehabilitation, US Navy, US National guard, US Army, US Coast Guard, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, Avon, Charlotte Fire Department, Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, Rowan- Cabarrus Community College, Lincoln College of Technology, Rowan Regional Medical Center, Prepaid Legal Services, Pinnacle Institute of Cosmetology, City of Salisbury, Tina Honeycutt, Hedgecock Racing Academy and the Kannapolis Intimidators. Roger Withers, Career and Technical Education Program Coordinator was pleased with the turnout of exhibitors. Youth attendees were pleased with the day, saying they were learning a lot about career pathways. The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are strong partners with both the Biz-Ed Connect Council and the Rowan-Salisbury School System. The Board and the Council are excited to see partners reaching youth in creative and inventive ways to help them prepare for their future. For more information about the Career Fair and Job Expo, or the Biz-Ed Connect Council please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by email at npender@centralina.org.
* * * * * * * Insight into a 30-Year JourneyMonroe Middle School Holds 2nd Annual Career ExpoOn Monday March 9, 2009, Monroe (Union County) area professionals, including the medical field, financial advisors and business owners, were invited to Monroe Middle School for the school’s second annual Career Expo. The goal of the Expo is to assist and inspire students in deciding their future career. School principal Montrio Belton said the school holds a couple of career day events throughout the school year in order to expose students to job opportunities beyond high school. “First, we hope to get students interested in the various career opportunities that exist, but more importantly, it shows them the pathway they must travel to reach their goal,” he said. Event participants included careers that require two and four-year degrees, as well as those that require school beyond a bachelor’s degree. “The purpose for the Expo is to connect academics and this idea of college that we keep talking to them about – to the career world and to show students that there is a connection between the three,” said Karen Accardi Gear Up Coordinator, one of the event organizers. “It’s to show them that there is a bridge between middle school, high school, college and then career.” The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud partners with the Union County Public School System and is happy to see a great partner reaching outside of the box to help connect the dots for today’s youth. A better educated youth, leads to a better educated workforce. For more information on the Monroe Middle School Career Expo, or to find ideas on how to create your own, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by email at npender@centralina.org.
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Nearly
60 people gathered at the Kannapolis Visitor’s Center
for the Centralina Youth Council meeting
on Thursday March 19, 2009. 
Youth
were able to participate in youth information sessions that
gave them insight into the types of jobs offered; credentials
required; and salary ranges that the student should expect.
Seniors were even given the opportunity to leave resumes
with prospective employers.
That
would reverse a decade’s long downward trend in teen
employment since the 1980s. According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, in 2008, 32.6 percent of teens ages 16-19 were
employed, a historic low, down from 45.2 percent in 2000.
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What's Happening in the Region?Comings, Goings, Kudos…
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• Centralina Workforce Development
Board meeting • Centralina Youth Council Meeting • Centralina Workforce Readiness
Committee Meeting • Tapping the Billion$: Make the
Government Your Customer! • Getting Ahead in Tough Times • Entrepreneurial Success: Marketing
& Communications • Competitive Workforce Alliance
– Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership Meeting • Rowan County Chamber of Commerce
Business Show 2009
NC Workforce Development Training Center Training Announcements Make a Note of It! Effective Case Management Career Development Facilitator 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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Dr.
Michael Allen Luther, a former vice president
with pharmaceutical giant Merck, has been named president
of the David H. Murdock Research Institute at the NC
Research Campus. Luther is an Albemarle native and he
will run the Mudock Institute, which owns and operates
the Core Laboratory Building in Kannapolis. 
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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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