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Attendees of the Help is Not a Four Letter Word Seminar worked in groups to learn about self-sufficiency syndrome. |
Photo above article: Winners from a drawing at each event won a nice picnic bag set from the Centralina Workforce Development Board. From left to right: Lisa Conger, Peggy Collins, Donna North and Angela Karchmer. |
Workforce Development Professionals Have a Full Plate
NC Association of Workforce Professionals Hold Mini-Institute
The Region III Chapter of the North Carolina Association of Workforce Professionals drew a crowd from seven counties for their Mini-Institute. The event was held at the Jesse Helms Center in Wingate, North Carolina on Thursday evening May 7, 2009.
After a meal of barbeque and chicken, the program featured Employment Security Commission Chairman Moses Carey Jr. Mr. Carey shared his vision for the coming months and spoke of the challenges ahead for workforce development.
Vail
Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Coordinator
shared information on the Incumbent Workforce Development Program
training grants and a forecast for job recovery in the greater Charlotte
region. Also featured were Jeannie Langston and Naomi Herndon from
Turning Point Inc. They presented information on Domestic Violence
seminars.
Special thanks to Region Chair Alicia Baucom (Anson County JobLink Career Center), ESC Region III Manager Tim Beam, and Vice Chair Jackie Bostic (Rowan County JobLink Career Center) for making this a successful event. This was one of many events being held throughout the country to celebrate Workforce Professionals Month and focus on the important work they are doing during the economic downturn.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board was honored to have a representative at this meeting to inform the community about all the great things the Board can do for employers and career seekers. Want us to come speak at your event? If you want to have a Board representative come to your organization and inform them of our services please fill out this form on our website and/or you can contact Emily Clamp at (704) 348-2732 or by email at eclamp@centralina.org.
Putting You in Touch with Your Future
Centralina WDB and JobLink Partners Come Together for 3rd Annual Union County Transition Fair
The Vocational Rehabilitation office of Union County hosted its Third Annual Union County Transition Fair on Tuesday May 12, 2009 at the South Piedmont Community College Conference Center. The purpose of the event was to showcase the organizations, schools, business and community agencies of Union County who provide services for individuals with disabilities. The morning session began at 9:30am-12:00 noon. The evening session began at 4:00 pm and lasted until 6:30 pm. Natasha Pender, Centralina WDB Program Associate, assisted in preparation and actively participated in the transition fair.
During the morning session students were put to the test during an Employability Seminar. The Employability Seminar is a competition established for the Occupational Course of Study (OCS). It originated in Buncombe County and has since spread to more than 18 counties across the state. The primary purpose is to allow OCS students an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of work skills in a competitive format.
Teams participating in the Employability Seminar were: Parkwood, Piedmont, Porter Ridge, Forest Hills, Monroe, Sun Valley and Weddington High Schools. The winning team featured was Monroe High School. Competition was stiff and the youth had a great time as the audience cheered for the opposing teams.
Several vendors participated in the Fair. Among them were Union County JobLink Career Center/ESC, ADEPT, Autism Society of NC, DayMark Recovery Services, Disability Rights & Resources, Division of Services for Deaf and hard of Hearing, Easter Seals, Exceptional Children’s Assistance, HEALTHQUEST, HELP Crisis pregnancy Center, Independent Living Services, Monarch, Monroe police Department, NC Assistive Technology Program, Nevins, inc, Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare, Pilot Club of Monroe, Primary Care Solutions, Regina’s College of Beauty, Relay NC. Captel NC, Residential and Support Services, SCREEN, Social Security Administration, South Piedmont Community College, The ARC of NC, The ARC of Union County, Union County Public Schools, Union County Sherriff Department, Union County Transportation, United Family Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Sponsors of the event were the Centralina Workforce Development
Board, A.D.E.P.T. Nonprofit Services; Union County Department
of Social Services, Union County JobLink Career Center/ESC; Presbyterian
Behavioral Healthcare; South Piedmont Community College; Union County
Public Schools and Vocational Rehabilitation.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud supporter
and active member for the Transition Fairs that Vocational Rehabilitation
has held. The Board believes that educated career seekers lead to
a strong and productive workforce. For more information on the Transition
Fair, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail
at npender@centralina.org.
The audience cheers during the "Employability Bowl". All the schools present were: Parkwood, Piedmont, Porter Ridge, Forest Hills, Monroe, Sun Valley and Weddington High Schools. |
Photo above article: The team from Monroe High School won the Employability Bowl. |
What’s Up with Local Community College’s Small Business Centers?
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, looking to be retrained or looking to start their own businesses. Local community colleges and their small business centers 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.
South
Piedmont Community College (SPCC) offered a entrepreneurial
training course in May that laid-off workers could attend without
paying a registration fee. SPCC had a limited number of scholarships
for workers who were unemployed, underemployed or about to be laid
off.
Classes were taught in SPCC’s Small Business Centers in Monroe and Wadesboro by Vince Holloman, certified REAL instructor and director of the Small Business Centers at SPCC. The course was taught live at one location and was broadcasted to the other location on a rotating basis.
The class ran from May 4 – May 21, Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. until noon. The three-week duration gave prospective and current business owners the information they needed in a short time so they could get started as soon as possible.
The REAL course taught the students how to start and operate a business successfully. It covered everything from getting ideas to all business plan topics.
For more information about the entrepreneurial training course please call (704) 290-5222 or visit the Small Business Center online at www.spcc.edu.
Rowan-Cabarrus
Community College’s (RCCC) Small Business Center
is offering help to aspiring entrepreneurs as well and is able to
help them to develop a plan of action at no cost. They hope to provide
high quality small business education and comprehensive assistance
to the community.
“When they first come in, I do an intake and find out why they are here, and usually see they have no clue,” director Barbara Hall said. “I’ll get them started on some of the things to think about.”
Often times she’ll refer them to Maggi Braun, a business counselor at the center.Braun said that one-third of the people who visit the center are already in business. She said the others tend to have an idea for a business, but aren’t sure how to start it.
“Our role is to lay the ground work to show them what they will need to do in order to create this business on paper, and evaluate how big the risk is, and determine if they want to take that risk,” Braun said. “A lot of the people we see once and they move on. They realize it isn’t for them or they are going to go against advice and do it.” Knowing how to run a business requires a different set of skills than knowing how to do what you do, Braun said.
The Small Business Center offers free seminars that help start
or grow a business. The two-hour sessions are year-round, from 6:30
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Concord, Kannapolis and Salisbury. Seminars
cover areas like “Greening Your Business,” “Easy
Steps to Create a Marketing Place,” “Employment Law,”
“Business Website Trends” and “Market Research.”
The Center is located at RCCC’s Cabarrus Business and Technology
Center located at 660 Concord Parkway N in Concord. For more information
please call (704) 216-3534 or visit their site at www.rowancabarrus.edu.
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 and their small business
center can offer you. These are just a few 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.
|
Leading the Way!Greater Statesville Development Corporation Named Top 10 by Site Selection Magazine
Each year, Site Selection ranks local economic development groups based upon four objective categories: new jobs, new jobs per 10,000 residents, new investment amount and new investment per 10,000 residents. Then the organizations are scrutinized for more subjective attributes – among them innovation, leadership and customer service, with only the best of the best named to the Top Groups list. “The Top Economic Development Groups of the Year share several attributes,” said Ron Starner, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Site Selection publisher Conway Data, Inc. “Chief among them are an abundance of pre-approved shovel-ready sites, aggressive marketing programs, best-in-class customer service and creative incentive packages. Without these tools in your arsenal, it is hard to compete for projects in today’s economy. Companies want the locations that deliver the greatest impact to the bottom line.”
“We are honored to be included on a list of top economic development groups along with powerhouses like World Business Chicago, the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Greater Houston Partnership,” said Mike Smith, Executive Director of the Greater Statesville Development Corporation. “It speaks highly of the Greater Statesville business community that we are able to stand toe-to-toe with cities many times our size.” The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner with the Greater Statesville Development Corporation. The Board congratulations the Corporation on an honor well deserved! For more information please visit www.greaterstatesville.org.
Chamber Expo Showcases Local BusinessesRowan County Chamber of Commerce Holds 2009 Business Show Held each year, the show is a way for local businesses and others in the region to share information about the services they provide. So many businesses participated this year that they were spread out through the hotel’s ballroom and spilled into its lobby. They included Food Lion, The Club at Irish Creek, Century 21 and Autumn Care, many offering giveaways and door prizes. The Rowan County JobLink Career Center also participated in the Business Show. “It’s a great opportunity for networking. The vendors have an opportunity to display various goods or services,” said Wilson Cherry, director of life skills and job placement manager with Rowan Vocational Opportunities, Inc. Cherry said he has learned more about a lot of businesses by being at the show. “There are some gems here in Rowan County,” he said. Jan Corriher-Smith, director of customized training and development at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, was on hand at the show. She said there were some people at the show who were very interested in the college’s tuition-waived classes for the unemployed. The program is offered through its continuing education human resources development program. Others asked about the GED program. This is the tenth year for the show and each year it continues to grow more and more. The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a strong partner with the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and is happy to see them pulling their community’s businesses together to reach out to the whole community. Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for more information on this exciting event! Moving Forward with Progress and InnovationStanly County Economic Development Commission Provides Update for the Community “While the first six months have been challenging with today’s dire economy, I feel pretty good with where we’re at and feel positive with what will happen in Stanly County,” Gullette said. “We’ve got to get out of the gate quickly and be prepared to do so when the economy turns.”
“There are 2,600 economic organizations across America, and at any time, they’re in pursuit of 150-200 active projects,” Gullette said. “We’re very blessed to be just 45 miles from Charlotte. There are projects out there and Charlotte is a known regional brand. Businesses want to be here.” EDC Board Chairman Sherrill Smith concurred with Gullette’s assessment of the importance of being affiliated with the CRP. “We definitely need to have a regional presence, and I think today, we have the best rapport with the CRP that we’ve ever had,” Smith said. As Gullette addresses the pursuit of those couple hundred prospects, he also thinks Stanly County would benefit by widening its prospects list by including retailers. “We’ve got to have a well-rounded approach, and that could include retail. We’ve not done that in the past,” he said. Another option is going after federal contracts. “We’re in a Hub Zone and this gives us special preferences when contracts are let to the military. It is very important that we learn more about military contracts,” said Smith, referring to the HUB Zone Empowerment Contracting, which provides federal contracts to businesses under the auspices of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
More local, Gullette said that he has begun conversations with Albemarle City Manager Ray Allen regarding possible projects with ElectriCities projects. Regarding attracting new industry to Stanly County, Gullette introduced a new strategy of having “pad-ready sites” to entice prospects to decide to come here. “We’ve got certified sites, but they’re not pad ready,” Gullette said. “By having the county providing fee incentives front end for contractors and having pre-approval building permits, contractors can start construction the next day after commitments are made.” That quick response could readily be the deciding factor in a business coming to Stanly County or going elsewhere in that many businesses expect a 120-day turnaround from commitment to opening the door on business. One administrative goal for Gullette is upgrading his office’s Web site, and with new hire Mary Morrison now on board, accomplishing that goal will be forthcoming. “It’s about data, data, data,” said Gullette, referring to expectations of prospective businesses. That’s what they want to see and that’s what we want to provide them.” Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for current up to date information on this new development. 103 Jobs Coming to Rowan CountyHenkel Corporation Announces Plans to Expand and Add Jobs
Henkel will produce electronics-related adhesives in the expanded space on Cedar Springs Road. The new jobs will pay almost $55,000 annually, excluding benefits. Henkel will receive a $206,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund along with other local incentives. The One North Carolina Fund is used to attract business projects that create jobs in the state. Henkel is a unit of Henkel AG & Co. of Düsseldorf, Germany. The company also has North Carolina offices in Charlotte, Mooresville, and Cary. It’s the second major project Rowan County has landed this month. On Tuesday May 5, Sustainable Textile Group said it will invest $11 million in a new facility that will create 223 jobs over the next two years. The company plans to launch operations in the vacant HanesBrands facility in China Grove. The plant will produce yarns from regenerated fibers. Those 223 jobs will pay an annual average wage of $29,141, excluding benefits. Sustainable Textile Group is part of the Arkansas-based Sustainable Solutions Network of companies. Congratulations to the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission, EDC Executive Director Robert VanGeons (a former Centralina WDB member) and their local partners for these great announcements. Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for current up to date information on these new developments.
Entrepreneurs Working Together to Be HeardNorth Iredell Business Owners Aim to Promote Through New PartnershipA small group of North Iredell business owners is organizing a networking group to promote local businesses within the area and around the county. The newly formed North Iredell Business Partnership (NIBP) is designed to act as an informal chamber of commerce to drum up support for its members and some of the lesser-known businesses in the community. “We got a lot of great people,” said Jody McMillan, one of the organizers. “People who want to share what they do.” Around 12 people have signed up so far, McMillan said. The group is pretty informal right now, but its long-term goals include trade shows featuring area businesses and maybe even a gallery crawl with local artisans. The NIBP doesn’t have a membership fee at this time, and most meetings are pretty casual get-togethers in McMillan’s Harmony Highway bakery. Cora Stroud, owner of Serendipity Antiques and member of NIBP, said there are a lot of small businesses around that many people don’t know a lot about. “It doesn’t make sense to have businesses that are losing business to other areas because their neighbors don’t know they are there,” she said. “There are a lot of neat things around the area and we will see what happens with them.” McMillian said she hopes the group can generate enough interest to partner with other organizations, such as the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce. Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for current up to date information on this new development.
Entrepreneurial Activity is Exploding!Numbers Served Grow at Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center
Economic recessions often bring out the entrepreneurial spirit in people particularly if they have lost their jobs or always wanted to start their own business. The Business Resource Center located at the Chamber opened in conjunction with the new Gateway building in 2001 and the center has always had steady traffic. Counseling services are provided on site or at the customer’s business by representatives of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Small Business Center, US Small Business Administration, and University of North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center. Many have come to the center looking for many options, some have come for the counseling on starting a new business, some have come for information on creating a website for their already formed small business, and others new help with business plan development. Counselors on site can assist with business strategy, zoning, licensing, pricing, organization structure and marketing. All that have attended have been successful in getting advice on how to go forward based on exit interviews conducted with each of them. One particularly satisfied customer said, “The chamber has availed me of business counselors that have taken the weight off of me with their help. My meeting went straight to the core of my most pressing needs. The counselor put me on track with issues that will make my business more successful – more quickly.” The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Business Resource Center is open to the public free of charge Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Gateway Building is located at 204 E. Innes St. and interested individuals may call (704) 633-4221 for more information or to make an appointment with a counselor. You can access their electronic portion of the Business Resource Center by visiting www.rowanchamber.com. Centralina WDB Helping You SucceedMany of the Ideas for Complimentary Services We Deliver Came from Employers Like You
CLICK HERE to share how we can best serve your business. An investment of 3-4 minutes to get your input is extremely valuable to us. The first 60 respondents will be mailed a small gift for their time. If you have any questions about the survey please contact Vail Carter at (704) 348-2710 or by email at vcarter@centralina.org.
May'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 Storm Technology in Albemarle, NC (Stanly County). Charlotte Maness of Storm Technology completed and submitted the survey. We thank Charlotte for helping us with our continuous improvement feedback process! For more information about Institutional Storm Technology, please visit their website at www.stormeng.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. |
In
2008, the Greater Statesville Development Corporation –
along with the 
In
addition to these projects, the GSDC was recognized for
its innovative business and economic development practices,
including: partnership with 
Now
six months into his job, Stanly County Economic
Director Kevin Gullette updated the county’s
Henkel
Corp
As
a result of your input, we’ve been able to respond
to real needs of the business community as we continue to
be customer driven. As the lead workforce development and
delivery agency in your area, our planning has allowed us
to focus resources where they are needed.
Employment Statistics
Updated
Monthly on this E-Newsletter
| April
2009 (Source: NC Employment Security Commission) |
||
| County | Unemployment
Rate |
Persons
Employed |
| Anson | 13.4% |
8,955 |
| Cabarrus | 10.8% |
74,117 |
| Iredell | 12.6% |
72,685 |
| Lincoln | 14.2% |
35,155 |
| Rowan | 12.5% |
63,499 |
| Stanly | 11.6% |
27,289 |
| Union | 10.1% |
82,597 |
| Centralina WDB Region | 11.8% |
364,297 |
| State of NC | 10.5% |
4,079,452 |
For more information on employment, click here
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is in YOUR Community!
During the month of May 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 Workforce Development Professionals Month events, the Transition Fair, and NCAWP event detailed in this e-newsletter, here are some the activities of the Board members and WDB staff for May.
Governor’s Study Commission on Public Education meeting – held on Monday May 4 at NC Public Schools Forum offices in Raleigh. David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, was appointed by NC Governor Beverly Perdue to serve on this State Superintendent’s Commission to develop recommendations on workforce, entrepreneurial, and public schools issues facing North Carolina. Final recommendations will go the Governor and the General Assembly.
Southeastern Economic and Workforce Development Conference – held on May 3-5 in Atlanta, Georgia. Centralina Workforce Development Board Chairman Bob VanGorden participated in this event which was sponsored by the US Department of Labor.
Lincoln County Workforce Summit - held on Tuesday May 19 at First Baptist Church in Lincolnton. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars served as the keynote speaker. His topic was “What We Need to Do to Be the Best”. This first annual summit was developed by the Lincoln County Schools in partnership with the Centralina WDB. Over 60 businesses persons, educators, and workforce professionals attended this event.
Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership meeting – held on Wednesday May 27 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte. Centralina WDB staff members David Hollars, Emily Clamp, Vail Carter, and Natasha Pender provided staff support at the meeting. Participants approved new Steering Committee leadership and conducted committee work.
Monroe Economic Development Commission meeting - held on Thursday May 7 in Monroe. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars attended this meeting and provided participants with valuable local labor market information as well as updates on activities with the Union County JobLink Career Center and its partners.
Lincoln County Economic Development Association Stakeholders event – held on Thursday May 21 at Cline Farm in Lincolnton. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars participated in this celebration event.
Charlotte Regional Response Team meeting – held on Wednesday May 13 at CPCC-Harris Campus in Charlotte. This group, led by Leslie Boney, is currently implementing the plans and strategies to address the current and anticipated layoffs from the financial service sector businesses in the Charlotte region, as requested by Governor Beverly Perdue. Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative participated in this meeting and provided an update on specific solutions for the faith-based/community-based connections.
Bank of America Career Workshop – held on Thursday May 14 in Charlotte. The workshop, a direct service of the Charlotte Regional Response Team, was a success. Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative, actively participated in the design and implementation of the event.
Workforce Business Development and Assistance – provided by Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative for the following area companies:
- Pinnacle Corrugated (Landis) – Rowan County – May 11
- Hersey Meters (Salisbury) – Rowan County – May 11
- Small Business Roundtable – Central Piedmont CC – May 14
- Mecklenburg Ministries (SHARE Network development) – May 6
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.
35 Years of Success
Stanly Community College Celebrates Anniversary of Nursing Program
Stanly
Community College’s (SCC) Annie Ruth Kelley Associate
Degree Nursing program held its annual nurse pinning ceremony on
Thursday May 7, 2009 and achieved two milestones in the process.
The 40 graduates in the class of 2009 bring the total number of nurses who have graduated from SCC with either a license practical nursing (LPN) or associate degree nursing (ADN) degree to 825. The class of 2009 marks the 35th anniversary of the first nursing class graduation from SCC, which occurred in 1974.
The associate degree nursing program is named in honor of Annie Ruth Kelley, one of the college’s early advocates and moving force behind the creation of a nursing program at the college in 1973.
SCC began offering the LPN curriculum in 1973 and in 1974 graduated its first class of LPN’s (practical nurses with a one-year degree). SCC graduated 119-LPN before adding the two-year associate degree nursing program in 1985. The first graduates of the new two-year nursing program were awarded credentials in 1986.
Since that time, SCC has awarded 681 associate nursing degrees, and when combined with 144 LPN degrees awarded over the years, the 40 nurses in the class of 2009 pushes the college nursing graduation total past 800 to 825.
In
addition to the college focus on providing opportunities for students
to complete their two-year degree, SCC partners with many universities
so students can complete their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing
(BSN). SCC currently has articulation agreements with: Cabarrus
College of Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Fayetteville
State University, Gardner-Webb, NC A&T State, NC Central, UNC-Chapel
Hill, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Greensboro, UNC-Pembroke, UNC-Wilmington,
Western Carolina University and Winston-Salem State. SCC is also
working with Pfeiffer University as they begin a bachelor’s
degree nursing program.
Hundreds of nurses in Stanly County and the entire Piedmont region of North Carolina are Stanly Community College graduates.
“Our nursing program has earned a reputation with area hospitals for producing highly skilled nurses who are competent with technology and possess a broad clinical background in a variety of settings,” SCC President Dr. Michael Taylor said.
“We earned this reputation because of the great work of our dedicated nursing faculty, and the efforts of our admissions staff to get the highest quality students enrolled. We have an exceptional program that entails the work of so many over the years.”
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner with Stanly Community College and congratulates them on an outstanding 35 years and looks forward to many more. For more information about the Annie Ruth Kelley Associate Degree Nursing program, contact Kristen Barbee at (704) 991-0230 or visit www.stanly.edu.
2009 Annie Ruth Kelley Associate Degree Nursing graduates, pictured front row, left to right, are: Karen Banks, Karen Rogers, Sheila Collins, Ashley Flake, Tiffany Honeycutt, Kimberly Beaver, Kathleen Kicinski, Mary Haithcox, Jill Austin; second row: Hannah Lowder, Tenda Lambert, Jessie Huneycutt, Megan Huneycutt, Suzanne Long, Krista Yow, Kimberly Taylor, Shannon Skasko, Miranda Tucker, Robin Inabnit, Christine Mason; third row: Kimberly Lamonds, Jessie Drake, Heather Norton, Steve Cranford, LeAnn Nance, Dia Dulin, Teresa Allen, Marleea Manners, Misty Corl, and Jennifer Rozsa; fourth row: Wanda Lamonds, Jeaninne Ridenhour-Efird, Stephanie Baucom, Robin Rogers, Jeremy Almond, Sam Smith, Brittney Gaddy, April Caudle, Billy Mishak, Sarah Caldwell. |
Local Organization Recognized for Commitment to Families
Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC Receives Prestigious Award
Goodwill
Industries of Northwest North Carolina has won the
“Goodwill is Good for Families Award” for 2009. Since
2001, Goodwill Industries International and the Annie E. Casey Foundation
have partnered to reward Goodwill organizations for their demonstrated
commitment to family strengthening.
This award recognizes outstanding integration of family strengthening through leadership commitment, financial commitment, human resource policies and practices, youth development and financial education activities.
Goodwill Industries has implemented a number of programs, including the transition from a structure of vacation and sick time to a personal time-off system offering greater flexibility for its employees.
It also has created the Dr. Bob H. Greene Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance for children of employees attending institutions of higher learning, and established the Employee Emergency Assistance Fund to help those who experience devastating personal events.
“Getting involved in the Family Strengthening Award process was very empowering,” said Reni Geiger, Goodwill director of Grants and Career connections. “Although I have known for years that we provided a lot of services that help strengthen our employees’ and clients’ ability to improve their financial standing, it wasn’t until I put the pieces together that I realized just how dedicated our Goodwill leadership is to our success.”
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner with Goodwill Industries of the Northwest Piedmont in Iredell, Rowan, and Cabarrus (part) counties and congratulates them on receiving this award. Goodwill offers JobLink affiliate services at their Career Connections locations in Salisbury and Statesville. The Board believes that a strong healthy family life can lead to a vibrant workforce. For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development Board and its many partnerships, please contact David Hollars at (704) 348-2717 or by email at dhollars@centralina.org.
Dress for Success Event is a REAL Success!
Stanly County Vocational Rehabilitation Hosts Event in Albemarle
Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Stanly County hosted a Dress for Success event on Tuesday April 28 to help teach proper dress attire for job interviews. Sissy Cox with Hi-Lites, a ladies’ clothing store at 224 W. Main St., Albemarle, provided examples of various outfits that could be worn for interviews.
“My [job] is to show different outfits that are appropriate for different job sectors. I’ve been on both sides of the table, and I know a bit about what employers are looking for,” Cox said.
Among the outfits presented was a black dress suit, which would be appropriate when applying for an upper-level management position, as well as dress trousers with blouses and a floral-print skirt outfit that would be appropriate when applying for a retail position.
Cox said whatever job is applied for should be the style of dress worn to the interview. She also suggested updating and mixing and matching outfits.
“You don’t want to be trendy, but you also don’t want to be outdated. Well kept clothes that could be several years old with a little updating are just as good as brand new,” Cox said.
Cox also suggested dressing for the season but steer clear of sleeveless shirts and flip flops. She said short sleeves are not inappropriate when applying for certain jobs. “If ever you’re unsure, ask for a second opinion,” Cox said. Accessories such as necklaces and earrings are also important, but they do not need to be trendy or flashy.
“You want them to coordinate but not distract. You never want to be sitting in an interview and be concerned about what you’re wearing. You want to concentrate on what you can bring to the table,” Cox said.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a partner with Stanly County Vocational Rehabilitation and is happy to see its partners educating job seekers on proper interview attire. For more information on the Dress for Success event, please contact Mary Walls (also a Centralina WDB member) at (704) 982-8124.
NC Research Campus Update
Find Out What’s the Latest with This World Renowned Biotech Development
After Long Delay, Construction Resumes at NCRC
After a delay, developers broke ground on Friday May 29, 2009 on
a key component of the NC
Research Campus.
The $26 million, state-of-the-art building that will house Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s (RCCC) biotechnology programs is considered critical to the success of the Research Campus. RCCC will train the campus workforce and tailor classes to meet the needs of major employers at the campus.
The groundbreaking ceremony began at 10:00 AM. Campus developer Castle & Cooke North Carolina signed a lease with the college in March.
Omega-3 Talk of the Day at NC Research Campus
NC State University and Monsanto Co. teamed up to bring a leading
researcher in omega-3 fatty acids to the NC Research Campus for
a private symposium on Friday May 8.
Dr. William Harris, director and senior scientist of the Cardiovascular Health research Center at Sanford Research/University of South Dakota spoke to Kannapolis about the health benefits of omega-3s.
Because the demand for omega-3 fatty acids is increasing, scientists are looking for a sustainable, alternative source, ideally one that comes from plants. There are different types of omega-3s, and some are more beneficial to human health than others.
Currently Monsanto Co., a St. Louis-based company, is considering joining the $1.5 billion biotechnology complex in Kannapolis.
NCRC Maybe the Top Asset in Area’s Biotech Economy
The NC Research Campus in Kannapolis could be the crown jewel in
the Charlotte area’s emerging biotechnology economy.
“The best biotech asset really that may exist in the Charlotte region is perhaps the North Carolina Research Campus,” said Kenny McDonald, executive vice president for the Charlotte Regional Partnership.
The $1.5 billion life sciences hub, which focuses on health and nutrition, makes a strong impression on biotech companies considering a move to the Charlotte area, McDonald said. It’s one of three or four must sees when he’s recruiting.
Four business and biotech leaders from the Charlotte region spoke on Thursday May 7 at “Building a Biotech Economy,” a public conversation sponsored by radio station WFAE and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. More than 200 people attended. Many topics were discussed including how to get the name of the Campus more out into the world.
First Former Pillowtex Employee Working at the Campus
Randy Crowell is finally making his dreams come true. After 44 years
and layoffs at both Pillowtex and Duracell, Crowell finally achieved
his childhood aspiration. He works as a lab technician in the Core
Laboratory at the NC Research Campus sequencing DNA and pursuing
his personal mission to help people through science.
Crowell knew the site of the Campus very well, since it was the former site for the Pillowtex Plant that he worked at for 20 years. He worked for the various textile manufacturers that owned the mill before he and more than 4,000 other people lost their jobs in July 2003, the biggest layoff in state history.
Crowell, who later earned an associate’s degree in biotechnology, has the distinction of becoming the first former Pillowtex employee to work in a lab at the Research Campus.
“Randy really epitomizes what the NCRC hopes to do for the town, ensuring that the campus represents a new beginning for the town,” said Dr. Simon Gregory, interim director of the genomics lab.
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.
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From left: Kenroy Miller, II, Yamine Mattox, 13, Flormaria Giron, 15, Myles McCloud, 14, and Antonio Griffin, 9, wash a motorcyle during a car wash at Appropriate Placement Options during Iredell Global Youth Service Day. |
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Jump Starting a Career
Anson Early College offers Youth a Pathway to Choosing their Dream Career
Jake
Barbee is a junior student at Anson
County Early College and is part of the Job
Shadowing program. This program provides all juniors a chance
to be exposed to various careers. They are placed at two
different job sites throughout the school year.
Barbee began job shadowing during the fall semester of his junior year. “I requested to (career development coordinator Bobbie) James that I would like to go to The Sportman’s Closet since I have a strong interest in gunsmithing, hunting and the outdoors,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to be able to go and started going every Thursday afternoon.”
“At The Sportsman’s Closet,” Barbee continued, “I learned a lot about the rules and regulations of firearm safety, sales and registration. Also I learned a little bit about running a business in general and serving customers.” Barbee is also interested in forestry, which he said is the career path he plans to pursue. He is currently job shadowing at the NC Forestry Service in Lilesville. “This is a really good experience for me because I would like to work for the Forestry Service some day,” he said. “Here, I get to do a lot of hands-on work, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, job shadowing has been very helpful for me in deciding what to do in my future.”
The mission of Anson County Early College is to focus on leading students to take responsible risks, think critically, master the written and spoken word, and confront the controversial issues in their lives and society with the ultimate goal of creating strong students who can handle postsecondary curriculum and challenges of the real world.
Anson
County Early College offers students in high school a way
to earn college credit at the same time as finishing their
high school careers. Facility of the Early College work
closely with South
Piedmont Community College representatives
to develop and deliver curriculum that is articulated, non-duplicative,
and rigorous. Accomplishing this task means preparing students
to have the attitudes and appearance for career success,
teamwork, thinking skills, and problem solving.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are strong partners with the Anson County Early College and support their mission and vision for the youth in the region. For more information on the Anson County Early College program or to find out if your county offers an Early College program, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2732 or by email at npender@centralina.org.
Jake Barbee is learning about how to get his career off the ground through job shadowing made possible by Anson County Early College. |
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Do You Know the Top 8 High Paying Associate Degree Jobs?
Did you know that 80% of jobs in the workforce today only require a two-year degree? Do you know what the top eight of these jobs are? Careerbuilder.com compiled a list of the top eight high paying jobs for those with Associate Degrees.
1. Computer
Specialist – Average annual salary -
$59,480
Depending on the employer, computer specialists perform
a variety of functions, ranging from technical support to
coordinating network security. Hiring managers prefer graduates
with an associate degree in a computer-related field.
2. Nuclear
Technician -- Average annual salary - $59,200
Nuclear technicians monitor radiation; operate nuclear test
and research equipment; and assist nuclear engineers and
nuclear physicists with their research projects. An associate
degree program in an applied science or specific technology
should provide good training.
3. Dental
Hygienist -- Average annual salary - $58,350
Dental Hygienists provide routine dental services including
cleaning teeth, taking X-rays and preventative care. Candidates
must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene school and
pass a written and clinical exam.
4. Radiation
Therapist -- Average annual salary - $57,700
Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients
afflicted with tumors or cancer. Requirements: an associate
degree from a radiation therapy program.
5. Fashion
Designer -- Average annual salary - $55,840
Fashion designers study current fashion trends, sketch out
new clothing designs, select the colors and fabrics and
oversee the production of their items. Designers often hold
associate degrees in fashion design or fine arts.
6. Aerospace
Engineering and Operations Technician -- Average
annual salary - $52,500
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians construct,
test and maintain aircraft and space vehicles. An associate
degree in engineering technology is standard, and certification
can be a competitive edge for job seekers.
7. Diagnostic
Medical Sonographer -- Average annual salary
- $52,490
Sonographers/ ultrasonographers -- administer diagnostic
imagining technology used during pregnancy and to diagnose
some diseases. Requirements: associate degrees in diagnostic
medical sonography.
8. Registered
nurse -- Average annual salary - $52,330
Registered nurses treat sick, injured and convalescent patients,
and provide education on post-treatment care. Requirements:
associate degree in nursing.
Interested in these careers now? For more information on how you can jump start your career, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by email at npender@centralina.org.
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What's Happening in the Region?Comings, Goings, Kudos…
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• Centralina Workforce Development
Board Meeting • Centralina WDB JobLink Career
Center Managers Quarterly Meeting • Centralina WDB Workforce Readiness
Committee Meeting • Centralina WDB Executive Planning
Committee Meeting • “Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) and Lifestyle Intervention” • Market Research Made Easy • Going Global: Consider Canada
as Your Next Market! • “Fruits and Vegetables are
Good for Your Bones, Too” • Business Start-Up • “What’s on a Food
Label?” • Business Financing • “What Does the Obesity Epidemic
Have to Do with Me?” • Wage and Hour Seminar
NC Workforce Development Training Center Training Announcements 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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DeSales
Wagster will step down as president and CEO
of the Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors
Bureau to take a job at Speedway Motorsports,
Inc. Wagster replaced Cabarrus CVB director
Ann Sternal in June 2006. 
Vicki
Coggins has announced her retirement as executive
director of the Albemarle Downtown Development
Corporation. Coggins has served as director
of the organization for 20 years and will retire in
June 2010.
Sally
Neely Nix has been hired as the development
director for the Habitat for Humanity of Iredell
County. Nix will work to expand the organization’s
development efforts, while helping organizations and
individuals find new ways to become involved with the
organization. 
The
Welcome Committee, Inc. in Mooresville, owned
by Suzanne Meyer, has been recognized
as one of the top 200 mom-owned businesses in StartupNation’s
2009 Leading Moms in Business Competition. The competition
recognizes the achievements of mothers across the country
“who run outstanding businesses.” 
The
Stanly Arts Guild recently awarded
the 2009 Patricia Blake Hartley Memorial Scholarship
to Heidi Ramseur, an arts and communications
major at Pfeiffer University. Heidi is the daughter
of Tom and Diane Ramseur, Tom is the president and CEO
of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce and is an active
Centralina Workforce Development Board member. 
Porter
Ridge High School teacher Jessica Garner
was named North Carolina Teacher of the year, just one
year after winning the Union County title. Garner competed
with about 97,000 teachers from 114 other school districts.
Congratulations Jessica! 
Dr.
Cynthia Johnston retired on May 27, 2009 from
Central Piedmont Community College.
Dr. Johnston has been an active member of the Allied
Health Regional Skills Partnership and its steering
committee. 
Charles
P. Brown of Albemarle has been appointed to
the board of directors of the NC Rural Economic
Development Board. Brown is a native of Stanly
County, an attorney with Brown, Brown & Brown, PLLC,
and has worked extensively in economic development.
He currently is a member of the Stanly County Economic
Development Commission.
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Visit
our website at www.centralinaworks.com
to learn more about the Centralina WDB |
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To
learn more about the Centralina Council of Governments please visit
www.centralina.org
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| CentralinaWORKS is a publication of the Centralina Workforce Development Board. If you do not wish to receive this E-Newsletter in the future, please send a return e-mail and type "REMOVE" in the Subject Line and you will be removed from our distribution list. The CWDB does not share its distribution list with other organizations. Please feel free to share this E-Newsletter with co-workers and other business associates. |