Established
in 1994, the Cornerstone Celebration recognizes individuals and
corporations for their support of Goodwill’s mission of changing
lives through the power of work. Hollars was chosen by Goodwill
as the 2010 recipient of the Jack Callaghan Cornerstone Award because
of his more than 30 years of dedication to workforce development
benefiting the people of the Carolinas. President and CEO of Goodwill Michael Elder, Jack Callaghan Cornerstone Award winner David Hollars, and event emcee Erica Bryant of WSOC-TV. |
Photo above article: David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director, giving acceptance speech for Jack Callaghan Cornerstone Award, and thanking the partners, board and staff of the WDB. |
Preparation and Determination to Help Others Grow
Centralina Workforce Development Board Holds Annual Board Retreat
On Friday May 21, 2010 the, Centralina Workforce Development Board held its annual strategic planning retreat at South Piedmont Community College in Monroe.
John Metcalf with Corporation for a Skill Workforce facilitated the day long retreat. Board members and JobLink Career Center managers were in attendance and discussed the current state of the workforce.
Attendees discussed the vision and the role of the JobLink Career Centers and what the Board could do to make it happen. Four (4) of the local JobLink Career Center managers served on a panel to talk about their vision for operations improvement. Board members were given an opportunity to ask questions and really probe deep into the minds of the managers.
In the afternoon, attendees participated in a breakout session
that allowed them to work on suggested strategies and figure out
how they would help ensure success for JobLink operations.
The group then wrapped up the day with final thoughts and discussed
how as Board members they could make a difference not only in their
county but in the region.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board and staff would like to thank all of the members and the JobLink Career Center managers who attended the retreat this year. It’s an important time to come together and work through the current issues and prepare for the future. For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s 2010 Retreat, please contact Emily Clamp at (704) 348-2732 or by e-mail at eclamp@centralina.org.
Bob VanGorden leads other Board members is discussions on the role of the JobLink Career Centers |
JobLink Career Center Managers attended this year’s Centralina WDB Board Retreat to offer their input on goals for the Board. |
Opening Closed Doors to Find Opportunities
Former Pillowtex Worker Finds a New Career in Nursing
When Pillowtex Corporation closed in 2003, and RaGenia Norris was one of the thousands of employees who suddenly had no job, she said she was left with nothing.
Now, Norris, of Kannapolis, said she knows she has stability.
"I have the skills to go (anywhere)," Norris said. "It opened up so many doors."
She
is one of 97 students who graduated from Cabarrus
College of Health Sciences at the 68th spring commencement
ceremony this month. At the ceremony, Norris received her Associate
of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN).
"It wasn't easy," Norris said. "With nursing, there is a different way of thinking. We are used to multiple choice testing, and there's one right answer and three wrong. With nursing, you would have one right and two wrong. It made a difference."
Norris
was not just a full-time student in the program during the past
two years. She also worked full-time as a surgical technologist
at CMC-NorthEast, a job she received after completing a diploma
program through the college in 2004.
The health care profession was something Norris had not thought about before, even though her father has worked for the hospital since she was younger.
When Norris graduated from high school, she was accepted into Appalachian State University and had plans to be a journalism and English Literature major, but she decided to work at the mill for a year to earn money. She stayed there for more than 20 years.
"Twenty years ago, I would've never thought I'd be here," said Norris, now 46 years old. "I was comfortable at the mill. We thought it would be here forever."
Just after Pillowtex closed, Norris attended a job fair and spoke to Mark Ellison, director of admissions for the college (and also a member of the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership), who told her about the programs available.
In August 2003, she began the one-year surgical technology diploma program at the college. The next year, she graduated the program with honors and was offered her current job. She worked for about four years before deciding to further her education.
"After working in the operating room, I knew I wanted more," Norris said.
In 2008, she enrolled in the two-year associate's degree program, which she said was more intense than the diploma program.
"Nursing school is a challenge, no matter who the person is," said Renee Hyde, chair for the ADN program. "RaGenia faced obstacles, but she worked extremely hard to overcome them and made sure she was doing everything she could to fulfill the requirements."
This week, the day after she graduated from that program, Norris recalled the long nights of studying, but also looked back on her encouraging instructors, including Beverly Horton, who died in March and was remembered at the commencement.
"I would always whine and complain, and she said, 'if I can do it, you can do it,'" Norris said.
She is not done yet in her academic journey. After she completes her nursing boards next month, Norris plans to take some time off and then enroll at the college to earn her bachelor's degree.
Norris hopes others will not be discouraged by their age or other obstacles so they can work toward their goals, as she did.
"Anything that's worth something is not going to come to you easy," Norris said.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board would like to congratulate RaGenia on her continued success! For more information on the programs offered at the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, please contact Emily Clamp at (704) 348-2732 or by e-mail at eclamp@centralina.org.
RaGenia Norris, who was laid off when Pillowtex closed in 2003, went back to school and received an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. Each graduate was given an oak tree sapling when they graduated. |
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Receives $177K in Stimulus FundsCollege Prepares to Become More Energy Efficient “Green energy is one of my top priorities,” Perdue said. “These federal recovery funds will help put people to work, help our schools and reduce cost for communities throughout the state.” At RCCC, the money will go toward lighting improvements, occupancy sensors and heating and air conditioning system upgrades. Total cost of the project is $194,546. The grants program is administered by the North Carolina Energy Office, part of the state’s Department of Commerce, to encourage energy conservation and economic investment in counties, municipalities, community colleges and public schools. A total of $7.2 million is available to local government agencies and $6.3 million to public schools and community colleges. Additional grants are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as funding applications are reviewed and acted upon. The Centralina Workforce Development Board is a proud partner
with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and congratulates them
on receiving this additional funding. For more information
on the Centralina Workforce Development Board, please contact
Emily Clamp at (704) 348-2732 or by e-mail at eclamp@centralina.org.
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America’s
Park officials project that the facility will bring about
80,000 players, coaches and family members to Mooresville
each year during the summer months. The park will host week-long
tournaments for 12 weeks from June through August.
Mooresville
and South Iredell County had numbers in their favor. More
than 60% of youth baseball players live within a 10 hour drive
of Mooresville. The climate is conducive for extended play
from mid-March through mid-November. Mooresville is located
in close proximity to the Charlotte-Douglas International
Airport and 90 miles from Greensboro Airport.
Cabarrus
Economic Development Corporation
The
theme of the summit focused on new technology, green businesses
and sustainability as the EDC introduced a panel of speakers
from local businesses.John Cox, president and CEO of the Cabarrus Economic Development Corp., speaks during the EDC's annual stakeholder's summit. The topic of the luncheon was sustainability. |
Iredell County Industrial Park Tops List as Best in State
West Industrial Park in Statesville Receives Prestigious Award
Over the past three years, West Industrial Park has been the focal point for some of Greater Statesville's most notable economic development announcements; Pratt Industries in 2007 and Providencia USA in 2008.
This month, the park was honored by the North
Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) as a Best Small
Industrial Site among Great Freight Rail Sites in North Carolina.
As a part of its Progress in Motion Forum, the NCRR
challenged local communities to identify and submit sites
for recognition. West Industrial Park in Statesville was selected
as a Best Small Industrial Site site. Recognizing the rapid
disappearance of rail-served sites because of the state's
rapid growth, the challenge was designed to provide a learning
opportunity for those with properties they think are suitable
for consideration as rail industrial sites.
Working closely with state, local and regional economic developers, NCRR engaged national site consultants McCallum Sweeney Consulting to evaluate rail sites submitted from across the state.
"We were pleased to have received 34 entries from local economic development organizations," says Richard Wiley, Senior Consultant for Economic Development for NCRR. "The economic developers really stepped up and took advantage of this opportunity to showcase properties from their regions. Rail-served sites are extremely important to the state's economic growth. Last year numerous new industries located in North Carolina because we had available sites with access to rail, creating hundreds of jobs."
The categories in the Great Freight Rail Sites event were
Large Industrial Rail sites, Small Industrial Rail sites,
Distribution Center sites and Best Presentation. The sites
were judged by such criteria as proximity and access to rail
lines, roads and air service, the presence of utilities such
as electricity, natural gas, water, and actual usable acreage.
The sites could be on or near any railroad in the state-Norfolk
Southern, CSX, or one of the 21 short line railroads across
NC.
The North Carolina Railroad Company owns and manages the 317-mile
rail corridor extending from Morehead City to Charlotte. The
railroad carries 60 freight trains and eight passenger trains
daily. NCRR is the state's oldest corporation and remains
at the forefront of rail improvements and partnership development
to promote jobs and rail-served industry across the state.
It touches nearly a quarter of the state's economy.
Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for updates on this exciting development in our region!
Mike Smith Executive Director of the Greater Statesville Development Corporation accepts the award from the NC Railroad Company as Best Small Industrial site among Great Freight Rail sites in NC. |
Opportunities are Really Taking Off!
Lincoln County Airport Opens New Terminal
The
new terminal at the airport in Lincoln County
could draw more visitors and bring in additional revenue,
according to Jeff Lynn, airport manager.
Lynn and his staff unveiled the $1.5 million project during
an open house and luncheon this month.
“We think it’s a huge step forward. Airports today are one of your gateways to your community,” County Manager George Wood said in a previous interview about the airport expansion.
The project has been under way for more than a year. Construction of the new terminal completed an upgrade to the airport that has served the area for more than two decades. The new building includes a conference room open for community use and a large area for people waiting on flight arrivals.
Airplane pilots will have new accommodations not available in the past. Facilities now include a “snooze room,” showers and a kitchen. The additions will likely make the Lincoln airport more desirable for corporate and private jets, said Lynn.
“The whole northwest corner is dedicated to 24-hour service to pilots,” said Lynn.
A new automated weather station will also now run from the airport. The equipment will provide information for the area and includes a GPS system that will aid pilots in landing during inclement weather.
The opening of the terminal leaves a few areas open for leasing. Lynn said he’s already had interest in the old office and second-floor space above the new one. The state of North Carolina, the county and the city, Duke Energy and private donations funded the expansion.
Lincoln County’s airport will carry a new name to go with its new look — the Jack Dellinger Airport. Dellinger served on the aeronautics council for about 30 years and has remained a big supporter of the airport, said Lynn.
“He was instrumental in getting funding for the airport here,” said Lynn.
Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for updates on this exciting development in our region!
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to open the new Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport terminal. The 6,400-square-foot facility will offer office spaces, a conference room that will later be equipped with a projector screen and other technologies, and a large waiting room with a flat-screen television and plush couches. |
Incentives for the Future for Iredell County Company
Carolina Beer & Beverage Gets Approval for Expansion
The
Iredell County Board of Commissioners approved a request for
an incentives grant from Carolina
Beer & Beverage, LLC, located in Mooresville,
for expansions the company plans to make. The incentives —
of between approximately $51,400 and $58,400 — will
be given over five years.
Carolina Beer & Beverage CEO Michael Smith said the company — which was founded in 1997 — has been emphasizing the second part of its name.
"For the past nine years, we've had the opportunity to team with some of the largest beverage manufacturers in the world," Smith said.
The company's expansion plans, Smith said, will take advantage of those business relationships and will result in $4.4 million to $5 million in new investment and the addition of between 19 and 40 jobs.
Carolina Beer & Beverage is just one of the many local companies that received an Incumbent Worker Training Grant from the Centralina Workforce Development Board. Thanks to the grant, the company has upgraded the skills of current workers and made improvements to operations that have enabled them to grow and receive this incentive package.
For more information about this exciting development, please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly newsletter.
Off to the Races!
NASCAR Hall of Fame Officially Opens its Doors to the Public
Richard Petty and Junior Johnson roared onto the plaza in vintage race cars and, with that, the NASCAR Hall of Fame opened Tuesday May 11, 2010 in uptown Charlotte after five years of recruiting, planning and building. Both former drivers are part of the inaugural class of inductees at the stock-car museum, a $200 million publicly funded project aimed at spurring tourism. Petty and Johnson drove on to the hall of fame plaza just before a steady rain fell uptown.
“That’s the reason I said we got under the flag,” Petty said. “I beat another one, OK?”
The rest of the 2010 class of hall of famers includes another top driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr., as well as NASCAR’s founder, Bill France Sr., and his son, former NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr. Of the inductees, only Johnson and Petty are still living.
Induction ceremonies were held at the hall of fame on Sunday May 23. Each year, five more inductees will be added.
Political leaders who ushered the hall of fame to life crowed over the potential economic benefits.
“When people think of NASCAR, they think of North Carolina,” Governor Bev Perdue said.
Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, former mayor Pat McCrory and tourism leaders touted the impact of motorsports on the region. Perdue noted the industry’s $6 billion annual impact statewide, accounting for 27,000 jobs. The majority (over $5 billion) of that is in Centralina Workforce Development Board region, home to almost every major NASCAR race team headquarters as well as Charlotte Motor Speedway (located in Concord, NC) and numerous spinoff businesses.
Tourism officials estimate the hall of fame will generate $60 million annually for the city. Projections are for 800,000 visitors during the first year.
“Other backers of the project participating in the opening ceremony included Bank of America’s Cathy Bessant, John Tate of Wachovia/Wells Fargo, NASCAR Chairman Brian France and NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick, who led the Charlotte bid.
“I’m not even a car owner today,” Hendrick said. “I’m a fan looking at some of the history.”
Charlotte wooed NASCAR as one of five cities bidding to land the sport’s first hall of fame.
After several months of site visits and formal proposals in 2005, NASCAR chose Charlotte in March 2006. Construction began in January 2007. New York architect Pei Cobb Freed & Partners designed the 150,000-square-foot building, punctuated by a swirling stainless steel band wrapped around the exterior.
France, the current NASCAR chairman, said “it was very clear that Charlotte was the right place for the hall of fame.”
Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for updates on this exciting development in our region!
A fireworks display commemorated the hall of fame opening Tuesday in uptown Charlotte. |
Richard Petty, center, is among the first class of inductees in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. |
Cabarrus Company Receives $16 Million for Development
Southern Piedmont Community Care Plan Inc. Aims to Create Health-Information Technology
The Southern Piedmont Community Care Plan Inc. in Concord will receive $15.9 million in federal recovery funds for health-information technology to improve patient care and create jobs. The program seeks to provide increased access to health-care and transportation services for Medicaid recipients in Cabarrus, Rowan and Stanly counties.
“By integrating information technology into our health-care system we can improve the quality and efficiency of care and make sure North Carolinians get the right care, at the right place, at the right time,” says N.C. Governor Bev Perdue.
The funds come from the Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program, which assists communities in building their health information-technology infrastructure.
For more information about this exciting development, please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly newsletter.
Calling All Businesses: Centralina WDB Needs Your Input!
Survey Seeks Information on How We Can Help Your Business
The Centralina Workforce Development Board needs your help! Many of the ideas for complimentary services we deliver came from employers like you. As a result, the Centralina Workforce Development Board has 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.
So, please CLICK HERE to complete a SHORT survey and share how we can best serve your business. An investment of 3-4 minutes to get your input is extremely valuable to us. As a thank you, your name will be entered into our monthly drawing for a special gift from the Centralina WDB.
The few minutes you share with us gives back to your community as well as your business. If you have any questions about the survey or would like to give more input, please contact Vail Carter at (704) 348-2710 or by e-mail 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 Glen Raven – Technical Fabrics in Statesville, NC (Iredell County). Barbara Harmon of Glen Raven – Technical Fabrics completed and submitted the survey. We thank Barbara for helping us with our continuous improvement feedback process! For more information about Glen Raven – Technical Fabrics please visit their site at www.glenraven.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.
There's a JobLink Near You!For more information on Centralina region JobLink Career Centers, click here. Commitment to workforce excellence |
Employment Statistics
Updated
Monthly on this E-Newsletter
| April
2010 (Source: NC Employment Security Commission) |
||
| County | Unemployment
Rate |
Persons
Employed |
| Anson | 13.8% |
8,829 |
| Cabarrus | 10.7% |
75,638 |
| Iredell | 11.9% |
69,726 |
| Lincoln | 12.4% |
33,258 |
| Rowan | 11.9% |
63,306 |
| Stanly | 11.7% |
27,117 |
| Union | 9.7% |
85,345 |
| Centralina WDB Region | 11.2% |
363,219 |
| State of NC | 10.0% |
4,089,754 |
For more information on employment, click here
A Great Workforce…
A Greater Region
Competitive Workforce Alliance Meets to Discuss Region’s Issues
On
Tuesday May 18, 2010, the Charlotte
Regional Partnership (CRP) hosted the latest Competitive
Workforce Alliance meeting in their new offices near
the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Ronnie Bryant, president and CEO of the CRP welcomed the Alliance and then the meeting quickly got down to business.
Members
of the Alliance gave updates on projects such as the Allied Health
Regional Skills Partnership, regional energy initiatives, On-the-Job
training, and ProNet. All projects seem to be moving along very
well.
The Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership is in the process of working on updating its website, as well as wrapping up the very successful Career Connection Fairs that have been held all around the region.
The Alliance tackled other regional issues such as the JobLink Career Center rechartering, the “Get NOT Out of Your Life” campaign and the Advanced Manufacturing Awards that will be held on Thursday June 24, 2010.
Attendees gave each Workforce Development Board Chair there a chance to discuss some topics with the whole group and with each other as well. They dealt with topics such as how to increase the Alliance’s foot print in the region, the most pressing issue for each Board, as well as how the Alliance can influence an entrepreneurial movement in the region.
Finally, the Alliance members discussed planning and coordination efforts for the 5th annual Workforce and Economic Development Summit for 2010. A committee was pulled together of individuals who agreed to work on preparing for the event. Initial plans are for the summit (to be held in fall) include developing a theme, arranging speakers, and a host facility.
The Competitive Workforce Alliance is the workforce network for the greater Charlotte Region. Together, the Alliance members are driving solutions to workforce and business issues in the region. Mirroring the Charlotte Regional Partnership’s 16 counties, Alliance members saw the value in speaking as one workforce voice for the entire economic development region. This unique alliance provides resources, training, and business services through a network of JobLink/One-Stop Career Centers. Local Boards are encouraged to preserve and promote their own unique services and relationships in their counties.
The Centralina, Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and Gaston Workforce Development Boards in North Carolina along with the Western Piedmont and Region C Workforce Development Boards have joined forces with the Catawba Regional and the Pee Dee Workforce Investment Boards from South Carolina and the Charlotte Regional Partnership to create the Competitive Workforce Alliance. The Alliance’s website is www.agreatworkforce.com. For more information on the Competitive Workforce Alliance, please contact Emily Clamp at (704) 348-2732 or by e-mail at eclamp@centralina.org.
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is in YOUR Community!
During the month of May 2010, 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 Board’s Annual Strategic Planning Retreat, the Goodwill Cornerstone Awards, the Competitive Workforce Alliance, Anson County Schools Business Planning Summit, and the Union County Transition Fair, here are some the activities of the Board members and WDB staff for May:
On-The-Job Training strategic planning meeting with Michelin – held on Friday May 14 at Michelin’s facilities in Norwood (Stanly County). Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars and WDB Business Services Coordinator Vail Carter, Stanly County JobLink Career Center and ESC representatives met with Michelin officials to work out the details on the state supported OJT funding to assist in the hiring of 74 new permanent employees with Michelin.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College – R3 Center – Re-Employment Bridge Institute meeting – held on Wednesday May 26 at the R3 Center in Kannapolis. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars met with Jeanie Moore, Nick Gennett, and Keri Allman from RCCC to discuss RBI workshops, future funding, and plans for consultation services to be offered.
Rowan Biz-Ed Connect meeting - held on Friday May 7 at Rowan-Salisbury Schools in Salisbury. Natasha Pender, Centralina WDB Program Associate participated in this meeting.
Cabarrus County Schools – Graduation Project review – held on Thursday May 27 at JM Robinson High School in Concord. Natasha Pender, Centralina WDB Program Associate served as a judge for the graduation project presentations by students.
Charlotte Regional Partnership Awards luncheon – held on Tuesday May 25 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Luncheon recognized the 10 area community colleges that serve the region as well as US Airways. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars, WDB Business Services Coordinator Vail Carter, WDB Program Associate Natasha Pender, and Centralina WDB Chair Bob VanGorden participated in this regional event.
NC Commission on Workforce Development meeting – held on Wednesday May 19 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars attended this meeting.
National Association of Workforce Development Professionals conference – held on May 1-5. Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars attended this conference.
Workforce Business Development and Assistance – provided by Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Representative for the following area companies:
- Performed midpoint contract monitoring of Incumbent Workforce
Development Contract with Piedmont Healthcare in Mooresville (Iredell
County) – May 6
- Performed midpoint contract monitoring of Incumbent Workforce
Development Contract with Statesville Roofing & Building Restoration
(Iredell County) – May 6
- Conducted midterm contract monitoring of Incumbent Workforce
Development Contract with Radiator Specialty Company in Indian
Trail (Union County) – May 7
- Performed midpoint contract monitoring of Incumbent Workforce
Development Contract with Toter, Inc. in Statesville (Iredell
County) – May 11
- Co-hosted regional luncheon for workforce and economic development
professionals to promote the upcoming 2010 Advanced Manufacturing
Awards – May 12
- Performed midpoint contract monitoring of Incumbent Workforce
Development Contract with Deals Auto Glass in Kannapolis (Rowan
County) – May 12
- Attended the Charlotte Area Business Roundtable meeting at
Central Piedmont Community College – May 13
- Conducted Incumbent Workforce Development Contract monitoring
visit with Gaylor, Inc. in Mooresville (Iredell County) –
May 13
- Met with Charity Pittman of the Lake Norman Regional Economic
Commission to discuss partnering and upcoming promotion of the
Advanced Manufacturing Awards – May 18
- Met with Deb Dixon of the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Workforce Development
Board to conduct training on the use of the SHARE Network Directory
Web Management tools and delivery supplies – May 26
- Conducted midterm contract monitoring of Incumbent Workforce
Development Contract with Accuma Corporation in Statesville (Iredell
County) – May 27
- Conducted midterm contract monitoring of Incumbent Workforce Development Contract with Square D Company in Salisbury (Rowan County) – May 27
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.
READ SIMILAR NEWS
Iredell-Statesville Schools Open New Auto Tech Facility
Iredell-Statesville Schools latest vocational facility was officially unveiled to the community this month. The Career Academy and Technical School, off Murdock Road in Troutman, was the site of a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by students, administrators, Town of Troutman representatives, N.C. Department of Public Instruction representatives and more.
The I-SS Auto Tech program began in 1996 and has continued to grow in popularity and student enrollment over the years. Instructor Martin Page said about 500 students will make use of the facility next year.
"The whole idea of our jobs is to prepare kids to get jobs," Page said.
The facility has several vehicle bays, a parts department that is similar to those found in dealerships or auto parts stores, a toolbox cage that stores every student's toolbox, and computer stations where students can search for vehicle service information.
I-SS Superintendent Brady Johnson said the district is proud of the accomplishments made by the program. “Providing a facility like this for young people is very gratifying and satisfying," he said.
Johnson said the district will eventually add an auto body and paint department, along with classrooms, a lab and air conditioning, as funding is made available. Phase II of the project with include diesel and motorcycle repair programs.
David Barbour, DPI education consultant for trade and industrial education and career and technical education, drove from Raleigh to attend the ceremony.
"This is awesome," he said. "The commitment I-SS has to this type of program is the linkage to academia and the real world our students have to have."
Added County Commissioner Steve Johnson: "The best way to keep kids in school is vocational education."
The Centralina Workforce Development Board would like to congratulate Iredell-Statesville Schools on this great facility! The Board looks forward to all the wonderful opportunities this state of the art facility will open up in our region. For more information on the new auto tech facility or on the Centralina Workforce Development Board, please contact Emily Clamp at (704) 348-2732 or by e-mail at eclamp@centralina.org.
Students learn about the 2010 Toyota Prius during a tour of Iredell-Statesville Schools Career Academy and Technical School at the ribbon cutting of the new facility. |
Helping to Make Youth Masters of Their Own Fate
Stanly Community College Offers Entrepreneurship Camp
Stanly
Community College (SCC) will offer area high school
students the opportunity to experience a journey into entrepreneurship
during a summer camp scheduled in June.
The program will help students gain an understanding of entrepreneurship as a career option, meet successful entrepreneurs, learn leadership abilities, gain critical thinking skills, and develop a business plan.
“Several years ago, we offered a similar camp to rising eighth graders and it was well attended. We thought it would be a great opportunity to foster the entrepreneurship desires for the high school student,” said Tammi McIlwaine, associate dean of Academic Affairs at Stanly Community College.
The camp will be from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Monday June 21 – Thursday June 24, 2010 on the Albemarle Campus. Space is limited to 20 students, registration is free and snacks and lunch will be provided.
“High school students are ready and willing to become more independent and earn money,” said Kathy Almond, director of SCC’s Small Business Center.
“By attending our entrepreneurship camp, students will learn basic knowledge of how businesses operate and how to manage finances, a great head-start for any students as they move into the summer months looking for part-time employment.”
For more information on the Summer Entrepreneur Excursion Camp at Stanly Community College, contact (704) 991-0311 or visit their website at www.stanly.edu.
Building a Better Future, Literally!
Mooresville Schools Construction Students Awarded Grant from Lowe’s, Inc.
The SkillsUSA chapter at NF Woods Advanced Technology and Arts Center in Mooresville was awarded a $10,000 grant through Lowe’s. Out of 250 applicants only 34 schools were selected. The level two and three construction students earned this very competitive grant to fund a joint project with Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville.
These students will work with their teacher and advisor, Mr. Tommy Chester, to complete the Town Hall building in Discovery Place Kids. On April 19, Mr. Bo Shannon, the Mooresville Lowe’s store manager, visited the NF Woods campus to present the check to Mr. Chester and his students.
The students will be at the site in Huntersville two days in May working on assembling their project. Much of the pre-assembly work will take place on the Woods campus. The facility is slated to open to the public in October 2010.
The SkillsUSA chapter at NF Woods Advanced Technology and Arts Center was awarded a $10,000 grant through Lowe’s. |
NC Research Campus Update
Find Out What’s the Latest with this World Renowned Biotech Development
Another Major Player Joins the NC Research Campus
Cereal giant General Mills will soon be joining
the N.C. Research Campus. The global packaged-food maker would become
the highest-profile tenant at the biotechnology hub in downtown
Kannapolis. Dole Food Co. chairman David Murdock founded the campus
in 2006.
General Mills, which makes Cheerios, Wheaties and Yoplait, is the company that Lynne Scott Safrit, president of campus developer Castle & Cooke, alluded to Friday May 14, 2010. Safrit told about 200 people gathered for the Cabarrus County Economic Development Corp. summit that the campus would announce a new private partner in two weeks, "a company you will all know."
At the time, Safrit said campus officials hoped to reveal the company at the Charlotte Regional Partnership Annual Awards Luncheon on May 25th. The announcement was loudly cheered when it was made at the luncheon.
Minneapolis-based General Mills would have the opportunity to collaborate with eight North Carolina universities at the Research Campus, where scientists study nutrition, health and agriculture.
General Mills, which owns Green Giant frozen vegetables and Progresso soups, would come to Kannapolis on the heels of Monsanto Company, the ag-biotech giant that will open a lab this fall to develop better-tasting vegetables. A Fortune 500 corporation, General Mills generated $14.9 billion in revenues last year.
NC State Chancellor Visits the NCRC
The new chancellor of North Carolina State University said he looked
at the N.C. Research Center website before visiting it.
Dr. William R. "Randy" Woodson said he was impressed by the grandeur of what had been built, but thought it probably wouldn't be as big as it looked online. "Turns out it was," he said while addressing faculty and community leaders at N.C. State's Plants for Human Health Institute on Tuesday afternoon. "So I'm thrilled to be here ..."What's being built here is transformative to this part of the state."
Woodson, who started work April 5, said he was blown away by the vision of (founder) David Murdock with the state of North Carolina and its universities as partners. "It's a bold vision," he said, "and it really is something that we're very proud to be a part of."
It wasn't a fluke that Charlotte and Kannapolis were first on his tour of the state, Woodson said. "I don't have a tour bus or anything," he joked, "just (Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement) Nevin Kessler's Chrysler."
The 14th chancellor of N.C. State, Woodson served previously as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He took on the role of provost in May 2008 after serving nearly four years as the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture.
Prior to that, Woodson was the associate dean of agriculture and director of the Office of Agricultural Research Programs at Purdue from 1998 to 2004. His career has been shaped by the land-grant university system, receiving B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in horticulture from the University of Arkansas and Cornell University, respectively.
Woodson said he is excited to be at N.C. State. "I think one of the biggest things we need to do is do a better job of telling N.C. State's story ..." he said. "I think it's one of the best kept secrets in the country."
UNCC Moves into NC Research Campus
The first university to join the NC Research Campus is the last
public university to have a permanent home there. The University
of North Carolina at Charlotte, which opened a business program
in Kannapolis in 2006 and a scientific program in 2007, finally
moved into the campus centerpiece Core Laboratory Building.
Six other schools in the UNC system have permanent homes on the campus. Duke University still uses a temporary office in downtown Kannapolis.
The Charlotte Research Institute, directed by Dr. Robert Wilhelm, shares the new office with the Bioinformatics Research Center.
UNC-Charlotte scientists will collaborate with researchers from other schools and businesses to organize and analyze massive quantities of data generated by equipment at the Research Campus.
Please stay tuned to the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s monthly E-Newsletter for more developments on these exciting stories. For more information on what is going on at the NC Research Campus please visit the Centralina Workforce Development Board’s website at www.centralinaworks.com.
READ SIMILAR NEWS
Dr. Randy Woodson, who started work April 5, 2010 as the new chancellor at North Carolina State University, meets faculty and community leaders at a reception in the Plants for Human Health Institute at the N.C. Research Campus. |
EMBRACING TRANSITION - Putting You in Touch With Your FutureUnion County Holds Annual Transition FairThe Fourth Annual Union County Transition Fair was held at the South Piedmont Community College’s Conference Center in Monroe on Tuesday May 18, 2010. More than 120 students and parents attended the fair which featured workshop clinics on Advocacy and Employability, as well as more than 30 vendors. Centralina WDB Program Associate Natasha Pender attended the fair as well as serving on the planning committee for the event. The Transition Fair is about helping students plan for life. It includes planning for academic and nonacademic courses; employment and related training opportunities; education on housing choices and opportunities for fun and socialization. Featured workshop presenters were from the Youth 4 Advocacy organization which helps NC high school students in the Occupational Course of Study (OCS), empowering them to transition safely and successfully into their communities; they also provide resources for students, teachers, parents and community members. Visit www.self-advocate.org for more information on this organization. The Transition Fair hosted an Employability Seminar which allows OCS students to compete while demonstrating their knowledge of work skills. Also, students played the Road to Work Game – which is a game focusing on employability skills, vocabulary, team building and public speaking. Sponsors for the event were Centralina Workforce Development Board, ADEPT Nonprofit Services, Department of Social Services, Employment Security Commission/JobLink Career Center, Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare, South Piedmont Community College, Union County Public Schools, and NC Vocational Rehabilitation. The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud to see one of their partners reaching out to students and connecting them with local businesses. Bringing the future workforce together with the current workforce will only lead to success for the region. For more information on this program or on the Centralina Youth Council, please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by e-mail at npender@centralina.org.
An Apple A Day Can Lead to 21st Century SkillsAnson County Schools Receive Award from Apple ComputersAnson County Schools program at Anson High School using Apple technology was one of just 38 nationwide to be selected for special recognition from Apple Computers. Robb and Janice Adams with the Apple Corporation presented the award to Superintendent Greg Firn and Career and Technical Education (CTE) director Cynthia Hampton at the school board's regular monthly meeting on Monday April 26. "We are so pleased for Anson County about tonight and for this," Superintendent Greg Firn said, pointing out that all of the board members and cabinet members also have Apple Macbooks. Most of the students at Anson High School— about 75 percent— have Macbook laptops to help them in their studies. "Last fall, Apple created a program to honor schools across this country," Janice Adams explained. Apple looked at two areas— a program that was using Apple technology creatively, and also, "how the program was benefitting the teaching and learning of 21st century skills and ideas to young students." Adams went on to say that Apple also looked at the school system's leadership, its students and teachers, and how the school system provided professional development for its teachers. The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are strong partners with Anson County Schools and would like to congratulate them on receiving this great award! For more information on this award please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by email at npender@centralina.org.
Speak Up and Speak Out!Centralina WDB Youth Get a Chance to Address the General AssemblyFor the second year in a row, youth who attended the NC Youth Summit were granted an opportunity to speak directly to legislators regarding issues affecting them and their communities during a recent visit to the General Assembly in Raleigh. Several youth from the Centralina WDB region were able to visit with policy makers in Raleigh on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. The 2010 NC Youth Summit featured speakers from the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office to help prepare youth for opportunities such as this. One of the many concerns youth voiced to legislators was for funding for a Summer Youth Employment Program. Several youth spoke about the impact the program had on them and their families, citing that they were able to contribute to their households financially as well as gain much needed work experience and exposure. Youth from across the state met with representatives from their specific region and shared pertinent information on the Summit, their Youth Programs and more. Senator Tony Forrest, a supporter of the NC Youth Summit met with the group as a whole and offered advice and encouragement for youth. Youth toured the legislative complex building and concluded the day with lunch and a tour of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. The Centralina WDB region was well represented by April Youngblood, Talisa Ramseur, Christopher Williams and Markeyah Steele, Tevin Ellis, from I-CARE; Ebony Connor and Jasmine Thompson from the Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency and Jason Hubbard and Terrance Hinkle the Union County Community Action Agency. All of the youth thoroughly enjoyed their visit and are looking forward to more opportunities to speak up and speak out! For more information on this meet and greet please contact Natasha Pender at (704) 348-2725 or by email at npender@centralina.org.
Education, Perception, Integrity and Arson?The Makings of a SuperstarThe Anson County School District’s Career and Technical Education Director was determined to provide Anson High School students with an experience that they would never forget! Cynthia Hampton proudly welcomed over 100 students of the Anson County School District to the Embassy Suites in Concord NC for the first annual Anson Student Business Forum on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Students were dressed to impress and fired up about learning employability skills and success strategies. Denise Ryan, graduated from USC with a Master’s Degree in Business, and apparently lighting fires! Early in her Advertising career she realized she had a talent for “firing” people up. She took this talent and created FireStar – a company that specializes in Enthusiasm. Mrs. Ryan was the first featured speaker of the event and with her “tell-it-like-it-is” style she talked to students about becoming a Superstar Employee. She shared 10 tips for impressing an employer: • Show up! 80% of the battle is won if you simply SHOW
UP Featured panelists took Denise Ryan’s tips a step further by explaining how applying these tips can translate into job security. Jason Huddle, Co-Founder of Comfort Publishing/Cabarrus Magazine told students that they must make things happened for themselves, no one just gets “lucky”. www.docspeaks.com, journalist with the Charlotte Observer encouraged students to take education seriously and don’t underestimate the value of good communication and “people” skills. Sam Elzie, founder of YMET – Youth Motorsports Education and Training shared that through a variety of career endeavors he kept an open mind and always was willing and eager to learn. He said formal (classroom) education and experiential education go hand in hand. Shawn Stuart from the NC Motorsports Association told students to “listen more than you talk.” Lonnie Monroe from the State Bureau of Investigations encouraged students to pursue careers based off of a “love” for the work, rather than the pursuit of riches. And Beth Wanke, former Centralina WDB member and Red Bull Racing Human Resource Manager encouraged students to remember that “Perception is Reality – from a management perspective”.
Cynthia hushed the music and introduced the keynote speaker of the hour. Dr. Adolph Brown - Possessing limitless energy and vitality, Dr. Adolph Brown aka “Doc,” overcame an upbringing of extreme poverty and violence, welfare, fatherlessness, and a single-mother led household to become a popular media personality, a noted author, award-winning educator, trained anthropologist and psychologist, columnist, business consultant & coach, sought after motivational speaker, husband, and father of seven. Another gentleman that had been setting up a display table and manning equipment took the stage and began to speak. It was then that the young kid in baggy clothes began heckling the speaker. All eyes turned to the young man. The speaker asked him to stand and come to the front. Some words were exchanged and the speaker asked the young man his name – he turned to the crowd and said “Doc Brown”. Doc proceeded to tell the young people where he came from, and where he is now and after 60 minutes of high energy fun, dancing, comedy, and most importantly “real talk” – Doc informed the students that just because “you mess up, doesn’t mean you have to give up. It’s your choice – you can choose to be bitter or you can choose to be better.” Doc Brown’s website is www.docspeaks.com.
|
After
lunch, students were greeted to a totally different atmosphere.
The sound system glared with the sounds of today’s hottest
hip hop music. Apparently all that excitement attracted some
passersby who thought there was a party going on. One kid,
a young man with baggy pants, oversized sweatshirt and a baseball
cap that hid his eyes wandered in. He asked several people
what was going on. Some people told him, some people encouraged
him to stay, some scolded him for interrupting and others
smiled and welcomed him into the fold. You see the very interesting
thing about this young man was how much he stood out. It was
evident by his dress that he didn’t quite belong –
but if you looked hard enough you could see something beyond
his dress and seemingly “bad” attitude. He quietly
took a seat in the back of the room as the afternoon session
began.
Many
of the students who spoke at the event said they hope the
certifications they receive at the School of Technology help
them with college bills.
Sometimes,
Mother knows best. Just ask Earl Sturdivant.
“I didn’t want to come here,” Sturdivant
said about the Anson County Early College
(ACEC) on South Piedmont Community College’s
(SPCC) L.L. Polk Campus. “I didn’t know
anything about Early College.”Earl Studivant has achieved great success for himself through the Anson County Early College Program. |
What's Happening in the Region?
Comings, Goings, Kudos…
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Grady
Kindley has been named the Manager of the Stanly
County JobLink Career Center. Kindley currently
serves as the Manager of the Anson County JobLink Career
Center until June 1, 2010. He is replacing Nathan Sanges
who retired in April. 
Kathy
Almond has been named the Director of the Albemarle
Downtown Development Corporation. She currently
is the Director of the Stanly Community College Small
Business Center. Almond will start her new position on
July 1, 2010. 
Pinkie
Furr is retiring as the Business Services Representative
for North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation
office in Albemarle. Her last day will be June 30, 2010.
Dari
Caldwell has been named president of Rowan
Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. She is
a Concord native and is the former chief operating officer
for NorthEast Medical Center. 
Tom
Ramseur, president and CEO of the Stanly
County Chamber of Commerce and Centralina
Workforce Development Board member, has been
appointed to the Board of Directors of Central Park NC.
Stanly County is one of eight central North Carolina counties
that make up Central park NC, which was formerly known
as the Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes Project.
Pamela
Cain has been announced as the new superintendent
for Kannapolis City Schools. She will
replace Jo Anne Byerly, who has served since 2001 and
will retire next month. Cain has more than 20 years of
experience in education, most recently serving as assistant
state school superintendent for the State of West Virginia.
• Centralina Workforce Development
Board meeting • Centralina WDB Youth Council Meeting • NC JobLink Coordinators Forum • Resume Clinic • Interview Techniques • Identifying Your Career Options • Stand Out from the Competition • Re-Employment Bridge Institute • Workforce Boot Camp • Identifying Your Career Options • Uwharrie Region Tourism Marketing:
Agriculture – NC’s Oldest Green Industry • Is It Time for More Training? • Resume Clinic • It’s Not Who You Know, It’s
Who You Meet • Looking for Work at 50+ • Stand out from the Competition • Resume Clinic • Letter Writing for the Job Seeker • Re-Employment Bridge Institute • Iredell County Business Country
Breakfast & Seminar • Online Job Hunting • Looking for Work with a Criminal
Record • Healthcare Career Pathways • Layoff Survival Tips • CAFÉ – Career Academy
for Educators • Identifying Your Career Options • Top 5 Employer Needs • Interview Techniques • Resume Clinic • Job Hunting for Veterans • Resume Clinic • Interview Techniques • Identifying Your Career Options • Stand Out from the Competition
• Messages Without Words: How to Use
Non-Verbal Communication to Connect with Others Effective E-mailing:
How to Communicate Powerfully by E-mail • 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. |
| Visit
our website at www.centralinaworks.com
to learn more about the Centralina WDB |
| To
learn more about the Centralina Council of Governments please visit
www.centralina.org |
| 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. |