Local Companies to Benefit from Training Help

The Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) is proud to recognize three area employers that have received Incumbent Workforce Development Program funding in the third round for 2005-2006. The Centralina Workforce Development Board approved these grants with funding provided by the NC Department of Commerce Commission on Workforce Development. Each employer will receive the requested amount of funds to help upgrade the skills of their current workforce as listed below:

JC Steele & Sons, Inc., in Statesville, designs and manufactures clay-working machinery and related service parts for the brick industry. The company plans to train 48 employees and plans to hold eight Lean Manufacturing Events at their plant. An instructor provided through Mitchell Community College will facilitate the 24 days of training. The expected outcome of the training will be an improvement in workflow and elimination of waste. JC Steele & Sons, Inc. will be receiving $34,320 in Incumbent Workforce Development funds through a contract with the Centralina Workforce Development Board, based on a grant awarded June 1, 2006.

Perfect Fit Industries, in Monroe, manufactures mattress pads and pillows for the home furnishings market. They are suppliers to major retailers such as JC Penney, Target, Kmart and Bed Bath and Beyond. Perfect Fit Industries plans to train 30 of their key production employees in Integrated Systems Technology and Leadership Development. They will work with South Piedmont Community College to deliver training on-site at their facility and at South Piedmont's campus in Monroe. Perfect Fit Industries will be receiving $21,990 in Incumbent Workforce Development funds through a contract with the Centralina Workforce Development Board, based on the grant awarded June 1, 2006.

The Stanley Works, in Concord, is a leader in the design and development of consumer tools. The Stanley Works will utilize funds to train 44 manufacturing employees in several areas. Their training plan calls for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and The Employers Associate of Charlotte to provide classes in Maintenance, Spanish, Computer Training and Leadership Training. The company expects the training to advance the skill level of all the trainees in an effort to prepare them for transition to higher levels of responsibility. The Stanley Works will be receiving $28,311 in Incumbent Workforce Development funds through a contract with the Centralina Workforce Development Board, based on the grant awarded June 1, 2006.

For the fiscal year ending June 30 2006, the Centralina WDB has awarded a total of $304,745 in economic development investment for existing businesses has made possible through the Incumbent Workforce Development Program this program year. A total of ten employers are being served with 797 employees scheduled to receive training. We thank the companies, the training providers, and the employees for their willingness to build a stronger workforce and business environment in our region. For the Centralina WDB, workforce development is economic development.

Incumbent Worker training funds for the next fiscal year (2006-2007) will not be available until August 2006. The Centralina WDB looks forward to working with new local businesses to submit applications, as well as, past companies who want to resubmit from previous periods. For more information and to review the revised guidelines and application please visit http://www.centralinaworks.com/whatshot.cfm or contact Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Coordinator, at 704.348.2710 or vcarter@centralina.org. Vail is also available to assist companies in the completion of the application.

Centralina WDB Approves Workforce Investment Act Funding

At its June 13, 2006 meeting, the Centralina Workforce Development Board approved the Workforce Investment Act Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth service providers for the upcoming program year (July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007).

The Board released Request for Proposals (RFPs) in May soliciting offers to utilize federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds to provide services for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and/or Youth in the seven-county region. The Board received many good bid proposals.

The Employment Security Commission was awarded the Workforce Investment Act Adult program contract for Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan and Stanly Counties. Union County Community Action, Inc. was awarded the Workforce Investment Act Adult program contract for Union County.

The Employment Security Commission was awarded the Workforce Investment Act Dislocated Worker program contract in Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, and Union Counties.

The following contractors were awarded the WIA Youth program contracts in their respective counties: Anson County Schools in Anson County; Salisbury-Rowan Community Service Council in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties; I-Care, Inc. in Iredell and Lincoln Counties; The Resource Development Center, Inc. in Stanly County, and Union County Community Action, Inc. in Union County.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board thanks all the organizations that applied for the WIA programs this year and looks forward to working with the contactors for the upcoming performance year. For more information on the Centralina Workforce Development Board or its WIA programs please contact Patricia White at (704) 348-2718 or by email at pwhite@centralina.org.

Centralina WDB Pillowtex Partnership Efforts Showcased at National Rapid Response Summit


The 2006 National Rapid Response Summit held on May 23-25, 2006 in St. Louis, Missouri was themed "Gateway to Opportunities: Strengthening Our Communities Through Economic and Workforce Development". Over 600 workforce professionals, economic development professionals, employers, union leaders, and policymakers gathered to explore new directions, increase dialogue and expand the perception and reality of Rapid Response.

Centralina Workforce Development Board Executive Director David Hollars represented the region at the summit and was part of the summit's closing plenary. David presented the best practices implemented by the Centralina WDB and the local JobLink Career Center partners in serving the 5,000 individuals who lost their jobs with the closing of the Pillowtex facilities in 2003. David also highlighted the work of the Board and JobLink partners in preparing the workforce for jobs with the new NC Research Campus in Kannapolis.

Rapid Response continues to be a pro-active, business-focused, and flexible strategy designed for two major purposes - helping growing companies access an available pool of skilled workers from other companies that are downsizing or who have been trained in the skills your company needs to be competitive and to respond to layoffs and plant closings by quickly coordinating services and providing immediate aid to companies and their affected workers. The summit allowed leaders from across the country to come together and collaborate to position Rapid Response and the public workforce system as a key player in ensuring success in a global marketplace. For more information about the 2006 National Rapid Response Summit or how local JobLink Career Centers in the Centralina region handle Rapid Response on a daily basis, please contact David Hollars at 704.348.2717 or at dhollars@centralina.org.

Local JobLink Career Centers get New Assistant Managers

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to welcome the newest JobLink Career Center assistant managers.

Ms. Vickie Andrews has been named assistant manager of the Lincoln County JobLink Career Center in Lincolnton. She has worked at the Employment Security Commission (ESC) office in Lincolnton for 28 years. Ms. Andrews mostly recently served as the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) case manager.

"I will miss working with the WIA Program in many ways because of my participants. They are all special people," Vickie stated.

Ms. Pat Hillard was also recently named the assistant manager of the Rowan County JobLink Career Center in Salisbury. She has been employed with the ESC for 26 years. Ms. Hillard was the Manager of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg JobLink Career Center from 1998-2000. She also worked at JobLink Career Centers in Concord and Hickory.

"It is rewarding to see Dislocated Workers succeed. I enjoyed helping them start over after the loss of a job," Pat shared.

David Hollars stated, "I have worked with Vickie and Pat for many years. They are both outstanding professionals, who do their best in serving our JobLink customers. We know that they will do a great job."

You can contact Vickie Andrews at (704) 735-8035 or vickie.andrews@ncmail.net. You can contact Pat Hillard at (704) 639-7529 or pat.hillard@ncmail.net.

Statesville Latino Resource Group Brings a Community Together

Ten years ago, Aurora Tudela left a country with a faltering economy and a job where paychecks sometimes arrived and sometimes didn't. She and her family moved from Argentina to Statesville, where Tudela was eager to start a new life.

When she arrived, Tudela said, she was not able to speak the language well and felt overwhelmed by a new culture. Her situation was similar to the people she is trying to help now through the Latino Resource Group. Thanks to the Group, Tudela learned English and now runs a translating service.

The Latino Resource Group established five years ago by the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce seeks to provide newcomers with information about local infrastructure and contacts.

"In order to maximize the economic success of the community, we have to market and recognize the need of the entire community," said chamber president David Bradley.

Since the volunteer-run organization has become more active, it has published a bilingual resource guide that includes numbers for hospitals, public housing, banks, schools, and the Division of Motor Vehicles.

The Latino Resource Group has worked with Iredell Memorial Hospital, Iredell-Statesville Schools and the police department to help them distribute information about their organization to the community.

For more information on the Latino Resource Group please visit the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce at www.statesvillechamber.org or contact Valerie Chambers by e-mail at vchambers@statesvillechamber.org or by phone at (704) 873-2892.

BSI-Balance Systems Brings
More Jobs to Statesville

BSI - Balance Systems will move into a 112,500 square-foot building in Statesville by the end of the year, vacating two leased facilities that total 48,000 square feet. Construction is scheduled to start next month on the $7.4 million building for this window systems producer with the project adding 50 jobs to its 235-employee workforce.

"Our sales growth has outstripped our current facility," says James Larson, company director of operations.

Statesville is the East Coast operations center for BSI. The company also operates a textile division facility off Walker Road in Statesville, which will remain at that location, company officials say.

With its expansion, BSI will receive $50,000 in incentives from the state's One North Carolina Fund, which promotes economic development and job creation.

The company's new building will be constructed in Sherrill Industrial Park, off U.S. Highway 70 on the southeastern side of Statesville. The Keith Corporation is developing the facility on 18.5 acres. Eventually the building could be expanded to 200,000 square feet. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based BSI is owned by the Amesbury Group, a division of the London-based Laird Group plc.

For more information on employment with BSI - Balance Systems in Iredell County, please contact Jean Manall at the Statesville JobLink Career Center at (704) 878-4241 or by email at jean.manall@ncmail.net.


Planning a $3.5 Million Expansion with Up to 70 New Jobs

Robert Bosch Tool Corporation is planning a $3.5 million expansion that will create at least 50 new jobs at their Lincolnton, NC facility. Bosch will get $9,695 a year for five years from Lincoln County and $8,900 a year for five years from the city of Lincolnton after elected officials approved economic incentives for the company.

Bosch is consolidating operations and plans to add at least 50 and as many as 70 jobs at its Lincolnton plant, said Barry Matherly, executive director of the Lincoln Economic Development Association. The average weekly wage will be at least $560, he said.

The company plans to invest about $3.5 million in Lincolnton, Matherly said, with the installation of new machinery and equipment starting no later than the end of this year.

Robert Bosch Tool Corporation is one of the companies that participated in the Centralina Workforce Development Board's Incumbent Workforce Program. The Incumbent Worker funds provided by the Centralina WDB helped train Bosch employees so that the company could be more competitive in their production.

For more information on employment with Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, in Lincoln County, please contact Judi Morton at the Lincoln County JobLink Career Center at (704) 735-8035 or by judi.morton@ncmail.net. For more information on the Incumbent Workforce Program please contact Centralina Workforce Development Board staff member, Vail Carter at (704) 348-2710 or by email at vcarter@centralina.org.

Central Piedmont Community College Hosts IRS Forum

Central Piedmont Community College is offering a forum for small business owners that will cover the latest information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other government agencies, both state and federal.

Participants are encouraged to provide written questions in advance of the forum on topics and issues concerning matters such as the form I-9 procedures, withholding on nonresident alien labor, social security issues, electronic filing and payment of taxes and other questions concerning federal and state tax laws.

The forum will be located at the Central Piedmont Community College's West Campus (off Interstate 85 near the Charlotte airport) on July 18, 2006 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. There is limited seating, and registration is required. To register e-mail your name, organization and telephone number to Avery Henline at avery.henline@irs.gov.


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 Greiner Bio One North America, Inc. located in Union County.

Rita Walston of Greiner Bio One North America, Inc. completed and submitted the survey. According to her survey, Greiner uses the Union County JobLink Career Center regularly for recruitment, screening, job orders and on-site interviewing. Rita gave the Union JobLink an excellent rating through the survey. We thank Rita for helping us with our continuous improvement feedback process.

If you haven't completed the survey, you can do so now by logging onto our website at http://www.centralinaworks.com/survey. 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.

 

 


 Updated Monthly on this E-Newsletter

May 2006
(Source: NC Employment Security Commission)
County
Unemployment Rate
Persons Employed
Anson
8.2%
10,309
Cabarrus
3.8%
76,651
Iredell
4.2%
69,904
Lincoln
4.7%
34,898
Rowan
4.8%
64,840
Stanly
5.2%
28,134
Union
3.5%
79,402

For more information on employment, click here


BizHub Director Lori Day Discusses Building Systems for Entrepreneur Support

The recent Competitive Workforce Alliance State of the Workforce Study indicated that 75% of the 40,000 plus businesses in the region are true small businesses because they each employ 20 people or less. Fostering the next generation of innovators is critical to the region's competitiveness in the global economy. Having a "hub" where potential innovators and small businesses can go to have access to needed services is the avenue for how we stay competitive. Many small business owners are unaware of the various resources and services available to help them succeed. This is where the BizHub Network can help.

Ms. Lori Day, Executive Director with the BizHub Network, spoke at the Centralina Workforce Development Board's June 13, 2006 meeting at the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce in Kannapolis, discussing how BizHub is partnering with resource providers to create an entrepreneur support system network for the region. The network's mission is to help small businesses grow and be more successful by providing easy access to a network of needed services. An overview of the Resource Navigator system was presented. The Resource Navigator is an easy-to-use online database system that would allow entrepreneurs to connect with the resource provider that can assist them with the services they need. Online inquires and referrals could also be tracked to show the overall need. Ms. Day noted that the Resource Navigator System is part of a two-year model project and once implemented would serve the entire 16-county region, including counties in both North and South Carolina.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board has committed to providing financial support for the launch of the Resource Navigator network system this year. It is part of the Board's pledge to fulfill one of the IMPACT 2010 - Strategic Plan goals to Promote and Support Business and Entrepreneurial Growth.

The BizHub Network serves four distinct target groups including, clients, network members, service providers, and underwriters. Biz Hub provides a referral hotline, website with regional events calendar, on-site consulting, co-located resources, networking events, and a service providers database. For more information about the BizHub Network - the Charlotte Region's on-line community for all things small business, please visit www.bizhub.org or contact Lori Day at 704.330.6776 or by email at lori.day@cpcc.edu.


Centralina WDB
Elects New Officers

It's official! The Centralina Workforce Development Board has elected officers for the new year. A slate of nominations were presented to the Board at their June 13 meeting, and the Board unanimously approved Bob VanGorden as the Centralina Workforce Development Board's Chair and Nancy Bilson as the Vice-Chair. The Board and the Staff look forward to continuing to work with two excellent leaders like Bob and Nancy.

Bob VanGorden owns BVG Consulting in Concord and has been an active Board member for four years. He has been the Centralina Workforce Development Board Chair for the past two years. Bob also serves as the Chair of the Centralina Workforce Development Board Executive Planning Committee and is a member of the Community Relations Committee.

Nancy Bilson, Human Resources Manager for National Starch and Chemical Company in Salisbury, has been active on the Board for five years. She has been the Centralina Workforce Development Board Vice-Chair for one year. Nancy is also the Chair of the Centralina Workforce Development Board Community Relations Committee and serves on the Executive Planning Committee.

Bob VanGorden can be contacted by email at bvgconsult@vnet.net. Nancy Bilson can be contacted by email at nancy.e.bilson@nstarch.com.For more information about the Centralina Workforce Development Board and how you can serve on the Board please visit www.centralinaworks.com/volunteer.cfm.

Dr. Don Altieri is Honored by the Wadesboro Rotary Club and South Piedmont Community College

Dr. Don Altieri, Centralina Workforce Development Board member from Anson County has been recognized with two prestigious honors.

The Wadesboro Rotary Club selected Dr. Altieri as the Distinguished Rotarian for 2005-2006. The award was recently presented by District Governor Bill Wilson at the Rotary International District 7680 Conference in Greensboro.

"We are extremely proud to recognize Don Altieri as our Distinguished Rotarian," said Woodburn. "He has distinguished himself not just in Rotary but throughout our entire community."

Dr. Altieri has also recently been honored by South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) for his unique distinction in North Carolina's community college history. Dr. Aliteri became the first president of South Piedmont Community College, after the college was formed by the 1999 legislation that desired to create a regional community college that served Anson and Union counties.

"It's just been an exciting and incredible adventure," Dr. Altieri said of his time at South Piedmont Community College.

Since his retirement from SPCC, Altieri has remained heavily involved in community projects. He spearheaded the creation of the Rotary Planetarium and Science Center in Wadesboro, and he also works as executive director of the New Ventures Business Development Center, Inc., in Wadesboro. Don has served on the Centralina Workforce Development Board since February 2004 and is a member of the Board's Executive Planning Committee.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to have Board members, like Dr. Don Altieri, that bring innovative ideas and are willing to commit to helping develop a highly skilled, productive workforce for the region. The Board appreciates the hard work and efforts that all Board members contribute. For more information about the Centralina Workforce Development Board and how you can serve on the Board please visit www.centralinaworks.com/volunteer.cfm.

Centralina WDB Sponsors the BICEPS Program

The Centralina Workforce Development Board truly believes that a well-prepared and career aware workforce will maintain economic vitality. In support of that belief, the Centralina Workforce Development Board is sponsoring the BICEPS Program for the JobReady Partnership and Union County Public Schools this summer. BICEPS stands for Business and Industry Collaborative Education Partnerships. The BICEPS Program for Union County Public Schools classroom teachers was held June 19-23, 2006. The program gives teachers the opportunity to intern with a local business or industry during the summer vacation as well as, work in an area related to their curriculum.

The experience enables teachers to become aware of skills needed in today's technologically advanced work place, update their skills and better prepare their students for employment. Teachers develop lesson plans to use applications in their teaching. The overall goal is to make stronger teachers and enable them to create an education system that effectively incorporates school- and work-based learning to help students make sound career decisions. It also assists teachers with communicating to students the practical application of why they are taking math, English, or biology. Several employers hosted a teacher this year for the BICEPS Program including, the Monroe Regional Airport, First Citizens Bank, Monroe Enquirer-Journal, Greiner Bio One, Union County JobLink Career Center, Windsor Windows and Doors, and several additional businesses.

During the same week as the teachers visited companies, local principals also visited area businesses and industries for their 2006 Summer Leadership Conference. This year's conference theme was "Globalization: Its Impact on Education." Principals gathered at ATI Allvac, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, Goodrich Corporation, Tyco/Scott Health & Safety, and Goulston Technologies to gather information about what qualities are most important to employers in order to better prepare students for the workforce. Principals then discussed their findings during the conference, which was held at South Piedmont Community College.

The JobReady Partnership is a nonprofit organization that enhances school-to-work training for students of Union County Public Schools. The Board is a proud supporter of all the efforts that the JobReady Partnership does to help develop our future workforce in Union County. For more information about the Partnership and the BICEPS Program please contact Linda Smith, Job Broker, at 704.289.5223 or by email at jobready@ucps.k12.nc.us.

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Youth Volunteers Build Habitat for Humanity House in Salisbury

In celebration of National Youth Service Day, young adults from Cabarrus and Rowan counties participating in Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services offered by Salisbury-Rowan Community Service Council completed a local Habitat for Humanity service project on May 20, 2006. The home is located on Celebration Drive in Salisbury and was constructed in partnership with the Karen Brown Family. Fifteen youth participated in the project by nailing shutters, building baseboards, landscaping the yard, picking up trash and rocks, moving dirt, digging trenches, planting trees and shrubs, and preparing the yard for grass seed.

Ms. Kerry Motley, Salisbury-Rowan Community Service Council staff, who also chaperoned the project, stated, "All of the youth worked very hard to complete the tasks that they were given. Despite hot temperatures and a muddy ground, these youth did a wonderful job!" The youth were provided with breakfast and lunch for a job well done.

The National Youth Service Day initiative was launched to expand the impact of the youth service movement and to let the nation know that millions of youth across the globe design and lead projects in areas of literacy, the environment, healthcare, nutrition, and help for the elderly.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and its Youth Council proudly provides funding for WIA Youth programs in Rowan County and Cabarrus County. We applaud the efforts of the youth, local partner agencies, and the staff of the Salisbury-Rowan Community Service Council for providing a terrific experience for youth to learn about leadership and service to their community.

For more information about National Youth Service Day visit http://www.ysa.org/nysd/. For more information about WIA Youth Programs in Cabarrus and Rowan counties, please contact Joann Diggs with the Salisbury- Rowan Community Service Council at 704.216.2189.





* * * * * * *

Union County Central Academy of Technology and Arts Receives $200,000

U.S. Representative Robin Hayes has announced that he has secured $200,000 in federal funding for Union County's Central Academy of Technology and Arts, which will provide area students with access to 21st century learning technology. This new funding will be provided as part of the FY 2007 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Act.

"I am pleased to announced this important funding for Union County students who will attend the county's Central Academy of Technology and Arts," Congressman Hayes said in a press release.

"One of our greatest challenges today, is to provide our students with an education in technology and sciences that will give them skills for the 21st century," he said. "This innovative program will provide a great opportunity for students to become proficient in computer technology that will help them to MAKE a job, not simply take a job."

Central Academy of Technology & Arts is Union County's first magnet-based high school that offers focused curriculum in the fields of construction, pre-engineering, information systems, medical sciences, performing arts, and transportation systems. The Central Academy of Technology and Arts is located at 600 Brewer Drive in Monroe.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council believes in programs for technology and the arts and feels that they contribute to the preparation of youth of our region for the workforce. For more information about the Central Academy of Technology and Arts visit http://cata.ucps.k12.nc.us or call (704) 296-3088.


* * * * * * *


4-H Summer Blast is a special program sponsored by the Stanly County 4-H through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Junior 4-H Camp, Day Camps (SMART Camp and Cloverbud Camp), Adventure Field Trips, classes and workshops all make up the activities for the Summer Blast Program. Field trips include canoeing, white water rafting, summer theatre production, campus tours, and "Ropin' Rodeo." Workshops include beginning sewing, electric workshop, Kids in the Kitchen, Money Fun for Kids, scrap booking, ceramics, "Clay Play", Law Enforcement Field Day, and many more.

Summer Blast begins in June and runs through August. Most activities are held at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center in Albemarle and are open to all youth ages 5-19. Camps are planned for specific age groups.

Through 4-H, more than 187,000 young people in North Carolina learn new skills and serve their communities each year. 4-H offers clubs, special interest programs, summer camps, school enrichment and after-school childcare. Guided by North Carolina Cooperative Extension educators and adult and teen volunteers, 4-H'ers gain knowledge, skills and experience that help them become responsible citizens and leaders.

The Centralina Youth Council appreciates the active membership and partnership with Stanly County Cooperative Extension and supports the 4-H efforts with youth in Stanly County. For more information or to register for 4-H Summer Blast, visit http://stanly.ces.ncsu.edu/ or contact Molly Alexi at the Stanly County 4-H Office at 704.983.3987.

 

North Carolina Workforce Development Partnership Conference 2006

Opportunities for Tomorrow's Workforce… Is upon us today. It is that time of year again as workforce professionals across North Carolina gear up for the Workforce Development Partnership Conference 2006. The conference will be held October 25-27 at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. Several featured presenters have been highlighted. They include, Ed Gorden, Celina Shands Gradijan, Mary Ann Lawrence, Bob Knight, John Metcalf, and Erskine Bowles, and Centralina WDB’s own Patricia White who will tell you how to be “A Superstar Monitor”.  Also, many excellent featured workshops have been outlined. A few titles include, Case Management, Business Services, Career Readiness Certification, Workplace Diversity, Youth Services, and Economic Development Partnerships.

Registration and preliminary agenda information can be found at http://www.nccommerce.com/wdi/ConfInfo/. The early registration deadline is September 25, 2006. So don't delay and sign up today! For more information about the NC Workforce Development Partnership Conference please contact Robbin Davis Broome, Conference Coordinator at (919) 329.5588 or rbroome@nccommerce.com.

 
  • Jim Cook, director of the Cabarrus County Department of Social Services, has announced his intention to retire as of June 30, 2006. Jim has worked in social services for 35 years spending his last 22 years in Cabarrus County. Jim has served on the Centralina Workforce Development Board since July 2003. He will continue to serve on the Board and with its Committees. The Centralina Workforce Development Board wishes Jim the best in his retirement and looks forward to his continued involvement.

  • Prosperity Unlimited, Inc. a non-profit community development corporation serving Cabarrus County has been awarded $330,090 by the N.C. Housing Finance Agency for the Single-Family Rehabilitation Program. They plan to use the money to rehabilitate about 10 houses within Cabarrus County. For more information about Prosperity Unlimited please call (704) 933-7405.

  • Ralph Bolden was honored as the Citizen of the Year awarded by A Few Good Men in Monroe. The award is given to a person who has made an exceptional contribution to his or her church or community. Mr. Bolden is a former Centralina Workforce Development Board member. We congratulate Mr. Bolden for his lifetime of achievements.

  • Congratulations to Mr. Ed Hosack, executive director with Cooperative Christian Ministry in Kannapolis. Mr. Hosack recently received the Paul Harris Distinguished Award for outstanding service from the Kannapolis Rotary Club. This the first time a non-Rotarian member has received the award. Also, the City of Kannapolis held the first ever Teen Concert to benefit Cooperative Christian Ministry. It was held on May 19, 2006 at Village Park in Kannapolis. The event raised over $3,000 for the Crisis Assistance Ministry. Ed is a member of the Cabarrus County JobLink Career Center Management Team.

  • A Racing Industry Symposium, titled Up to Speed 2006, was held June 21, 2006 by the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce. Speakers included Lowe's Motor Speedway's H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College's Richmond Gage and UNC Charlotte's Dr. Phil Dubois. The leaders talked about the importance of education in the motor sports workforce. For more information please contact the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce at www.cabarrusregionalcoc.org or by phone at (704) 782-4000.

  • Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA) recently celebrated success for their fiscal year 2005-06. The reason to celebrate is due to the success of attracting and retaining new industry in Lincoln County. The County has doubled investments since fiscal year 2004-05. Investments have created 1,600 jobs within the Lincoln County Industrial Park. For more information please contact Barry Matherly or Laura Foor at www.lincolneda.org or by phone at (704) 732-1511.

· Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting
Tuesday August 8, 2006 - 4:30 PM
Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce - Kannapolis

· Centralina JobLink Career Center Managers Meeting
Tuesday August 8, 2006 - 3:00 PM
Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce - Kannapolis

· Centralina WDB Workforce Readiness Committee meeting
Friday July 7, 2006 - 11:30 AM
Union County Partnership for Children - Monroe

· Centralina WDB Community Relations Committee meeting
Thursday July 27, 2006- 4:00 PM
Southern Container - Mooresville

· Centralina WDB Business Performance Committee meeting
Wednesday August 16, 2006 - 3:00 PM
Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce - Kannapolis

· Centralina WDB Youth Council meeting
Thursday September 21, 2006 - 10:00 AM
Boys and Girls Club - Concord

· Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina
Workforce Development Center Open House
Thursday July 20, 2006 - 3:00 PM
Workforce Development Center - 124 Fourth Crescent Place - Statesville
RSVP to GWINFO@GOODWILLNWNC.ORG

· Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Network
Practical, solution-oriented sessions devoted to YOUR business challenges!
2006 Business Dialogue Schedule
Dates: Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.
July 12, September 13, & November 8
Facilitator: Marty Weaver, Business Network Chair with Clearly Carolina Water & Coffee
Register: 704.782.2000 ext.26 or http://www.cabarruschamber.org/calendar.php

· Junior Achievement is looking for volunteers and sponsors in Cabarrus & Rowan Counties:
Opportunities:
-Volunteer
-Sponsor a class or child
-Help lead the success of JA in Cabarrus County
Contact: Stacey Richards, Junior Achievement District Manager
704.563.4858 or srichards@jacarolinas.org

 

NC Workforce Development Training Center Training Announcements

LMI: A Guided Tour
Tuesday July 11, 2006
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Pitt Community College
(1986 Pitt Tech Road - Winterville)
Fee: Free

WEBINAR - Funding beyond WIA
Wednesday July 19, 2006
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Workforce Development Training Center
(313 Chapanoke Road - Raleigh)
Fee: Free

Workforce Plus Training
Tuesday July 25, 2006
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Workforce Development Training Center
(313 Chapanoke Road - Raleigh)
Fee: Free

Spotlight on Youth: Common Measures and Data Validation
Wednesday July 26, 2006
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Workforce Development Training Center
(313 Chapanoke Road - Raleigh)
Fee: Free

For more information about these and other training offerings or to register for training, please visit: www.ncwdtc.com

Visit our website at www.centralinaworks.com to learn more about the Centralina WDB
To send a comment about our E-Newsletter, click here.
To learn more about the Centralina Council of Governments please visit www.centralina.org
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