The Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc.'s popular Labor Law Update Seminar was presented in Modoc County on January 10, 2006 to a crowd of 18 employers. AFWD Senior HR Consultant Traci Holt provided an overview of the changes and updates to California's labor laws over the past year.

In addition to explaining the new laws in effect for 2006, Traci also covered some of the common mistakes employers make that get them into trouble. After the workshop, attendees were able to order their 2006 California Labor Law posters and required notices. AFWD HR Consultants also compiled a list of questions from all of the seminars across Modoc, Lassen and Plumas Counties and drafted a response, which was then sent to each of the participants.

The workshop was very well received by the participants. Modoc Child Care Council Director Sarah Cook appreciated Traci's insights into the complex issues that face California employers. Eagle Peak Rock & Paving owner Penny Cruse commented that she likes knowing that there is a place to go in Modoc County for required posters, pamphlets, and accurate information.

 

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Labor and Employment Attorney Mark Vegh addressed a complex area of employment law.

The confusion and uncertainty that small businesses have regarding complex state and federal wage and hour laws was evidenced by the large attendance at February's Wage & Hour Seminar in Alturas. Labor and Employment Attorney Mark Vegh, of the law firm Carr, Kennedy, Peterson and Frost, spoke to 16 local business owners and managers on February 16, 2006. Vegh's presentation covered overtime calculation, alternative workweeks, meal and rest periods, the question of employee versus independent contractor, and much more.

Vegh's dynamic presentation style, his empathy for small businesses, and his vast knowledge of California labor law makes him a popular trainer among local businesses. His Discipline, Documentation and Termination Workshop, which had to be cancelled on March 14 due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for April 20, and the registration list continues to grow.

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It has been almost a year since the 2005 Modoc Economic Summit, during which more than 80 Modoc County residents expressed a desire to develop a strategic economic plan for the county. Since then, the Modoc Economic Vitality Group has been working diligently to develop and refine the county's Economic Vitality Plan. Through a series of public forums and regular meetings, the Economic Vitality Group has created a plan, which they are now ready to present to the community.

A community workshop has been scheduled for Monday, April 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Veteran's Memorial Hall, 500 S Main Street, Alturas. City Council Members, County Supervisors, community organizations, and interested citizens are all invited to the workshop where the group will review the general plans of both the City of Alturas and County of Modoc, unveil the new Modoc Economic Vitality Plan, and receive public comment on the new plan.

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It’s time for all job seekers to polish off their résumé, dust off the professional clothes, and start practicing interview questions. Anyone with dreams of finding a great job will have an opportunity to jump start their job search at the Modoc Employment Center’s Job Expo 2006. Scheduled for Saturday, April 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 500 South Main Street in Alturas, Job Expo 2006 will feature local employers looking for the perfect job candidate.

Serious job seekers are invited to bring their résumé, dress for success, and come prepared for on-the-spot interviews. Anyone without a résumé, or who has been out of the job market for a while, is invited to a free workshop on Tuesday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. a the Modoc Employment Center, 221 North Main Street in Alturas, for a refresher on writing a résumé, preparing for an interview, and overall job search tips.

 

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Group Facilitation Methods

Modoc HR Consultant Sarah DeForest joined AFWD Director of Programs Nancy Gregg, Employment Specialists Joe Kowalski (Plumas) and Donna Meyers (Lassen), and Program Coordinator Deborah McClure (Lassen) in Red Bluff for a two-day training in Group Facilitation Methods on March 16-17, 2006. The training was a Technology of Participation™ Course (ToP) designed by the Institute of Cultural Affairs, and provided guidance on designing and leading effective meetings. California Workforce Association Executive Director Virginia Hamilton taught the course, along with John D. Baker, President of Strategies for the Future.

SHRM EMA Conference

Five AFWD staff members had the opportunity to attend the 37th Annual Conference and Exposition of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Employment Management Association (EMA). AFWD Executive Director Gary Corderman, Plumas Program Coordinator Athea Stevenson, Plumas HR Consultant Jeff Finch, Modoc HR Consultant Sarah DeForest, and Senior HR Consultant Holly Schirmer attended the conference, which took place March 30 through April 1, 2006 in San Diego.

The EMA Conference is dedicated to HR professionals specializing in employment and staffing, and covered areas such as recruiting, hiring, retention, and performance management. Conference attendees were able to select from more than 25 educational sessions, and were treated to keynote speeches by Emotional Intelligence author Daniel Goleman, political correspondent Cokie Roberts, and motivational speaker Simon T. Bailey. AFWD attendees also enjoyed the occasional sunshine and respite from snow that San Diego had to offer!

More to Come!

MEC Employment Specialist Sherri Tice will join AFWD staff from Plumas and Lassen Counties in San Diego during the week of April 10-14, 2006 for the California Workforce Association Spring Conference. Additionally, MEC Receptionist Mary Martin plans to travel to Susanville on April 26 for a special Administrative Professionals Day appreciation luncheon and professional development seminar on "Managing the Front Desk."

 

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MEC Staff

Meet MEC's new receptionist, Mary Martin

AFWD is pleased to welcome its newest team member to the Modoc Employment Center. Mary Martin joined the MEC staff in January. Mary grew up in Alturas and brings to the job a strong familiarity with the community, businesses, and services. Mary's helpful attitude and customer service skills make her a great addition the the Modoc Employment Center.

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UPCOMING EVENTS