JOB FAIR 2004

March 30 - Chester

March 31 - Graeagle

Excitement ran high during the Job Fairs in Chester and Graeagle in late March as hundreds of job seekers turned out to inteview with dozens of local employers.

The final numbers included 43 employers participating over the two days with over 100 job openings and a grand total of 220 job seekers to interview!

Job seeker, John Rusk echoed the common sentiment when he commented on the large number of employers present and said, "The Job Fair is a good thing for the community. With so many employers and opportunities available, anyone who is seriously looking for a job in Plumas County can find one".

"Best Job Fair ever," commented several employers who were also impressed with the quantity and quality of the job seekers. The high level of preparedness is due in part to the new Job Seeker Preparation sessions which were offered in the morning. During this time several team members offered mini-seminars on the ins and outs of dressing appropriately, completing applications and interview techniques to 74 participants.

Jeff Finch, AFWD Employment Specialist provides these job seekers with mock interview practice!

Among other things, job seekers were instructed on the importance of good posture and body language, and advised to gather brochures as they walked around the facility to learn more about prospective employers. They participated in mock interviews, and overall learned tips and techniques to help them in their job search.

 

QUARTERLY CONFERENCES

January - Employment Taxes Simplified

March - Worker's Compensation

 

Throughout Plumas County on January 8-9, Jason Brownfield, Tax Auditor III with the Employment Development Department traveled from Portola to Chester to talk to local employers about how to simplify their processes for employment tax reporting. Jason explained the Unemployment Insurance Program, State Disability Insurance, and the new Paid Family Leave Act.

Identifying common mistakes and sharing some simple techniques to save time and money, those in attendance were able to come away with a sense of understanding and relief. Many questions were asked and answered as Jason provided a comfortable, open environment during his presentation.

In March, Kyle Westphal, State Fund District Underwriting Manager visited beautiful Plumas County. During his presentation, he spoke about the "hot topic" of Worker's Compensation. "Don't shoot the messenger" said Kyle, "things are going to get better but right now this is the history, present, and potential future of the Worker's Conpensation system."

Discussions during this well-attended event surrounded the following questions:

In Chester the Worker's Compensation Quarterly Conference was catered by the Lake Almanor Culinary Arts Academy with students preparing the lunch meal for local employers.

JOB FAIR 2004 and Quarterly Conferences are sponsored by the

Plumas Workforce Development Team Working together to support local business!

HR Solutions for Business

In preparation for the NoRTEC focus on business services, AFWD has hired three new professional HR Consultants to carry out our mission.

Newcomers Ken Cordrey, Leslie Solberg, and Holly Schirmer combined with the previous team of Traci Holt, Laurie Wann, and "yours truly", and what you have is an awesome group with diverse and strong backgrounds in business and HR services.

Ken will be our lead in Modoc offering a background in production management. He has worked for large production corporations in the United States and abroad bringing skills in manufacturing efficiencies, working within a global economy, and most importantly employee management and motivation.

Leslie is based in our Plumas office and brings over 20 years in grocery retail management to our team. She has been cross-trained in all areas important to small business including safety, hr practices, workers compensation, marketing, merchandising, and everything in-between.

Holly has worked in human resource management and personnel coordination for large companies such as Sierra Pacific Industries and Transamerica Corporation. Her years of HR expertise and knowledge combined with her education (Bachelors Degree in Human Resources) will be very helpful to the Lassen team!

Laurie Wann has been working for the Alliance for Workforce Development for over five years and brings her background in marketing and media relations to the team. Laurie has been instrumental in marketing One-Stop services, business focused events, and WIA services throughout the tri-county area. Laurie will be adding the HR component to her resume and focus her attention in the Lake Almanor/Westwood areas of Plumas and Lassen counties.

Traci Holt was recently promoted to Senior HR Consultant (our leading lady) and Lassen Operations Manager. With those extra responsibilities she will continue to work closely with Holly in Lassen and with the entire tri-county team. Traci brings a strong background from the health care industry where her expertise includes health care management, technology, and HR staffing.

Combine these folks with our already fabulous program staff led by Nancy Gregg and I can see more cutting edge success on our horizon!

Welcome aboard everyone!