Chester employers interviewing potential candidates.

JOB FAIR 2007

The 11th annual Plumas Job Fair was brought employers and job-seekers together from all over the County. Despite adverse weather conditions, the job fair was successful.

We started in Chester on March 26th with 17 employers setting up “camp” in the Chester Memorial Hall. The doors were opened to job-seekers by 3pm and by 3:30 over 40 people had come through with resumes in hand. We had a total of 70 job-seekers by days end.

Many of the employers are repeat Job Fair attendees and offer a variety of positions, most of which are seasonal. The Lake Almanor Country Club has attended for the last 5 years and has consistently offered numerous jobs to job seekers. Some new faces were present this year. D&D Roofing from Reno, Nevada was recruiting journeyman roofers for jobs throughout Plumas County. Minh Su, Staffing Recruiter from D&D was very impressed with the turnout, she stated that "compared to the job fairs in Reno, this is worth the drive."

Quincy Job Fair 2007

 

In Quincy on Tuesday the 27th we had 13 employers including the California Army National Guard and the California Highway Patrol seeking candidates in the gym at Feather River College. With over 75 job-seekers applying for various positions, we never had a moment to relax.

Employers attending the Quincy Job Fair have always offered a wide variety of employment opportunities. Some of the returning businesses, like Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch offer all kinds of jobs. Some are seasonal while others are full time and year round. Professional and career oriented positions are offered by many employers as well. Plumas Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative was in need of a new Supervisor in their Electrical Engineering Department.

Some employers travel great distances to find the "right" people. The Nevada Sierra In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority recruiters come all the way from Nevada City and Grass Valley. They are able to contract in Plumas and Sierra Counties to provide assistance to people who need help with day-to-day tasks.

One of the employers that caught my eye, due to the business name was Camp Lots-A Fun. They traveled from Reno to find camp counselors. They offer room and board for as well as a respectable salary for their seasonal employees.

 

 

Graeagle Job Fair 2007

In Graeagle we had our largest showing from both employers and job-seekers. With 21 employers on hand from as far away as Reno, Grass Valley and Sierra County there seemed to be no shortage of career opportunities. The total number of job-seekers was 83.

Many Loyalton job-seekers found their way to Graeagle as well. In fact, four WIA youth participants from Loyalton accepted job offers while at the job fair here in Graeagle. I am sure that they are not the only ones from Sierra County to secure employment but with over 80 people here it was a challenge to speak with everyone.

The Plumas job fair has been the result of combined efforts and planning by several agencies throughout its history. We work together as a team for the purpose of providing this event to both employers and job-seekers without cost to either one. This years team was comprised of the following agencies; Feather River College, Plumas Office of Education-ROP , Cal-Works , California Employment Development Department and AFWD.

Many thanks to everyone for their outstanding service and we look forward to next year.

 

 

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Sierra Economic Development District Invite….

After a brief visit to our new office in Loyalton, Bret Smith, the new President and CEO of the Sierra Economic Development District invited AFWD staff to a SEDD board meeting in Auburn.

Let me introduce SEDD to you. SEDD is a non-profit economic development corporation working with the Sierra Planning Organization in Auburn, California. These two agencies provide services to four counties: Sierra, Nevada, Placer and El Dorado. The mission of SEDD is to provide assistance to job-seekers and small businesses in their counties through economic development and support.

Nora Prince, Resource Coordinator (Loyalton) and Jeff Finch, HR Consultant (Quincy) accepted the invitation from Mr. Smith and traveled to Auburn on February 7th to attend the SEDD board meeting. The topics at the board meeting covered the state of SEDD reports, introduction of new board members, financial reviews and general business to name a few.

The topic of most interest for Nora and I was the vision of Mr. Smith and the board to provide a “well integrated and effective worker preparation-to-employment system.” This was when Mr. Smith introduced Nora and I as a likely service provider in Sierra County. We had an opportunity to present our services which included both WIA program services as well as business services.

We look forward to working with SEDD in the future and providing services and assistance to Sierra County employers and job-seekers.

 

BRINGING THE BUZZ TO SIERRA COUNTY

The Sierra County Business and Economic Development Committee is pleased to present a Workshop focusing on bringing high speed internet services to Sierra County residents. It is a long desire of the Economic Development Committee and of the communities' to have access to quality, affordable and reliable high speed internet services in order to compete in today's global economy. It has never been more important that rural communities have the ability to interface with the rest of the world! Believe it or not, Sierra County remains primarily "dial-up" which stifles residents, businesses and potential investors from e-commerce opportunities.

....that is about to change!!!!!

Thanks to the effort of the Business and Economic Development Committee, a number of concerned local representatives, community groups and willing business participants-Sierra County may now enter the 21st Century with access to high speed internet service.

A Workshop has been scheduled for Saturday, May 19th at the Calpine Community Hall. The Workshop will provide opportunities to learn, interact and take part in lively discussions revolving around the vision of high speed internet and it's affects in Sierra County. There will be a round table discussion and an excerpt from Thomas L. Friedman's "The World Is Flat."

Tables of information from resource groups, including the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. will surround the hall for your perusal and information. These agencies, represented by knowledgeable personnel, will inform you of small business start up information, business guidance and revenue sources.

For information on this workshop, please visit the Sierra County website: www.sierracounty.ws

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SUCCESS IN SIERRA

Ms. Teri Pederson is a woman who armed with a positive approach and cheerful outlook captured the very job that she had been looking for. As a homemaker, Teri came into the new Work Connection Office in Loyalton not exactly sure about what we could offer her and wondering what her first steps should be. Within a short time, Teri had begun to focus on her goals. She spent time in the Work Connection computer lab getting familiar with computers, online job searching and developing a new resume. Teri was prepared and off running in search of a job.

Since Teri enjoys people, she focused on a job where she could put her customer service skills to work. She also stated that she was excited about expanding her current skills by learning more about computers and office systems.

Teri had heard about a company in Truckee, California that was looking for quality employees. She sent her resume and after her interview was offered the very job she was looking for. Teri is now working in Truckee fro a real estate valuation company called Clear Capital. Teri can't say enough positive things about her new employer. Teri's new title is "Vendor Service Representative" and is working with computers. She raves about her new company and especially about working with "some of the nicest folks around."

What a great success story Teri, we are proud of you and your optimistic outlook. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

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LABOR LAW and more….

Some workshops are inevitable and this is one topic we want to continue to present year after year. In January AFWD staff started making the “rounds” throughout our service area to provide employers with the 2007 Labor Law update. In every area, in every venue, we seemed to exceed expectations with attendees.

In Loyalton AFWD hosted this workshop in our new office on Main Street. We had 8 employers from all over Sierra County attend on a cold windy day. With many employers in our area hiring for seasonal help, an update regarding requirements and changes allows most of them to prepare for ahead of time.

Traci Holt, Director of Operations & Employer Services with AFWD provided an overview of the recent changes and the employers present responded with great questions. Several of the attending employers requested the 2007 Labor Law posters required to be displayed in each business and the updated Employee Pamphlets.

The highlights of the presentation included "Which Laws Apply to You?", a topic providing information based on business size. The minimum wage increase in California (AB1835) was addressed with the "heads-up" that another increase takes place next January. Traci also addressed the new Heat Illness regulation that came into effect in July of 2006.

Below are pictures taken at the workshop at our Loyalton Office. For more information about these or other management training opportunities, please email Nora Prince .

 

 

 

 

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Labor Law Workshop attendees in Loyalton

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Working Together

Kate Boyd has been providing GED courses through the Sierra County Human Services Department almost before we opened our doors in Loyalton. Kate has been conducting classes on Mondays and Wednesdays but that will all change soon. These classes provide instruction to assist students with taking and receiving their GED.

Kate will be leaving soon and in her place, Ernie Teague a retired Sierra County Teacher will move forward with the GED program. The program will remain at the Sierra Work Connection in Loyalton with only a slight change, the addition of Fridays.

According to Lori Wright with the Department of Health and Human Services, the addition of 2 students will help usher in Mr. Teagues tenure. Lori states that "the office at the Sierra Work Connection meets our needs." We look forward to a continued partnership with Lori and staff in Loyalton.

For more information about the GED courses and other services provided by Sierra County Health and Human Services Department, Lori asks that you call them at (530)993-6720.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

PLUMAS WORK CONNECTION

Federal Technology Center Workshop-Small Disadvantage Business Certification
April 19, 9am to Noon

Federal Technology Center Workshop-Intro to Federal Contracting
May 17, 9am to Noon

Sexual Harassment Prevention
Spring 2007, TBA

LASSEN CAREER NETWORK

Lassen Career Network's Annual Career Expo & Job Fair
April 14, Lassen County Fairgrounds

Sexual Harassment Prevention
Spring 2007, TBA

MODOC EMPLOYMENT CENTER

Modoc County Job Fair
April 14, VFW Hall, Alturas

Sexual Harassment Prevention
Spring 2007, TBA

SIERRA WORK CONNECTION

Effective Job Coaching
April 17, 2007

Sexual Harassment Prevention
Spring 2007, TBA

 

To learn more about these events, contact your local One-Stop Employment Center or visit www.afwdhr.org

PLUMAS WORK CONNECTION, 283-WORK

LASSEN CAREER NETWORK, 257-5057

MODOC EMPLOYMENT CENTER, 233-4161

SIERRA WORK CONNECTION, 993-4295