Submitted by Traci Holt

Lassen Career Network
2545 Main Street, Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-5057
www.aworkforce.org

 

One-Stop Activities

Bureau of Prison Update
The new Federal Correctional Institution-Herlong, CA is in the final stages of construction. The new warden should be on board
in October, with support staff to follow. The One-Stop has assisted the Bureau of Prisons with their hiring needs. Currently they
have openings for HVAC personnel. Anyone is interested in applying with the Bureau of Prisons, is encouraged to visit www.bop.gov

To view the complete Project Description, Employment and Business Opportunities click here.

1st Friday's
1st Friday's are free informational workshops scheduled the first Friday of each month to address the needs and interests of
today's business owners and managers.

April 2003 - EDD for Employers
Michael Henriques, Field Manager for the Employment Development Department, presented valuable information to the attendees. He discussed changes in unemployment insurance, responding to EDD forms, claimant eligibility and appeals. In addition, he spoke about CalJOBS, employee vs. independent contractor issues and self employment disability insurance.

Michael Henriques addressing the 1st Friday participants.

May 2003 - How the SBDC can help your business
Pat Landon, Business Counselor for the Sierra College SBDC, spoke to the attendees about the many benefits of the SBDC. He informed the group that the SBDC can assist with business start-up issues, expansion, funding, marketing and much more!!

Pat discusses the various aspects involved in starting up a business.

 

Doing Business with the Government
On May 13th, 26 businesses benefited from a partnership with the Small Business Development Center, Small Business Administration(SBA) and the Alliance for Workforce Development. The Doing Business with the Government seminar provided Lassen County businesses with valuable information about the SBA certification programs, how to read and respond to a government solicitation, and much more. Jim O'Neal, Deputy District Director for the SBA presented an overview of the SBA and how they can assist businesses. Later in the day, representatives from the Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Sierra Army Depot spoke with the attendees about the many different contracting opportunities. Representatives from the new prison in Herlong estimate that they will contribute approximately $25 million annually to the local and regional economy. For more information on the certification programs offered by the SBA, please visit www.sba.gov

Jim O'Neal speaking to the participants about the programs offered by the SBA.

Career Expo 2003
On April 5th, 28 employers and 250 job seekers were brought together for this year's Annual Career Expo. Held at Lassen Community College and coordinated by Lassen Career Network, the Career Expo was a collaborative effort aimed at meeting Lassen County’s workforce needs. It gave local employers the chance to interview dozens of potential workers in one location, at one time without the interruptions of a normal work day. Employers saved time and money on recruitment and hiring, and built an applicant pool for future hiring needs.

New for this year was the addition of bus service provided by Lassen Rural Bus. Two stops were made in town for those who did not have transportation to the college. Orientation to the services available at Lassen Career Network was also an welcome addition. Many interested job seekers visited the Alliance for Workforce Development booth to inquire about the many services available at Lassen Career Network. Overall, the Career Expo was a great success. We look forward to 2004!!

Mindy Nahlen, EDD Job Service Representative, talks with an interested job seeker about CalJOBS. David Mowbray and Robin Padgett staffed the AFWD booth.

 

Rapid Response
Staff at the One-Stop responded to 2 closures in Lassen County. A corporate decision was made to close Mt. Lassen Assisted Living on May 31st. This closure affected 12 employees. We are currently working with those affected by this closure.
Northern California's only youth rehabilitation facility, Progress House, closed on June 27th. The state did not grant them their permanent license. A total of 11 employees were affected by the closure. We are currently working with employees.

State Budget affects Lassen County
The state budget has affected many employees in Lassen County. Fifty-One (51%) of the employers are government agencies. Surplus notices have been given to almost 200 employees at the 2 state prisons, High Desert and California Correctional Center. In addition, some CHP officers have also been given their surplus notice. While nothing is set in stone at this point, personnel rules require the state to send a notice they've been put on "surplus status" for 120 days. The state must then send another 30-day notice before terminating the employee.

All Staff Training at Greenhorn Guest Ranch
The staff from AFWD galloped into the Greenhorn Guest Ranch for training. It was a great time to meet with the staff from all 3 counties. Some of the highlights included presentations by Dina Ciparillo, who presented valuable information on Providing Excellent Customer Service. Chad Richey's presentation was very moving and motivational. The NASA Survival Exercise was a great team building exercise. It proved how working in a team is better than working alone.
Congratulations to the IM's-The Best NASA Team Ever!!

Chad Richey talking to the team about the importance of TEAMS!! Laurie Wann and Janis Trueblood reviewing the brainstorming session we had about employer services.

After the work was done during the day, we did take time out to have some FUN!! Gestures and Karaoke were the highlights of the evening activities.

Jeff Finch provides his team with a clue about his word. Janis Trueblood and Tracie Nolan, Karaoke Queens!!

CWA Facilitation Workshop - May 19th and 20th
I had the opportunity to attend a Group Facilitation Method Training provided by CWA. The 2 day course covered practical tools for enabling productive and meaningful group participation. We learned about focused conversation and consensus workshop methods, both of which were very good tools to involve participation. For more information on these methods visit www.ica-usa.org

Website Initiative Training - June 24th
I attended a train the trainer class for the Website Initiative Workshop. John and Wes provided excellent training to all of us. Each of the attendees were walked through the process of creating a website. By the end of the day, most of us had created our own website. The goal of the training was to provide the attendees with the necessary information to conduct the training in each of their counties. We are moving forward with another round of the website workshops in August.
Thanks to Charlie, John and Wes for your continued support.

Community Events

California's 1st Lady visits Susanville
Sharon Davis visited Credence High School and presented a $5,000 check from the Governor's Book Fund to purchase library books for the school. She also visited Meadow View Elementary School and the Susanville Library.

New Hospital Opens
The new Banner Lassen Medical Center, a 38 bed acute care hospital serving the entire Northeastern California Region is now open. Many new services have been added to the hospital, which has allowed for new staff additions to the hospital. For more information on the new hospital and current job openings visit http://bannerhealth.com/channels/patients+and+visitors/facilities/california/lassen.asp

Adult School Graduates 33
A partner in the One-Stop, Lassen Adult School graduated the most students in their 9 year history. Hundreds of supporters crowded into Middleton Hall on the Lassen College campus to cheer them on. The Adult School is operated out of Lassen Career Network, with morning, evening and independent study classes. Way to go graduates!!

For more information on Lassen County, please visit www.lassencountychamber.org