Submitted by Laurie Wann
Lassen Career Network
2545 Main Street, Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-5057
www.aworkforce.org
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Traci Holt goes out on maternity leave. She promises to return! |
New Community Coordinator Traci Holt, AFWD Community Coordinator in Lassen County, began her maternity leave the first week of October. Aware that Traci leaves very large shoes to fill, I accept the assignment.
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Laurie Wann, AFWD Marketing Coordinator begins temporary role. |
| Manufacturing in Susanville Comes to an Abrupt End
October 2003….
According to management, the main reason for the closure was increased pressure from foreign competition. A North America Free Trade Act application was successfully filed on behalf of JELD-WEN. Although there are no training dollars available, additional relocation assistance exists.
The Warn letter was distributed by the company, and LCN’s Rapid Response Team began on-site orientations immediately. Kudos to JELD-WEN’s management team who was exemplary.
To date, approximately 40 dislocated workers have been enrolled in WIA. Six of these have relocated to other JELD-WEN manufacturing plants. We are assisting the remaining individuals with job search and career assessment. |
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December 2003......
The Susanville mill began in 1924 and was acquired by SPI in 1964. Since that time, it has run continually and has been an integral past of the community. Approximately 200 employees are affected. Rapid Response Orientations have begun at the One-Stop in order to help the dislocated workers learn about their options and begin making informed choices.
SPI Susanville, Sorting Station
SPI employees have been very proactive,
investigating their options as dislocated workers. |
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These two closures effectively eliminated manufacturing jobs in Lassen County. Many of these dislocated workers will be forced to relocate.
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We received word that JELD-WEN
Millwork Manufacturing’s Susanville plant would close its operations
in a phasing out process to be completed by the end of 2003. The plant,
which has operated for over 22 years, has manufactured wood parts for
models and doors and employed about 60 individuals. 
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One bright spot on the horizon was the Sierra Army Depot's
(SIAD) announcement that they will be hiring 250 full time, temporary
employees. The positions range from $ 12.00 - |
| The application process of SIAD jobs was very specific and challenging. Recognizing the importance of correctly completed applications, AFWD staff scheduled a series of workshops in the fall to help candidates apply. Approximately 90 individuals attended the workshops and successfully submitted applications. |
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| SIAD has filled about forty positions to date. They have extended their application deadline to accommodate the employees affected by the SPI mill closure. | |
Light at the End of the Tunnel?
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Employee
Retention |
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On the light side, 165 employees from
two organizations attended a series of Super Service Spectacular workshops
presented by AFWD staff. |
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The 4-hour workshops are interactive, and designed to provide individuals with several tools to help raise their level of guest service and recharge their attitude toward their individual jobs and the overall team effort. Participants learned:
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Presenters
Wann and Trueblood enjoyed Super Service Spectacular as much as their
guests! |
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First Friday's Continue to Fit the Bill! First Fridays are powerful business workshops held at Lassen Career Network the first Friday of each month from 12pm - 1pm. Free to all interested participants, the workshop topics are identified by local employers and business owners. October: Guest Services - Creating Magic in the Workplace
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November: Employment Taxes Simplified!
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December: HTA - Investing in your Business!
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Imagine a workplace where
everyone chooses to bring energy, passion and a positive attitude with
them each day. An environment in which people are truly connected to
their work, their colleagues and their customers. Impossible? Not at
all! AFWD's Marketing Coordinator, Laurie Wann, facilitated this playful
and interactive workshop designed to release creativity and give participants
practical ideas to implement in the workplace. The session covered topics
including Customers or Guests?; Creating Magical Moments; the FISH Philosophy;
Play, Make Their Day, Be There and Choose Your Attitude!
Lassen
County employers learned how to avoid common payroll and reporting
mistakes,how to simplify the payroll process, and how to save time,
money and frustration dealing with these issues at the First Fridays!
workshop on November 7, 2003. Presented by Jason Brownfield, Tax Auditor
III with the California Employment Development Department, the workshop
covered UI, SDI and the Family Leave Program. Participants learned
how taxes are figured and what determines an employer's rate, plus
new regulations and laws that may affect them in the future.
Planning plays an
important role in any business venture. It can easily make the difference
between success and failure. Lassen County business owners, learned
valuable tips and techniques to help them effectively grow their businesses
at the First Fridays! workshop on December 5. Presented by Jeff Trump
and Clay Singleton, Certified Public Accountants with Haws, Theobald
and Auman, this exciting workshop discussed important considerations
business owners must take into account when deciding how and what to
invest in their business. Participants learned about different returns
on investments, and discovered how to make informed investment decisions
concerning time, money, human resources, education, technology, and
more.
New Community Coordinator! Ashley Grace Holt was born on November 10, 2003. Mother and beautiful baby are doing well. |
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