One Stop Activities

Economic Gardening
Starting and Growing Your Business in Lassen County

On Wednesday, May 23, 2007 the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce, Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. in conjunction with their partners, hosted an original entrepreneurial event entitled, “Economic Gardening, Starting and Growing Your Own Business in Lassen County.” The event held at Lassen Career Network located in Susanville, CA provided important information, resources, and local business strategies to over 60 people interested in starting or growing a business in Lassen County.

The Lassen County event fostered an environment of innovation and encouragement. People brought their “ideas” for products and services that can be sold regionally, and beyond. The agenda included topics on marketing, business planning, financing, zoning and permits, web sites, HR services to name a few.

To succeed, businesses must have access to current, comprehensive, and relevant information. And, representatives providing infrastructure services and products were on hand to assist businesses, including real estate, utilities, and communications. Economic Gardening gave attendees the opportunity to meet, network, and share ideas. “The goal is to create an entrepreneur community in which long term business relationships will be formed,” sated John Larrivee, one of the event’s organizers. Invitations were extended to all Lassen County residents, potential entrepreneurs, business start-ups, and small businesses desiring to grow their business. All area businesses and organizations that have a stake in the local economic development were invited to showcase their services, products and offer information relative to starting and/or growing a business.

Keynote speaker featured was Eaton Dunkleberger, who started and sold a cell phone-based business in Kabul, Afghanistan. After combat service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Dunkleberger said he saw an unmet need, had an idea, formed a business plan, secured financing, and started his own business. Marketing Consultant Bill Noonberg; Ken Theobald, CPA, Haws, Theobald and Auman, Maria Nye and Dorine Beckman, of Plumas Bank also spoke; along with Katy Olson, of Kookies by Katy, one of Susanville’s newest businesses and Al Robbins, of Robbins House of Furniture, one of Susanville’s oldest businesses.

Tammy Swayze, of Customer Talk Promotional Merchandise said she and her husband, Ed, learned many steps they hadn’t taken in starting their business and they will now take them.

The Economic Gardening seed has been planted in Lassen County and will continue to be nurtured with future workshops, seminars, and other resources. According to Holly Schirmer, Sr. HR Consultant with the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc., “We will continue to assist people in starting and growing their business with a full range of business and human resource services.” This event is exactly what we hope to continue through the WIRED initiative.

Who is an Entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur, typically, is inspired to start a business because the entrepreneur perceives a consumer need that is not being adequately filled. This area of need - sometimes called an "opportunity niche" - can usually be expressed as a problem statement, such as "There is no online resource offering support for web-based entrepreneurs."

Economic Gardening Defined:

"Economic gardening" can be defined as an entrepreneurial alternative to the traditional economic development practice of recruiting industries. Economic gardening is the concept of growing your own business within the local community rather than relocating an existing company. Small, local companies are the source of new jobs and wealth, and communities should work to create nurturing environments for these companies. Four major economic gardening “fertilizers” (factors) that foster an environment of economic growth include: 1) Innovation –the ideas that grow companies and economies. 2) Information – for businesses to succeed, they must have access to information. 3) Infrastructure – physical, (streets, sidewalks) quality of life (parks), and intelligence infrastructure (education). 4) Connection – businesses need to network with trade associations, think tanks, academic institutions, and other similar companies/industries. Entrepreneur, translated from its French roots, means "one who undertakes."

 

The Lassen Economic Gardening event organizers and supporters include:

Northern Rural Training and Employment Consortium, NoRTEC, Charles Brown, Executive Director
John Larrivee, Excellence Director, Banner Lassen Medical Center
Patti Hagata, Executive Director, Lassen County Chamber of Commerce
Jeremy Couso, The Radio Network and Couso Technology and Design
Monica Cochran, Economic Development, Lassen County
Holly Schirmer, Sr. HR Consultant and Manager of Lassen Operations, Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc.
Bill Nebeker, Community Development Director, City of Susanville

For more information on economic gardening please visit:

hschirmer@ncen.org or visit:

http://www.littletongov.org/bia/economicgardening

http://www.lovelandeconomicgardening.com/

 

AFWD's booth highlighting our Business Services.

New Restaurant Opens in Susanville

Nestled on a quiet historic uptown Susanville rests Coventry Gardens, English Tea Room, the town’s newest restaurant. Coventry Gardens is open for business. The beautifully restored Victorian home, boosts a menu of fine teas, scones, pastries, salads, and sandwiches. The owners Robin and Linda Hart are proud to share their love for their love of tea with the Susanville community.

Robin was born England and was raised with the tradition of “tea time.” In England, the traditional time for tea was four or five o'clock and no one stayed after seven o'clock. Most tea rooms today serve tea from three to five o'clock. The menu has also changed from tea, bread, butter and cakes, to include sandwiches or appetizers, scones - Served with jam and Devonshire or clotted cream, and Pastries - Cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweets

When one enters Coventry Gardens, they will be met with a comfortable yet elegant dining area, the scent of fresh tea and pastries, and greeted by a smiling Robin anxious to share the drink and food of true English tea time. Visitors to this true English tea room will discover the pleasures of a quiet rest, a good cup of tea, and a visit with friends and family.

For more information on Coventry Gardens, please visit:
http://www.coventrygardens.com/

For further information on the history of English tea time please visit:

http://www.teamuse.com/article_001203.html

Long Time Susanville Business Owner Retires

It is with regret that we report a long standing business in Susanville closed its doors on Friday, June 1, 2007. The Grand Cafe located in historic uptown Susanville, is calling it quits after over 80 years of serving residents home style cooked meals. The owner, George Sargent will be retiring after many years operating one of Susanville's favorite diners.

Alliance for Workforce Development provided a Rapid Response and services to the dislocated workers affected by the business closure. The employees were very appreciative of WIA services in their time of need and look forward to working with AFWD staff to find work.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Meets Labor Law Requirements

On June 6, 2007, 23 area managers and supervisors, saved time and money by receiving state mandated Sexual Harassment Prevention training locally in Susanville.

According to Holly Schirmer, Sr. HR Consultant with the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc., “Our June 6 workshop met California AB 1825 requirements for businesses employing 50 or more individuals. In addition, we encouraged all supervisors and business owners to attend, regardless of their company size, to protect themselves, their company and their employees.”

Harassment claims on the rise and are potentially very expensive to businesses. Many people are not aware that managers and supervisors can even be held personally liable for harassment conducted by or towards their employees.
Topics discussed at the workshop included: defining unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation under California and Federal law; steps to take if harassing behavior occurs; how to report harassment complaints; how to prevent retaliation; the effect and consequences of workplace harassment; and, employer obligations to investigate workplace harassment claims.

The highly interactive workshop was very well received by all attendees. “The SHP Training was an enthusiastic, group based training; benefiting from different views of different departments in different industries. I was immediately able to convey to my employees the importance of sexual harassment prevention and was also able to answer their questions regarding what is and isn’t sexual harassment,” stated participant, Jacob Fogal.
For further information on upcoming Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. workshops, please visit: http://www.afwdhr.org/

New Business Opens in Susanville

Advantage Rental Purchase, expanded their operations by opening a store in Susanville in May, 2007. Located at 800 Main St,, Advantage rents furnishings, appliances, electronics, computer, and jewelry. Advantage stores were founded in Eureka, CA in 1984 on the principles of providing outstanding service and convenience to every one of their customers.

Purchase options include short or long-term ownership of rental items, or to make retail purchases. And, there is the option to return items or to create an individualized payment plan. There's no credit needed and bad credit is never a factor. Susanville residents now have more choices in renting and purchasing household and personal items.

Advantage Rental Purchase is a member of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO) and the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA).

For further information on Advantage please visit:
http://www.advantagerentalpurchase.com/

AFWD Provides Customized Management Training Series for Northeastern Rural Health Clinics, Inc.
In an effort to help employers revitalize their organizations and develop top-notch managers and work teams, AFWD HR consultants have taught dozens of workshops to hundreds of participants over the last three years.

When Northeastern Rural Health Clinics, Inc. approached us in March of this year for a customized Leadership training program, we were very excited about the prospect of providing training to one of our region’s top health care providers.

Our HR team met with representatives from NRH, conducted a performance analysis, and recommended a course of action, consisting of four courses to be delivered over a 4 month period, complete with on-going consultations to ensure the training is on target. The selected topics are Leadership and Communication Essentials, HR Essentials, Conflict Resolution/Supporting Change, and Train the Trainer Boot Camp. In total, AFWD will provide approximately 16 hours of management training for up to 15 members of NRH’s management team.

The bottom line? No matter how successful a team may be, there is always the opportunity for improvement and NRH is to be commended for their proactive approach to employee training and organizational growth!

 

 

Local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Representatives Support Veterans Looking for Work

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion Employment officers, Duane Schluster, and Henry Sanchez were on hand at this year’s Lassen Career Expo to meet with veterans seeking employment in Northeastern California. Duane and Henry, who represent VFW District 19, Post #2381, and American Legion Post #204 were available to talk with veterans to assist them in applying for government and other available jobs. “Our goal is to help veterans transition from active duty to civilian life by informing them of their benefits and career opportunities,” said Duane Schluster. Duane and Henry hosted a table at the job fair filled with job announcements from employers throughout the region and explained the on line application process for federal government jobs to job seekers. The present of the VFW employment officers was very much appreciated by job seekers and employers.

About the VFW and American Legion:

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.4 million members in approximately 9,000 Posts worldwide.

Its mission is to "honor the dead by helping the living" through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense.

The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves. Annually, VFW members and its Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week.

The American Legion was founded in Paris by the American Expeditionary Force is March of 1919. It is the largest veterans’ organization in the U.S. active in veterans’ affairs, rehabilitation, and community and youth activities.

On an ongoing basis Duane and Henry work with the California Employment Development Department Veteran’s representative, Wayne Bienkowski to serve area veterans. They accomplish this by gathering all job listings from employed and then posting them on all job boards that they maintain throughout the county, including the communities of Milford, Herlong, Doyle, and Susanville.

Duane, Henry, and Wayne work to ensure that veterans understand their benefits ranging from unemployment service to veteran’s (hiring) preference. The employment officers will meet with veterans to help them find employment by locating and applying for jobs, as well as directing them to the One Stop Employment Center for services.

Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. (AFWD) has an ongoing relationship with the VFW and American Legion officers, ensuring that they have current information on job opportunities, and employment referrals, as well as information on our Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services for job seekers including veterans. “We work to actively assist all veterans in their aim to find work. Veterans bring a tremendous skill and experience base that has a great value to any employer looking for successful employees,” stated Holly Schirmer, AFWD's. Sr. HR Consultant. “It is a privilege to work with Duane and Henry to assist our veterans. And we look forward to teaming on future events that benefit members of the Armed Forces of the United States.

For addition information on local veteran employment services, please contact Duane Schluster at 530-827-2563, Henry Sanchez at 530-257-2474, Wayne Bienkowski, EDD Susanville office at 530-257-6050, or AFWD at 530-257-5057.

For additional services and benefits for veterans please contact Mike Schneider, county veterans’ service officer at 530-251-8192.

For additional information please visit

Veterans of Foreign Wars
http://www.vfw.org/

California Employment Department
http://www.edd.ca.gov/eddv.asp

Alliance for Workforce Development
http://www.aworkforce.org/

American Legion
http://www.legion.org/

 

Career Expo 2007 Success is No Mystery

Despite the cold and wet conditions on Saturday morning, the 2007 Lassen Career Expo was a huge hit for job seekers and employers. The annual event was held at the Lassen County Fairgrounds where 22 employers met with 181 job seekers to discuss job and career opportunities. "Take the Mystery Out of Finding a Job, Follow the Clues to the Lassen Career Expo," was well received, with several employers decorating their tables to tie in with this year's theme. By visiting all employers and completing a "clue" card, job seekers were able to enter a drawing for prizes donated by local businesses. And, a big thank you goes to Todd Eid at Susanville Supermarket for donating all of the food for the employer breakfast.

Initial feedback from job seekers and employers was both immediate and very positive. Several employers including Hodge Podge Lodge, Starbucks, Lear Siegler, Susanville Supermarket were looking to immediately fill current job openings. In addition, Sierra Army Depot, Lear Siegler, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, and Diamond Mountain Casino were recruiting to build their applicant pools for anticipated business expansion. Including government jobs, there are hundreds of career opportunities available in Lassen County! Another success was the addition of community organizations seeking volunteers, the Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives on hand to assist veterans, and, the Clothes Closet offering job seekers the opportunity to try on and take home work appropriate clothing.

Four employers have already requested additional services including customized training, recruitment assistance, and conference room usage (for employee training), demonstrating the value of all of our services and the strong reputation that the One Stop has in the community. It was because of staff's hard work and dedication to this very important community event that made the Job Fair a very worthwhile day for all participants. For more information on job fairs and other events visit, http://www.afwdhr.org/

New Team Member in Lassen County

Alicia Fogal has joined the AFWD Team in Lassen County. Alicia brings a wealth of business management background. She worked in the grocery business, where she spent over 14 years in management. Specifically she has experience in interviewing, employee selection, facilitating meetings and customer service training and other HR responsibilities. We are very excited to have Alicia on our team. is our new HR consultant.

 

WIA Success Story
Work experience has a tremendous affect on the success of the youth that we serve. Here are three stories to share:

Rebekah Holcomb is a younger youth client. She is currently living on her own and attending correspondence classes through Lassen College. Rebekah came to the program looking to find a job to help support herself and gain experience while obtaining her AA degree.

Thomas Lake is an older youth client. Thomas came into the program because he was new to the area. He recently moved to Susanville from Pennsylvania. Thomas was looking for work and unsure of the job market in Lassen County.

In February, Denise Mountcastle, of Eagle Summit Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic was referred to Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. by an employer who had participated in Work Experience Program. Based on the needs that Denise expressed we were able to place both Rebekah and Thomas with Eagle Summit. Both did exceptionally well in their placement. Thomas had previously studied physical therapy in College in Pennsylvania but became discouraged. He has found a renewed desire to continue his education because of his experiences with Eagle Summit. Rebekah has learned valuable skills in the medical field and has been inspired to take a few classes in the medical billing department.

As a result of their hard work and ability to learn new things both have been hired on as full time, regular employees of Eagle Summit Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic.

Nick Clem is a 20 year old - out of school youth. When Nick came into our office he was working but looking for a job that paid more and offered more opportunities. He was referred to AFWD by friends that had received assistance applying for Lear Seigler (LSI) positions at the Sierra Army Depot. We sat down with Nick and created his profile on-line with LSI, submitted the application and before he got to the front door of the office he was contacted by LSI. Nick is happy to report that he is currently working full-time with LSI. He stated that the assistance he received from our staff was priceless.

To learn more about what we can do for you, 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