Submitted by Bobbi Moore
January 1 through March 31, 2009
Lassen Career Network
1616 Chestnut Street Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-5057
www.aworkforce.org
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Provided
to Managers
On December 31, 2008 Holly Schirmer, Director of Business Services for
the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. facilitated a customized Sexual
Harassment Prevention workshop for Northeastern Rural Health Clinics’
supervisors and managers. The training, mandated by the passage of California
Assembly Bill, 1825 focused on the roles and responsibilities of workplace
supervisors in the prevention of and riddance of harassment and discrimination
in the workplace. According to Ms. Schirmer, “Supervisors and managers are the eyes
and ears of the organization and are the key to maintaining a workplace
free from harassment and discrimination. The goal of the workshop is to
provide attendees with practice tools that they can use in their day to
day work to effectively manage employee behavior.” Topics covered during the workshop were:
• Federal and State Anti-Discrimination laws
• What Sexual Harassment is and is not
• How to identify and correct inappropriate behavior before it escalates
• How to handle a complaint
The workshop was very interactive with participants working through several
case scenarios to come up with solutions for real workplace issues that
they may encounter. Linda Hollingsworth, Chief Operations Officer for NEHRC
stated, “We were very pleased that AFWD was able to offer the SHP
training on site for our supervisors. The training was very thorough and
gave the staff tools needed to prevent and confront workplace harassment
and discrimination, while minimizing time away from daily duties.”
For further information on Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. business
workshops and trainings please visit us at www.afwdhr.org
2009 Labor Law Update Workshop Helps Local Businesses
The 2009 Labor Law Update Workshop was held at the Lassen Career Network on January 20, 2009. The workshop was facilitated by Traci Holt, PHR, C.A.C., Executive Director for Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. (AFWD). Ms. Holt shared her HR expertise and knowledge on current labor laws with local businesses to assist them with their business and HR needs. AFWD holds a Labor Law Workshop in each of the four service locations each year to keep local businesses abreast of recent changes that effect their business.
Subjects discussed included:
• Payment of wages for employees of temporary services
• Cell phone and text messaging while driving
• Right to work documentation changes
• Mandatory poster changes for 2009
• Meal and rest period compliance
• Workers’ comp injury reporting
The workshop was very well received, with 28 local business representatives
attending to learn more about the new laws and the impact on their employees
and businesses. All businesses had the opportunity to order the 2009 Labor
Law poster and required notices. Through workshops such as the Labor Law
Update, AFWD continues to offer employer services that assist business owners
with their success.
For more information on business and human resource services please visit
our website www.afwdhr.org
The US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Visit the Lassen Career Network!
The Lassen Career Network hosted a 2-Day U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Recruiting Event on January 21st and 22nd.
Forty people came out to find out if they had what it takes to be a part of
the USFS and BLM team!
High school age seniors were invited to come on Wednesday, January 21st and
all other interested persons were invited on Thursday, January 22nd.
The US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management personnel discussed fire and other career opportunities, as well as answered questions about what it takes to join the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management teams. The application (on-line) process was explained at each session and all interested persons were encouraged to apply. We had a great turn out and the attendees found it to be very informative and helpful.
To apply for either the USFS or BLM’s open positions please visit
USA JOBS at: www.usajobs.gov. The Lassen Career
Network is always here to help with the online application process. Our
computer lab is open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.
The Federal Technology Center
Holds Seminars in Susanville
In partnership with the Federal Technology Center (FTC),
The Lassen Career Network hosted two seminars called ‘Intro to Federal
Contracting’. One on January 27, 2009 from 1pm-4pm, with 11 people
attending and one on March 13, 2009 from 9am-12pm, with 21 people attending.
They were both presented by FTC’s Jayne Murnane. With over 200 years
in combined experience the FTC offers assistance in Government Contracting.
The purpose of these workshops is to assist small businesses sell their
goods and services to the Federal Government by becoming contracted.
These classes covered:
• What types of goods and services the federal government buys
• How to obtain the necessary registration and classification codes
• Socioeconomic programs that are available
• What the ‘set–aside’ goals are for government
purchases
• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and how it relates to their
business
•Federal government purchasing process
• How to access additional free contracting assistance
• DUNs Numbers & CCR Process
The next class to be held at the Lassen Career Network will
be "Responding to Requests for Proposal" on April 21, 2009 from
1pm-4pm. In this class you will learn techniques for putting together winning
proposals. For more information on this workshop and others, please visit
our website at www.afwdhr.org
By: Sharla Gatie
FEATURED BUSINESS - THUNDER JOE’S
Thunder Joe’s Coffee sells more than just coffee. Thunder Joe’s, owned and operated by Susan Baxter, opened on January 21, 2009 across the street from Lassen High School. Their manager Rhiannon said they have been getting progressively busier as more people hear about them. Thunder Joe’s also serves breakfast and lunch and also has many yummy snacks along with the many choices of gourmet coffee. They also provide catering services. They held a grand opening on January 30th. Currently they have 4 part time employees and 1 full time employee. Business hours are Sunday-Thursday 5am to 6pm and on Friday and Saturday they are open until 9pm. The staff at Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. wish them great success and look forward to helping them with their business and employment needs in the future.
By: Sue Vivilacqua
US CENSUS BUREAU TESTING
Lassen Career Network has been fortunate enough to be able to accommodate
the US Census Bureau by offering up usage of the facility to help recruit
for the prospective 2010 Census Team. Testing sessions have been conducted
for open positions such as Area Supervisors and Census Takers on December
29th, January 13th, February 2nd and March 3rd.
To ensure that word of these events got out to our local community, the
US Census Bureau supplied Lassen Career Network with both flyers and brochures
to advertise these vigorous recruitments. Needless to say, many local and
out of area job seekers came out to attend these multiple testing sessions,
which also paved an avenue for these job seekers to access additional job
seeker services through Lassen Career Network. This partnership proved to
be very benificial to our business community as well as our job seekers.
We look forward to being able to partner up with the US Census Bureau again
soon.
By: Jin-Hee Williams
Staff Development at Lassen Career Network
The Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. (AFWD) staff was pleased to
welcome Betti Austin with Northern Rural Training and Employment Consortium
(NoRTEC) to Lassen Career Network to facilitate a staff training session
on February 19th. In an effort to acquaint the staff members with some of
the newer faces, staff members engaged in an icebreaker game to get to know
one another. Employees from Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, and Modoc counties were
all present for this training event.
Reference Manuals, created by Betti, were passed out containing information
regarding different systems used to enter and store client data. The informative
data that comprised these manuals was reinforced during the training session
as well. Staff members were also afforded the opportunity to share their
clients’ success stories and other highlighted moments in their jobs.
This training session proved to be both enlightening and edifying.
By: Jin-Hee Williams
BUSINESS BOOT CAMP
The Business Boot Camp held in partnership with Sierra Economic
Development Corporation, NoRTEC, WIRED funding and the Alliance for Workforce
Development, Inc. was held from Tuesday, February 24th through Thursday
February 26th at The Lassen Career Network. The attendees were training
in the business battlefield from 8am-8pm all three days. The Business Boot
Camp is specifically designed to significantly improve the odds for entrepreneurs
and small businesses to survive the first five years by delving into a spectrum
of key business areas such as legal pitfalls, dealing with the financial
world, human resources, advertising, public relations, branding and much
more.
There were 22 attendees that ranged from agricultural businesses to computer
services. The attendees heard from 14 instructors and consultants who are
or were business owners and were given the information to develop a business
plan. According to SEDCorp CEO Brent Smith, 80 percent of start-up businesses
fail in the first five years. The goal of the boot camp was to help the
businesses be part of the 20 percent who succeed. He also said that businesses
that have a business plan double their success rate.
So if you currently own a business or are looking to start one, enlist now in one of the upcoming Business Boot Camp series near you:
Future Boot Camps:
April 28-29-30 Plumas County
May 26-27-28 Sierra County
Contact Information:
Sierra Economic Development Corporation
560 Wall Street, Suite F
Auburn, CA 95603
530-823-4703
530-823-4142 fax
info@sedcorp.biz
www.SEDD.org
INDEPENDENT CITY 2009
After months of planning and preparation, Independent City 2009 came
to a successful fruition and conclusion on Friday February 27th. Approximately
70 Lassen County youth and more than 30 adult volunteers participated
in this one-day event at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. This was the
fourth year this program has been offered to “at risk”
and/or low income juniors and seniors in Lassen County schools. It’s
an opportunity for youth to learn the skills to move out and live
on their own. Each participant is given a “life” including
a job, income, and cash available. Each youth must select roommates,
set up a bank account, purchase food, find housing and transportation,
and decide on other items such as phone and internet services.
Along with Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. personnel, volunteers
came from Lassen County Office of Education, Lassen Juvenile Probation,
Lassen WORKS & Community Social Services, Lassen County Alcohol and Drug,
Friday Night Live, and many other local businesses and agencies. Community
volunteers staffed stations that participants visited including banks,
property management offices, the post office, car dealerships, the
grocery store, and the phone company. Volunteers also role-played
as police and judges to give youth a taste of real-life traffic tickets
and other citations.
Every participant was awarded a prize for attending. Prizes included
many items that are helpful when moving out on their own. The grand
prizes were a laptop, microwave oven, and vacuum cleaner.
Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. wishes to thank the many
volunteers who helped make this event possible; especially Cindy Sanchez
from Lassen County Office of Education and Kim Perkins from Lassen
WORKS & Community Social Services. Also, our thanks go out to
Lassen County Probation for this year’s funding and the businesses
and agencies who donated prizes and food to make Independent City
a reality.
2009 Annual Career Expo Offers Opportunities for Job Seekers and Businesses
On a bright and sunny March 28, 2009, Lassen county job seekers
and businesses met at Jensen Hall, Lassen County Fairgrounds to
discuss available jobs, future jobs, and career options in and
out of the area. Twenty four businesses were on hand to greet and meet
close to 300 job seekers with the intent of filling dozens of
open positions within their organizations, and build applicant
pools for future positions.
Wal-Mart, Susanville is planning on hiring 65 people to assist
with the Susanville store remodel. According to Wal-Mart HR manager,
Denise Lewis, “We will need 65 full time employees to assist
with the store remodel that is slated to begin in August of this
year. In addition, we will also look to keep some of the employees
through the holidays.” This was just one example of business
growth that is planned in the area. Secondly, Frontier Communications
is also looking to add a retail outlet in the Susanville area
in the coming months. Thirdly, the Veteran’s Administration
has begun plans to open a veterans’ health clinic in the
Susanville area. The clinic will serve veterans throughout Northeastern
California, decreasing the need for patients to travel out of
the area for health services.
“While some businesses are experiencing slow downs, we do
have businesses that are looking to grow and expand. The job fair
gives the job seekers the opportunity to meet face to face with
area employers to discover available jobs and how to apply for
work, “ stated Terri Hiser-Haynes, Alliance for Workforce
Development, Inc’s (AFWD) HR consultant. “Susanville
Supermarket interviewed candidates on site at the job fair, with
the goal of filling 5 positions.”
The 2009 Career Expo was sponsored by the partners of Lassen Career
Network. The Mission of the Lassen Career Network “A Workforce
Development and Placement Center” is to establish a “one-stop”
career center which will serve as a common point of access for
job seekers, employers, and community members for the purpose
of education, training, employment, referral, and support services.
For further information visit AFWD at www.aworkforce.org
FEATURED BUSINESS - MAIN STREET BOWL
Bowling is Back!
Larry and Lise Wosick have re-opened Main Street Bowl located on
Main St in Susanville. Chamber of Commerce members and business
owners were invited to a pre-opening celebration on March 11th to
come see the newly remodeled bowling alley. Businesses formed teams
and competed and were treated to hor d’oevres. Main Street
Bowl officially opened to the public on Saturday March 14th. The
hours are Monday thru Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday
11am to 1am and on Sunday 12pm-8pm. Wosick remodeled the bowling
alley to provide a wholesome family atmosphere. The bowling alley
has been remodeled to include a larger dining area, arcade, full
service bar, pool tables and more. Wosick plans to present live
music and maybe even karaoke in the future. The bowling alley employs
approximately 20 people from the Susanville area in a time when
many businesses have had to downsize. Alliance for Workforce Development,
Inc. looks forward to helping with business and employee needs for
Main Street Bowl in the future.
Lassen Career Network Has a New Face!
Susan Vivilacqua has joined the Alliance for Workforce Development
team in Lassen County as Career Center Advisor. Susan comes to AFWD
with over 20 years experience working with the public. For the last
14 years she has owned & managed an automotive service center
with her husband Mike, with her primary functions as Service Advisor,
Office Manager and Bookkeeper. Susan holds an ASE C-1 certificate
for Customer Service Skills and has completed training through the
Automotive Management Institute http://www.amionline.org
for Time Management, Employee Management, Business Management, Marketing
and various other courses. With her many years as an employer and
her experience in employee recruitment she knows what employers are
looking for. She currently is on the Board of Directors for Lassen
Christian Academy and enjoys volunteering with her sons cub-scout
pack. Susan lived in the area off and on as a child and she and her
husband and their two children moved back to Susanville in 1991 from
the Sacramento area.
Lassen Career Network Hosts an Open House
The Lassen County Board of Supervisors, Assistant County Administrative Officer Kevin Mannel, partners and community members celebrated the Grand Opening
of the new Lassen Career Network located at 1616 Chestnut Street,
Susanville.
The event included a ribbon cutting ceremony with Traci Holt, Executive
Director for Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. and Melody Brawley,
Director for Lassen WORKS and Community Social Services cutting the
ribbon signifying that the new Lassen Career Network is open for business.
Lassen County Board of Supervisor, Jim Chapman congratulated the Lassen
Career Network staff on the successful planning and implementation
of the new building. “This center is the role model for demonstrating
maximum space efficiency while providing excellent resource services
to the Lassen County residents”. Mr. Chapman also thanked builders,
Dale and Linda Soule, “Dale listened to the needs of the Lassen
Career Network staff and incorporated those needs into the design
and construction of the building”.
Traci Holt, Executive Director also thanked everyone for their support
during the construction and move into the One-Stop. “The One-Stop
is designed to serve all community members with a host of job search,
business, and social services”. Partners include: Alliance for
Workforce Development, Inc. Employment Development Department, Lassen
WORKS & Community Social Services, Lassen County Health &
Social Services Fiscal Department and California Indian Manpower Consortium.
The public is invited to visit the Lassen Career Network at 1616 Chestnut
Street, Susanville between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday
through Friday. To reach us by phone you can call 530-257-5057 or
visit us on the web at www.aworkforce.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 17th - Lassen County Broadband Community Meeting 1pm-2pm
April 21st - The Federal Technology Center "Responding
to Requests for Proposal" 1pm-4pm
For locations and times of specific events, please visit www.afwdhr.org