Submitted by Traci Holt
Lassen Career Network
2545 Main Street, Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-5057
www.aworkforce.org
Business Services - Pathways to Success |
Customer Service Spectacular for Diamond Mountain CasinoThe Customer Service Spectacular training for Diamond Mountain Casino is a huge HIT!!! Janis Trueblood and Laurie Wann from the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. are providing on-going customer service training for all of their employees. This business service is our first fee-for-service offering. This workshop is designed to provide all employees with tools that will help raise the level of guest service and recharge employee attitudes toward their individual jobs and the overall team effort.
The objectives for the workshop include:
Laurie, having FUN with Diamond Mountain Casino Employees.
Rapid Response Update
Sierra Pacific Industries-Sierra Pacific Industries, (SPI) Lassen County's largest private employer, met with their employees in mid December to announce a serious log shortage and the Company's resulting decision to permanently close the facility sometime during the first quarter of 2004. The layoffs began March 19th, and will continue each month until the end of May.
Rapid Response Orientations were conducted through the months of January, February and March in order to help the dislocated workers learn about their options and begin making informed choices.To date, 155 employees have attended orientation, of that 133 have completed structured interviews. Eighty dislocated workers have been enrolled in WIA. Of that 80, 61 have secured employment. Thirty-seven of the 61 have relocated for employment opportunities and 12 are in job search. The next wave of layoffs occur April 16th and April 23rd. The 2 final layoffs will be May 7th and 14th.
Jeld-Wen-The plant, which has operated for over 22 years, manufactured wood parts for models and doors and employed about 60 individuals.
To date, 30 dislocated workers have been enrolled in WIA. Of the 30 enrolled, 8 have secured employment. Four of the thirty have relocated to other Jeld-Wen manufacturing plants. We are assisting the remaining individuals with job search and career assessment.Employees of Jeld-Wen applied for and were approved for Trade Adjustment Assistance(TAA) funding. We are currently working with EDD to provide assistance to these individuals.
New HR Consultant Joins our Team
Holly Schirmer recently joined the AFWD team as a Human Resource Consultant. She has an extensive HR background, and more recently held the positions of Personnel Coordinator and Shipping Manager for SPI-Susanville. We are very excited to have Holly as part of our Business Services Team.
New Staff Additions
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new staff members. They include, Holly Schirmer-HR Consultant, Valerie Darnell-Employment Specialist, Julie Colgan-Receptionist, Kendra Lancaster-Receptionist, and Carol Lynn-Computer Lab Coordinator. Our entire team including Robin Padgett, Deborah McClure, Tammy Bedillion, Traci Holt and Laurie Wann are ready to assist our community with all their workforce needs.
Carol Lynn, Computer Lab Coordinator
From the left, Julie Colgan, Receptionist, Valerie Darnell, Employment Specialist, Kendra Lancaster, Receptionist
1st Friday's
Business workshops addressing the needs of today's business!!
1st Friday's are free informational workshops held the 1st Friday of every month to address the needs and interests of today's business owner and managers.
January 2004-California Labor Laws 2004
This workshop addressed the new 2004 California Labor Laws. I spoke to a packed house about the numerous changes taking effect in 2004 that directly impact California employers.February 2004-Worker's Compensation
Kyle Westphal, State Fund District Underwriting Manager, discussed the impact of Worker's Compensation rates on business in California. He helped businesses understand the current situation and what they future may bring.
Kyle Westphal, State Fund
March 2004-Retirement Planning
Brack Green and Carla Parsons from Edward Jones Investment Services presented information on the various retirement plans that are available for small business.
April 2004 - How to Hire/Retain/Motivate Employees
May 2004 - Small Business Energy Conservation Plan
Independent City
Through a collaborative partnership with the Office of Education, Independent Living Program, Lassen Works, Lassen Union High School District, Lassen County Probation Department, and the Alliance for Workforce Development Inc., area youth were provided with valuable information about renting an apartment, banking, maintaining positive credit, interview skills, dressing for success, resume writing, and many other life skills. With the support of the community, we were able to make this workshop very close to reality. A total of 77 youth participated in this one-day event.
Susanville City Councilwoman, Mary Fahlen was the Cable Company representative.
Upcoming Events
April 24th-Career Expo
May 4th-Doing Business with the Government Workshop
May 7th-Small Business Energy Conservation
New AdditionMy little bundle of joy, Ashley Grace Holt was born November 10th, 2003. I am having so much fun being a mom. I want to say Thank You to Laurie Wann and our entire team for filling in for me. You all made it easy for me to return to work.
Ashley, 5 months
Having Fun in the Workplace
Staff at Lassen Career Network utilize the FISH! philosophy, of being serious about our work, yet being serious about ourselves. Every other month we have a Fat Friday, where we graze all day. This month we decided to have a BBQ and all the fixings that go along with BBQ'd hot dogs. Fat Friday's are a great way to forget about the troubles of the day and enjoy the food and fellowship.
Chef Melody Brawley, Director Lassen Works & Social Services BBQ'ing lunch for our Fat Friday
