Community Coordinator Report-Lassen County

^{April-June 2001}

One Stop Activities

Lassen Career Network would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new staff members.  They include, Traci Peterson-One-Stop Community Coordinator, Dave Mowbray-Employment Specialist, Mirsa Gonzales-Receptionist, and Cliff Bannister-Computer Lab Coordinator. Our entire team including Robin Padgett, Candy Radcliff, Tammy Bedellion and Laurie Wann are ready to assist our community with all their workforce needs. 

Lassen Career Network staff, including the newest member Bessie the cow.

¨ 1^st Fridays

On April 6, 2001, Jim Hay from the State Compensation Insurance Fund provided a free informational seminar to local employers regarding Worker’s Compensation.  His presentation addresses the following:

¨      How to Implement and Effective Safety Program to Assist You in Managing the Rising Costs of Workman’s Compensation Claims.

¨      Ergonomics:  How New Federal and State Laws Effect Your Business

¨      How to Utilize Your Workman’s Compensation Insurance Agency for Management and Staff Training.

¨ Celebrate Small Business Week

Mary Wolleson speaking  with local business people about "Business Success".

The evening began with a half-hour joint workshop, then the group separated into one of two individualized sessions.  Mary Wollenson, Executive Director of the Small Business Development Center, presented “Business Success”.  Gary Liddle, Program Manager with the Small Business Development Center, presented “How to Get & Keep Your Customers”. 

¨ New Computer Lab Coordinator

Lassen Career Network is very pleased to welcome Cliff Bannister to our team.  Cliff is the Computer Lab Coordinator responsible for assisting our clients in both job searching and computer skills.  When asked what he likes most about his job, Cliff replied “The real enjoyment of my job is seeing the smiles and gratitude when people are successful and learn something new.”

Here Cliff is assisting a job-seeker with his resume. 

¨ Children’s Fair

The 16^th Annual Lassen County Children’s Fair was May 16, 2001.  The purpose of the fair is to provide an opportunity for families to spend a pleasant day together that will hopefully reduce tobacco, substance and child abuse within Lassen County.  For more fun, click on http://www.co.lassen.ca.us/fairpics.htm

  Children who stopped by our booth, were given a beanbag to toss through a “career board” to determine their career for the day.  They were then given a paycheck to spend at our “store” to buy merchandise.  We all had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing the smiles on the children’s faces.

Carole Lowry, from Lassen Community College, is help the children with their career choices.

¨ Lassen Career Network Receives a New Look

  The front lobby of Lassen Career Network underwent a major facelift.  The wall that divided the lobby from the reception area was removed.  This change made way for 4 computer stations to assist clients in job search activities.  In addition, we have more room for clients to fill out applications, review job listings, etc.  A BIG thank you goes out to the entire Front Line Team for making all of this happen. 

Tune in Next Time for the Unveiling of the New Lobby!

¨ Lassen CowReer Network

This year the Lassen County Arts Council received a $7,000 grant from the California Fairs and Arts Alliance.  The money went towards the Art Cows on Wheels event, which will showcase 100 three-dimensional life sized wooden cows on wheels.  The best part about the Art Cows on Wheels is that is allows unlimited freedom to decorate each cow however the “artist” wants to.  The herd will make its debut at the Lassen County Fair Parade. 

The theme for the Lassen Career Network Cow is “Work Pays Everyone”. 

Here is "Bessie" the Cow making her debut in front of the office.

On May 3, 2001, Big Valley Lumber notified the Employment Development Department in Modoc County, that they were laying off their entire workforce on May 4, 2001.

Big Valley Lumber is located in the town of Bieber (pop. 1200).  Sixty mill workers were permanently loosing their jobs.  Eight staff members from AFWD and EDD across the three counties of Lassen, Plumas and Modoc responded to the closure, handing out packets of information to the affected mill workers.

Two orientations were held with approximately 30 attendees.  At the conclusion of the information session, staff completed WIA applications and gathered information to assist many in core services. 

  Lassen Career Network staff continued their outreach to Bieber through the months of May and June providing job search assistance, assessment and enrollment into intensive and training services.

¨      On June 4, 2001, the Federal Bureau of Prisons broke ground on their new facility located in Herlong, CA.  Construction is expected to be complete in 2004.  The new facility is forecasted to employ 350-400 full time staff members and contribute approximately $20-$25 million dollars annually to the local and regional economy.  For more information on the new facility go to http://www.bop.gov

¨      The Arizona Pipeline Company was awarded the contract to begin work on supplying Natural Gas to residents within the city limits.  Lassen Career Network assisted with the hiring process.  Approximately 20-25 local residents were hired for the project.  Natural Gas is expected to be available to serve customers beginning Fall 2001.  For more information regarding the Natural Gas Project go to http://www.cityofsusanville.org/gas.html

Business Counseling

¨ New Business Counselor Welcomed to the Region

     Lassen Career Network welcomes Gary Liddle as the new Small Business Counselor for Lassen County.  Gary is the Program Director for Sierra College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) providing free services for existing business owners and entrepreneurs in Lassen County. 

     A practicing entrepreneur for the past 30 years, Liddle’s efforts are geared toward helping individuals become organized and focused, leading to increased efficiency and success.  “Whether you’re operating or considering a business from a part-time home based to a large manufacturing, service, or retail operation, the SBDC can help,” commented Liddle.  “My role is first to work with individuals and help assess their needs, then provide free, confidential, one-on-one counseling on topics including business planning, cost projections, marketing plans, sources of financing, cash flow management, inventory control and other small business concerns."

     In addition to Liddle’s businesses counseling services, the SBDC offers low-cost seminars, referrals to specialized business information and resources in manufacturing, lending programs, and international trade.

       Area residents can find out more about these services and schedule appointments with Liddle by calling Lassen Career Network in Susanville at 257-5057.     

     He is available for FREE one-on-one business counseling for our local employers on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of every month.  For more information on the Sierra College Small Business Development Center go to http://www.sbdcsierra.org.

Gary Liddle is available for counseling on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month.