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November 2015
In This Issue

   powered by the Centralina WDB
What's Happening in the Region?
THE CENTRALINA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE REGION

In Healthcare, The Right Training Matters
 
Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership Summit

  

The healthcare industry has come a long way over the years.  With the increasing pressure to improve patient care there are many changes impacting healthcare delivery. As a result, the Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership held an Allied Health Summit on Thursday November 5, 2015 at the Harris Conference Center.  

Dozens of healthcare providers, educators, and workforce professionals gathered together for the summit titled, "The Right Training Matters: How Patient-Centered Care and Other Trends are reshaping the Healthcare Workforce".  Steve Simonin from FACHE and CEO of Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics was the keynote speaker for the summit. He discussed shifting the focus from profit to patients actually improves the bottom line.  Other speakers included those from Novant Health, Duke University, Carolina's Healthcare and more.  All of the professionals provided insight on ways healthcare systems respond to new changes and how it impacts the region.  The luncheon keynote speaker was Mary Stokas with Premier, Inc. who discussed the key trends shaping healthcare and for planning for the future.
 
"Keeping a trained workforce that can meet the changing needs of our employers is critical," said David Hollars, Executive Director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board and Workforce Intermediary for the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership.  "This Summit was designed to bring together experts to help us plan for the future."
 
During the Summit, an interactive panel discussion was held at the conclusion of the day.  The panel of experts talked about the implantation of patient-centered care in the classroom and in the workplace.   Panelists included:
 
  • Connie Bonebrake, Senior Vice-President, Chief Patient Experience Office, Carolina HealthCare System
  • Kelli Sadler, Director of Nursing-Adult Acute Care Services, Inpatient Cancer Center, Harris Hospice Unit, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
  • Dr. Ruth Hedgpeth, Dean of Nursing, Allied Health Early Childhood Education and Cosmetology, Central Piedmont Community College
  • Dr. Stephen Aragon, Associate Professor, Healthcare Management and MHA Program Coordinator, Winston-Salem University
  • Moderator: Joann Spaleta, Director of Leadership, Care Management, Dental education, and Technology, Charlotte AHEC
 
The audience were very engaged during the panel discussion in which many stated this was their favorite part of the summit.
 
When asked by attendees what they thought about the summit, many agreed that the overall format was great and they would love to see the next summit extend over a course of days.
 
Sponsors for this year summit were Novant Health, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, Central Piedmont Community College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, CharlotteWorks, Gaston Workforce Development Board. Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board, Centralina Workforce Development Board, and the Competitive Workforce Alliance.  Special thanks to current Allied Health RSP Chair Dr. Ruth Hedgpeth (CPCC) and immediate past chair Dr. Meg Patchett (Cabarrus College of Health Sciences) for their leadership with the Partnership and for the hard work of the Summit Planning Committee in making this event a great success.
 
The Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership is a 16-county collaboration created to address the emerging issues and needs of the healthcare industry. Information regarding the Partnership as well as links to the summit presentations can be found at www.agreatworkforce.com/alliedhealth .  Special thanks!
 
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to be the front-runner of the health initiative and to serve as workforce intermediary for the Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership.  For more information regarding the summit and the Competitive Workforce Alliance Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership, contact David Hollars at 704-348-2717 or at   dhollars@centralina.org. 

   

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MAGICAL MOMENT

NEXGEN Customer Finds Path to a New Life 

Lincoln County Young Adult Lands a Career


Justice Charles at Husky Rack & Wire, in Denver, NC.
  If you've seen warehouse scenes on shows like Duck Dynasty and Keeping up with the Kardashians, you've probably seen a product of Husky Rack and Wire. The production of this company's most famous products are produced in  Denver (Lincoln County) and Justice Charles, a Centralina NEXGEN customer can now add this to his resume.
 
Husky Rack and Wire manufactures an extensive list of material handling products in warehouses across the United States.  They're well known for making large beams which can be identified by noticing the tear drop insert hooks on their most famous products. 
 
With the help of staff from Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation, Inc. (I-CARE), Charles's life has changed in a year's time.  In 2014, Charles graduated from high school with the mindset of wanting to attend college to wrestle.  Quickly his long term desire turned and he shifted his focus on getting a degree for missionary.  Due to his immediate need and desire to find financial stability he thought it would be best to begin work.  At this point and time, as a recent high school graduate he didn't know how to start a path to a successful career.  Until one day a couple of his friends referred him to Shelton Moore, Family Support Services Director at I-CARE in Lincoln County. 
 
"Immediately I went to I-CARE and got connected with Mr. Moore and he gave me his number and little did I know, I was in Centralina WDB's NEXGEN program," Charles said. 
 
Shortly after joining the program the staff at I-CARE helped him receive a part-time job at Christian Ministries in Lincoln County as a cook.  Even while working with Christian Ministries, the staff still worked with Charles intensely.  As a dedicated individual to the program, he made sure to stay connected by attending workshops, classes, and events offered through I-CARE.   
 
"I-CARE really helped me meet business-minded people.  They helped me dress for interviews, prepare for speeches, build my resume, get my uniforms, and other materials I needed," Charles said. "Overall they helped me be more confident in working towards what I want to do."
 
Justice Charles with Gisella Busse at Husky Rack & Wire
It didn't take long for Charles to get a full-time job.  Mr. Moore was working overtime behind the scenes to change Charles's life.  Things quickly began to change when Moore approached Gisella Aparicio-Busse, the Human Resource Director for Husky Rack and Wire, former Board Chair for the NEXGEN Council, and current Board Chair of the Centralina Workforce Development Board. 
 
"He approached me and said I have a candidate that would be interested in coming to work for you," Busse said.  "And so I took him up on the offer," she added.  "Being that I was the Chair of the former Youth Council now known as NEXGEN, I was able to see the potential that young individuals have so, why not give them a chance."
 
Busse hired Charles in May and instantly he was put in the OJT program offered through the Centralina Workforce Development Board.  The training was over the course of three months in which I-CARE kept in contact with Charles. 
 
"The whole transition from I-CARE to this position was smooth because I was able to get on-the-job training," Charles said.  "They taught me while I was working and in no time I got it down pack and now I'm willing to help other people."
 
Busse also agreed with his statement. "There's no reason why I wouldn't give a young individual like Justice the opportunity to come in if they're willing to learn and be here and do the job," she said.  "Justice has proven to be a great candidate."
 
Moving forward, Charles hopes to stay with the company for many years.
 
"I love my job and I'm very thankful for the help from I-CARE," Charles said.  "I've seen a change in myself and overcame a lot.  When I first came to I-CARE and landed the part-time job at Christian Ministries, I didn't have a car and had to walk every day to work from a different town but look at me now.  I have my own vehicle and I'm able to help my family now and in the future."
 
It's evident that Charles has a big heart to serve others.  Despite not being able to attend college and major in Missionary, he still plans to continue helping with Christian Ministries on his days off, and his helping hand will not stop there.
 
"If I could tell the folks at I-CARE something, I would say thank you for helping me," said Charles.  "If there's anything I can do to help and give back and get new people in to NEXGEN, I will because my life has been changed and theirs can too."
 
The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NEXGEN Council are proud of the work of all of the staff at I-CARE. For more information regarding the NEXGEN Council and Centralina WDB's OJT Program, contact Solomon McAuley, Centralina WDB's Youth Specialist at smcauley@centralina.org or 704-348-2725.    



Coordinated Business Engagement Initiative Launched

                   
The Centralina Workforce Board facilitated a Business Engagement event at Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina in Statesville on Monday November 23, 2015. Twenty-two workforce development professionals participated in this meeting to finalize details on a coordinated plan for business engagement in Iredell County. Many of the participants were part of the successful 1,000 in 100 Days Project launched last year to connect with targeted businesses. 

"The current initiative will be more focused and have a priority of reaching specific industry sectors that are driving the local economy," said Vail Carter, Business Services Coordinator for the Centralina Workforce Development Board. Individuals who are tasked with connecting with businesses on a regular basis will form teams to coordinate visits with targeted business.

David Hollars, Executive Director for the Centralina Workforce Development Board said the launch is the first of many to come. He addressed the group and stressed the importance of using professional protocols to connect with businesses. These protocols have a solutions based approach to business engagement and requires timely follow up on customer requests. Hollars also noted that many of the solutions delivered may not be directly related to workforce services but could still meet critical needs to help the business grow and keep workers employed. Hollars also noted that the Centralina WDB is investing in a B2B Client Relation Management Tool to help establish the protocol and procedure. 

The next county to launch its local Business Engagement Initiative will be Stanly County.  Their kick-off meeting will be held on Tuesday December 8 at 10:00 AM at Stanly Community College's Small Business Center in downtown Albemarle.

For more information on the Business Engagement Initiative and when your county will be participating, contact Vail Carter, Centralina WDB Business Services Coordinator at (704) 348-2710 or vcarter@centralina.org .  To learn more about the Centralina WDB's approach to a coordinated business engagement approach for the region, please participate in or follow the NAWB webinar in the next article.



Hollars to be featured on Webinar

David Hollars
A special webinar hosted by the National Association of Workforce Boards will be presented on Wednesday, December 9, 2015.Listeners will gain insights on business engagement from David Hollars, Executive Director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board. Adrian Tait, Executive Director of the High Country Workforce Board based in Boone, North Carolina will join David to share how these workforce boards are applying the Business U model to engage businesses in their local areas. Celina Shands Gradjian, Owner of Full Capacity Marketing based in San Diego, California will moderate the session which starts up at 2:00 PM Eastern time.

Hollars and Tait have taken steps to ensure workforce professionals in their service area are equipped with the latest skills to properly engage businesses. Their teams recently completed the Business U Bootcamp, an intensive training exercise to learn techniques for maximizing business engagement.

In a recent interview with Full Capacity Marketing Hollars said, "As a workforce system, we need to get our employer-facing teams in a customer-centric space.  That means modeling private sector companies like Amazon who anticipate customer needs by using behavioral patterns, marketing trends, and leveraging data from inside and outside the organization-a step beyond using labor market information to identify broad industry trends."

Business U Bootcamp set the stage for this type of engagement. The protocol provides an operational structure that includes a shift in cultural behaviors to increase customer interactions. The result is a long-term transformational relationships with business and industry, offering solutions to their workforce needs.

Please visit www.nawb.org for more information on this exciting webinar. 



Hiring Fair Generates Over 300 Job Seekers and Hundreds of Positions

 NCWorks Career Center-Rowan Holds Veterans Appreciation and Community Job Fair 

Frances Thornton, Talent Development Consultant at the NCWorks Career Center-Rowan speaking with a job seeker at the Hiring fair. 

"Over the last year or so I've probably done over two dozen job fairs and this is one of the better ones as far as the quality of people and the people that are here," said Kendall Spence District Manager with Fastenal Company . "I probably had close to 20-25 people come to my table and I would say a good number of those folks are a good fit for us."
 
This was the case for many employers on November 10, 2015.  Close to 50 employers and over 300 job seekers gathered at the West End Plaza in Salisbury for a Veterans Appreciation and Community Job Fair hosted by the NCWorks Career Center-Rowan, the Centralina Workforce Development Board, and Rowan County
 
The NCWorks Career Center-Rowan wanted to help area employers fill over 400 positions in the Rowan County area.  The job fair included companies from industries such as manufacturing, banking, health care, law enforcement, local government, higher education, staffing agencies, groups who provide services to veterans, and much more.   Jobs available included permanent and temporary, full-time, and part-time positions. The Veterans Appreciation and Community Job Fair was opened to the general public but had a major emphasizes on recognizing veterans. 
 
In a recent poll generated from Smart brief, it states that over 62 percent of employers say they love hiring veterans and also love their leadership and operating skills. In fact, veterans get first preference for all jobs posted in NCWorks online. 
 
"Most employers are pleased when hiring vets," said Debbie Davis, Center Leader for the NCWorks Career Center-Rowan. 
 
This was a great platform for veterans and the general public to meet face to face with employers and has been successful for several years.
 
"This was very helpful to be able to meet people face to face and be able to ask questions and get good answers in return," said Crystal Burns, job seeker and veteran in attendance at the job fair. "When I pulled up and saw all of the cars here I was amazed and I would definitely recommend doing this again."
 
To find out more information regarding upcoming job fairs at the NCWorks Career Center-Rowan, contact Debbie Davis at 704-639-7529 or email at debbie.davis@nccommerce.com




2015 Workforce Development Summit-Aligning for the Future

Regional Partners Collaborating Towards Success



It's becoming an everyday thing for businesses to collaborate with workforce and education organizations on issues and projects in the Centralina WDB region and across the state of North Carolina.  In fact, on Thursday November 12, 2015, individuals gathered together for the 2015 Workforce Development Summit at the Harris Conference Center in Charlotte. 
 
The Summit was a full-day event hosted by Charlotte Regional Collaborative for a Global Economy and sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Company.  For years, North Carolina has had great success in workforce development mainly because of the collaboration between workforce development boards, the NC Community College system, and other partners.  In the Align4NCWorks strategic plan for 2015-2018, it states that the main goal, objectives, and action steps is recognizing the importance of partners to its own efforts. This was the overarching theme for the 2015 Workforce Development Summit-Aligning for the Future. 
 
Topics included:
  • Innovative ways to use funding and grants to connect students to quality careers and employers to quality employees
  • Benefits of work-based/workplace learning for employers
  • High demand jobs and the path to get there
  • The impact of competency-based learning
  • Building competencies that are in demand based on research by economic developers or site selectors
 
Dr. Pamela Howze, NC Department of Commerce/ NCWorks gave the keynote address during the Summit.  Dr. Howze talked about Align4NCWorks overarching goals which are alignment, responsiveness, engagement, and responsibility. Immediately following the keynote address, a panel discussion took place.  Centralina WDB's Executive Director, David Hollars participated as a panelist along with the following:
 
  • Todd Alexander, Director of Administration, NGK Ceramics USA (and former Centralina WDB member)
  • Roger Collins, Technical Training Specialist and Apprenticeship Coordinator, Siemens Energy, Inc.
  • Dr. Pamela Howze, NC Department of Commerce/NCWorks
  • Maureen Little, Associate Vice President, NCWorks Customized Training, NC Community Colleges
  • Steve Partridge, President and CEO, Charlotte Works
  • Dr. Stan Sidor, President, South Piedmont Community College
  • Mary Vickers-Koch, Dean of Business and Industry Learning and Harris Campus, CPCC
 
After the panel discussion, the audience was able to enjoy concurrent breakout sessions for the remainder of the day. 
 
The Centralina Workforce Development Board was proud to participate in the 2015 Workforce Development Summit.  Centralina WDB looks forward to continually provide best practices in the workforce industry across the region and state of North Carolina.
 
For more information regarding the 2015 Workforce Development Summit, contact David Hollars, Centralina WDBs Executive Director at 704-348-2717 or dhollars@centralina.org. 

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Our Region, Our Partners
Rowan County Community Leaders Work Together to Enhance Reading in Rowan County Schools

Building a Foundation for Success



 
On Thursday November 19, 2015, Rowan County teachers, principals, college administration, government officials, and other community leaders came together for a Rowan-Salisbury Schools Literacy Summit in downtown Salisbury. 

The second annual summit focused on early learning and literacy in which speakers talked about the benefit of getting children involved in reading at the beginning stages of life.  For most of the evening, speakers talked about different programs that will encourage literacy and promote many reading initiatives like the Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Rowan Reads, Rowan Public Library, and the Library Foundation. 

Attendees were made very aware of the long term impact young children can have when reading isn't taught at a young age.  At the Summit, guess were able to view statistics about early learning investments.  According to First 2000 Days organization, 70 percent of Americans aged 17 to 24 cannot meet the military eligibility requirements.  This number can be defined for many reasons, however, not having a high school diploma can be a factor preventing individuals from meeting military requirements. The study also showed that at-risk children who do not get a high-quality early childhood education were 70 percent more likely to be arrested for violent crime by 18 years old. 

Lisa Finaldi, Community Engagement Leader from the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation , talked about how good learning experience during the 2,000 days between birth and kindergarten can have a lasting impact on the brain.  Finaldi was one of the many speakers during the evening.  Jennifer Flynn, a local attorney at Klutz, Reamer, Hayes, Adkins and Carter, LLP, also spoke at the event.

After the speakers, the audience split up into groups of 10 or less to discuss questions and address concerns about early literacy.  Dr. Lynn Moody, Superintendent of the Rowan-Salisbury School System gave final words regarding the breakout sessions.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NEXGEN Council were glad to be in attendance during the event. Centralina WDB Youth Specialist Solomon McAuley and Centralina WDB Communications Specialist Asia Wilson represented the Board and Council. 

For more information regarding the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Literacy Summit contact, Solomon McAuley at 704-348-2725 or smcauley@centralina.org .  

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Learning Outside the Box

Iredell-Statesville Schools Students Working and Learning Outside The Classroom




Many students of the Iredell-Statesville Schools (I-SS) system agree that a great deal of their learning occurs outside the four walls of schoolhouses, but instead in a real work environment.  Currently 75 I-SS students are working in internships during the school day and they find it to be enjoyable and life changing.

Through the internship program within the I-SS system, students are required to complete 300 hours during the year with businesses in Iredell County.  The internships range from a variety of companies doing many jobs such as animal care, woodwork, administrative, and much more. 

The school system has a work-based learning coordinator who sets up the partnerships between the school system and local businesses. Joanie Winterkamp is the Work-Based-Learning Coordinator for I-SS system.  Over the last few years, close to 80 businesses in the area have taken part in the internship program. 

I-SS has already seen successful students go through the program and become great state representatives.  On November 21st, four students from North Iredell High School were able to participate in the Vet Science Career Development Event at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford.  During this event the four students were tested on the essential parts of the job as a veterinarian assistant.  The students competed against 16 other schools across the state to see who knew the most about veterinary science. 

After participating in I-SS's internship program, it's evident that the students are well prepared for careers in the real world and they're ready to continue what they've learned in the workforce.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner with Iredell-Statesville Schools in effort to train, motivate, and build the NEXGEN pipeline for long lasting careers. Please look to the Centralina WDB's e-newsletter next month, for more exciting stories.  

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Union County Leaders Connecting Together to Discuss Economic Development and Workforce





On Tuesday, November 10, 2015 the Union County Chamber of Commerce held a Union County Connect event at South Piedmont Community College in Monroe.  The Centralina Workforce Development Board acted as Platinum sponsors for the event. 

David Hollars, Centralina Workforce Development Board's Executive Director opened the meeting by welcoming the guest and introducing the speaker.  Joshua Levy, Senior Policy Analyst at North Carolina's Department of Commerce, Labor and Economic Analysis Division (LEAD), was the speaker for the lunch hour providing informational statistics for Union County. During the meeting he gave updates on North Carolina's economic development incentive programs, workforce development, and its impacts on the region.  Levy specializes in economic and workforce development research and policy.  He has also studied the state's economic development incentive programs, among other topics. 

The guest included educators, business owners, workforce professionals, and Union County Chamber members.  Many were intrigued with the wealth of information Levy provided.  At the conclusion of the meeting guest were able to networking with one another and visit sponsor display tables.  Centralina WDB's Communications Specialist, Asia Wilson and Business Services Coordinator, Vail Carter were both operating the Centralina WDB's display table.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board was glad to be in attendance as event sponsors.  For more information regarding the Union County Connect meeting, contact Chamber staff at 704-289-4567.        

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NEXGEN CORNER
NEXGEN Council-Changing the Way of Doing Things 


 




When NEXGEN Council members, NEXGEN contractors, invited guest, and the Centralina Workforce Development Board staff walked into a room on Thursday, November 19th 2015 they saw something peculiar - there was a major change in set-up. 

Yes, the NEXGEN Council are changing the way of doing things. 

With the recent name change of the Centralina NEXGEN Council, which was formerly known as the Centralina Youth Council, members all agreed that things had to change to reach new heights for the 2015-2016. In past meetings, the NEXGEN Council members would all sit in the front of the room while customers, contractors, and guest all sat in the audience and observed.  For the first time, the room was arranged in a large square for NEXGEN Council members, customers, and contractors to mix in together. A total of 50 people participated in the very first Centralina WDB NEXGEN Council meeting. 
   
"Going forward we realized we needed everyone working together, so we changed the room setup by putting everyone around the table," said Solomon McAuley, Centralina WDB's Youth Specialist

"Building this new look at what we're calling NEXGEN Council, I wanted to get stakeholders from different backgrounds to engage and truly interact with NEXGEN customers and contractors," McAuley said.   

There were a lot of new faces in the room as well.  The NEXGEN Council welcomed new council members from different backgrounds like Jobcorps, community and four-year colleges, Department of Social Services, and business owners. 

"I wanted those who are not afraid to embrace the challenges that our young adults are facing while trying to break through to the workforce development side of things," McAuley said. 

Getting new NEXGEN Council members were developed as recommendations from community leaders, and past Centralina Youth Council members.  Before this first official NEXGEN Council meeting, the Council held many interest meetings for those who would possibly bring fresh ideas to the new Council. 

During the meeting, the meeting attendees divided into groups in which each group consist of a NEXGEN Council chair, a NEXGEN contractor, and their customers.  Each chair was able to ask the contractors and customers about the services offered and how they can enhance the entire way of doing things.  The customers and contractors were also able to share with the chairs what they would like to see moving forward.  This created an atmosphere for great communication. 

"I truly believe that you cannot serve those you do not know," said McAuley.  "This is a way to get to know those we are serving and build meaningful relationships." 

It is apparent that the Centralina NEXGEN Council are committed to embrace the challenges and changes that are needed to support the NEXGEN population even if it results in changing the entire way of doing things. 

For more information regarding the NEXGEN Council, contact Solomon McAuley at 704-348-2725 or smcauley@centralina.org



BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TALENT

Stanly County NEXGEN Young Adults Take It to the Bank

Resource Development Center (RDC) NEXGEN Visit Bank of North Carolina



Today's young adults are much more aware of the world around them than ever before but most aren't always familiar to the financial fundamentals that will help them operate in the real world. Stanly County NEXGEN young adults from RDC recently visited the Bank of North Carolina to learn and ask financial questions. 

The young adults were taught how to open a checking account, build credit, savings accounts, and personal finance. 

Rob Brown, Manager of the Bank of North Carolina in Stanly County explained that opening a personal checking or savings account can be the first step to money management and independence but it's important to know what's available.

Stanly County NEXGEN customers were very engaged during the visit. In fact, NEXGEN customer Shamaneik Howard asked numerous questions about direct deposits and getting loans from the bank.  Brown took the time to explain how building credit works and that employers are responsible for direct deposits.

"You must however have an open account for employers to deposit money into," Brown said.

NEXGEN customer Aaliyah Richardson learned that basic interest or non-interest bearing accounts normally do not pay interest. In conversation, Brown described the difference if one were to open an interest-bearing account.

RDC NEXGEN young adults all agreed that it's im portant to know where you bank and to choose a financial institution close to home and work.

Jim Kohn, Career Development Specialist from RDC , reminded NEXGEN young adults that bouncing checks because of insufficient funds can be costly. Brown also talked about bounced checks and how to prevent this from happening. 

Stanly County NEXGEN young adults all agreed that opening a bank account is necessary and it's important to feel comfortable at whatever financial institution you may choose.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NEXGEN Council believe in teaching young adults about the quality of life and how to survive in the real world as the next generation of talent. For more information regarding the NEXGEN Council, contact Solomon McAuley, Centralina Workforce Development Board Youth Specialist at 704-348-2725 or smcauley@centralina.org


Centralina NEXGEN Young Adults from Anson County Receive State Certifications



When most people think of young adults they don't think about the talent and skill sets each individual can bring to the table.  With this in mind, the Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NEXGEN Council thrives on building the NEXGEN talent pipeline for local employers.  Centralina WDB funded NEXGEN young adults from Union County Community Action (UCCA) recently went through the North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM) certification process with the Town of Wadesboro.

The certification process took place over a two day training period.  UCCA played a major part by allowing the three young men to be a part of the work experience at the Town of Wadesboro.  NEXGEN young adults Kelley McManus, Calvin Brown, and Johnnie Pickett were able to attend the training with the Town of Wadesboro employees.  The NCLM certification process will allow the young adults to direct traffic during road work as certified flaggers in the state of North Carolina. 

The three young men are currently completing UCCA's internship portion of the program and are looking for full-time employment. 

"They will be great candidates because they're already trained," said Garrett Malone, Career Development Specialist at UCCA. "Johnnie and all of the guys were proud because they obtained a certification that will assist them in becoming more employable."

The certification will not only help their resumes but it's also the first certification any of them ever received since their high school diplomas.   

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NEXGEN Council are extremely proud of the three young men and all of Centralina NEXGEN customers.  To discover how the NEXGEN Council is preparing the next generation of talent, contact Solomon McAuley, Centralina WDB's Youth Specialist at 704-348-2725 or smcauley@centralina.org .  

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News You Can Use
MacLean Curtis Selects Mooresville to Build Newest Manufacturing Facility 

Mooresville, NC - MacLean Curtis, a division of MacLean Fogg Component Solutions, plans to build a new facility in Mooresville, NC. (Iredell County) The project will consist of purchasing 24 acres of property and building a new 97,000 SF manufacturing facility.
 
MacLean Curtis plans to build a facility in Mooresville's newest business park, Mooresville Business Park East on Manufacturers Blvd. Once the facility is complete, the total investment is expected to be $30,000,000 and employ up to 150 full-time jobs in Iredell County.
 
The current facility located in Cornelius, NC, will remain in operation until the construction of the Mooresville facility is completed.
 
This project is made possible through the help and assistance of multiple entities, including both the staff and elected leadership of the Town of Mooresville and Iredell County, South Iredell Community Development Corporation, Economic Development Partnership of NC, NC Department of Transportation, Duke Energy, NC House and Senate legislative bodies.
 
MacLean Curtis is a leading manufacturer of precision-machined automotive components for powertrain, safety-critical, and other automotive applications. MacLean Curtis maintains commitment to modern manufacturing technology, demonstrating collective talent for
creative problem solving in engineering, incorporates stringent quality assurance measures, and subscribes to award winning, and customer service philosophies.
In August 2015, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners and Town of Mooresville Commissioners approved an Industrial Incentive Grant for MacLean Curtis in name of Project Forsyth. "The growth of MacLean Curtis is an exciting story for MacLean-Fogg. The demand from our customers for the high value, precision-machined automotive transmission and safety components that MacLean Curtis manufactures has been tremendous. Due to this customer demand, we had outgrown our existing manufacturing footprint. We're looking forward to our Cornelius team continuing to grow and thrive in our new Mooresville operation" said Duncan MacLean, President MacLean-Fogg.
 
"The MSIEDC began the site selection process over a year ago with MacLean Curtis to determine the best location. We are honored that they have selected our newest industrial park, Mooresville Business Park East as their new location," said Robert Carney Executive Director, Mooresville South Iredell Economic Development Corporation.
 
"The Town is thrilled to see the land selling in this new business park. We are glad the MSIEDC has remained strong in their mission by recruiting companies that bring high investment and offer good paying jobs to the citizens of Mooresville and Iredell County," said Mayor Miles Atkins. "Projects like MacLean Curtis sustain our tax base to the benefit of our citizens."
 
The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner with the Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development, and the Town of Mooresville.  The Board is extremely glad with the newest expansion in the Centralina region.  Please continue to look to the Centralina WDB E-newsletters for more developments in the region. 


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Stanly County Manufacturer Wins State Award
 
Fiberon Wins Leadership Award for Continuous Improvement
 
John Skvarla, NC Secretary of Commerce with Fiberon staff
 

In October, Fiberon of New London (Stanly County) received the 2015 North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) Leadership Award for Continuous Improvement .  This award was presented to Fiberon by the NC Secretary of Commerce, John Skvarla during the mfgCON 2015 held in Raleigh at the McKimmon Center. 
 
The NCMEP Leadership Award recognizes innovative expansion programs or initiatives established for a minimum of two years.  Fiberon is a leading manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing, fencing, and PVC decking products. The company's products are sold to professional contractors and property owners through a national and international network of distributors and retail outlets. The nomination was based on Fiberon's recently completed Green Belt training for 13 employees through Stanly Community College's Customized Training Program.  
 
"I applaud Fiberon's commitment to provide its employees with opportunities for professional growth and development. Marion Kinley, Director of Economic Development at Stanly Community College, has done an admirable job in meeting the industry's training needs and accessing dollars to support those needs through the North Carolina Community College System's Customized Training Program," said Dr. Brenda Kays, President of Stanly Community College.
 
The Centralina Workforce Development Board would like to congratulate Fiberon and Stanly Community College on this wonderful achievement.  The Board is proud to partner with Stanly Community College and proud to also have Dr. Brenda Kays on the Centralina Workforce Development Board.
 
For more information on Stanly Community College's Customized Training program, contact Marion Kinley at 704-991-0234 or mkinley9215@stanly.edu


COMINGS AND GOINGS

Texas College Names Dr. Brenda Kays New Leader 


Dr. Brenda Kays
Stanly Community College's President Dr. Brenda Kays has been named as the next President of Kilgore College in Texas. Dr. Kays will become the college's ninth president according to the school's website. 
 
Dr. Kays has played a vital role in the Centralina region.  She has served on the Centralina Workforce Development Board since July of 2014 and has worked on many initiatives like the 1,000 in 100 Days Project launched last year in effort to connect with local businesses. Dr. Kays will begin her new role in January 2016. 
 
For many years, Dr. Kays worked in the Texas area prior to moving to North Carolina.  She served as the chief academic officer and dean of instructional services and also earned her doctorate degree at the University of Texas.  Dr. Kays began her term at Stanly Community College in 2011 after working at Guilford Technical Community College.
 
The Centralina Workforce Development Board would like to congratulate Dr. Kays in her new role.  She will truly be missed in Stanly County and around the Centralina WDB region. 
 


Centralina Workforce Development Board Members Moving on to New Roles    

 
Stan Wilson 
The Centralina Workforce Development Board would like to congratulate Stan Wilson and Lisa Conger on their new positions.  In October, Stan Wilson, former Executive Director of Salisbury-Rowan Community Action recently became the new Executive Director at Greenville County Redevelopment Authority in Greenville, South Carolina.  Wilson has served on the Centralina Workforce Development Board since April 2012.  He has been very vital to the Board and the NEXGEN Council for many years. 
                                                                            
Lisa Conger
Lisa Conger, former CTE Director of Cabarrus County Schools recently landed a job with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.  She is now the CTE Regional Coordinator for the western region.  Conger has served on the Centralina Workforce Development Board since July 2010.  In 2015, she became the Centralina WDB NEXGEN Council Chair.  She was a very vital component during the rebranding of the new NEXGEN Council.
 
The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NEXGEN Council are both excited for their new journeys. 
 
Please look to the Centralina WDB E-newsletter for more developments in the Centralina region. 
  

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centralinaworks.com, WAY2WORK, and NCWORKSONLINE 

to learn more about the Centralina WDB.  

 

To send a comment about our E-Newsletter,

email awilson@centralina.org 

 

 

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