May 2025

This May, we’re continuing our mission to highlight the people and partnerships that power our work. This month, we feature Danielle Perkins of Murray Plastics. As always, we’re here to support a skilled workforce through learning and training opportunities.



-Greg, Shelley, and Beth, Workforce Strategies Group LLC 

Meet our Partners

In this edition, we are excited to introduce Danielle Perkins, the COO at Murray Plastics in Gainesville. She began in 2010, as a machine operator and now leads the plastics company. She's excited about employees working on Apprenticeships, GED’s, or additional training to better themselves and move up in the company. We sat down with Danielle recently to discuss her journey with Murray Plastics.



Read the full article here.

First-ever Summer Cohort now available!

All classes meet from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lanier Technical College, Gainesville Campus.

• June 3, 10, 17, 24
• July 8, 15, 22, 29
• August 5, 12, 19, 26

Register HERE! Training cost may be reimbursed by WorkSource Georgia Mountains WIOA funds.

Supervisor & Industry Leadership is taught by subject-matter experts over 12 weeks. The eight topics were developed by local industry leaders:

• Problem Solving
• Communicating for Results
• Emotional Intelligence
• Continuous Improvement
• HR Do’s & Don’ts
• Performance Management
• Safety Focus
• Leading Meeting

"I like the instructors. They know and understand what they are teaching.

This class has taught me how to handle myself and obstacles."

-Soonthala K., SAIL 2023 Graduate from King’s Hawaiian

Employer Partnership TOURS

Georgia Mountains Works Employer Partners tours get regional manufacturers outside their four walls to learn best practices from each other.

In March, we had an incredible tour of Harbin Lumber Company, Inc. Load Star Plant in Franklin County. We learned about their impressive history—over 100 years of designing and building floor and roof trusses for residential, multi-family, and commercial projects. With 6 locations across Georgia and over 320 employees, Harbin Lumber continues to thrive. A special shout-out to Gary Davis, HR Manager, for being our amazing tour guide.

In May, our tour of ASI – Southeast was such a treat. With 400 employees based in Stephens County, ASI is the world’s largest manufacturer of bathroom partitions! A major investor in local talent, 30% of their workforce is made up of current and former WBL students. They continue to hire 16 year olds and up from Stephens and Franklin County High Schools. This in addition to employing the apprenticeship model strengthens their retention of skilled people. Plant Manager Stephen Wallace summed it up, "Invest in young talent because 10,000 people retire a day."

Georgia Family Connection’s Region 2 Profile highlights 50 indicators of child, family, and community well-being.

Check out the tools by clicking the image above. Search tools like Georgia Profiles, Kids Counts, Indicator Improvement Calculator, and more.

#Region2Data

We're proud to share that Caldwell Electric has been named one of Georgia Trend's Best Places to Work in 2025! This honor reflects their dedication to creating a supportive and dynamic workplace. #GeorgiaTrend #GMWPartner

The announced $1 million grant will enable the Technical College System of Georgia students to complete training programs increasing the number of skilled workers for Georgia’s growing construction and manufacturing sectors. #TCSG

Congratulations to GMW Partner American Wooodmark's Jennifer Kimble on being named a Women MAKE Award winner! Your leadership, dedication, and commitment to empowering others make an impact. 

#WomeninManufacturing

Franklin County High School's Engineering program renewed its industry certification - a comprehensive review of the program ranging from instructor credentials, student performance, facilities, and school board support. #CTAE

High School students from Hart, Franklin, White, and Union counties put their machining skills to the test alongside North Georgia Technical College at the 2025 Haering Precision Skills Invitational. #WorkforceDevelopment

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