The WDBCCC Wants to Hear From You | |
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The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) is launching its strategic planning efforts in December.
As required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Regional and Local plans must be updated every four years to ensure they effectively respond to changes in the labor market and economic conditions, aligning with the State Plan.
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Two virtual public input sessions focused on the Local Plan will be held on December 11 and December 18. We invite all stakeholders to participate in discussions on how we can enhance our system to address poverty, promote income mobility, embed equity, and support environmental sustainability. Click here or scan the QR code to register for these virtual sessions.
One in-person public input session on the Regional Plan will take place in Richmond on January 8. Registration will open soon; please check our website for updates.
If you have any questions, please contact Maureen Nelson, Administrator, at 925-671-4542 or via email at mnelson@ehsd.cccounty.us.
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Join the California Employer Association on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a NO-COST virtual training on critical California labor law updates set to impact employers in 2025.
This informative event is open to all employers in Contra Costa County, providing key insights and guidance to help you navigate upcoming regulations with confidence.
Mark your calendars, and don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared!
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AMBayArea Winter Mixer - Dec. 5 | | |
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Join the Association of Manufacturers Bay Area (AMBayArea) on Thursday, Dec. 5 for their winter mixer at The Torani Flavor Factory in San Leandro.
Kick off the holidays and connect with fellow manufacturing leaders while touring the Torani Flavor Factory and enjoying delicious drinks and appetizers.
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The City of Richmond’s ARPA Business Support Grant Program is offering financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Eligible businesses can receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support stability, capacity building, and growth. Applications are open until January 20, 2025, with funding tiers based on business size.
Grant Awards
- $5,000 for solopreneurs
- Up to $7,500 for businesses with 2-5 employees and/or a physical location
- Up to $10,000 for businesses with more than 5 employees
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Tips to Stay Safe in Cold Weather | |
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As chilly temperatures approach, take steps now to protect your loved ones, pets, plants, and property from the cold.
How to Stay Safe:
- People: Wear layers, limit time outdoors, and check your heating systems in advance.
- Pets: Bring pets indoors at night and ensure they have plenty of warmth.
- Plants: Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors to prevent damage.
- Pipes: Wrap or cover exposed outdoor pipes to avoid freezing.
Know the Signs of Cold Weather Exposure:
- Hypothermia: Confusion, dizziness, exhaustion, or shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice these symptoms.
- Frostbite: Gray, white, or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy skin. Immediate medical attention is required.
If overexposed to freezing temperatures, remove wet clothing and warm the body with blankets or warm fluids like hot cider or soup.
Stay Safe on the Roads:
Watch for black ice on roadways, which can form during frigid temperatures and cause hazardous driving conditions.
Need help and resources? Call 211, text "HOPE" to 20121, or visit Contra Costa Crisis Center or Contra Costa Health. Stay safe and warm!
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The mission of Volunteer & Emergency Services is to provide additional support for recipients of EHSD when no other resources are available.
The program aims to maintain and enhance the quality of life by providing food, housing assistance, household furnishings, clothing, utility assistance, and more. It also works to remove barriers to employment that are not funded by existing programs.
To further enhance quality of life, Volunteer & Emergency Services sends children to cultural events and summer camps. Additionally, it provides back-to-school clothing, backpacks, school supplies, thousands of new books each year, as well as new toys and clothing during the holiday season.
For more information about the services and programs offered by Volunteer & Emergency Services, please visit the EHSD website.
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East Bay Economic Outlook Bright | |
L-R Maureen Nelson, Administrator, WDBCCC; Patience Ofodu, Director of Community Relations & Strategic Partnerships, EBEDA; Michael Katz, EASTBAY Works Regional Organizer; Claire Michaels, Regional Manufacturing Careers Specialist, WDBCCC. Not pictured: Tamia Brown, Executive Director | |
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The WDBCCC team attended the East Bay Economic Development Alliance’s (EBEDA) annual Economic Outlook event at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center.
More than 100 attendees enjoyed a morning of breakfast, insightful presentations, and valuable networking opportunities with business leaders, elected officials, and community members.
Featured speakers Alexander Quinn, Senior Director of Northern California Research at JLL, and Kate Gordon, CEO of CA FWD, shared informative data and analysis on the East Bay as well as state and national trends.
If you missed the meeting, you can download the presentation slides.
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L-R George Carter, Economic Development Manager, Dept. of Conservation and Development (Contra Costa County); Maureen Nelson, Administrator, WDBCCC | |
Rubicon Programs Success Story: David Mendez, Turning Challenges into Triumphs | |
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David Mendez’s journey showcases the transformative impact of determination and the right resources. Once struggling with addiction and homelessness, David found himself living on BART trains and cycling in and out of jail throughout the Bay Area.
His turning point came when he joined an inpatient men’s recovery program in Antioch, where he learned about mental health, addiction recovery, and strategies for maintaining a happy and sober life. It was there he discovered Rubicon Programs and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) resources that would help him achieve his goals.
With the support of WIOA/InStep, David was able to attend CDL school, with assistance covering tuition, transportation, and clothing costs. Katherine, a dedicated WIOA/ InStep Career Coach, provided unwavering encouragement, helping with gas cards, reimbursing his Class A permit and DOT expenses, and ensuring he stayed on track.
Today, David is proud to be a Regional Van Truck Driver for Western Express. Grateful for the opportunity to rebuild his life, he is motivated to keep progressing and has set his sights on furthering his education in financial services or business management.
David’s determination and optimism are proof that with the right support, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest challenges and create a brighter future.
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Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in October 2024. That's up from a revised 4.8 percent in September 2024. Read the most recent state labor report for the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley Metropolitan Division.
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