September 2025

We are celebrating Workforce Development Month created in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. It is essential to raise awareness about the importance developing the workforce to a growing national economy. Also, this month, we highlight our highly engaged partner, Heather McNeil of Specialty Appliances. 


As a professional, you are critical to linking your business, education, training, support resources, and jobseekers with your specific community.

-Shelley and Greg, Workforce Strategies Group LLC 

Meet Our Partners

We are excited to introduce Heather McNeil, Head of Human Resources at Specialty Appliances in Forsyth County.

"If people hadn’t believed in me and pushed me out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now, I lead by example, coach others, and make sure to explain the 'why' behind decisions. When people understand the purpose and context, they’re more engaged, confident, and empowered to succeed," she said.



Read the full article here.

The 2025 Wage Survey is due TODAY! If you are in Region 2 and an employer in the Manufacturing or Trade-related Sectors, you have just a bit more time to get your response in. Survey results will be available in October in a format ensuring the confidentiality of all participants as it relates to specific compensation levels.

Georgia Mountains Works Partner Meeting

We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us for our in-person meeting last week. It was wonderful to see our partners together, sharing ideas and strengthening connections across our region. We could have listened to our keynote, Stephen Wallace from ASI - Southeast discuss his workforce development trials and successes with workbased learning, apprenticeships, and flexible hours in manufacturing for much longer. And our facilitators did a phenomenal job getting participants to think deeper about the 5 workforce development topics. We’re already looking forward to continuing this momentum. We will gather again in 2026!

Linde-Weimann Tour

We recently had the opportunity to tour Linde-Wiemann in Hart County, a Tier 1 automotive supplier specializing in MIG, TIG, and robotic welding, along with laser cutting, milling, and roll forming of aluminum components.

With a workforce of 115 employees, Linde-Wiemann actively supports talent development through high school work-based learning programs and registered apprenticeships. The company is growing and expects to add up to 70 new positions by the end of 2026.

Pictured L-R: Scott Johnson and Katherine Gore, Linde-Wieman, Brandon Dudley, Fieldale, Brandon Pless, GM Wood Products, Shelley Logan, Georgia Mountains Works, Leah Adams, Dewtex, Tammy Rauch, WorkSource, Terri Partain, Hart County IBA.

NADO Award Winning 6 Times in 6 Years

Georgia Mountains Works and Workforce Strategies Group, LLC are proud to be 6-time winners over 6 years of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Impact Awards.

We’re honored to be recognized for innovative programs supporting the manufacturing industry in Region 2, in the northeast corner of the state. Awards have been presented for projects and initiatives including Empowering Employers Through Apprenticeships: Georgia Mountains Works Webinar Initiative, Supervisor & Industry Leadership (SAIL) Academy, Quality Control Apprenticeship, Weld Ready Boot Camp, Electromechanical Academy, and Apprenticeship 101. We will continue to bring the programs that the sector asks for and are sustainable for the workforce development of manufacturing skills. Your partnerships allow us to celebrate this honor.

QCT Graduation

On August 13, the 3rd cohort of Quality Control Technicians in the Apprenticeship program at Lanier Technical College graduated. Each apprentice received a promotion while in the program, with one advancing multiple levels to assume the role of Manager.

Congratulations Graduates! 
*Josh Newsome, BITZER US

*Laura Araujo Caudillo, King's Hawaiian

*Rosalba Meija, IMS Gear

Pictured are our QCT Apprenticeship Graduates alongside Cory Addison, Economic Development Director of Business & Industry; flanked on the left by Greg Vitek and Shelley Logan, Workforce Strategies Group LLC.

Throughout the program, they completed an impressive 300 hours of Related Technical Instruction (RTI) at Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Lanier Technical College location. At graduation, apprentices presented a capstone project to both their company mentors and Lanier Technical College directors and instructors. The projects were the culmination of tools they learned applied to a company-specific project resulting in a value-add recommendation.



“The apprenticeship at offers a rare local chance for companies to nurture their Quality Control Technician talent pool. The cohort structure promotes collaborative learning among employees, enhancing their skills and knowledge.” -Greg Vitek, a Partner with Workforce Strategies Group LLC.

Manufacturing, Construction, Private Education, and Health Services added the most jobs in July 2025. According to GDOL, jobs decreased in nonfarm employment, leisure and hospitality, trade, transportation, utilities, and financial activities.

#GDOL

North Georgia Technical College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 27 for the newly renovated Purcell Hall, which houses the Electrical Systems Technology program. The 16,941-square-foot building and renovation added space for labs, classrooms, offices, storage, and more. 

#NGTC

Franklin County CTAE students participated in their 2nd Annual Talk to a Boss! Hosted by the Franklin County Mentor Volunteer Program and with the support of a generous Walmart grant, this event allowed students to meet one-on-one with business partners. #CTAE

North Georgia Technical College invites you to the Sept. 25 to Business & Biscuits- Economic Roundtable at the Clarkesville campus.

This event will feature special guest speakers and a focused discussion on your employment and training needs.

#Economic #Development

Jacob, a Flowery Branch High School graduate attended Lanier Technical College, where he completed a two-year program. During that time, he landed a part-time job with GMW Partner Lawson Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Now he’s a full-time HVAC technician with Lawson. 
#ConstructionReady

Recently, Lumpkin County High School received a generous donation from Dahlonega Noon Day Rotary to the LCHS Welding program.

What an amazing act of community partnership and support in Dahlonega.

#Welding #Trades