From L to R: Former Centralina Workforce Development Board members, Bob Stowe, Jan Comer, Janet Hudson, and Dr. Don Altieri.

 

"Out of my 13 years of serving on the Centralina WDB, I've never seen a Board meeting get out of hand or tempers flare to the point the discussion is taken below a professional level. We've always tackled the tough issues."   

  

That's how Bob Stowe, former Chair of the Centralina Workforce Development Board described his last Board meeting experience on June 9, 2015 and all of the meetings in his last 13 years of service. This statement is in fact very true. With nearly 100 individuals in the room and a lot of things to cover on the meeting's agenda, it did not get out of hand. In fact, one could probably feel the alacrity and jubilance in the room.

 

Since the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) starts on July 1, 2015, there were a lot of things to discuss in a short period of time. One of the major task at the Board meeting was to announce the approved PY 2015 WIOA service providers.   After careful consideration, the Centralina WDB's RFP committee recommended and the full Board approved contracting with ResCare Workforce Services. ResCare will serve as the One-Stop Operator for the Board's eight (8) local NCWorks Career Centers and they will provide workforce services to adults, dislocated workers, and employer services at all of the Board's centers.  

 

The Centralina Youth Council reviewed and recommended and the full Board approved with the following WIOA Youth and Young Adult service providers for Program Year 2015:

 

Union County Community Action Agency, Inc. (UCCA)-Anson and Union counties

Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency, Inc. (SRCAA) - Cabarrus and Rowan counties

Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation, Inc.(I-CARE)-Iredell and Lincoln counties

The Resource Development Center (RDC)-Stanly County

 

Prior to the announcement of all of the service providers for the new program year 2015-2016, a significant ceremony took place. The Centralina WDB honored four outgoing Board members who contributed over 50 years of service on the Board.

  

Centralina WDB's Executive Director, David Hollars(left) and former Centralina WDB Chair-Bob Stowe(right)

 "When you've been on the Board for 13 years it's like watching a child grow up. It's a process and you see changes but they're so gradual," said Bob Stowe, one of the meeting's honorees.

 

Stowe has served on the Board since 2002 and was the Board's Chair for the past two years. While serving on the Board, he was also a human resource manager for over 20 years at Columbus McKinnon in Anson County. Prior to his two years as Board Chair, he was Vice-Chair for the Centralina Workforce Development Board as well.  

 

"The Board gave me a chance to grow. When you've been on a job a long time you get stale but being on the Board has given me new opportunities to get involved in the community," Stowe said.

 

Joining Stowe as a representative for Anson County is Dr. Don Altieri, who served on the Centralina WDB for 15 years. Altieri served as president of Anson Community College which was later renamed to South Piedmont Community College where he served as the first president of the institution. Over the years, he volunteered in the community by serving on the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Anson County, Anson County Economic Development Council, and volunteer work for Uptown Wadesboro. Dr. Altieri was the first Board member from Anson County when the county joining the WDB region in 2000. Altieri has served on a number of committees involving community input. One of the committees he participated in was the Centralina WDB's Marketing Focus team where he played a vital role as the Marketing Chair.    

 

"I thought it would be a great fit for me to join the Board and provide my input about the kinds of things community colleges can provide, but also let the Board know these are the skills needed to develop a great talent pool for today's workforce," Altieri said.

 

Centralina WDB also honored Jan Comer and Janet Hudson for outstanding years of serving on the Board.

 

"It has been a good experience being able to see the growth that we've had over the years," Comer said.

 

Jan Comer is the Human Resource Manager for Engineered Sintered Components in Iredell County. Comer retired from the Board after 14 years of service.

 

"Serving on the Board and working as an employer in one of the counties served by the Centralina WDB has been a wonderful partnership," Comer added.  

 

Janet Hudson, the owner of A Dog for All Seasons, served on the Board for nine years. Hudson was the previous Board Chair for the Centralina WDB and made a major impact representing Union County.  

 

Gisella Aparicio-Busse

 The Centralina Workforce Development Board approved the Nominations Committee's slate of officers for 2015-2016. Current WDB vice-chair Gisella Aparicio-Busse, HR Director with Husky Rack & Wire (Denver - Lincoln County) was approved as the Chair of the Centralina WDB for the upcoming year and Joey Chambers, President of ProEdge Precision, LLC (Statesville - Iredell County) was approved as Vice-Chair for the Centralina WDB. Gisella and Joey thanked everyone for their 

Joey Chambers

support and stated that they both look forward to even better things for the Board in the upcoming years to come.

 

As the final Board meeting for the program year 2014-2015, excitement filled the entire room. As Stowe gave his final words and hit the gavel for the last time, many smiled realizing the outgoing Board members will leave a lasting impact in their hearts as they anticipate the future.  

 

For more information on how you or your business can work with the Centralina Workforce Development Board and be part of developing and implementing workforce solutions for career seekers and employers in our region, please contact David Hollars, Centralina WDB Executive Director at [email protected].  And, visit our website at www.centralinaworks.com. 

 

For decades, the American automotive industry has had an enormous impact on the domestic economy. Think about how the transportation system has changed over the years.

 

As automotive supply has increased, so has the need for jobs in this industry.  

 

Vail Carter, Centralina WDB's Business Services Coordinator

 With this in mind, the North Carolina Department of Commerce Dislocated Worker Unit and the Governor's Rapid Response team hosted their 2nd quarter Rapid Response Best Practice Webinar titled, "The Automotive Industry, An Employer Perspective" on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Vail Carter, Centralina Workforce Development Board Business Services Coordinator, assembled a panel of employer representatives from the automotive industry in the Centralina region.

 

The purpose of the webinar was to highlight best practices and resources that could assist dislocated workers in their return to employment. The audience consisted of front line staff from local NCWorks Career Centers and Division of Workforce Solutions offices. The webinar was a conversional discussion that highlighted three key things.

• How to prepare customers for jobs in this industry?
• What are the critical, technical, and soft skills needed for this industry?
• How to prepare customers for interviews with hiring managers in this sector by avoiding potential pitfalls and increase job placement.

The webinar allowed the panelist of employers to promote their company's staffing needs and the industry as a whole. Jan Comer, Vice President of Human Resources at Engineered Sintered Components in Troutman (Iredell County) and a Centralina WDB members, participated as a panelist. Todd Alexander, Administration Director at NGK Ceramics USA Inc. in Mooresville (Iredell County) and a former Centralina WDB member, Rozell Tolliver, General Manager of Summerfield Tire & Auto Repair in Union County and Christina McMahon, Human Resource Director for TRIAD Racing Technologies in Mooresville (Iredell County) also participated as panelist.

 

The audience was able to hear regional and statewide perspectives of the automotive industry as well. Carter and Will Collins, Assistant Secretary of NC Commerce for Workforce and the Executive Director of NCWorks, both spoke during the webinar.

 

"I was invited to be a panelist due to the high concentration of employers in the automotive sector in the Centralina WDB service area," Carter said.

 

Carter plays a major leadership role as a business services representative for the state of North Carolina and he is a critical member of the state's workforce development community.  

 

The webinars are advertised through the NCWorks Training Center (NCWTC), workforce boards, staff, and to other registered members of the NCWTC database.   The list included partners from community colleges, social services, military alliances, AARP, and economic development entities.

 

Overall "The Automotive Industry, An Employer Perspective" webinar provided critical information which will help ensure a better workforce for the automotive employers in the state of North Carolina.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is pleased to have participated during the live broadcasted event. For more information concerning the 2015 Best Practices webinar, contact Vail Carter, Centralina Workforce Development Board, Business Services Coordinator at [email protected].

 

From L to R: Linda Smith, Executive Director for Alliance for Children and Mary Ann Rasberry former Executive Director

  

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Alliance for Children Board of Directors would like to proudly announce Linda Smith as the new Executive Director for Alliance for Children in Monroe, North Carolina.

 

Smith began her duty for the organization at the beginning of June after Mary Ann Rasberry retired as the Executive Director on June 12, 2015. Mary Ann is also a member of the Centralina Workforce Development Board.

 

"I am looking forward to working on both the state and local level as a volunteer advocate focusing on children's issues and the importance of early childhood education," said Rasberry.

 

 Smith brings over 30 years of experience in education and non-profit work. She has worked with the Union County Job Ready Partnership and its New Century Scholars Programs. Smith also collaborated with local organizations and businesses providing educational opportunities to students who might not choose a college education.

 

"This is my home of 36 years and I have invested most of my career energy into providing for our children," Smith said. I can't think of a better place to continue serving than with Alliance for Children. I look forward to working with our Board of Directors, staff and other organizations in the community to create bright futures for young children."

 

Although the Centralina Workforce Development Board will miss Mary Ann Rasberry as a Board member for the Centralina WDB Board, we are proud of Linda Smith and we look forward to working with her in the future.

 

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board would like to congratulate Greg Russell on his retirement from the NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Rowan County on May 31, 2015.

 

Russell was the Assistant Unit Manager for the Salisbury unit for seven years and served with the organization since 1990. He began his journey as a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor working with students in Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools.

  

Jaimie Sechrist replaced Russell as the new Assistant Unit Manager for the Salisbury unit on June 1, 2015. Sechrist previously served in the Salisbury office as a Rehabilitation Counselor II in Physical Restoration. In the Statesville office she served as a Transition caseload employee serving Iredell, Statesville, and Mooresville Schools. Sechrist has worked with the agency since 2009 and will assist in training counselors, reviewing and approving casework, and assisting the Unit Manager in administrative duties.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board is proud to partner with Vocational Rehabilitation. The Board has enjoyed working with Greg Russell and wish him the best for his retirement and we look forward to working with Jaimie Sechrist as she embarks on her new journey.  

 

  

"I look at working in a small center as a major asset for every employee here because we are able to be very personable and establish great relationships with every individual who walks through those doors," said Misty Edwards, Resource Specialist for the NCWorks Career Center-Anson. 

  

Immediately when entering the Center which is housed directly inside of South Piedmont Community College's Lockhart-Taylor Center, one would think the office is fully operated by a friendly family who everyone knows throughout the entire county. In fact, the NCWorks Career Center-Anson consist of one resource specialist, one talent development consultant, one instruction coordinator, one talent development consultant supervisor, and the center leader. The Center also has two Title V workers working the reception area as well.

 

"This may sound crazy but it's like having mom on the front desk and brother and sister getting the job done in the offices," Clontz said.

 

Clontz has worked for a number of Centers providing workforce services for years. In the past, he has worked for NCWorks Career Centers in Statesville, Concord, Union, Rowan, and a few others around the region helping individuals gain employment after drastic layoff periods. In August of 2010, he came to the NCWorks Career Center-Anson as the Center Leader.

 

The Center has strong relationships with employers in the community such as Columbus McKinnon, Cobb Vantress, Murphy Brown, and a host of others handling almost all of their hiring requirements. Since the Center is housed inside of South Piedmont Community College (SPCC), the school provides Career Readiness Certifications, GED classes, and other trainings to clients.

 

"We have a great partnership with the Center especially since they are housed in the same building," said Kristy Phifer, Work First Coordinator for SPCC. "Being that we work with students who are underemployed we make referrals to the Center and we even allow our students to leave class to seek assistance from the Center themselves. "

 

Other partners consist of the Department of Social Services, Anson County Extension Office, Union County Community Action Inc., Vocational Rehabilitation, and ACCESS based on the needs of the Center. The NCWorks Career Center-Anson moved into the Lockhart-Taylor Center in May of 2014.

 

"It has been a good link and to our advantage having the NCWorks Career Center-Anson close by," said Ann Teal, Coordinator for SPCC's Lockhart-Taylor Center. "Instructors always talk about how pleased they are to have the Center in this building because it's good for our program."

 

Overall, the NCWorks Career Center-Anson may be small in size, but each employee has big hearts to serve!

 

For more information concerning the NCWorks Career Center-Anson, contact Center Leader, Scott Clontz at [email protected].  

NAME: Misty Edwards   OCCUPATION: Resource Specialist at the NCWorks Career Center-Anson

 

How long have you been working at the NCWorks Career Center and how did you start in the industry?

In December of 2013, I worked as a Talent Development Consultant (TDC). By May of 2014 I transferred to the NCWorks Career Center-Union also as a TDC. When I saw a job opening for the NCWorks Career Center-Anson, I immediately applied as a Resource Specialist.

 

Have you had previous background in this field?

I'm actually a success story. I went through the WIA/ Trade Act program in Chesterfield, South Carolina after getting laid off many years ago. I obtained my Associates Degree in Business and went to work for the Center in Chesterfield after graduating as an Employment Consultant. I worked for the Center in Chesterfield from 2006 through 2010 and later moved to this region.

 

What do you like most about your job?

I love helping people find employment. It's really hard in a small town where a lot of people don't have the education for today's labor market. Despite that, I enjoy referring individuals to our WIA Services and I'm always hoping they take advantage of it as I did.

 

Why should customers trust you to help them?

I feel I give them my all when they walk through the doors. I was once the customer walking through the door looking for someone to give me a chance. Now I try to remember that feeling and it helps me treat my customers the way I would want to be treated.

NAME: Freda Buchanan   OCCUPATION: Talent Development Consultant (TDC) at NCWorks Career Center- Anson

How long have you been working at the NCWorks Career Center and how did you start in the industry?

I've been working with Centralina Workforce Services since April 20, 2015.

 

As a new employee, what do you like most about your job?

My job allows me to help others and I truly enjoy it because I get where individuals are coming from and I'm able to relate with them and share my story as well.

 

How do you hope to inspire or help our customers?

I want to give back and help people become self-sufficient in their lives. I want to be their cheerleader and their mentor and I only hope they can believe in my abilities to do so. My story along, shows all individuals that this really does work if you be persistent after what you desire.  

Centralina WDB Funded WIA Youth from the Resource Development Center Finds Employment after Difficulty

 

Shelby Hubbard, WIA Youth participant

 

Shelby Hubbard was enrolled in the Iredell Community Action Research and Evaluation, Inc., (I-CARE) in the Centralina Workforce Investment Act as a youth participant in May of 2014. Hubbard was referred to the WIA Youth program by a past WIA youth participant. At enrollment Hubbard was a high school graduate who was earnestly seeking employment while expecting her first child. During this time she didn't have a past employment history and needed the skills to gain employment.

 

Hubbard began to attend Work Readiness sessions at the NCWorks Career Center-Statesville office where she learned work search skills, resume writing, and interviewing techniques. Hubbard also participated in Measurements and Workplace Safety during the Summer Employment Program and was placed at I-CARE, Inc., where she worked at the front desk doing clerical work. Later she attended a Career Readiness Certification class where she received a Silver Certification. Despite taking time off to have her child, she immediately returned to the WIA Youth program where she was given a career assessment which allowed her to enter into the training program for a Certified Nurse Assistant. The Centralina Workforce Development Board's WIA Youth funded program provided assistance for her enrollment, registration fees, and supplies.

 

Hubbard began attending the CNA class at Mitchell Community College in February 2015 and was placed in a Paid Work Experience at Eldercare Center of Statesville as a residential aide. Along with her paid work experience she also worked a part-time job at Badger Sports in order to support her young child.

 

In spite of her heavy class and work load, Hubbard completed the coursework and clinical training for the Certified Nurse Assistant course at Mitchell Community College on May 15, 2015. After taking the State examination, she plans to complete all of her entrance courses in the Fall of 2015 for the Nursing program in hopes of becoming a registered nurse.  

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the Centralina Youth Council are proud of all of the WIA Youth participants. For more information regarding the WIA Youth program, contact Centralina Workforce Development Board's Youth Specialist, Solomon McAuley at [email protected].

 

 

Steel Tube, Inc., a company based out Statesville (Iredell County), recently announced that they will invest $2.3 million over the next 18 months in an expansion project that will add 20 additional employees to meet increased production demands.

Steel Tube Inc., who's known for great customer relationships is also one of the largest carbon steel and galvanized steel tubing manufacturers in the southeastern U.S. with over 25 years in the industry.

 

The 50,000 square foot manufacturing plant will begin the production of adding 32,000 square feet to the facility. The new expansion will allow the company to double the company's production capacity, its floor space, and add a new product line.  During the process, Steel Tube Inc., will install an UV clear coating line for galvanized steel tubing and a CNC Sawing System.

 

Michael Smith

 "Statesville Regional Development was pleased to have the opportunity to work with the management at Steel Tube on this expansion project," said Michael Smith, Executive Director of Statesville Regional Development. "This is yet another example of an existing Statesville industry creating jobs and investing in our community."

 

Please continue to look to the Centralinia Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for updates on exciting developments in the region. For more information visit, www.steeltubeinc.com.  

 

 

 

 

North Carolina's Governor Pat McCrory

 

Recently North Carolina's Governor Pat McCrory visited the Archangel aircraft built by IOMAX, a company based in Mooresville, North Carolina (Iredell County). The Archangel is the result of IOMAX purchasing aircraft designed for crop-dusting and uplifting them with armament attachments for the wings, radar and laser equipment.

 

"This piece of machinery being built right here in Mooresville," said Governor Pat McCrory. "It is keeping us safe. This is the best of North Carolina. This is the best of America."

 

McCrory stated that he wanted North Carolina to be "the most military-friendly state in the country" and also mentioned IOMAX for their efforts in taking extra effort in offering jobs to former military members.

 

The Archangel is an aircraft that provides both reconnaissance and bomb/missile-deployment capabilities. Earlier this month, a newer version was christened by IOMAX's founder and President Ron Howard's son, KC Howard who is the Executive Vice President of the company.

 

Ron Howard expressed that the process in developing the aircraft was helped along greatly by former U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, who spoke at the event.

 

Looking forward, IOMAX will fill an order of 24 Archangels for the United Arab Emirates. The contract is for $450 million, which includes the delivery of the Archangels and the training on the aircraft. The contract has options in it that could take it to $1 billion.

 

Please stay tuned to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for more exciting stories.

  

Windecker Aircraft, Inc. Selects Mooresville for New Jobs and Investment

  

 

The Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corporation (MSIEDC) recently announced that Windecker Aircraft, Inc., plans to invest $6 million dollars and create 58 new full time jobs at their facility in Mooresville (Iredell County).

  

Windecker Aircraft's operations are located at 137 Knob Hill Road in Lakeside Business Park. The company currently occupies 20,000 square feet of Research and Development space and employs 14 individuals. Mooresville was competing with Austin, TX and Bend, OR for potential project locations.

  

Windecker Industries was the first manufacturer of an FAA certified all-composite airplane, the Windecker Eage I. This aircraft can trace its origins back to 1962 when it was originally designed by Leo Windecker in Lake Jackson, Texas. Windecker Aircraft, Inc., is carrying on from where Windecker Industries left off.

  

The Iredell Board of Commissioners and Town of Mooresville Commissioners approved an industrial incentive grant for "Project Decker" at an open session in April 2015.  

 

Robert Carney, Jr.

Robert Carney, Jr., Executive Director of the MSIEDC said, "We believe this is just the beginning for Windecker and Mooresville. Their intentions are long term growth and success and we plan to assist them every step of the way."

 

Don Atchison, CEO of Windecker Aircraft, Inc. said, "We are approaching one year of operations in Mooresville and continue to be impressed with the community, the high quality of work force and the intangibles that Race City, USA is bringing to our effort."

 

Mayor Miles Atkins

Miles Atkins, Mayor for the Town of Mooresville, said "This community is truly excited to make Windecker Aircraft a part of the Mooresville community. There is an abundance of advanced manufacturing companies here ready to support and ensure their success."

 

 

Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for updates on more exciting developments in the region.   

 

 

 

 

A New Manager takes the Wheel Leading Freightliner in Cleveland in Rowan County

  

 

Henning O. Bruns

If you live around the Rowan County area, you've already heard there's a large amount of vigorous action taken place inside of the Freightliner trucking plant in Cleveland, North Carolina. As part of the continued growth, the Freightliner Trucking plant has a new manager leading the wheel during the change of the organization. Henning O. Bruns was named the general manager of the plant in April 2015.

 

Freightliner Trucks is a member of Daimler Trucks North America, one of the world's most successful automotive companies to date. The plant's former manager, Mike McCurry left in November in order to pursue other opportunities after serving 27 years with Daimler.

 

Bruns isn't new to Daimler. In fact he has been with the organization for almost 25 years. Bruns has worked across the globe working with Daimler. He was raised in North West Germany and later interned with the company when he was young. Prior to coming to the manufacturing plant in Cleveland, he was in charge of global product planning and strategy for Daimler Trucks for the last three years. In the past, he worked in plant operations in Germany, Brazil, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Bruns, who obtained a master's degree in industrial engineering from Texas Tech, said he decided to return to plant operations because it fits his personality.

 

The Centralina Workforce Development Board would like to congratulate Bruns as he embarks on his new journey. Please continue to look to the Centralina Workforce Development Board's monthly E-Newsletter for updates on exciting developments in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit our websites at   

centralinaworks.com, WAY2WORK, and NCWORKSONLINE 

 

To send a comment about our E-Newsletter,

email [email protected] 

 

 

REMEMBER

 

Visit Centralina's NCWorks Career Centers in 7 counties!

 

ANSON, CABARRUS, LINCOLN, IREDELL-MOORESVILLE, IREDELL-STATESVILLE, LINCOLN, ROWAN, STANLY, UNION COUNTIES

CAREER CENTER LOCATIONS  

 

Workshops are held daily at Centralina's NCWorks Career Centers.

 

If you are an organization interested in hosting a workshop, please contact your local NCWorks Career Center or David Hollars at 704-348-2717 or [email protected] 

 

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