Business Connections

A Newsletter from the Racine County Workforce Development Center Business Services Team.

Your local connection for human resources information and events.

1 Free Lunch

Happy Holidays from The Business Services Team.  Join us at our next workshop and use this coupon to buy 1 get 1 free lunch!  Visit our website to register.

Offer Valid Only for December 1st Alternative Staffing Solutions Workshop

In This Issue
Speed Networking
Western HR Roundtable
New Assessments
Summer Jobs
Events Calendar 
December 1:
Alternative Staffing Solutions Workshop
 
 This is a unique workshop designed for HR Professionals and those responsible for staffing at local companies.  We plan to introduce them to new ways of meeting staffing needs as we come out of the current economic situation.  Visit our website for more details.
Biz Tip
There are still monies left for the Minority-Owned Business Grant & Manufacturing Renewal Grant.  Call your consultant for more details!
 
2010
Workshops
 
We're planning ahead for the 2010 Employer Workshop Schedule and are interested in your suggestions.  Please contact your business consultant with any ideas. 
  
Mark your calendar with these
 2010 dates:
 
January 26
February 23
 March 23 
Here's what our employers are saying about us!
 
"The Workforce Development Center, staff and its programs have been our way of recruitment for many new welders.  We will continue to utilize these programs in the future."

 Bruce Jensen, President, Bert Jensen & Sons, Inc
 
Contact Us
 
 Jane Kurylo    
262-638-6603
 
Karen Handrich
  
262-638-6639
 
Kristin Schroeder
 
262-638-6637
 
Julie Nondorf
 
262-638-6683 
www.wdc.racineco.com
Join Our Mailing List
Speed Networking A Success 

Professional Connections, a fast-paced event designed to connect employers, recruiters, and non-profit staff with Racine's professional and technical talent took place on Wednesday, October 21st at Roma Lodge.  The event was sponsored by the Racine County Workforce Development Center's Business Services Team.  The Team planned a road construction theme complete with stop signs, orange cones and caution tape that was a hit with participants.  This free event opened with Angela Harris, President of ASH Consulting, who presented "Create Your Own Road to Success" to help participants navigate the best routes through their network.  She provided great direction on how to follow up with new connections in the most beneficial manner. 
 
Harris was followed by a one-on-one, structured speed networking activity and then the opportunity for informal, open networking.  Participants clearly enjoyed themselves as they took their time moving from person to person and tried to extend their four minute conversations. 
This event was different than other speed networking events in that it was geared toward connecting job seekers, not only with employers, but with volunteer opportunities.  Professionals in career transition have great skills to offer as volunteers and it can give them a sense of accomplishment and self-worth while between jobs.  Non-profit organizations can benefit from the extra volunteers and since they tend to be well connected, they can help volunteers link with others while job searching.
Participants were also given the opportunity to have a professional photo taken for use on business cards, Linkedin Profiles, and Facebook courtesy of local photography studio, A Photo Illusion.
Western Racine County HR Roundtable
 
Is your business located west of I-94? The Western HR roundtable was established to provide information and networking for Human Resource Professionals west of I-94 in Racine County.   The next meeting will be held on December 11th, 2009 at Runzheimer International.  Attorney Mark Goldstein will be presenting on Employment Law.  The cost of lunch is $8.00.

If you are interested in attending please contact Kristin Schroeder or 262-638-6637.
New Assessments & Remediation Tools

The Racine County Workforce Development Center is excited about the upcoming rollout of several new assessment and remediation tools. These tools will help Racine employers compete more effectively in the global marketplace as they provide objective staff selection and development assistance. The test areas include all levels of customer service ability, integrity and personal qualities, as well as math, reading and locating information. Provided through Learning Resources, Inc., ACT-WorkKeys (the makers of the standardized college entrance exam), and KeyTrain, these tools have been used across the United States with tremendous results. For more information, contact your business consultant.  

Summer Jobs Needed for French Interns
 
They're bright. They're educated. They're talented. They're French. And, they're enthusiastic about coming to Racine and giving their all on behalf of your company in exchange for eight weeks of summer employment.
The Racine Sister Cities Planning Council is recruiting area businesses to host college-level interns from our French sister city, Montélimar, the first week of May through June 30, 2010.
The students, all majoring in international trade, are required to complete an internship to earn their diplomas. Students with the strongest language skills are especially recommended for the Racine internship, where they can further improve their English.
If your company would like to find out more about hosting an intern, please call or e-mail: Al Guetzlaff (262-554-8359), phone.
We have been very thankful for the opportunity to serve you throughout this year.  We would like to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.  As always please contact us if you have any questions or need assistance. 
 
Sincerely,
 
The Business Services Team 
Racine County Workforce Development Center
 
WDC