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Greetings!
These are interesting times. Everyone says that when the recovery comes, things will be different. The question is, are we thinking different?
The other day, I was speaking with Dr. Phil Geist of the Small Business Development Center about an effort that Workforce Connection, the College of Central Florida, our three economic development partners and Dr. Geist are working on.
As we were talking, he noted that there are opportunities that may be eluding business because they are in more traditional mindsets -- "we make engine parts." Perhaps what they should be asking are what opportunities exist where we make a component and other businesses in our area make other components, and can we partner to make the whole product?
Dr. Geist and I had begun our discussion talking about "Opportunity Forums" to explore this and other business visioning approaches. There are resources and business opportunities that may elude us as we focus on the struggles that the current economic conditions have created for our businesses. For example, the University of Florida has a number of patents and a vast amount of research that may help business expand into new products or improve profitability through new and improved techniques and processes.
So, let me know what you think. Would you be interested in a session where we ask the university to present a sample of their research and patents that may "fit" within your industry?
Rusty Skinner, CEO
Workforce Connection |
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Spotlight on Employer Successes
Pathlab relies on Workforce for HR heavy lifting 
When John Howard, Pathlab Services'
managing member, received 800 resumes to fill eight positions, he turned to Workforce Connection for help.
The Business Services Team helped screen and assess job candidates, narrowing the field down to 45 to be interviewed, and provided recruiting and logistical support. In addition, Workforce provided $19,363 in wage reimbursements for employees hired through the On the Job Training (OJT) program as well as $1,941 for background, drug screening and credit checks. Read Pathlab Services' Success Story |
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Talent Marketplace: Monster success
Don't miss next Job Fair slated for August
 | | Dr. Jo Clifford greeting candidates. |
Records were set at the Talent Marketplace Job Fair on May 23. More than 700 career seekers participated in the event featuring 30 local businesses. For employers, it was an opportunity to meet some of the extraordinary talent available in Marion, Citrus and Levy counties. There was no charge to participate, the only proviso was that employers had to have job openings they were actively filling. The Talent Marketplace Job Fair provides an accelerated, efficient and cost-effective recruiting process that provides visibility and comes with logistical support from Workforce Connection's team. Interested in learning about the next Job Fair opportunity? Contact our Business Services Team at 353-873-7955 or 800-746-9950. In the meantime, check out the photos from
the May Talent Marketplace Job Fair. |
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What will you do if disaster strikes?
Be sure you have a Business Continuity plan
 Whether it's a natural disaster or economic downturn, uncontrollable variables can be a serious threat to any small business. Businesses that survive and thrive have mapped the critical processes that generate revenue even during the worst of times, and have protection plans in place for before, during and after disaster strikes. What about you?
Steps in the process involve establishing a planning team, identifying potential hazards and determining the risks of each, analyzing the capability of dealing with risks, developing and implementing the plan and reviewing and revising the plan each year. Get a copy of the Business Emergency Plan here or visit www.ready.gov/business
If the worst happens, Workforce Connection can be an invaluable partner in your efforts to get back on your feet. Roetta Coller, targeted business manager, provided two case studies at the recent Business Continuity Seminar in Citrus County: BP Oil Spill and Taylor, Bean & Whitaker.
In Florida, BP and its contractors partnered with the Agency for Workforce Innovation and Regional Workforce Boards to quickly identify and recruit qualified community responders. Within a week, Workforce Connection had responded to more than 1,700 emails and phone calls and within six weeks had screened 900 candidates and trained 250.
Workforce Connection was notified on a Wednesday about TBW and held a community-based triage event held that Friday, serving more than 550 displaced workers.
Also, our REACT (Re-employment and Emergency Assistance Coordination Team) can provide outplacement services that take place at your site or Workforce's, with your employees receiving packages of valuable "what to do next" information. Services available at our Resource Centers include job search tools and planning, skills assessments, resume and interview skills clinics, job listing and information about Unemployment Compensation.
Workforce Connection REACT services are available at no charge. |
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Phoenix Rising: Shining example of success
CEO credits public-private partnerships
The inaugural Phoenix Rising community-business partnership came to a conclusion June 2 with the graduation of 13 youth and the ceremonial handing over of the keys to new homeowners, Kerry and Sabrina Cook.
Proof of the program's success? Planning is already underway for two additional homes.
Through Phoenix Rising, disadvantaged older youth obtain academic and construction skills, increase self-esteem, and get a new perspective on life. The project also helps the community and provides a home for deserving homeowners.
Workforce Connection CEO Rusty Skinner said the project is a "perfect example of how Workforce Connection collaborates and builds local partnerships."
Spearheaded by the Ocala Police Department, partners include City of Ocala, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Henkels & McCoy Training Services Group, Yandle Building Supply, DeLuca Toyota, Home Depot, Veolia Environmental, Zion United Methodist Church, PRIDE Enterprises and Workforce Connection.
Workforce Connection supported Phoenix Rising by making employment and training components of the project a reality with funding from the US Department of Labor earmarked for training stipends and staff.
Read Phoenix Rising Project complete story in the Star-Banner. |
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About Us
 Mission: Workforce Connection brings together citizens, employers and educational providers to develop programs to support high-quality education/training and employment services to meet regional workforce needs.
The regional workforce board sets policy and directs expenditures of more than $6 million in funds that underwrite services provided through the Workforce Connection offices.
Workforce Connection is the local, business-led organization that plans and coordinates quality employment and training services for businesses and individual career seekers in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties.
Each year, approximately 1,500 businesses and more than 36,000 career seekers receive services through the Workforce Connection. Services include professional and technical recruitment, training, targeted talent marketplaces (job fairs) and financial incentives.
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Employment data
Joblessness in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties dropped in May from 11.7 to 11.5 percent over the month, and was 1.2 percent down over the year, according to the June 17 release of data from the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.
The unemployment rate for Workforce Connection's three-county region is one percentage point above Florida's rate of 10.5 percent. The national unemployment rate held at 8.7 percent. Out of a regional labor force of 208,299 in the region, there were 24,016 unemployed, down from 24,128 over the month, and 184,283 with jobs, up from 182,329.
Read more
See regional report
See state report |
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Submit Your Job Order!
Let Workforce Connection meet your hiring needs. Fill out our convenient Online Job Order Form
For details about Workforce Connection's comprehensive services, at no charge to you, contact our Business Development Team at 352-873-7955 or 800-746-9950 or send us an email
Also, did you know that as an employer, you may post your own jobs in the Employ Florida Marketplace (EFM)? The job bank allows you to create your own account to post job orders, review resumes and even contact job seekers directly. |
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Power of One June 21
Workforce Connection's Business Development team will provide a comprehensive tour of free business services, including recruiting, assessment, hiring and training programs and financial incentives and tax breaks.
Power of One workshops are sponsored by the Ocala/Marion County Chamber in partnership and Workforce Connection. Learn more |
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New hours at Centers
Effective July 1, Workforce Connection Centers' hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The change is based on a recent analysis of traffic flow that showed traffic after 5 p.m. Workforce Connection Centers provide resources for career seekers and employers. Locations/contacts |
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'Business Trends' open house sponsored by UF
The University of Florida Division of Multimedia Properties is hosting a series of "Business Trends" sessions on Thursday, June 23 at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 3600 SW Third Ave., in Ocala.
Four 30-minute sessions are scheduled ( 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) The presentations cover the latest information on consumer groups and purchasing behaviors as well as details about UF's multimedia marketing products.
Workforce Connection will be on hand to provide information about our free business services.
For information, or to reserve a spot, contact Janet Linder at 352-427-5264. |
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