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Greetings!
In addition to saving money, our pledge in assuming day-to-day operation of services was to improve that service.
Recently we have taken several steps to move forward with that pledge to improve service. Our key service to both job applicants and our business customers is to improve our capacity and abilities in screening applicant skills to match employers' job requirements.
Our recruitment and screening improvements will be led by a human resources professional with more than 14 years of private sector experience. We will be adding two more staff to reshape that function.
For our applicant customers, we have increased our ability to help them rethink careers in today's changed economy by purchasing TORQ (Transferable Occupational Rational Quotient), an online tool that will better assess their skills against those of the jobs that employers are listing.
The pledge is nothing fancy -- just hard work in these tough times to better serve our customers.
Rusty Skinner, CEO
Workforce Connection |
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Spotlight on Employer Success
Root Theory: "Workforce is perfect partner" 
Dave Fechtman is not only CEO of Root Theory Advisors, he's also the 2011 chairman of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce responsible for the chamber's Power of One initiative. That initiative challenges businesses to grow by adding just one new employee this year. Root Theory doesn't just talk a good game; through Workforce Connection's On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, the company was able to bring on a new team member. The OJT program reimburses eligible employers up to 90 percent of their new hire's wages
while they're  being trained. Check
out the video to learn more about Root Theory's winning partnership with Workforce and click here to read in greater detail why Root Theory is a "big fan" of Workforce Connection and the OJT program.
Pictured above Root Theory's CEO Dave Fechtman, President Melissa Valenti and Office Administrator Carol Slocum. |
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Mobile Resource Unit readies to roll
Now easier than ever to search, click, connect
 Workforce Connection plans to hit the road in Levy County to bring employment solutions to businesses and job seekers who might not otherwise have access to our services.
This new resource center on wheels
is a multi-functional, mobile facility that brings job search and employment opportunities directly to the community. The climate-controlled mobile unit is 21-feet in length and provides many of the same amenities and services available to clients at any of our three Workforce Connection Centers. All services are offered at no charge.  Plans are to base the unit twice a week at public venues in Williston and Bronson. The mobile resource unit will be staff-supported and equipped with satellite Internet, four computer workstations as well as additional laptops, and a printer with copy, print, scan and fax capabilities. The mobile unit will enable users to register with the Employ Florida Marketplace, conduct job searches, work on their resumes, fill out online employment applications, research career information and resources, get information about upcoming hiring events and apply for Unemployment Compensation benefits and file claims. The mobile may also be used to conduct workshops and to travel to Levy County businesses to support hiring and other events.
Pictured above: Kevin Harrison, mobile resource coordinator, shows the new Mobile Resource Unit to Anita Williams left, and Iris Pozo of Workforce Connection. |
Employ Florida tools improved
Marketplace enhanced for employers
The Employ Florida Marketplace links all of Florida's local and state workforce services. Features include a powerful statewide online job bank where employers may post job openings at no charge. During the Labor Day weekend, the site was upgraded to provide exciting new tools including enhanced site navigation, additional labor market information, social networking integration and multiple logins for employers. Employers will also find initial registration is easier and additional tools to manage job posting and candidate searches, including an improved step-by-step online Job Order wizard and company portfolio (profile) options. Give the new, improved Employ Florida Marketplace a try right now.
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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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Submit Your Job Order!
Let Workforce Connection fill your hiring needs. Complete 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
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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Did you know?
Workforce Connection can help you find ways to finance training by directing you to local, state or federal programs that are dedicated to workforce development.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) - This program provides an incentive for employers to hire qualified people who may not have the experience for your position. By hiring an employee in a training capacity, you may be reimbursed for a portion of that employee's salary, currently up to 90 percent of wages.
Employed Worker Training (EWT) - These short-term training programs can be customized to meet the needs of your workforce. The best part: if training results in a nationally recognized certification or licensure, Workforce Connection may pay 50 percent of the training cost.
For details about OJT and EWT programs, contact our Business Services Team. |
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PO1 workshop:
Email marketing
Learn how email marketing can help your business stay connected at the at the next Power of One workshop on Sept. 20 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, 310 SE Third St., Ocala. The free workshop is presented by Pamela Starr of Constant Contact. The Power of One workshops are sponsored by the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Workforce Connection. To RSVP, call the chamber at 352-629-8051 or register online. |
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