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Greetings!
It's who you know.
A Sources of Hiring study found that most hiring is done through networking. Referrals from friends, employees and neighbors are "added value" to people doing the hiring. In these tough economic times, such testimonial endorsements weigh even heavier.
Next week, we will be publishing a bi-weekly, single page edition of "Networking" to all our customers and partners. It will contain a short outline of three talented job seekers and three jobs as well as an example of how we are assisting a business in our area.
Do you know anyone who could be interested in one of the jobs? If so, let them know. If you are looking for talent and see a brief on someone you would like to know more about, call us. If you think that how we have assisted the highlighted business might help you in your talent search or in training your workforce, call us.
Help us connect our talented residents to opportunities; help us network.
Rusty Skinner, CEO
Workforce Connection |
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Spotlight on Employer Success
Citrus County Sheet Metal: On-the-Job Training
In business since 1974, this family-run operation south of Inverness had weathered the economic downturn and needed to hire a new sheet metal mechanic to meet the uptick in job orders.
Trying to go it alone, though, the company was overwhelmed with unsuitable applicants. Then they turned to Workforce Connection and found the ideal candidate in Bill Dunn. Whip smart, dedicated, a "do whatever it takes" kind of guy, Bill spent more than a year on the road, working any jobs he could to support his family back home in Citrus County.
As a carpenter, Bill knew his way around a tape measure, but he had no experience in sheet metal. Workforce's On-the-Job Training (OJT) program is now helping Bill close the skill gap while earning a paycheck just 15 minutes from home. In exchange, Workforce reimburses Citrus County Sheet Metal a substantial portion of their new employee's wages while he's being trained.
"Workforce is like your partner in your job search, and that's important for small companies like ours," said Office Manager Amy Brown.
Want to grow your business? The OJT program can make it affordable. Read Citrus County Sheet Metal's Success Story
Pictured L-R: Bill Dunn, sheet metal mechanic, and Amy Brown, Citrus County Sheet Metal's office manager. |
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Heroes Welcome
5 Reasons to Hire a Veteran + 1 Great Tax Credit
What better way to offer our veterans a hero's welcome when they return from active duty than to let them know that, as heroes, they are welcome home by ensuring they have jobs in the civilian world? If you hire a veteran before the end of the year, you may earn a tax credit of up to $9,600 through the Returning Heroes and Wounded Warriors Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). In addition to financial incentives, consider:
(1) Veterans lead and work with integrity
(2) Veterans are adept at technology and globalization
(3) Veterans respect procedures and accountability
(4) Veterans work efficiently and perform well under pressure
(5) Veterans are fast learners who possess a broad range of skills
Interested in hiring a veteran? Check out Ulysees G., this month's featured Talent on Target job candidate. Or call 800-434-5627 and ask to speak to a Local Veterans Employment Representative. |
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We Mean BUSINESS
Employers, did you know you can post your open positions at no charge using our Online Job Order Form? You may also post jobs in the Employ Florida Marketplace (EFM).
Additional Business Services, offered at no charge, include:
* Screening, Recruiting and Hiring
* Customized Training Programs
* Outplacement Services
* Labor Market Information
* Financial Incentives
* Tax Credit Information and Much More!
For details about our Business Services, contact us at 352-873-7955, 800-746-9950 or email the Business Services Team. |
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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 Update
The jobless rate in January for Workforce Connection's region was 11.3 percent, down 0.1 percent from December's rate and 1.7 percentage points lower than the same time last year. Marion County posted an unemployment rate of 11.4 percent, down from 11.5 percent over the month; Citrus County remained the same at 11.3 percent; and Levy County fell slightly from 10.6 to 10.5 percent.
Florida's unemployment rate in January fell to 9.6 percent and the national rate was 8.3percent.
January employment numbers were released March 13 while February's will be released March 30. This schedule is routine each year due to the state's annual benchmarking process. The February data will be available on March 30 on our website; we will also post with links on our Facebook page.
Read Our News Release
See Regional Report
See Statewide Report |
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Talent on Target
This month's featured job candidate is Ulysees G. Ulysees is as unique as the spelling of his name. He is a United States Air Force veteran who also served in the Air National Guard. Ulysees has more than 25 years experience in Program Development and Delivery, Fundraising, Marketing, and Financial/Organizational Management.
He also has extensive knowledge of Community/Board Relations, grant writing and Human Resource Administration. Ulysees is a Ph.D. candidate in Organizational Management and Development. Ulysees earned his MBA in Management and Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Administration.
Learn how you can make Ulysees G. an indispensable member of your team by contacting Employment Manager Pamela Wise at 800-434-JOBS, ext. 1245 or 352-840-5700, ext. 1245. |
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Social Media Training
Join the Citrus County Business Resource Alliance on Tuesday, March 20 for a Social Media workshop and live tutorial designed to help businesses develop social media strategies that enhance brand awareness and drive more customers to your doorstep. The workshop is presented by Gina Smith, marketing strategist for Casto Communications. It takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the College of Central Florida's Lecanto campus. Cost is $20. Register at www.citruscountychamber.com or contact Cindi Fein at 352-795-3149 or cindi@citruscountychamber.com |
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Posting Requirement
Effective April 30, most private companies will be required to post a notice informing employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Earlier this month, several business groups filed notices of appeal against the decision granting the National Labor Relations Board legal authority to require employers to post notices at their worksites explaining collective bargaining rights. That litigation is still pending. For more information, visit the National Register and/or download the required Notice to Employees Poster. |
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Lunch and Learn
Find Money to Grow Your Business at the Lunch and Learn workshop on Thursday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the College of Central Florida's Ewers Century Center, 3001 SW College Road in Ocala. The workshop will provide details about workforce training grants and consortium grants for smaller companies as well as other resources for training. The Lunch and Learn is presented by the CF Institute, Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation and Workforce Connection. RSVP by April 12 by calling 352-854-2322. See flier for details |
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