April 2015

 

Executive Director's

E-Newsletter  



Job Fairs.... Job Fairs.... and more Job Fairs! We are Keeping Tarrant County Working this Job Fair season. Lots of Job Fairs under our belt in the first Quarter of 2015 and so many more on the horizon. Know someone looking for a job, please direct them to our website calendar of events!

 

We show no signs of slowing down as we enter the second quarter of 2015. Still on tap for this busy month: Committee Meetings, More Job Fairs and other work on strengthening our partnerships with Economic Development, Education and Employers. 

 

There should be lots of exciting items to report the next time we meet. Thank you to all of our wonderful Board members for taking part in all we have going on this month, despite your already full schedules. 

 

As we get ready for opening day - Go Rangers!

  
                                                     - Judy McDonald
                                                       Executive Director

In This Issue
35th Anniversary NAWB Forum
Workforce Forum
Chamber of Commerce Involvement
Learn about Cassata Luncheon
Stephanie McBride
Job Fair Update
Workforce Alerts and the Website Calendar
Spotlight on our Partner: CLC, Inc.
Pictures
Calendar of Events
2015 Board of Director's
Connect with Us on Social Media
Join Our Mailing List!
35th Anniversary NAWB Forum

 

Board and Staff Members attended the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Forum

in Washington, D.C. March 28- March 31, 2015. The Forum was celebrating its 35th Anniversary and this year's conference was one of the best! Judy McDonald spoke on a panel with fellow Executive Directors Laurie Larrea (Greater Dallas) and Mike Temple (Gulf Coast) about the Texas Model. The panel was moderated by our own Jill Navarrete. The session was full and the audience participation was awesome!


 


 
Thank you to: Carlos De La Torre, Mike Doyle, Keith Muskrat and Estrus Tucker for attending this important conference on behalf of the Board. Board and Staff were fortunate to hear from some amazing speakers, including: Secretary of Labor for DOL, Tom Perez, CEO and Co-Founder of T2 Venture Creation, Victor Hwang and CEO of Imperative, Aaron Hurst. At this month's Board meeting we will discuss some of the highlights of the trip, a copy of the agenda can be found in this month's Board Packet.

Workforce Forum

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) held its Workforce Forum, April 6-8, 2015 in Austin, TX. This conference is sponsored by TWC's Workforce and Board Support department and is designed to increase workforce staff capacity through knowledge and information exchange.


 
Opening remarks were given by: Andres Alcantar, Chairman, Commissioner Representing the Public, TWC; Ronald G. Congleton, Commissioner Representing Labor, TWC; Esperanza "Hope" Andrade, Commissioner Representing Employers, TWC; and Larry E. Temple, Executive Director, TWC. The group shared their thanks to the Board Members and Staff for all their hard work this past year on getting ready for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 

 

A few familiar faces appeared at this month's forum. Board Members Leslie Sisk and Jon Gustafson were asked to participate in the Super Session, titled: "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Implementation: Discussion on the Impact of WIOA on the Texas Model, Strategic Partnerships, and Customers of the Texas Workforce System"

In this super session, the panelists discussed the impact the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) will have on the Texas Model, strategic partnerships among industry, education, economic development, and other key community stakeholders, and effects on industry cluster initiatives. The panelists covered opportunities for customers of the Texas workforce system, including employers, job seekers, adult education, students and other customers of the system.

Super Session Presenters Included: Leslie Sisk, Chair, Texas Association of Workforce Boards; Jon E. Gustafson, Director of Workforce Partnerships and Incentives, Lockheed Martin; Gail L. Hathaway, Executive Director, Workforce Solutions Alamo; and Larry E. Temple, Executive Director, TWC.  Facilitator: Wes Jurey, Chairman, Texas Workforce Investment Council 



Also at the Forum, Jann Miles participated in a session titled: "Career and Educational Pathways: Partnerships between Community Colleges and Workforce Boards to Meet Training Needs."


 
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) places an emphasis on career pathways. This session highlighted how Tarrant County College and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County have worked together as the college creates and implements career pathways through stackable credentials, what the benefit will be for college and workforce system customers seeking training, and where these organizations are in the process.

 

Session Presenters Included: Jann Miles, Strategic Planning Unit Director, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; and Fred Schmidt, Manager of Community and Industry Education Program Development, Academic Affairs, Tarrant County College District.

Chamber of Commerce Involvement 

 


 

Tarrant County Days at The Capitol: 

The Coalition of Tarrant County Chambers of Commerce hosted its Annual Tarrant County Day at the Capitol on February 25-26, 2015. Tarrant County Day at the Capitol provides an opportunity for local business leaders to meet Texas Senators and State Representatives while offering an up-close and personal look at the Texas Legislature in action. Board Member Mike Doyle and Executive Director, Judy McDonald attended this year's event. You might notice some other familiar Tarrant County faces in the picture above. 

 

Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible!

 

 

Fort Worth Chamber Presents: The 2015 State of the City Address:

The future of Fort Worth is bright because the state of our city is strong!

On Wednesday, March 4, Fort Worth Mayor Price addressed the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce at their annual State of the City event. It was a full house; if you were not able to attend the mayor has posted highlights on her website.  Workforce Solutions was proud to be a sponsor of this important event. Thank you to Board Members, Carlos De La Torre, Buddy Puente and Di Ann Sanchez as well as our guests Stacie Garcia, Chakib Chehadi and Gaylyn Dieringer for joining staff members, Judy McDonald, Sal Adamski and Amber Gosser at this event. 

 

Link to the recap: http://fortworthtexas.gov/mayor/message.aspx?id=140172 

 

Arlington Chamber Presents: The 2015 State of the County Address

Judge Whitley  

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted The 2015 State of the County Luncheon Address on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel.


Judge Glen Whitley spoke about the highlights of the past year and the forecast for 2015.

 

Workforce Solutions was a proud sponsor of this event. Thank you to Board Members, Carlos De La Torre, Dr. Marcelo Cavazos and Keith Muskrat for joining our guests from the Arlington ISD Board as well as Cynthia Fisher Miller and staff, Sal Adamski and Amber Gosser for this important event. 

  

Learn about Cassata Luncheon

 

If you have not experienced a Learn about Cassata Luncheon, then you are missing out. On March 19, 2015, staff (including Nick Almendarez, Tabitha Smith and Lacey Douglas) visited Cassata and heard first hand stories from their students about how Cassata has transformed their lives. 

 

Cassata hosts the luncheons twice a year and they give you the opportunity to sit and speak with Cassata students and teachers. Workforce Solutions is a proud partner/supporter of Cassata High School. It was exciting to see how our partnership is making a difference in the lives of these AMAZING students. 


 
One of the students we sat with was named Piper, she is 14 and a sophomore. Using Cassata's go at your own pace philosophy Piper is set to graduate at 16!!! That is 2 years early. She is just one of the amazing students we met that day. Thank you again to Cassata High School for welcoming us to the luncheon.  

 

Be sure to check out http://www.cassatahs.org for the next Luncheon date. 

Stephanie McBride 


 
We would like you to help us welcome the newest member of the Workforce Solutions staff. 


Ms. Stephanie McBride has accepted the position of Executive Assistant to Judy McDonald. Stephanie will begin on Monday, April 13, 2015 in her new role.

Ms. McBride has over 10 years of experience and has been responsible for providing a full range of high-level secretarial support while maintaining the continuity of work operations. Her work ethic, experience and personal attributes will be a valuable asset to Workforce Solutions.


A few fun facts about Stephanie: She enjoys, reading, baking, playing scrabble and competing in barbecue cook - offs with her family.


 
We are excited to welcome Stephanie to the family! 

Job Fair Update

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County is involved in many job fairs throughout Tarrant County on a monthly basis. All job fairs that we take part in can be found on our website under the calendar of events. More detailed information about the Job Fairs that we partner on/ host can be found on a new page on our website called Job Fair Information. Here is an update on some of the most recent job fairs we participated (or will participate) in:

  • Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County was proud to participate in the UTA Spring Job Fair on March 17, 2015 at the Maverick Activity Center. This event was rescheduled from February due to the inclement weather. We were able to meet with many UTA students and alumni, sharing information on our Workforce services as well as the Engineer Job Connect Program. 
  • Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County was proud to participate in The HEB Expo, which was hosted by the HEB Chamber of Commerce at the Hurst Convention Center, March 6, 2015. Our Business Services department was able to connect with employers and speak to them about all of the services we can offer. 
  • Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County partnered with Arlington Rotary Club, Arlingtonanswers.com, University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College, and Arlington ISD to host a Youth and Young Adult Job Fair and Career Expo in downtown Arlington on March 13, 2015.  Students and young adults from Arlington and Tarrant County were invited to this wonderful event, hosted by Arlington Rotary and First United Methodist Church, to speak with local recruiters from more than 35 employers about summer and full time employment. Below is a picture of one of our on-the-spot hires that day! In addition, attendees also had the opportunity to meet with colleges, military and other community representatives to find out about educational and financial opportunities available to them. Our board member, Tyrone Taylor, participated in a workshop with two other presenters about Career Pathways and talked about his own path to success from high school to his current position at Six Flags Over Texas. Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck and Board Member and AISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos kicked off the event with Judy McDonald to welcome all the employers, vendors and attendees. We would like to give a special Thank You to Arlington Rotary Club for asking us to partner with them to create opportunities for young adults in Tarrant County.
    
  • Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County partnered with Grace After Fire to bring employers and job seekers together for a Women and Women Veterans Job Fair on March 20, 2015 at the Hilton Arlington. Arlington Mayor, Robert Cluck and Grace After Fire, CEO and Retired USAF Colonel Kimberly Olson, welcomed the 29 employers from across Tarrant and Dallas Counties and thanked the businesses for doing their part to assist our military heroes with transitioning to civilian workforce employment, after serving, sacrificing and protecting our country. Also a special thank you to Board Members Jerilyn Edmonds and Deb Jones for facilitating and partnering with other employers on the "Keeping it Real" workshop session held on Saturday, March 21, 2015, during the Grace After Fire Annual Conference Retreat. Their panel provided first-hand information from HR Professionals about whey they are looking for in the resumes and interviews from job seekers, particularly veterans who are transitioning.


 

Thank you to all of our Employers, Partners, Volunteers and Job Seekers for making these events a success!

 

Save the Date:

  • Tarrant County College Districtwide Job Fair will be held on April 16, 2015 at the South Campus. The event will be from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Workforce Solutions is proud to be Platinum Sponsor of this event.  For more information and to see the flyer please visit our calendar of events (a copy can also be found in this month's Items of Interest packet.)
  • ArlingtonAnswers Spring Job Fair - Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County and Arlingtonanswers.com will partner again for our spring job fair on April 23, 2015.  It will be held at the Grace Community Church in Arlington from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Job Seeker and Employer Registration is open and can be found on our website.  
  • The Alliance Texas Hiring Fair has been scheduled for May 7, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.  For more information, please contact Janet Benton at [email protected] or 817.548.5260.
  • SAVE THE DATE: FALL Community Job Fair (targeting youth ages 16-24) - Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Hurst Conference Center. Check our website..... more information and registration will be available soon.  
  • Hiring Red, White and You! Job Fair - Thursday, November 12, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  - More details including pre-registration for job seekers will be available soon on our website.
Workforce Alerts and the Website Calendar

 

 

 

Sign Up for Workforce Alerts: Sign up for our Workforce Alerts... to stay on top of all of our Latest News. Some of the items you will see, include: Latest Labor Market Information, Our Newsletter, Calendar Changes and Special Events. Believe me you do not want to miss it! 

 

On our website (www.workforcesolutions.net) you will find a calendar of events: Please make sure you check this calendar as it will have the most up to date Board location and meeting information. You can also find information about the job fairs that we take part in. Board Members, if there are items you would like to see on the website that might make your outreach efforts easier, please contact Lacey Douglas by email at [email protected]
Spotlight on our Partner: CLC, Inc. 

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County is proud of its many partnerships. This month we would like to highlight one of those partners - CLC, Inc. Below you will see just two of the initiatives that Workforce Solutions and CLC, Inc work together on to Keep Tarrant County Working!


 
Tarrant County Veterans Employment Program Success Story:

A Marine Corps Veteran came to CLC, Inc. in dire need of assistance finding employment or enrolling into training. The Veteran was honorably discharged but since, was convicted of a felony. He had been unemployed for 6 months and was living in a veteran's assistance facility while taking the proper steps to better himself. He chose to enroll in CLC, Inc.'s Welding training. Due to the Veterans dedication and participation in the welding program, his case manager spoke with the hiring manager of a company who normally does not hire felons, and convinced them that he was worth their consideration. After successfully completing his training and graduating, the Veteran was scheduled to interview with the company. Taking the initiative to go on a weekend to ensure he knew where the location was and learn more about the facility on his own time, he happened to run into the Manager who interviewed and hired the Veteran on the spot. He began his new career the next day and has been working towards a down payment for his own apartment and sends the veteran staff of CLC, Inc. daily thank you emails expressing his appreciation of the opportunity to turn his life around. 


Workforce Solutions is proud to be a part of the CLC, Inc, Veterans Stakeholders group that meets quarterly and provides veterans staff guidance and information on training and employment related issues. Also, CLC, Inc. staff interfaces and works with workforce centers and Texas Veterans Commission representatives housed at workforce centers in Tarrant County. Thank you to Board Staff, Sal Adamski, Workforce Improvement Director for serving on the Veterans Stakeholders group. 

 

Serve, Earn & Learn Program
The Serve Earn and Learn (SEL) Program reached its enrollment goals in 2014 and is pushing for a strong program finish in 2015. SEL is a Department of Labor funded program that provides both remedial academic training and vocational job training for youth in Tarrant and Parker Counties. This Program was designed specifically to address the needs of 18-21 year olds who have juvenile records, but do not have adult convictions. These youth are known to be at high risk for recidivism and unemployment. In January, 2014, the program began to serve individuals residing in Tarrant County, and the total maximum enrollment number of 115 was reached in December, 2014. Training and other services will continue to be provided for clients through June of 2015.

While working in construction projects many youth earned their NCCER (National center for Construction Education and Research) Craft Skills certification. In addition to construction, qualifying SEL clients can and have received training in such fields as welding, machining, composite bonding, forklift/warehousing, and medical office assistant. Upon completion of the education/training phase of their program, clients receive assistance with resumes, job search skills, or referral to additional job training or educational classes. 



The SEL Program utilizes the workforce centers for workforce development classes and WorkInTexas.com job search and the skills training classes are certified by the Texas Workforce Commission's Eligible Training Provider System.  

 

  

Pictures 

 

Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck shared this selfie and message on his Facebook page:  "There is so much more going on in this photo besides 4 mayors taking a selfie. In this photo is over 30 years combined experience serving as mayors, the result of building relationships to develop stronger communities, countless hours of sleepless nights with concerns for people we took an oath to serve. I count these folks as blessings and we were proud to come out and support Betsy at her State of the City address today." 

 

 

Board Member and AISD Superintendent, Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, Workforce Solutions Executive Director, Judy McDonald, Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck and  Rotary of Arlington President, Joyce Santon posed for a quick picture after kicking off the Job Fair and Career Expo on March 13, 2015. 


 

 

Board Member Tyrone Taylor participated on a panel during the March 13, 2015 Job Fair and Career Expo. The students were interested in learning how Mr. Taylor started working at Six Flags as a young adult and with hard work and dedication, made a career for himself.

 

Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck helped kick off our Women and Women Veteran Job Fair at the Hilton Arlington on March 20, 2015.   

 

 

Happy Belated Birthday to our Workforce Development Board Vice-Chair Estrus Tucker.

  

 

The NAWB group enjoying dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant, Filomena's.  

 

Calendar of Events
Board and Committee Meetings:  
(for the latest information please make sure to check our website calendar)

 

April
  • April 8, 2015 - Workforce Development Board Meeting - 9:00 a.m. - Botanic Gardens 
  • April 14, 2015 - CTE Directors Meeting - 11:30 a.m. - Region 11
  • April 27, 2015 - Leadership Committee Meeting - Large Conference Room
  • April 27, 2015 - WGB Meeting - CANCELLED
  • April 30, 2015 - Workforce Delivery Systems Committee - 11:45 a.m. - Board Offices

 

May 
  • May 13, 2015 - WDB Meeting - CANCELLED
  • May 21, 2015 - IAWG Meeting - 9:00 a.m. - Goodwill Industries
  • May 25, 2015 - Workforce Centers and Board Office Closed for Memorial Day
  • May 27, 2015 - Workforce Improvement Committee Meeting - 3:30 p.m. - Board Offices

New events are being added all the time!

For the latest Job Fair and Event Information please visit our calendar of events on our website www.workforcesolutions.net. 

2015 Board of Directors
 

 

Workforce Governing Board
Judge Glen Whitley, Chair
Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price

Workforce Development Board
Keith Muskrat, Workforce Development Board Chair
Estrus Tucker, Workforce Development Board Vice-Chair
Judy McDonald, Executive Director

Board Members:

Louise Appleman                        

Mark Barberena             

David Berzina               

Lillie Biggins 

Dr. Marcelo Cavazos                                

Pam Dawson

Carlos DeLa Torre           

Mike Doyle                      

Jerilyn Edmonds  

Charlie Galupi           

Jane Goodenough

Jon Gustafson            

Tracy Hays 

Deb Jones

Michael Klein              

Peter Kleven

William Krohn

Jennifer Limas

Dr. Lisa London 

Tim McKinney

Rosa Navejar

Vickie Powell

Buddy Puente

Dr. Di Ann Sanchez

Leslie Sisk

Tyrone Taylor

Gracie Vega

 
Connect With Us on Social Media
 

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our profile on LinkedIn    View our videos on YouTube

 

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant is committed to Keeping Tarrant County Working!

 

More information about our events, services, programs and Workforce Center locations is available on our website.

 

 

Need more information about something listed in this newsletter?  Contact Lacey Douglas, Communications and Events Manager at [email protected]

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