U.S. Sen. Patty Murray Meets with Spokane Workforce Panel
U.S. Senator Patty Murray came to Spokane January 15 to talk with Spokane area employers and workers. In her new role as Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, she wanted to hear firsthand how investments in workforce development and education are impacting the economy. She began her visit with a tour of Haskins Steel, followed by a roundtable with many local workforce experts and WorkSource participants.
The roundtable included Craig Dias, Vice President/General Manager of Haskins Steel; Joe Tortorelli, Vice Chair of the SAWDC and founder/principal of Economic Development Northwest; John Dickson, Area Director of the Employment Security Department; Nancy Nelson, President of Humanix; Dr. Christine Johnson, Chancellor of Community Colleges of Spokane; Mike Schelstrate, HR Director of Triumph; Lisa White, Director of Career and Technical Education for Spokane Public Schools; George Iranon, CEO of Career Path Services; and Dawn Karber, Chief Operating Officer of the SAWDC. In addition, she heard from three people who became employed through WorkSource services and one youth who received help from the Next Generation Zone. Their personal stories illustrated the impact workforce programs have in the community. Many in the group also spoke of the Spokane region's ability to work together and leverage existing resources to ensure a skilled workforce. About 40 community members, including superintendents, school board members, business and nonprofit leaders attended the event.
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Job Seeker Finds Support, Professionalism at WorkSource
Gretchen Smith tried not to panic in 2011 when she was laid off from her job. She holds a master's degree in social work, and suddenly, she was facing some of the same obstacles she had helped her former clients overcome. WorkSource seemed like her first logical step.
"This is embarrassing to admit, but I really didn't know anything about WorkSource except that my clients had to go there for mandatory work searches," she said. "I was prepared for overworked grumpy staff that just ran their clients through the mill, so to speak."
But her experience was entirely different. She took every workshop available and came to the WorkSource center every day. "What I learned from this was that I didn't know nearly as much as I thought I did about finding a job," said Gretchen. "Also, I was blown away by the level of professionalism and expert staff. I felt the staff were excited to be there sharing their information with us."
At WorkSource, Gretchen also joined a 10-week Job Club that brought her together with fellow job seekers. The group met to discuss the job search, bring resources and generally support each other. "I met people who I am still in contact with today. Let me tell you, if there is ever a time when support is needed this was it for me," she said.
Today Gretchen calls getting involved with WorkSource, "the best thing I could have ever done for myself at that very time in my life." Read more from Gretchen here.
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SAWDC Promotes Business Expansion
Two businesses that the SAWDC has supported celebrated grand openings this month.
Caterpillar Inc. recently opened its 565,000-square foot distribution center, which has hired 150 workers. The hiring and training of workers was assisted with a grant awarded to the SAWDC from the Governor's Workforce Investment Act Discretionary Fund. The grant funds helped Caterpillar in providing training necessary for employees to meet business needs.
The SAWDC is also working with Horizon Air to support its new maintenance facility which opened at Spokane International Airport. The facility will employ 19 workers initially.
For businesses interested in learning more about potential partnerships with the workforce system, including on-the-job training, customized training and corporate training, please call 509-533-8480 or email [email protected].
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Upcoming Events
Washington Student Achievement Council Forum
January 30
4:30 - 6 p.m.
Washington State University
Riverpoint Campus, Academic Center 20
Construction Skill Panel
February 7
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
SCC Apprenticeship Center
2110 N Fancher Rd
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
SAWDC Youth Council Meeting
February 7
3:30 - 5 p.m.
NEWTECH Skill Center
4141 N Regal St
Spokane, WA 99207
NEWTECH Skill Center Open House
February 7
5 - 7 p.m.
4141 N Regal St
Spokane, WA 99207
SAWDC Board Meeting
February 13
7:30 - 9 a.m.
1316 N Lincoln St
Spokane, WA 99201
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Quick Links
Next Generation Zone
Inspire Washington
State Employment & Economic Information CCS Center for Workforce and Continuing Education _______________
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