Columbia Greene NY Workforce: Newsletter 4, October

If you have questions regarding any of this information or you are interested in any of the state grant opportunities, please call (518) 828-4181 ext. 5510 or email me.

Topics: Training Opportunities :: Workshops/Networking Opportunities :: Awards/Events

JOB FAIR

Columbia Greene Workforce New York is holding the Fall Job Fair on Thursday, October 19 from 10-2.

Past Job Fair's have attracted approximately 300 attendees. Business have commented that local Job Fair's continue to be an effective method to attract workers. If you would like further information, please call/email the address below.

Back by popular demand! This new grant for businesses for incumbent worker training, very similar to the past NYSDOL 32I grant. Columbia & Greene County businesses have been awarded approximately $300,000 through the 32I grant .

Congratulations to the following businesses for their BUilding Skills (BUSINYS) #37-L awards:
Taconic Farms $44,700
DynaBil Industries, Inc. $49,800
American Trim $ 49,700
Columbia Greene Mental Health Association $41,945

Here are some details on # 37-L :

$50,000 is the maximum grant award, the contract period is one year
Eligible business must be a private sector, for-profit or not-for-profit business (with four or more employees) or a group of two or more such businesses that have the same or very similar training needs. Public - that is federal, state, county and municipal - employees are not eligible to be trained under this initiative.
The training must address specific skills needed by the business or industry and lead to potential career growth and increased wages.
Please note: There is no deadline for the receipt of applications. NYSDOL has set aside sufficient funding to support the estimated demand for this program in the current year. However, if federal WIA funding becomes limited in future years, or if the grant is suspended adequate notice will be given on the Workforce New York web site (www.workforcenewyork.com).

Please check the website for more details and the on line application http://www.workforcenewyork.org/rfa37-l/rfa37-l.htm, also note questions and answers are posted on line.

Please call me if you are interested in learning more about the grant or would like assistance with the process.

Are you looking to increase your retention rates for new hires? Do you wish all workers had some basic level of workplace skills? If you answered Yes to either of these questions, the Employee Enhancement Program is for you! This four module workshop is designed to help new employees with the soft skills necessary for success on the job.The next class will be offered November 2, 9, 16 & 30th.

Check out these results:
Reviews of the program found that, twelve local companies sent over 80 new employees to this program. Prior to their participation in this program these companies had an overall retention rate of 45% for their recently hired workers.

Overall, the retention rates improved to 74% for trainees that attended the program but did not receive the WIB certified credential.

And, the retention rates jumped to 90% for attendees that completed the program and received the WIB certified credential.

Below are some comments from Employee Enhancement Program attendees.

Program strengths were noted as:

Work ethics and employee responsibility

Keeping a positive attitude

Customer satisfaction skills

Importance of team building

Anger management, communicating effectively with your supervisor and goal setting

How to accept praise and criticism at work

It was all excellent and very well communicated as well as inspirational

Call today to find out how Workforce New York can benefit your business!

Workshops include the following topics:

Having it All-Managing Your Job & Life

Employee Strategies for Creating On-the-Job Success

Communication at Work; Pulling Together-Being Part of Your Work Team

Business is a Service Thing- Excellent Customer Service for both Internal & External Customers

Please note that for new employees (not in seasonal positions) who have been hired after July 2nd grant funding is available to cover the cost for the entire four-module program. The employee must be earning less than $15.00/hr. and the employer must complete a post-evaluation of their employee’s skill gain. For other employees there is a $50.00 fee per module or $175.00 for the series plus a one time book fee of $10.00.

Take advantage of our quick hitting Microsoft classes at Columbia Greene Community College.

Microsoft Business Applications Training: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Fee $87.00, Instructor The Learning House

Access 2000 Level 1, Monday, October 23rd

Access 2000 Level 2, Monday, October 30th

PowerPoint 2003 Level 1, Monday, November 6th

PowerPoint 2003 Level 2, Monday, November 13th

Excel 2003, Level 1, Monday, November 27th

Excel 2003 Level 2, Monday, December 4th

Introduction to Word 2003, November 28th

Introduction to Word Tuesday, October 10th
Fee $28.00 Instructor Susan Loguidice

Call Columbia Greene Community College @ 828-4181 ext. 3342 during regular business hours for instant registration.

This presentation will help you analyze, develop, implement, administer and perform ongoing evaluation of programs, practices and services to promote the physical and mental well-being of individuals in the workplace and to help protect the organization against liability. Learn the elements needed to achieve an effective program. Sample guides will be provided to assist you with the task.

Presentors: Bob Francis, NYSDOL Safety & Health Consultant
Date: Thursday, November 16th, 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 A. M.
Location: Columbia Greene Community College, Staff Cafe
Reservations Contact: Debra Lombardo: 828-4654 x 209; Fax 828-8474 E-mail: debra.lombardo@labor.state.ny.us

The schedule for September - December is now available! Please check the following website. Remember all classes are free and if you have ten or more trainees there is the possibility the training can be offered at your worksite! http://www.labor.state.ny.us/workerprotection/safetyhealth/DOSH_TRAINING.shtm

The Energy Alliance is a cost saving energy program offered by both Columbia and Greene County Chambers of Commerce for their membership at no additional cost. The Energy Alliance aims to reduce energy expenses through the joint buying power of Chamber members. Call 943-4222, Green County Chamber or 828-4417, Columbia County chamber for further information.

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The HR Roundtable provides a forum in which HR Managers can exchange information, answer HR questions and discuss best practices. Recent projects have included a health benefit and a retention survey, some discussion topics have included employee retention strategies and useful HR websites. Come and share your expertise with this group of HR professionals.

Wednesday, October 11th, 7:30-9:00 am
Columbia Greene Community College, room 105

Wednesday, November 8th 12:00-1:30 pm
Yorkshire Farms Restaurant
484 Route 23, Claverack
Reservations by November 3rd 828-4417

Thursday, November 16th, 5:00-7:00 pm
746 Roche Lane, Ancramdale

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Thursday, Oct 26th 4:00-7:00 pm
Columbia Greene Community College
Call 943-4222 or 828-4417 for more information
Be sure to pass along the word about the Buy Local Business Expo, this will be a fun event for all with giveaways and prizes!

Thursday, December 7th, 5:00-7:00 pm
Midhudsonmedia
30 South Third Street, Hudson
Reservations are not required, but appreciated

Hold the Date! November 17th
Pegasus Restaurant, Coxsackie
Call 943-4222 for more information

That if you hire persons receiving Vocational Rehabilitation Services from VESID or CBVH or are eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit are eligible for the WETC tax credit (Workers with Disabilities Employment Tax Credit) this credit is 35% of the first $6,000 in wages for a maximum of $2,100. This is to be taken in the second year of employment. This wage tax credit may be combined with the WOTC, which may be taken in the FIRST year of employment.
For more information on Tax Credits go to http://www.labor.state.ny.us/businessservices/EDSU/EDSU%20Index.shtm

If you have comments or feel this newsletter is helpful to you please let me know!

Maureen Boutin
Business Services Representative
Columbia Greene Workforce New York
4400 Route 23
Hudson, New York 12534
518-828-4181 ext. 5510
www.columbiagreeneworks.org

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If you can't find something you are looking for, please contact the Columbia-Greene Career Center for more assistance, (518) 828-4181 ext. 5510,TDD/TTY (518) 828-1399 or e-mail us .

one-stop@sunycgcc.edu