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Economic Development
Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County Appoints Four New Members
June 19, 2012
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., June 19, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County, a public-private volunteer board that oversees the use of federal dollars to train the local workforce to support local employers, announced five At-Large members appointed by Chair Josie Gonzales, County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor.
Lowell King has worked with Goodwill Southern California for more than 17 years. Including Los Angeles County (North of Rosecrans), Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Goodwill Southern California serves the largest region in the United States. King has served as the Regional Operations Officer for Goodwill Southern California in the Inland Empire since 2001 and was instrumental in merging Goodwill Industries of the Inland Counties and Goodwill Southern California. He also serves on the board for the San Bernardino County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), St. Bernadine’s Hospital, Community Benefits Initiative Committee, Inland Empire United Way, Hands On Inland Empire and Non-Profit Executive Network (NEN).
Steven J. Lantsberger has served as the City of Hesperia’s Economic Development Director since 1998. He also acts as the City’s Director of Real Estate, Deputy Executive Director of the Hesperia Housing Authority, and Manager of the Hesperia Enterprise Zone. In 2009, he led Hesperia’s successful efforts in securing California Enterprise Zone (EZ) & Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) designations. Lantsberger is a Certified Economic Developer, Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP). He is a member of numerous state and federal economic development and real estate associations including the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Richard Sierra was born and raised in Fontana, CA. He joined Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 783 in 1976. From 1976 to 1996, he was employed as a construction craft laborer working on various projects located throughout Southern California. In June 1996, he was first elected to office at LIUNA Local 783 as Secretary/Treasurer and in July 2003, he was appointed to serve as Business Manager.
Richard Edwards was born in San Bernardino and is a 35-year resident of Redlands, CA. He is a graduate of San Bernardino Valley College, Sonoma State University, University of Redlands, and University of California at Los Angeles. Edwards was an adult education instructor for San Bernardino Unified School District and Los Angeles Unified School District for 20 years. Edwards is also the President of the California State Pipe Trades representing over 40,000 pipe trades workers. He is the former Chair of City of Redlands Housing Commission. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Southern California Pipe Trades Trust Fund, Inland Refrigeration Trust Fund, The Chairman of Inland Refrigeration Journeyman and Apprenticeship Training Trust and the Plumbing Industry Progress and Education Trust. He currently is Business Manager, Financial Secretary/ Treasurer of United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 364, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
“Our San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board has a national reputation for excellence due to the active leadership and team work of its members,” said Chair Gonzales. “These dedicated men and women, collectively representing business, government, and community organizations, bring their best to the table.”
The Workforce Investment Board partners with the County’s largest industry sectors to identify the needs of workforce and employers and support training programs that prepare residents to enter careers in growing industries. Through the County’s three Employment Resource Centers, the Workforce Investment Board also provides job search and placement services and workshops as well as career counseling services.
“Our Workforce Investment Board has become a national model due to the efforts and creativity of our members,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the board. “Their decisions impact the lives of thousands of at-risk youth through our Workforce Investment Act Youth program as well as adults and veterans who find career and training opportunities through our three One-Stop Employment Resource Centers.”
About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County (WIB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors. The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment.
The WIB, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.
More information online: https://www.csb-win.org/ .
News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at the Send2Press for Journalists Portal: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board Seeks 60 Entrepreneurs
May 10, 2012
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., May 10, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board invites dislocated workers, veterans and county residents 18 years and older who want to launch their own Internet or service-based business to enroll in an entrepreneur training program. The board will fund training for 60 participants and the deadline to enroll is May 18, 2012.
“Entrepreneurship is a viable career alternative for dislocated workers,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses produced the largest amount of employment in 2010, generating 72.1 percent of net new positions.”
The Workforce Investment Board is partnering with Empact (www.iempact.com) to provide the training necessary to start a business with little start-up capital. Attendees will learn how to develop their business inexpensively while creating enough profit to earn a living wage.
The training requires a one-year commitment. Each participant will receive a full-day of training followed by weekly trainings for the first month, and monthly virtual trainings for the remainder of the year. Each participant will be assigned a mentor to support them throughout the program.
“Entrepreneurship is vital to San Bernardino County’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “I encourage residents who are thinking of starting their own businesses to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn proven, real life tools shared by successful entrepreneurs.”
To apply, San Bernardino County residents may visit one of the three Employment Resource Centers to take the assessment. To find the nearest location, please visit www.sbcstartup.com or call (800) 451-JOBS.
About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.
The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Department of Workforce Development, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.
News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
MADE Entrepreneurship Competition Deadline May 31
May 8, 2012
ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 8, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — MADE In Missouri State Entrepreneurship Competition applications are due May 31. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enter your business or business idea for the chance to gain technical assistance and cash grants to invest in your business.
The competition will accept preliminary submissions until May 31, 2012. Preliminary submissions can be made online at http://made2012.istart.org or by going to the http://www.mvcaa.net/index.cfm?Page=MADE.
Participants start by answering a questionnaire about their business ideas, and are provided with tips and suggestions on how to make their businesses better in the first round. Those who advance to final round will present their finished business plans, products, and services in one last round at the Missouri State Fair on August 16, 2012 in Sedalia, Missouri.
Cash grants will be awarded as startup/operating capital to winners of the final round which is held during the State Fair. Judging at all levels will take place behind closed doors, and all information is regarded as confidential and proprietary and will not be shared with outside parties.
Registration is open to any potential business owner or current business owner in operation three years or less. There are Youth and Open categories for participation, and people considering going into business for the first time are welcomed. Participants do not have to be in business yet to compete.
Electronic submissions for the preliminary level are due by 5 p.m. May 31, 2012. Mailed submissions must be postmarked by that date. Judging of the first round will occur the second week of June and participants will be notified of the results by June 22.
The Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE) is a project facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri, a not-for-profit organization.
Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, 1415 S. Odell, Marshall, MO 65340. Online: http://www.mvcaa.net .
News Source: Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
L.A. County Workforce Investment Board Receives Grant to Fund No-Cost Re-Employment and Training for Nearly 1,000 Laid-Off Workers
April 20, 2012
LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 20, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Thanks to a multi-million dollar National Emergency Grant (NEG) from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board was awarded funds as part of the California Multi-Sector Workforce Partnership. The aim of this program is to provide retraining and career transition needs to individuals who experienced layoffs and also to help employers with job openings to locate well-qualified and trained employees.
We are recruiting laid-off workers for this special program that provides no-fee job training and placement assistance in high demand industries in the county that have current job openings. This program is designed to benefit employers in many ways, including reimbursement of a substantial portion of wages paid to new hires from this program.
To date, over 700 individuals have signed up to take advantage of this opportunity. Space is still available now that the deadline to enroll has been extended to June 30, 2012. Interested employers and job seekers should contact us immediately by email at neg@css.lacounty.gov or visit our website at http://www.worksourcecalifornia.com .
“The California Multi-Sector Workforce Partnership addresses 123 mass layoffs in California that have affected over 32,000 workers in 19 industries statewide,” said Richard Verches, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board. “In Los Angeles County, we expect nearly 1,000 individuals to take advantage of job services paid for by this grant.”
This program will pay for laid-off workers to participate in On-the-Job Training, paid work experience, internships and customized training programs in order to increase their opportunities for employment, and the costs of equipment or transportation, depending upon one’s situation.
“The support of government is critical to meet the needs of and support local businesses that employ local residents,” said Mr. Verches. “Employers who participate in On-the-Job Training programs can receive recruiting support to locate well-qualified candidates and possible reimbursement for the wages of new employees.”
About the Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board:
The Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is established by federal law as the oversight and policy body comprised of private business representatives, labor, higher education, government and non-profit partners who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The WIB funds 17 one-stop WorkSource Centers to provide employment and training services to residents and businesses in 58 of the County’s 88 cities and all 151 unincorporated areas throughout the County.
News Source: Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
Bishamon Industries Corporation Retains Ten Jobs and Is Ready to Take On Competition
April 17, 2012
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., April 17, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — When Robert Stone, vice president of Engineering and Manufacturing at Bishamon Industries Corporation, received a letter from the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board about the LEAN Manufacturing Program with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC), it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Bishamon Industries Corporation faced increased competition with their EZ Loader product, which could have translated to lost sales and lost jobs. With the introduction of the new model, they needed to make sure they could efficiently produce and deliver this product before the competition stepped in.
“The EZ Loader is our premier product and if we lost market share, it would cost us valuable employees,” Stone said.
CMTC came in and showed the company areas of improvement in assembly and welding. Employees were excited to share their ideas and work as a team with the consultant and executives for the good of the entire company.
“We’ve already seen growing sales for our new EZ Loader and the hard work has paid off,” Stone said. “By shipping our product in two days, we will maintain our competitive edge.”
Through the LEAN Manufacturing Program, Bishamon retained 10 jobs. Additionally, Stone also utilized the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board Business Resource Team to recruit and hire a shipping supervisor. “They found a great person for us who plays a very important role in satisfying our customers,” Stone said.
“The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s LEAN Manufacturing program effectively helps local businesses retain employees and hire additional personnel,” said Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor.
About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.
The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.
More information: https://www.csb-win.org/ .
News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
Helping Employers With Federal Funds Makes Good Business Sense
March 21, 2012
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., March 21, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of San Bernardino County was recognized by the nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for innovative business-friendly programs. The WIB was asked to present to congress how it used Workforce Investment Act funds to encourage job retention and hiring.
In a report titled “Innovative Collaborations between Workforce Boards and Employers Helped Meet Local Needs,” the U.S. GAO referenced 14 local initiatives. Two of the initiatives included San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s successful collaboration with Technical Employment Training, Inc. and its Rapid Response Layoff Aversion program.
Executive Director Sandy Harmsen testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workforce Safety in addressing workforce needs at the regional level.
“Our Workforce Investment Board was able to quickly and effectively take action when our region was hit with business closures and lay-offs that affected thousands of residents in San Bernardino County,” Harmsen said. “We knew which industries would need workers in the long-term. Through the relationships we established with industry councils, businesses and educational providers we have deployed federal funds to save jobs, train workers with skills needed by employers and encourage hiring.”
In 2011, the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board’s Business Resource Team performed 27 Rapid Response visits to companies that were laying off employees. More than 1,900 dislocated workers were assisted through Rapid Response which included workshops on understanding unemployment plans, rolling over 401K plans and Cobra benefits. These residents were also introduced to the local Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) for free workshops on job searching, resume writing and interview skills, as well as how they could qualify for no-cost job training programs and job placement support.
“The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board can contribute much to the national conversation on how to put America back to work,” said Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Chair and Fifth District Supervisor.
“For instance, the WIB’s collaboration with Technical Employment Training, Inc., is a great example of how we are working together to prepare a skilled workforce and provide businesses with the manpower needed to grow and diversify. The Technical Employment Training program trains dislocated and disabled workers to attain two National Institute for Metalworking Skills Machining Level 1 certifications. The fact that 90 percent of its first class was placed in jobs with local manufacturers is an awesome success story worth sharing,” added Gonzales.
Last year, 3,370 County residents were trained last year using Workforce Investment Act funds to enter long-term careers in growth industries such as Health Care, Aviation, Transportation and Logistics, Advanced Manufacturing and Environmental Technology.
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 created a comprehensive workforce investment system that brought together multiple federally funded employment and training programs into a single system, called the one-stop system.
About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.
The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.
News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
San Bernardino County Youth Take a Roadtrip to Discover Their Career Interests
February 24, 2012
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Feb. 24, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Continuing its support of young people facing obstacles to employment, the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County partnered with the Roadtrip Nation Experience to provide an intensive curriculum to the Year-round Workforce Investment Act youth program.
By giving students the tools to interview and film someone in their career of interest, the Roadtrip Nation Experience empowers students to define their own roads in life; to make school actually matter by relating what they study to their real-world experiences; and open doors to different pathways and possibilities.
“This is an opportunity for our youth to interview specialists in careers they are interested in and find inspiration, as well as practical advice to achieve their dreams,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board and Director of the Workforce Development Department for San Bernardino County. “In 2011, 13 youth service providers helped more than 1,320 youth through the Year-Round WIA Youth Program and many of those young people go on to find jobs or higher education that lead to long-term careers.”
“It has been a pleasure working with San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board,” Molly Gazin, Educator Network Coordinator of Roadtrip Nation. “The facilitators are enthusiastic and dedicated to the futures of the youth involved and that is evident in their experience with the program. We’re excited to see the results of the final Roadtrip Projects that they’re hard at work on right now.”
The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Act Youth Program gives eligible youth access to services designed to increase educational opportunities, develop better job skills, explore career options, develop leadership qualities, participate in adult and peer mentoring and counseling and obtain valuable work experience.
Students in the program receive career counseling, reading and math remediation, tutoring, alternative secondary schooling, vocational training, leadership development and job placement. They also complete workshops that taught work readiness, problem solving, life skills and computer literacy.
“These youth services prepare students for the future by helping them to earn a degree, certificate or a paid internship, and obtain much needed career skills,” said Supervisor Josie Gonzales, Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. “The Roadtrip Nation Experience provides each student with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, confidence and an awareness of professional occupations available to them.”
To learn more about the San Bernardino County WIA Youth Program, call or visit one of the youth providers listed at http://www.sbcountyjobops.com/youthservices.html .
Roadtrip Nation, a half-hour documentary television series distributed nationally by American Public Television, airs in southern California on both KOCE and KLCS. Check local listings or visit www.roadtripnation.com/watch for specific airtimes.
About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County:
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.
The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.
About Roadtrip Nation:
In the summer of 2001, three friends decided to take a Roadtrip to seek their place in the world. The idea behind the Roadtrip was simple: If you don’t know what to do with your life, talk to people who are doing what they love, then ask them how they got there. The trio hit the road in a mechanically unsound Green RV, and three months and 17,000 miles later, had interviewed 85 eclectic individuals.
Since then, Roadtrip Nation has evolved into a Movement to help individuals define their own roads in life: Including seven seasons on public television, three books, an online community, and a student network on more than 350 campuses.
In 2009, the Movement expanded into education with the creation of RoadtripNation.org and the development of The Roadtrip Nation Experience, a hands-on, engaging curriculum that guides students through an explorative process to learn about pathways relevant to their own individuality.
Roadtrip Nation is dedicated to inspiring people everywhere to create lives based on doing what they love. For more information, visit roadtripnation.com and roadtripnation.org.
News Source: Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .
