Welcome to our 1st issue of Innovations!
The Piedmont Triad Partnership presents this bi-monthly e-newsletter to keep you informed about our innovative programs and latest accomplishments. Here you’ll find feature articles on major efforts such as cluster development as well as updates on workforce development efforts, upcoming events, and PTP marketing efforts. Read on—and let us know what you think.
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The Piedmont Triad’s six workforce development boards have formed a consortium called TriadWorks and teamed up with the Piedmont Triad Partnership to hold a week-long Virtual Job Fair (VJF) the week of November 16-21, 2008.
Similar to a traditional job fair, the VJF is a week-long online recruiting event where employers showcase jobs – from entry level to top management; the only difference is that everything is done online. The VJF lists jobs only from local employers, who purchase online “booths” that serve the equivalent of setting up booths at an in-person job fair. A business provides profile information as well as the open position description(s). Then, during the job fair, job seekers can log on to http://virtualjobfair.triadworks.org 24/7 to post resumes, apply for jobs and chat with employers.
There is no cost for job seekers to attend the Virtual Job Fair. They simply create an account, post their resume, and can apply to individual jobs. Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities TTD/TDY or relay service at 1-800-735-2962 (ask for 336-242-2065).
This is the second of three VJFs; the first VJF was held in July, 2008 with great success: more than 6,500 job seekers posted resumes with the 38 local companies participating.
According to Allison Bowers, Business & Industry Manager for DavidsonWorks, the many hours of behind-the-scenes work is paying off, both for employers and people looking for jobs. "We’ve had 18,000 hits on our website and demand is growing. We started with 15 counties and interest has increased so we’ll eventually have 30 counties participating."
Dianna Harrison, HR manager with Viking Polymers of Jamestown, participated in the fair in July. After receiving about 30 resumes for the two positions she listed, 15 met the qualifications needed from which a production supervisor was hired and began work August 11th.
Records show that job seekers have participated from five different states, not just North Carolina, so the collaborative approach is paying off. Human Resources Director LaShawnda France of Summers Industries was successful in finding a metal fabricator-welder, a very difficult job to fill. By using the Virtual Job Fair, she filled the slot within two days.
DavidsonWorks serves as lead administrator for the Virtual Job Fair under a one-year contract with the Piedmont Triad Partnership. In addition to DavidsonWorks, the following Triad workforce agencies are partners in this project:
- Greensboro/High Point/Guilford Workforce Development Board
- Northwest Piedmont Workforce Development Board
- Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
- Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board
- PeeDee Region Workforce Development Board.
“PTP is proud to have funded an innovative tool on behalf of the Piedmont Triad region’s six Workforce Development Boards, TriadWorks, to meet the needs of job seekers and businesses. TriadWorks provided one of the most successful Virtual Job Fairs in the country and the only one sponsored by a consortium of Workforce Development Boards – a great demonstration of regionalism,” said Theresa Reynolds, Senior Vice President and WIRED Project Manager for the Piedmont Triad Partnership.
Employers can purchase an on-line “booth” at any time at the website http://virtualjobfair.triadworks.org. Employers can call Wanda Montgomery with DavidsonWorks at 336.242.2553. Payment can be made with a credit card, purchase order or check. Businesses can display their logos and post as many jobs as they wish. Booth rates start at only $200.00 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The “Exhibitor Booth” purchase includes booth space with displayed logo for the duration of the fair, unlimited job postings, a profile page to describe the organization, electronic copies of all resumes submitted at the fair. A “Featured Business” purchase includes all benefits of the Exhibitor Booth, the business logo placed throughout all the pages on the VJF Website with each logo linked directly to the organization’s profile page.
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Doing business and staying competitive in the 21st century global marketplace requires a new focus that spurs transformation, innovation and collaboration. Through Cluster Development the Piedmont Triad Partnership’s integrated approach in these four industry segments will promote the creation of high-skill, high-wage jobs within the 12-county Piedmont Triad region:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Creative Enterprises and the Arts
- Health Care
- Logistics and Distribution
Roundtables within each cluster are working on strategies to address workforce training and development along with other needs affecting global competitiveness. To date, the roundtable members in concert with PTP staff are building impressive momentum in their respective clusters.
Logistics and Distribution
Representing every segment of the logistics, distribution and supply-chain management fields across the Piedmont Triad’s 12 counties this roundtable has divided its work among four committees and has overseen their strong efforts.
Representatives from industry, local government and development interests serving on the Government and Land Use Planning Committee worked together to host a 2007 forum featuring officials from the Indianapolis airport to discuss land use and planning issues and overnight air cargo operations.
To raise awareness of the value and array of jobs in the Logistics Cluster, Promoting Logistics Career Paths for Young People Committee is working with K-12 systems, counselors, community colleges and regional businesses to identify opportunities to expose students and their teachers to the world of logistics employment.
Working with the marketing staff of the PTP to promote the Region as a Premiere Eastern U.S. Logistics Destination Committee seeks to leverage regional employers in PTP’s global marketing efforts by eliciting participation and insight from committee members to augment trade shows, industry meetings and marketing outreach.
To move beyond the existing resources and explore potential for new or expanded programming, the Logistics Education Committee has worked to identify and connect the many regional providers of logistics and related education and training programs and understand the demands of this growing industry sector.
Advanced Manufacturing
With the goal of building a high-wage, knowledge-based manufacturing economy aligned with the changing needs of the global marketplace, this roundtable has applied qualitative and quantitative tools in surveying real and perceived differentiators that impact the future of the Region’s manufacturing environment in growth industries such as transportation equipment and pharmaceuticals, those centered on emerging fields like nanotechnology and medical technologies, as well as those engaged in legacy industries such as furniture and textiles. Three Action Teams further focus these efforts:
› Education Pipeline focuses on educating and engaging new entrants in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, encouraging the students and workers in transition to become involved in technology that serves advanced manufacturing.
› Human Resource has identified nine competencies critical to the ongoing success of manufacturing in the region and uses these competencies for ongoing discussions and planning with Community College leaders to close gaps.
› Resources and Assets has identified competitive advantages affecting the efficiency and market position of the Region’s manufacturers, sharing findings with the PTP global marketing programs while also hosting and supporting networking events for manufacturers in the region.
Health Care
This roundtable met on five occasions during 2007-08, adopting vision and mission statements and guiding principles, and establishing subcommittees to address specific challenges and opportunities in six functional areas: Allied Health, Direct Care, Education, Emergency Medical Services, Health Information Exchange Network and Public Health.
Piedmont Triad Allied Health Regional Skills Partnership’s 50-member panel of employers, workforce development officials, educators and community representatives met regularly to develop an implementation plan surrounding tactical avenues for reducing workforce shortages in the Allied Health professions. The group’s work product includes a roadmap for regional continuation of the strategies aimed at increasing the number of allied health professionals in the areas of highest demand.
Creative Enterprises and the Arts
This 50-person Roundtable has met regularly since July, 2007 and has established action teams to address three key objectives:
- Developing an Innovative Workforce
- Identifying Existing Creative Assets and Fostering Economic Growth
- Advancing the Piedmont Triad’s Creative Cluster Regionally and Globally
The Comprehensive Regional Strategy and Action Plan Initiative, begun in Spring of 2008, will identify the best methods for creating additional jobs and income in this sector in both urban and rural areas, with recommendations expected in November, 2008.
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Regional forums are a critical element of North Carolina State University’s Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) program of work on North Carolina's Energy Futures. Three meetings across the state will convene stakeholders to share, debate and develop ideas for creating and expanding local jobs and businesses in the new energy economy.
The second of these forums will be held in the Piedmont Triad on Thursday, November 6th from 8 to 11:50 AM at the Embassy Suites near Piedmont Triad International Airport. The forum is free of charge and open to the public.
Featured Panelists include:
Keith Debbage, UNC-Greensboro and GSK Faculty Fellow, Institute for
Emerging Issues
Erik Jenkins, VP for Commercial Development, Fibrowatt
Marshall Stewart, Department Head, FCS/4-H Youth Development, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Dennis Quaintance, President, Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotel
Steve Smutko, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Each regional forum will promote an exchange of ideas, the identification of economic development opportunities for each region and mechanisms through which local and statewide partners can support further exploration, refinement and implementation of these opportunities.
Of equal importance, the regional forums will provide an invaluable source of regional information to identify and build statewide support for innovative policy changes that promote the development of new energy economy jobs and businesses across North Carolina.
Click Here for the agenda and registration
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The Piedmont Triad Partnership works internationally to leverage the North Carolina Brand, raise awareness of the Piedmont Triad in Europe and Asia and with third party advisors, by using these strategies:
• Participating in NC Department of Commerce-sponsored International Missions
• Prospecting and Meetings at Industry Trade Shows
• Seminars/Hospitality/Meetings at Industry Events
• Periodic Communications and Direct Calls in businesses’ offices
• Strong relationships with NC DOC Staff “on the ground”
• Media Advertising
Following are two examples of recent PTP international marketing outreach.
PTP Presents Piedmont Triad Region Aviation and Aerospace Assets and Advantages at the World’s Largest Aviation Trade show in Farnborough, UK
Representatives of the Piedmont Triad traveled to London for the 46th Farnborough International Air Show in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Commerce (NCDOC). In addition to exhibiting with the state and three existing industries from the region, PTP staff called on new aviation/aerospace manufacturers and suppliers with an interest in the Piedmont Triad. PTP also presented a half-day seminar in Hatfield that showcased North Carolina and the Piedmont Triad region’s assets and business growth opportunities to more than 10 companies from the London area. Piedmont Triad representatives included Heather Sauls, PTP Vice President of Client Development; Melissa Smith with NCDOC; Helen Cauthen from the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance; and local industry representatives. Participating in the Farnborough International Air Show has generated a prospect visit to the Piedmont Triad Region and allowed Piedmont Triad representatives to develop relationships with prospects in the UK that could be explored during future visits.
Attending The Farnborough International Air Show: (Left to Right)
Heather Sauls, PTP,
Amanda Dyer – Antilles Seaplanes,
Frank Montalvo – Liquip / Beta Fluid Systems,
Connie and VL Manuel – Antilles Seaplanes
PTP Participates in Canada’s Definitive Manufacturing Showcase
PTP and local economic developers traveled to Toronto for Canadian Manufacturing Week (CMW) in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Commerce (NCDOC). The delegation included Robin Rhyne of the Surry County Partnership, Wade Taylor with the Rockingham County Partnership, and Heather Sauls, PTP Vice President of Client Development. The Piedmont Triad representatives also visited with five companies from diverse industry sectors in the greater Toronto area with an interest in the Piedmont Triad Region. CMW is Canada's definitive showcase for design engineering, maintenance products and industrial support services. Canadian Manufacturing Week provides a forum for Piedmont Triad representatives to build relationships with Canadian companies in the manufacturing industry.
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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This publication was partially funded through the Piedmont Triad Partnership’s U.S. Department of Labor WIRED Grant. The Piedmont Triad Partnership is an equal opportunity employer.
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