Blog: George Thorne

On November 5th, at the Linkages' Phoenix Kick-Off celebration held at the downtown Wyndham Hotel, the Arizona Employers' Advisory Council (AZEAC) Board of Directors, in coordination with Magellan Health Services, honored Mr. Jim Click of Jim Click Automotive Group and founder of Linkages, with a lifetime achievement award. The award was presented to Jim by AZEAC State Chairman Adam Wollmer (Goodwill of Central Arizona).

The citation read: "The Arizona Employers' Advisory Council (AZEAC) Board of Directors is proud to honor Jim Click of Tucson, founder of Linkages, with the 2009 Community Excellence award in recognition of his immeasurable contributions and efforts on behalf of people living with a disability. Jim was instrumental in providing the business community a link to an untapped workforce that has now expanded to all corners of the State of Arizona and was responsible for the placement of more than 2,000 qualified job seekers with disabilities in meaningful employment. His dedication and commitment exemplify the core, embodiment, true meaning and spirit of the goals and objectives of AZEAC and Linkages. You truly have made a difference!!"

Congratulations, Jim! 

Wednesday, November 11, 2009... it's a holiday. It may be a day that you'll go to class or work; it may be a day you'll do some shopping or go to the gym or play some golf...or you may catch up on some yard work.

But more importantly, it's a day that I hope you will take time out to commemorate Veterans Day 2009 ... by going to a local community parade; or by flying the American flag proudly; or by attending a commemorative service...or simply saying "Thank You for Your Service" to each veteran that you may know or meet. Joanna Fuchs wrote a poem that is on point:

Take A Moment To Thank A Veteran

When you see someone in a uniform

Someone who serves us all,

Doing Military duty,

Answering their country's call,

Take a moment to thank them

For protecting what you hold dear;

Tell them you are proud of them;

Make it very clear.

Just tap them on the shoulder,

Give them a smile, and say,

"Thanks for what you're doing;

To keep us safe in the USA!"

Jobing.com is proud to be partners with / supporters of various Veteran organizations. Over the past year I have had the privilege of meeting and working with so many active, retired, reservist and national guard members throughout the state. I would like to invite you to take a few minutes to view three of the videos that we have done over the past year that capture 2 eras of conflict as well as a new program established in 2009 by a U.S. Army veteran to connect veterans and the business community. I feel the videos will reinforce why November 11, 2009 is so very important to us this year.

Salute A Soldier (Supporting Veterans with Injuries as They Transition Back into the Arizona Workforce) - an emotional story as told through the eyes of a mother, Kathy Pearce from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense - an Advocate for severely injured soldiers - who is an East Valley resident and who is also the mother of a soldier, Staff Sergeant Brent Bretz, who was severely injured in Iraq. The link to this powerful video is:

                 

Vietnam Veterans of America - Chapter 1011 - This video was shot at the beautiful Vietnam Memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix a few months ago. The national VVA has over 50,000 individual members - there are several Chapters in Arizona - the video highlights Chapter 1011 based in Mesa. I encourage all Vietnam era veterans to consider joining the VVA...they are truly making a difference in every community in Arizona that they have a presence. The link to the video is:

                 

Honor Our Troops (H.O.T.) USA - Honor Our Troops USA was formed in 2009 as an initiative to connect businesses that want to honor veterans for their service. Since its inception, H.O.T. has received much interest from other states as well...and it is hoped to be a national program eventually. If you are business...get involved! If you are a veteran...contact H.O.T. for more info! The link to the video is:

                 

(All three videos can also be viewed on the Jobing.com website - just click on Videos and type in the key words in the Search block.)

Please enjoy this very special Wednesday - November 11th ... and be sure and thank each and every veteran for their service and sacrifice for this great country.

The Arizona, Las Vegas and Hawaii Industrial Liaison Group's are privileged to host the 28th Annual ILG National Conference to be held in Las Vegas, NV August 3-6, 2010 at the beautiful new Red Rock Resort.

Theme for the 2020 national conference is "United in Equality...Believe it. Achieve it."

Register now@ http://www.ilgnvegas2010.com

Jobing.com is proud to be a member of the Arizona Affirmative Action Association (Quad A) Board of Directors, serve as Co-Chair of the Marketing & Communications Committee on the National ILG Conference Planning Board...and a contributing sponsor as well.

Other sponsors to date include: IBM, Direct Employers, US Foodservice, American Express, Apollo Group, Bank of Nevada, Great Impact!, JAG Specialties LLC, U.S. Department of Labor, OFCCP, Shamrock Foods, and U.S. EEO Commission. Want to be a sponsor? ... go to www.ilgnvegas2010.com

If you are a Federal Contractor, in human resources, investigate / process/ evaluate affirmative action plans, compliance issues, discrimination complaints, etc...this is a MUST conference for you!

For additional information and/or to register for the conference and/or accommodations at the host hotel (Red Rock Resort), I invite you to visit the respective websites:

Arizona Quad A - http://www.azquada.org

National ILG - http://www.nationalilg.org

National ILG 2010 Conference website - http://ilgnvegas2010.com

Red Rock Resort - www.redrocklasvegas.com

...or just contact me at george.thorne@jobing.com !

Don't procrastinate! Register Now! Take advantage of the Early Bird Discount!

See you all there!!

 

 

 

The Peoria Chamber of Commerce (a Jobing.com Community Partner) has announced plans for a nine-day business and cultural tour of China March 5-13, 2010.  Space is limited.

This is a rare opportunity to experience China.  See first-hand places such as Beijing; Tiananmen Square; The Temple of Heaven; The Palace Museum (a.k.a. The Forbidden City); Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill; Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Marble Boat; the famous 4000 mile long Great Wall; the Ming Tombs; Shanghai; Suzhou where you'll see Tiger Hill, Hansham Temple and Lingering Gardens; Hangzhou for a visit to the Economic Development Zone and the Lingyin Temple; a boat cruise of West Lake; and much more!

The tour includes round-trip airfare departing from LAX Airport; 5-start & 4-star hotel accommodations; three full meals each day; daily sightseeing tours; deluxe bus transportation; English-speaking guides; admission to tourist attractions; and airport taxes throughout the trip. Valid Passport & China Visa are required.

Interested?  You're encouraged to contact the Peoria Chamber of Commerce for all the details...623-979-3601 or support@peoriachamber.com or info1@peoriachamber.com.

Congratulations to Life Development Institute (LDI), a Jobing.com community partner and member of our Education Professional Advisory Council, for being selected as the 2009-2010 School of Excellence by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)!!

This year, the National Association of Special Education Teachers has recognized the Life Development Institute as one of the premier licensed private special education schools throughout the United States with the distinction of being selected as the NASET School of Excellence for the 2009-2010 school year. 

Rob Crawford, CEO, accepting the award noted "We are honored to receive this recognition knowing it is bestowed upon private special education schools that meet NASET's rigorous professional criteria.  I thank our staff and volunteers who demonstrate each day their exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education in service to our students and parents."

For more information:  www.naset.org  or  www.lifedevelopmentinstitute.org

Again...on behalf of Jobing.com, we congratulate Rob and Veronica Crawford and their entire management and staff at LDI on this distinctive honor!

Jobing.com is honored to be assisting the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City in preparation for their forthcoming Job Fair for senior / mature worker job seekers on May 28th to be held at the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, located at 11250 N. 107th Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351 (623-974-6797) ... 8:00a.m. - Noon.

Employers are encouraged to register early to participate in this very popular event.

This will be a great opportunity for employers to meet one-on-one, interact with, and interview experienced job seekers from a wide spectrum of work experience / variety of occupational backgrounds.

Employers: Please contact Charlotte Walker or Michelle Davis at the Olive Branch Center - 623-974-6797

The job fair will be held at: the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center, 11250 N. 107th Avenue
Sun City, AZ 85351 (just north of Peoria Ave / 107th Ave cross-streets)

Get More Info by calling Charlotte Walker or Michelle Davis at 623-974-6797 or on the website: http://www.bannerhealth.com

Cost: No cost to attend; no cost to employers to participate

The Arizona Opportunities and Industrial Center's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program will be sponsoring a Veterans' Employment / Stand Down on May 20th at their location 39 E. Jackson Street, Phoenix.

AZOIC and its supporters will be holding The Veterans Employment / Stand Down on May 20th from 8:00am-3:00pm. This Employment Stand Down is to further assist all Veterans who are looking for employment and to become productive members of the community.

EMPLOYERS: We need you!  We are asking all employers in the community to give their support to this endeavor.

VETERANS: This event is for YOU...if you are looking for employment or need veteran assistance -- attend!!

The OIC Veterans Employment Committee is made up of several community based non-profit organizations, working together with Government Agencies, to lend a hand in helping Veterans succeed. Among our supporters include: Arizona Veterans Services, The Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legions, AZ DES (Department of Employment Security) Veteran Representatives (LVERs & DVOPs), Jobing.com, and many others.

All veterans looking for employment are invited to visit our scheduled employers to discuss open positions.

Remember to dress professionally; bring your current Resume

Services to be provided at the Stand Down / Job Fair include: Veteran-friendly employers, employment workshops, Resume review, healthcare screening, legal assistance, VA benefits counseling, housing information, Substance Abuse Counseling, clothing, HIV/AIDS testing, and transportation to the VAMC...and more!

EMPLOYERS: Call OIC to register (602-254-5081) or email:

James Burton (james@azoic.org)
Dennis Godbolt (dennis@azoic.org)
David Williams (david@azoic.org) 

                                                " A HAND UP IS ALL WE ASK "

                              THESE VETERANS SERVED OUR COUNTRY WITH PRIDE

                                     ...NOW IT IS OUR TURN TO SERVE THEM

(We are proud to assist our newest Community Partner, the Vietnam Veterans of America - Chapter #1011, in announcing this significant event)

The 15th Annual Vietnam Rememberance Day will be held on Sunday, April 26th from 8:30a.m. to 1:00p.m....the ceremony will start at 9:00a.m. at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza at the State Capitol.

ALL veterans are encouraged to attend - to remember - to pay tribute - and to say "thanks"

Chapter #1011 member Colonel (retired) Joey Strickland is the keynote speaker.

A free picnic lunch will be provided (donations accepted).  Chapter #1011 Color Guard will also be participating.

There is no cost to attend - open to the public.  

Hope to see you there!

  

My thanks to Dawn Zimmer, Communications Specialist at Maricopa Workforce Connections (MWC) Central Office for the following no-charge workshop announcement:

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Maricopa Workforce Connections is adding Budget Basics to the list of its no-charge workshops for job seekers in March. A full-service financial planner specializing in client education and individual financial solutions will offer guidance on establishing and managing a personal budget.

“An overwhelming number of the job seekers in the County’s One-Stop Career Centers ask for help in preparing a personal budget. We are not in the business of providing financial guidance but are in a position to make connections to those who are,” said Janet Lilly, MWC’s Training and Assessment Supervisor.

Salas Vision Financial will provide an hour-long workshop for job seekers in need of assistance establishing a basic personal budget. In addition, the workshop will cover:
• Examining financial position
• Controlling credit card/debt
• Managing taxes
• Minimizing risk
Job seekers are invited to attend Budget Basics workshops on March 20 or March 27 at either of MWC’s two comprehensive One-Stop Career Centers -- West Valley sessions will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. and Gilbert sessions from 2-3 p.m.

Maricopa Workforce Connections’ West Valley Career Center is located at 1840 N. 95th Ave., Ste, 160, Phoenix, AZ 85037; its Gilbert Career Center facility address is 735 N. Gilbert Road, Ste 134, Gilbert, AZ 85234.

My thanks to Dawn Zimmer, Communications Specialist at Maricopa Workforce Connections (MWC) Central Office, for the following workforce forum (open to the public / no-charge) announcement 

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Maricopa Workforce Connections has adjusted its Career Center workshop schedules to better meet customer need; offering Resume Instruction workshops twice weekly, Tuesday and Thursday mornings (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.).

Resumes are the primary tool used by employers to determine who to interview for open positions. It is vital for job seekers to provide a resume that demonstrates he or she is qualified for a position. “There are employment opportunities for job seekers, not as many
as there were a few years ago but there are opportunities for those willing to seek them out,” said Janet Lilly, MWC Training and Assessment Supervisor. “We will suspend workshops featuring Professional Communication, Labor Market Information and
Applications after relevant content is incorporated into Interview Techniques and Job Search in the 21st Century curriculums. We want to ensure we continue to offer information beneficial to all facets of a job search.”

In addition to providing Resume Instruction workshops Maricopa Workforce Connections offers workshops for job seekers to aid in other facets of a job search, including, but not limited to:
Job Club -- is a networking session featuring a discussion of different aspects of the job search each week.
Basic Computer Class – teaches the basics of computer use to aid in online job searches i.e. cut, paste, save and print functions.
Where the Jobs Are – features leads to local jobs, how to apply for those jobs and highlights
industries of growth in the metro area.
Assessment Orientation –provides the basis for doing an assessment, what information it will give you, how you can use that information in your career development and job search
Financial Aid Information – features a variety of ways to pay for college and explains the
differences between loans, grants and scholarships. A brief overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the process to apply is provided. This workshop is facilitated by staff from the Maricopa County Community College District.
Job Search in the 21st Century – address vital job search issues as: Internet search engines and search tips; electronic job search by company, location, job title, occupation and industry clusters; how to set up and send e-mail; how to log in to an existing account; sending a resume via the Internet; converting a resume to plain text; electronic online applications; and electronic networking.
Interview Techniques – aids individuals in formulating personal, positive responses to typical and often times tough interview questions.
A condensed version of MWC’s Resume Instruction workshop and an accompanying handout is available via azcentral.com at htttp://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2008/12/08/20081208workshop12082008-CR.html  (To access the correct video, select the in-demand, button at the bottom of the viewing screen and scroll to Resume Instruction Workshop. The accompanying chat
is not active).

Schedules for MWC’s other workshops are available online at: www.maricopaworkforceconnections.com/carerseeker/workshopsched.
All workshops are provided weekly and are free of charge to job seekers.

My thanks to Dawn Zimmer, Communications Specialist at MWC Central Office, for the following forums / workshop announcements (no-charge / open to the public) that will assist job seekers.

MWC now offers Resume Instruction and Resume Writing Lab 2x each week. Tues and Thurs at each Career Center (Gilbert / West Valley).  ...See separate blog on this offering

MWC has added Budget Basics to the workshop lineup the last 2 Friday’s in March  ...See separate blog on this offering

MWC conducting Workforce Forums (24th WVCC and 31st Gilbert) from 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Highlight is no-charge professional resume reviews

No-Charge Professional Resume Reviews

Maricopa Workforce Connections hosts workforce forums featuring tactics for reemployment.

PHOENIX, Ariz. –Maricopa Workforce Connections One-Stop Career Centers will host Workforce Forums to provide strategies to aid job seekers in preparing for the valley’s economic recovery and provide no-charge professional resume reviews.

Long lines for resume reviews at local job fairs has demonstrated the general knowledge that a good resume is the best way to secure an interview with a potential employer. With so many job seekers and so few opportunities the competition is fierce. To aid job seekers in best positioning themselves in today’s job market MWC will be offering resume reviews during these Forums.

The first of these will be presented at MWC’s West Valley Career Center (1840 N. 95th Ave., Ste. 160, Phoenix, 85037) on March 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The second will be held at MWC’s Gilbert Career Center (735 N. Gilbert Road, Ste. 134, Gilbert, 85234) March 31 also from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Forums will include a brief overview of the no-charge career seeker services provided at the Career Centers followed by no-charge resume reviews. Attendees are encouraged to bring a hard copy of their resume.

Whether employed, under-employed or unemployed, MWC’s connections with local employers and educational institutions allow job seekers to gain information about community services and career and training opportunities under one roof.

“We [Maricopa Workforce Connections] in partnership with others in our community are committed to helping the valley position itself for sustainable growth. There is much talent easily accessible to businesses through the local One-Stop System. We are working with the Maricopa Community College District to ensure courses are available in green technology, a strategic growth area in the valley,” said Patrick Burkhart, Assistant Director Maricopa County Human Services, Workforce Development Division.

For information on the other services provided by MWC please log on to: www.maricopaworkforceconnections.com. MWC services are made possible through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

Arizona Affirmative Action Association (a.k.a. Quad A) announces $Savings opportunity for its 34th Annual Conference (April 28th).

Quad A's 34th Annual Conference is coming up on April 28.  We have a great lineup of speakers for this year's conference, so forward this message to all of your professional colleagues interested in learning what is new and on the horizon for 2009 in the area of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. 
 
Location of Conference:  Black Canyon Conference Center - 9440 N. 25th Avenue

Date / Time:  April 28th...7:30a.m. - 4:00p.m. 

Cost for the conference: 

If paid by April 1st: Members: $100.00 / $150.00 Non-Members

If paid after April 1st:  Members: $125.00 / $175.00 Non-Members

Special offer: Group discounts are being offered to companies that send at least 5 participants.  Each will receive the members' rate.  Groups and individuals both will save by registering and paying by April 1.  After that date, the cost increases by $50.  So sign up now and save!
 
Information on the Conference, speakers, location, registration can be found on the Quad A's website:  www.azquada.org or if you have any questions, simply email us at azquada@aol.com.

Don't miss this conference....see you there!!

As previously announced, Goodwill of Central Arizona, in collaboration with its Business Advisory Council (BAC), will be hosting a Job Fair on March 19th at the American Legion, 364 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007 10:00am - 2:00pm.  

In response to an overwhelming appeal by job seekers and employers, Goodwill be hosting 3  one and a half hour separate training workshops for job seekers at 10:00am on Monday, the 16th, Tuesday the 17th, and Wednesday the 18th.

Mike Burchett will be teaching Resume strategies to get your Resume noticed  by employers -  teaching a curriculum on how to successfully participate in a job fair - and how to get the most out of attending a job fair.

The training is limited to the first 25 people who register for each day for a total of 75 people.  You can register by calling 602-254-2222 and advising the receptionist that you are registering for the Resume and Job Fair Workshop. 

The workshops will be conducted at the 16th Street Goodwill Campus (417 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006).  There is no cost for attending.  

Don't miss out on this opportunity!

This is a conference you don't want to miss! 

Jobing.com is proud to be a sponsor of the AZ IPMA-HR (Arizona Chapter International Public Management Association - Human Resources) who recently announced its Annual Spring Conference - to be held on March 18, 2009 at the Black Canyon Conference Center, 9440 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021. 

It's time to think outside the box as we weather the storm! 

8:00a.m. - Registration / Continental Breakfast 

8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m...outstanding keynote speakers, informative sessions, subject-matter expert speakers, sponsor visitation, lunch...and much much more!!

...here's a capsule:

• 8:30 a.m. ...Keynote by Brett Farmiloe (VP) & Zack Hubblell (Asst VP) Jobing Foundation - "Pursue the Passion / Keep Your Passion"
• 9:45 a.m. ...Vendor Visitation Break
• 10:15 a.m. ...Amy Lieberman - "The Driving Forces of Desire: Resolution and Mediation"
• 11:15 a.m. ...Pat Childress - "HR as Strategic Plan Advocate: Tools for Engaging Supervisors and Employees"
• 12:15 p.m. ...Lunch and Keynote - Chris Hunsicker - "Rolling the Dice in Today's High Stress HR Environment: Using Moral and Emotional Intelligtence to Conquer the HR Dragons"
• 1:30 p.m. ...Vendor Visitation / Break
• 2:00 p.m. ...Mike Wade - "Ten Ways to Botch a Presentation to a Council or Board"
• 3:00 p.m. ...Bob Oberstein - "Sanity in a Crisis: Work Stoppage / Slow-Downs, RIFs ' Lay-offs / Furloughs"
• 4:00 p.m. - Closing and Prizes

Whew!  What a great lineup of topics and excellent speakers!    

...and now, the goooood news!!--Registration is now only $69.00 for the conference (member rate was previously $99.00)!!!!  This is AZ IPMA-HR's "Discounted Rescue Plan / Bail Out Rate"!!  ($89.00 for non-members)

Here's a special invitation from the 2009 AZ IPMA-HR President, Karen Doncovio:

Hello Everyone,
On behalf of IPMA-HR Arizona Chapter’s Board Members, here's wishing you a happy, healthy and hopeful 2009.  As everyone is well aware, we are in an economic downturn.  We also know that economic downturns require extraordinary leadership to overcome the challenges they bring.   Our respective organizations are counting on us more than ever, to partner with them to face questions from employees about an uncertain future.  But, while the coming year may seem uncertain, Human Resources professionals will have the opportunity to use skills we’ve never used before.  Our commitment has been to provide you with the resources and information needed to address current issues on our radar.  In this case - to weather the economic storm such as the one we now face.  We have put together an outstanding program and hope you are able to join us on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 for our annual state conference.  Registration and conference information are attached.  Program details will follow in a separate email.  So please, mark your calendars for March 18th. 
 
It is also our Chapter’s mission to provide its members the opportunity to network with others in our profession.  Networking is critical in a time like this.  So we hope you can join us.  In concluding, on behalf of our Board members, we thank you for your valued membership and your commitment to the HR profession.
 
Karen Doncovio, PHR
President, IPMA-HR Arizona Chapter
City of Glendale
(623) 930-2733 or 2280
kdoncovio@glendaleaz.com

Want to Register as an attendee? Want to be a conference sponsor?  Want to be a conference exhibitor? 

Check out the chapter's website:  www.azipma.org and/or www.Jobing.com's Event's Calendar and/or contact Karen Doncovio for additional information!! 

Sign up now!!

Our long-standing community partner, Arizona Affirmative Action Association (a.k.a. Quad A) starts the year off with an excellent topic / popular subject-matter expert (Todd Johnson of I.C.E.).

Quad A's first general membership meeting of the year is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20th at 8:30a.m. - 10:00a.m. and will be hosted by Arizona Public Service (APS), 400 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.  Parking is available in the Arizona Center lot - parking will be validated by APS at their main entrance security desk.

You don't want to miss this timely / informative presentation: "E-Verify & Fraudulent Documents" (IMAGE Program)...and its featured guest speaker - Todd Johnson, Senior Special Agent, National Image Coordinator, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

There is no cost to members.  It's a great time to renew and/or join!  Annual membership in Quad A is only $75.00.

For more information:  www.azquada.org  

See you on the 20th!!