AN INTERVIEW WITH
Carol Green

  The Georgia Employer Committee would like to share with its viewers the EMR's who are vital to the success of the Local Committees throughout the State. This month we meet and talk with Carol Green of the Blue Ridge Career Center.

 

Tell us your name, your Career Center and how long you’ve been an EMR?

CG: - My name is Carol Green and I am the Employment Marketing Representative for the Blue Ridge Career Center. Our Employer Committee is the North Georgia Employer Committee.

 

What types of businesses or organizations make up your Employer Committee?

CG: - Our Employer Committee consists of a diverse group of employers.  We have members from:

• Financial Institutions
• Healthcare
• Chamber of Commerce from each county
• Insurance
• Staffing Agencies
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Utilities
• Government Agencies
• Education (Technical College and Board of Education Representatives from each county

 

What do you believe is unique about your Employer Committee?

CG: - As a very new EMR, I have been absolutely amazed at the dedication and support of each member of our Employer Committee! Because of our diversity, each member brings something unique to our membership. Our members use our meetings as a forum to discuss and resolve issues important to their businesses. Our membership consists of employers from the largest corporations in each county to the self-employed owner of his own business! As a committee, we are able to collectively improve our communities, form strong partnerships and bonds that will help strengthen our workforce.

 

What do you believe is your Employer Committee's biggest challenge for your area, regarding the workforce?

CG: - Our area has taken a hard hit in the past few years in the area of manufacturing. Because of this, many of our members have had to retrain and refocus! Each member of our committee has shown a great commitment to overcome adversity, provide assistance to other employers when possible and support our community in every way possible. Our members who are part of our Educational system as well as other governmental agencies are always willing to provide assistance in any way possible. Economically strong employers provide stable jobs for our area’s workforce.

 

Why should I join your Employer Committee?

CG: - Our committee has found that many common factors exist despite our different business types and sizes.  At each meeting, we focus on these common factors and strive to provide quality speakers addressing current issues and concerns.  Some topics covered at our recent meetings include:

• Small Business and Entrepreneur Resources
• An Update on Immigration Issues
• A Practical Approach to Americans with Disabilities Act
• Georgia Work Ready Community Initiative
• Georgia Department of Labor, Tax Division

Many employers also enjoy the opportunity to network with others in similar positions.

 

How active is your Employer Committee working in your community?

CG: - The North Georgia Employer Committee is very active in our community. We sponsor educational and informative seminars for our employers and scholarships for graduating seniors in each county.

 

Has your Employer Committee received any awards or special recognition?

CG: - The North Georgia Employer Committee was awarded “Employer Committee of the Year” in 2000 and 1st Runner Up for “Employer Committee of the Year” in 2006.

 

What future trends does your Employer Committee see in employment needs in your area?

CG: - Our employment trends are changing drastically! The trend seems to be moving towards small business, retail and the service industry. As a committee, we can assist and support these small employers. It also gives me the opportunity to offer these employers the services and assistance that is available through the Georgia Department of Labor.

 

In the future, what would you most like to accomplish as an EMR?

CG: - When I was allowed to take the position of EMR, I replaced a person with an exemplary work ethic and commitment to the job. It will be a great accomplishment if this can also be said about me. I am very fortunate to have a manager that is both aware of the responsibilities of the job and provides wonderful support and assistance. It is my goal to be an EMR that will help grow business in our area that will provide more opportunities for our workforce. I hope to see continued growth of our Employer Committee and to form strong relationships with our members. I want every employer in Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens counties to be aware of all the services that the Blue Ridge Career Center provides.