AN INTERVIEW WITH
Fran Reilly

  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 Fran Reilly of the Blairsville Career Center.

 

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

FR: - My name is Fran Reilly and I have worked for the Georgia Department of Labor since 1980. I have worked in the Blairsville Career Center since 1986. Our Employer Committee is the Union/Towns Employer Committee and the two counties we serve are Union and Towns.

 

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

FR: - Our Committee includes: healthcare, hospitality, utilities, Chamber of Commerce (both counties), government agencies, education, financial institutions, media, retail, building construction, and manufacturing.

 

What do you believe is unique about your Employer Committee?

FR: - Our Committee was formed on September 6, 2000 and we have several of the original Members that are still serving on our Committee.

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

FR: - It seems our area is fast becoming a retirement community. The service industry and healthcare is growing rapidly. Our area is in need of manufacturing jobs that offer benefits and decent wages.

 

Why should I join your Employer Committee?

FR: - The opportunity to networking and learn about other businesses is invaluable. To keep employers aware of important employment issues and their impact on their business. Employer’s can take advantage of the services offered by the Career Center. And most of all we are a very friendly and fun Committee.

 

How active is your Employer Committee working in your community?

FR: - Our Committee offers free workshops on how to become a certified Drug Free Work Place. We donate money for scholarships to three local high schools. We also give to needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Committee Member’s deliver food and Christmas presents during the holidays. They also help with Christmas at the College at North Georgia Technical College serving refreshments.

 

Has your Employer Committee received any awards or special recognition?

FR: - Yes. We won the Committee of the Year in 2003 and also the Community Service Award, Project of the Year “Adopt a Grandpa and Grandma” in 2003.

 

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

FR: - We will certainly be focusing on the healthcare and hospitality industry. The local technical college offers several classes to better education our workforce. The technical college has a great working relationship with the employer community and strives to meet their education and training needs.

 

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

FR: - I would like to see our Employer Committee become more involved in services for the youth and our veterans. I feel I can play a big part is helping them stay focused and accomplishing that goal. I also want to help educate the employer community of all the wonderful services the Career Center has to offer.

 

Blairsville Staff
(L-R) Fran Reilly, Debra Parson (seated), Peggy Kelly,
Janet Chapman