2007 Conference Wrap
2007 Georgia Employer Committee State Conference Re-Cap
From the beginning to the end, the 2007 Georgia Employer Committee State Conference was far more than anyone anticipated.
Attendees were given the opportunity to follow various sessions that were all of utmost importance in today’s complex workforce. This year’s conference afforded attendees to leave with new ideas, updated information on the latest Labor law issues and practical tips on remaining motivated in the workplace.
The opening session entitled “Music Within” by Richard Pimentel offered a powerful presentation on how we all have the ability to make a difference by tapping into the qualities of leadership in each of us. Richard’s life story has been made into a motion picture “Music Within” soon to be released nationwide in theatres around the country. Richard’s compelling story on overcoming his own disabilities and his involvement in the passage of the American with Disabilities Act left attendees crying and laughing at the same time.
Attendees remarks about Richard’s presentation included: “Richard offered a true learning experience, his presentation was outstanding and a moving story that made me appreciate even more the struggles endured by those with disabilities” and “I was moved by his life experiences and will be sharing this story with my staff at work.”
Other session topics included “Buried Alive: Digging Out of a Management Dumpster”, “Power Interviewing: How to Interview Effectively to Get the Job You Want”, Common Focus: Developing an Effective Organizational Communication Strategy”, Updates on Federal Labor Laws and many other relevant topics of value to our conference attendees.
Over 360 guests attended this year’s “Star Studded Awards Banquet.’ Several of our local committees competed for the Community Service of the Year Award, Project of the Year Award and Committee of the Year Award. This year’s awards program also included a Special “Spirit Award” and awards for various Georgia Department of Labor staff.
The “Spirit Award” was presented to the Americus Employer Committee for their steadfast dedication and perseverance in a very difficult and challenging year. This year’s tornado, which destroyed the local area hospital, came on the heels of a former apparel manufacturing plant closing which affected many involved in the Americus Employer Committee. In spite of these difficulties the committee remained strong and managed to provide many services and activities throughout the year.
Congratulations to our 2007 Spirit Award Winner!!
This year’s Community Service of the Year Award was presented to the Cartersville/Bartow County Employer Committee for their involvement in the community’s “Hoops for Hope” basketball tournament. The tournament raised over $18,000.00 for their local community.
Congratulations to our 2007 Community Service of the Year Award Winner!!
The 2nd Runner Up Community Service Award went to the Griffin Area Employer Committee for the support of their local Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. The Boys and Girls Club provided year –round programs for children in their community through after school programs as well as a six week summer camp program.
The 2007 Project of the Year Award went to the Blue Ridge/North Georgia Employer Committee for their outstanding “Employer Resource Guide.” This essential resource guide shared information on applicable laws, best practices and procedures relating to employees and the employment process.
The Resource Guide also included an interactive CD which could be customized into an employers’ handbook. Seminars were also offered on the Resource Guide and presented in each of the committees’ three county areas.
Congratulations to our 2007 Project of the Year Award Winner!!
The 2nd Runner Up Project of the Year Award went to the Statesboro/Ogeechee Regional Employer Committee for their sponsorship of a special seminar on “Careers in Manufacturing.” This effort was needed to address the shortage of skilled labor in manufacturing and to help dispel the negative impressions many youth have of the manufacturing industry.
Feedback from the students in attendance and the teachers/counselors that took part in the seminar was overwhelmingly positive. The session was so successful that the group has already committed to begin planning for a repeat of the seminar next year with a broader focus to include other skilled labor careers.
This year’s prestigious Committee of the Year Award went to the Newnan-Peachtree City Area Employer Committee for their commitment throughout the year to reach out to all areas of their community in linking their local Georgia Department of Labor Career Center with employers and other workforce partners. The committee formally documented their direction and goals through a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) program. Their mission was to bring together the many business community resources and to find jobs for as many unemployed and underemployed workers as possible.
The committee held numerous job fairs to reach the above goal. More than 3,000 job seekers attended their local job fairs, which resulted in 175-225 hires. They also partnered with the job network group in their area to brief local job seekers on the local employment environment and aid them in their resume preparation, interviewing techniques and networking skills. The committee worked hard to raise over $13,000 by sponsoring seminars for Supervisors/ Managers on EEOC, FMLA and other Labor Law issues. Proceeds from these events were given back to local charities and used for scholarships and other community activities.
Congratulations to our 2007 Committee of the Year Winner! A tribute that was certainly well deserved!
The 2nd Runner Up Committee of the Year Award went to the Macon/Middle Georgia Employer Committee in recognition of their outstanding year. This committee increased their membership by 25% in the last year. They sponsored numerous projects and seminars which received enthusiastic support from their membership and from their community in general. The proceeds from these events permitted the committee to significantly increase their donations this year.
The committee sponsored Unemployment and Fair Labor Standard Act seminars as well as a Veterans Job Fair. A unique activity called Boot Camp for Supervisors was also offered and attended by 39 individuals.
The committee’s donations this year totaled over $1,800.00 which were dispersed among several community organizations. Their membership received several community honors and awards this year.
We congratulate this committee in their most successful year and look forward to their continued success in the future!
Several Georgia Department of Labor awards were also given out at this year’s banquet.
Manager of the Year Awards were presented to the following Georgia Department of Labor Career Center Managers in recognition of their superior leadership and management effectiveness; Joey Ferrell, Mark Ezell, Vivian Richardson, Daisy Woods, Joanne Kirkley, Kim Brown, Frank Bannamon and Dale Long.
The Platinum Award was presented to the Clayton Career Center in recognition of their high productivity during the program year.
The Gold Star Award went to the Jesup Career Center for their model customer service throughout the year.
Several of our Department of Labor Employment Marketing Representatives were recognized for their outstanding service in their respective districts.
These included:
Candace Head, Lisa Parks, Lee Massey, Charles James, Mark Lewis, Sylvester Bell, Cliff Meeks and Patsy Clark.
Awards were also presented to our Vocational Rehabilitation Staff members.
The Spirit Award, which recognizes exceptional customer service was presented to Kelly Lintont and Buddy Lee.
The Touch the Heart Award, which recognizes outstanding performance by a Rehabilitation Employment Specialist was presented to Garlyn Davis.
The Innovation Award, which recognizes outstanding performance in developing an innovative project was presented to John Gordy.
The Unit Involvement Award, which recognizes a Unit that demonstrates an extremely high level of involvement and visibility in their community went to Jerry Scott and Brian Weese.
The Region Job Placement Award which recognizes the outstanding efforts and services of the Region in developing and creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities went to Alan Beall.
A special award was presented this year for the first time, the Larry D. Beck Spirit Award. This award, established by Commissioner Thurmond in honor of Larry Beck symbolizes the eternal spirit of Larry Beck. This prestigious award was presented to Ava Scearce.
Larry Beck was an inspiration to everyone he met by overcoming tremendous obstacles to achieve his goals and become the best he could possibly be. He made a difference in the lives of Georgians with disabilities by assisting them to realize independence through employment. Larry was a servant leader, motivating his staff by example. His light will shine on in all who were fortunate to know and be inspired by him.
Congratulations to all of our Georgia Department of Labor Staff Winners!
Although employer committee members were kept busy attending various educational and training sessions there was still time to network and have some fun during the conference.
This year’s Silent Auction netted over $9,000 (an ALL time record) in proceeds for our local employer committees. The bidding competition among this year’s participants led to many laughs, exciting moments and offered another avenue to meeting new friends.
This year’s Team Building Events also offered some time to network and meet new people. In spite of a heavy downpour, this year’s 5K Walk/Run had over 15 participants. This year’s men’s winner was our own Executive Board member, Jonathan Martin who finished in 20 minutes and 17 seconds. Second place winner was District Director, Mikell Fryer who finished in 22 minutes and 21 seconds.
On the ladies side this year’s winner was employer committee member, Cathy Bexley with a time of 27 minutes and 21 seconds. Our second place winner was employer committee member, Judy Nixon of the Dekalb Employer Committee who finished in 30 minutes and 41 seconds.
Fortunately the old adage of “It Never Rains on a Golf Course” held true as the weather cleared up just in time for this year’s Employer Golf Tournament.
This year’s Winning Golf team consisted of Executive Board member Butch Almeida of Colonial Oil, Jim Gilmer of Coldwell Banker and Artie Jones of Krayons Academy. Numerous prizes and door prizes were given out at both events and all had a fun time in participating!
This year’s conference also featured two very talented artists from Georgia, Artist Huey Theus and Jazz Artist Trae Gurley. Both were featured at a special reception before the Awards Banquet. This event also received excellent ratings from our attendees.
Just a few comments from our attendees included: “Thank you to the Georgia Employer Committee Board for their continued commitment to excellence in the state conferences.”, Wished I could have attended all the sessions-Hard to choose, all offered a true learning experience.”, Best Conference Ever, Keep up the Good Work”, “Very productive conference and at the same time enjoyable.”, “Conference provided time to network and share Best Practices among committee members.”
The Georgia Employer Committee Executive Board and Georgia Employer Committee Coordinator, Vickie Henson are already brainstorming in meeting the challenge they face in making next year’s conference even better!
