California Workforce Association meets in Redding
On January 23rd, the Business Resource Center hosted the California Workforce Association's Northstate One-Stop Community meeting. Local and regional representatives from EDD and guests from Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Sacramento, Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo and Yuba Counties attended.

The group shared local updates, and Virginia Hamilton from CWA provided a legislative update from the National and State perspectives. She explained the proposed Personal Reemployment Accounts that are part of the President's Economic Stimulus Package and updated the group on One-Stop Certification efforts.

It was great opportunity to take everyone on a tour of the center and the Business Resource Consultants did a great job explaining how things work. Below is a photo of Lorrie Berry-Trudeau presenting the services of the BRC to the group just before she unveiled the new video "What are businesses saying about the services at the BRC?" Thank you to all the staff at the BRC for representing Shasta County so well!

Business Resource Center Sponsors Tax Seminar
Over 80 business people attended this year's Enterprise Zone Seminar on Tuesday March 4th in the Community Room of the Redding City Hall. Co-sponsored by the Small Business Development Center and the Economic Development Corporation this seminar taught attendees about the benefits they can take advantage of in their own businesses. Attendees learned about interest deductions for lenders, business expense deductions, sales and use tax credits, and the 100% net operating loss carryover. This year special emphasis was given on the hiring tax credits which can save a business up to $20,000 over a 5 year period.

BRC efforts to inform and educate the local CPA's and tax preparer communities have lead to a dramatic increase in businesses taking advantage of the hiring tax credit. During this fiscal year (July 02-March 03) the BRC has processed 621 vouchers for Shasta County Businesses. It is estimated that the impact to businesses will be between $4.5 to $6.4 million dollars in the first year. As a tax credit this amount goes directly to the bottom line of participating businesses in Shasta County. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about Tax Credits just look in the BRC website or you can call the Business Resource Center at 246-9590.

Put your Business On the Internet a big success
In March the BRC hosted an encore performance of "Put your Business On the Internet". This hands-on seminar was attended by 11 businesses each concluding the day with a ready to go Web Site promoting their business, and free web hosting for 90 days with ongoing support. This program is part of The Northern California Web Site Initiative sponsored by NoRTEC and bringing in the talents of John Millar & Associates to conduct the training and Bizland to provide support. You can learn more about the program and see some of the websites that are up and running by clicking on www.nortec.org/cb/nortec_public.html.

One of the hottest new offerings is the new Internet Training Opportunities available through the Business Resource Center. The BRC has contracted with the two world leaders in E-Learning solutions to offer online training right in a in a customers office or in an instructor lead setting. Element K and SkillSoft offer classes in Office Productivity, Computer Professional, and Business Skills. The depth and range of topics and curriculum is incredible. Businesses have been asking for years for this kind of training and it is finally here. OK now for the best part…It is totally free to the customer. The BRC can provide businesses with a license that can be used as long as the organization is training. Upon training completion the business simply returns the license, which can then be checked out to other businesses. This is very powerful stuff and another way that the BRC is meeting the needs of Shasta County Businesses. If you would like to learn more about this special offering check out the BRC website.

In addressing the crowd of over 700, Mayor Mark Cibula attributed recent successes to partnerships with non-profits, governmental agencies, and local business. Working closely with civic and business leaders will help to build the city of Redding while protecting the quality of life and friendliness that Redding is known for. Prime examples of the city working with the community and developers include the new Safeway Stores, the new Blue Shield complex, and the recently completed Mt. Shasta Mall. Other examples of community investment include:

Redding residents can also be proud of its 26 miles of Park Trails for walking and bicycling as well as the Turtle Bay Exploration Park just opened last summer. OH and by the way, name one other city where the crime rate per capita is lower than in the 1970's.

Like any other city Redding does have future challenges include housing, additional wastewater facilities, and the continued commitment to the general plan despite current economic conditions. But for my money Redding is the Star of Northern California and the best place to live and raise a family. Congratulations to the City of Redding on a successful year and to bright future.

The 2003 Shasta County Labor Market and Economic Outlook presentation was held on January 21st at the Holiday Inn in Redding. Sponsored by the Private Industry Council (PIC) in partnership with the Labor Market Information Division of EDD, this was the 4th annual presentation of the Occupational Outlook Survey and Training Directory, presented by Marilyn Warmington (PIC Project Specialist). Kathy Porter, Labor Market Consultant with EDD reviewed the local labor market, current industry information, and community demographics related to the economy.

Over 100 partner agencies, businesses, and media attended the event, which featured Scott Swendiman, President of the Shasta County Board of Realtors. Scott shared his insights and perspective of the Real Estate Industry as he spoke about the growth that Shasta County is experiencing in residential housing as well as commercial development. Thank you to the great staff at PIC and EDD for organizing this event and a special thanks to all of our guest speakers for making this event such an interesting and informative presentation.

And the winners are... As part of the CCOIS presentation, we asked for the assistance of attendees, business and community partners in choosing the 20 occupations to be surveyed for the next Shasta County Occupational Outlook and Training Report. This year's survey will include:

A Star Spangled Celebration was this year's name for the Redding Chamber of Commerce 2003 Chamboree held on February 21st at the Redding Convention Center and that is exactly what it was. I must say that this was one of the finest most fun events of its kind that I have ever had the privilege to attend. Dr. Ray John was the Master of Ceremonies and performed his duties with the utmost in class, dignity, and grace. This annual event is the highlight of the year and the forum for recognizing Business of the Year, Business Man and Woman of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. This year's honorees were:

Chamber Welcomes New Members
On February 27th the Redding Chamber hosted its annual Prime Time Mixer recognizing new members from their annual membership drive. This year's event featured over 40 new members, giving them an opportunity to present their business to the community. The mixer had a South of the Border theme that was enjoyed by the more than 250 people attending. Key to the evening was the contribution of C.R.Gibbs who provided all of the food and decorations. Thank you C.R. Gibbs and the entire Prime Time Committee for a job well done.

Business members at the Redding Chamber mixer

The completion of this study is just one of many steps that the LCCPC is undertaking in addressing this most critical need and the development of a plan to build capacity and offer quality childcare in Shasta County. The Children and Families First Commission (a.k.a. First 5 Shasta) has committed $1,000,000 (yes that's million $$$) to the development of a comprehensive child care system in Shasta County resulting in affordable and accessible childcare to everyone.

School To Career held the 4th annual counselor workshop co-sponsored by Shasta Tech Prep, and the State Center Consortium at the Red Lion Hotel in Redding on the 29th of January. Over 100 people attended the event including school counselors with a member from private industry seated at each table. Rich Feller, a professor at Colorado State University and international consultant, gave a terrific keynote address as he shared his vision of the new workplace (it ain't Lucy and Ethel any more) and how to help in preparing today's youth for tomorrows challenges. Following his address Rich took the group through some simple exercises designed to help counselors working with youth discover their interests and aptitudes. After lunch Valerie Vuicich from the State Center Consortium shared the Work-Based Learning Toolkit designed to engage employers and the community in offering development opportunities for youth. This was a great workshop and a big Thank You goes to the staff at School to Career for putting on a wonderful event.

Sector Employment Initiative Moving Forward
On February 26th, 40 representatives from the Health Care Industry, Workforce Development Organizations, and Social Service Agencies from throughout Northern California came together in a forum to begin on the implementation phase of the Shasta County Rural Employment Initiative known also as the Sector Initiative. This roundtable was the first step in the planning and design phase of the project with the objective of developing specific projects and activities within Shasta County and No. California to enhance employment opportunities for rural low income residents while addressing the shortage of skilled medical professionals in Northern California. Sponsored by Acorn Community Enterprises and the Shasta County Private Industry Council the meeting was a great success and strong start to this phase of the project. If you would like to be involved or learn more about the initiative please call Richard Hardie at 244-2472.

Workgroup photos:

How to Find Jobs in the North State was the subject of a television series that began on Channel 9 KIXE on February 28th. Jobs: The TV Show is co-produced by the Shasta County Private Industry Council and KIXE-TV, and is hosted by Steve Raml of KRCR Channel 7.

In this first episode of a 7 part series the SMART Community Employment Center is introduced. The SMART Center is an essential tool for both Job Seekers and Employers. Future shows will feature a look at Health Care and a variety of current topics for employers and job seekers. The show will air three times a week (Fridays at 10:00 PM, Sundays at 5:30 PM and Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.) Mark the days and times on your calendars as Jobs: The TV Show is one of the best places to get ideas, listings, information, and... Jobs.

Enhanced Access to Services for Job Seekers
In March, Community Employment Centers in Redding and Anderson upgraded and installed new workstations and software to enhance access to services for individuals with disabilities. Adjustable height workstations with enlarged print keyboards, best of breed screen reading software, and a variety of aids are now available to all CEC customers. Most significant is the addition of software for individuals with learning disabilities. This is the largest segment of the disabled population and one of the most difficult to identify. These workstations are available to anyone using the center and enhance the ability of people with disabilities to receive services within the mainstream of customers without the need to identify and call attention to barriers. These tools will be critical in helping individuals with disabilities to access services, enter the workforce, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Partnership Advisory Council
The Partnership Advisory Council and Community SMART Partners met throughout the quarter sharing information, coordinating activities and learning about ongoing efforts and new projects. Work Incentive Education Project, Local Child Care Planning efforts, and the Shasta County Community Action Agency. A special Thanks to Shasta Head Start for providing training on Stress Management and the 40 Developmental Assets. On the horizon is the addition of the Family Self- Sufficiency Project being led by the City of Redding and offering great opportunity for collaboration in addressing the issue.

Rapid Response Activity

Shasta PIC Community Coordinator
	Jim Jansen (530) 245-1504 jjim@shastapic.com