On February 1, 2006, Managing Overlapping Leaves of Absence Laws was presented by Mark Vegh, Attorney with Carr, Kennedy, Peterson & Frost. Attendees learned what the many federal and state employment and leave laws cover and how they overlap. On March 1, 2006, Nancy Van Voris, Owner of HR 4 U, a consulting and training firm presented a seminar called The Manager as a Coach, Building Leadership Skills. This seminar focused on finding better ways to relate with employees and improving productivity.

Congressman Wally Herger visits the Smart Business Resource Center

Congressman Wally Herger, his Press Secretary Darin Thacker and Redding Field Representative Dave Meurer visited the Smart Business Resource Center on Saturday, March 25th. They met with Smart staff and Board members Hiram Oilar, Larry Lees, Ginne Mistal and Gail Shook. Hiram and Ginne also serve on the NoRTEC Workforce Investment Board. Charlie Brown, Terrianne Brown, Kathy Schmitz and Gary Corderman from the NoRTEC region also attended, as did Mark Cibula, Shasta County Supervisor and member of the NoRTEC Governing Board. Anna Bengtsson, Smart's Executive Director, presented an overview of the impact of workforce services in Shasta County to job seekers and businesses.

The North Valley Employer Advisory Council

On February 2nd, the North Valley EAC hosted a seminar called, "The Basics of Workers' Compensation." It was presented by Judge Lachlan Taylor of the California Department of Industrial Relations and Pat McAleer, Attorney with Hanna, Brophy, MacLean, McAleer & Jensen. On March 2nd the North Valley EAC presented a seminar on the topic of Hiring Seasonal, Part Time or Temporary Employees & Internships presented by Sean Sharp of Express Personnel.

Superior California Economic Development District

Three self-employment workshops held this quarter by SCEDD at the Smart Business Resource Center on January 17th, February 21st and March 21st. The Microenterprise Development Program presented the pros and cons of self-employment, evaluating your business idea, developing your business idea, business planning, and financing your business. The Microenterprise Development Program is available to offer guidance and helpful tips for anyone thinking of starting a business.

Theodore E. Small Workforce Partnership Award
The Smart Business Resource Center was honored as the Theodore E. Small Workforce Partnership Award was presented to the Northern Rural Training and Employment Consortium (NoRTEC) on February 26th in Washington, D.C.

Shasta County Workforce Investment Board Members Hiram Oilar and Ginne Mistal traveled with Smart Business Resource Center Executive Director Anna Bengtsson, Program Director Nancy Morris and 4 others to receive the award. The group also visited with legislative representatives and conducted a workshop on business services for interested attendees from around the country.

"We are grateful for NoRTEC's leadership in establishing workforce policy for our region that encourages innovation," said Anna Bengtsson. "It's given us an opportunity to have a greater impact. I applaud every employee of the Smart Center for responding to business needs and, as a result, increasing enrollments and training, upgrading the skills of the local workforce and putting more people to work."

The award represents the highest recognition of workforce investment boards around the nation that advance innovative partnerships with their business communities. NoRTEC's work in Business Services was recognized for its strong partnership with area businesses and organizations such as chambers of commerce, economic development specialists, banks, and realtors, among others.

"It's wonderful to receive this level of national recognition during a period of diminishing funding," said Bengtsson. "The award really validates our business-first approach to helping the community. We're pleased to have taken part in creating a model that can be replicated in workforce areas throughout the nation."

At the January SmartNet meeting, Deb Speer graphically demonstrated how politically correct language changes over time. When referring to an individual with a disability and to avoid finding ourselves using words that are not acceptable (i.e., politically incorrect) we need to always remember that we are people first.

Deb explained the difference between a disability and a handicap. A disability is a physical, sensory and mental condition that is diagnosable. It's an Impairment or limitation that interferes with normal living tasks.

A handicap is a barrier that occurs as a result of a disability. A handicap is a limitation or a function of the environment or situation. Example, a knee problem is a handicap to Deb when she needs to climb stairs.

People are not defined by their medical condition. We need to be cognizant of our own personal politically incorrect words we use when referring to an individual. Remember, you are a Person First.

February 9, 2006
Jim Koenigsaecker, Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976. Over the course of its history, it has built homes for one million people, including eight in our local area. Jim currently has eight under construction with plans to build another 25 units next year.

The Community Housing Collaborative is an effort by a number of local agencies, including Habitat, working together to provide housing. Architects are working on drafting homes appropriate for the subject group: those who fall into the gap between still needing support from a rescue mission atmosphere and those who meet the criteria of Habitat for Humanity homes. The group is forming its goals around providing quality housing as quickly as possible. Their aim is to build "truly affordable homes".

March 9, 2006
Dean Germano, Executive Director, Shasta Community Health Center

The mission of the Shasta Community Health Center (SCHC) is to provide high quality health care services to the medically underserved population in our County. Mr. Germano spoke to the workforce issues health care facilities are facing. Shasta County has a shortage of those working in the medical field. SCHC is importing their employees at this time. There is a hope to interest youth in medical careers. SCHC is always looking for good people and they need good customer service experts. The Shasta College Health Sciences Building, when completed, will provide a much-needed local resource for medical training.

Translation Equipment Is Available for Non-Profits
Bright Futures announced they have translation equipment available for use by other non-profits. If you are holding an event or meeting where a translator will be working with multiple individuals, a transmitter, microphone, and receivers can be provided for up to 26 people. A second transmitter and microphone, as well as 5 receivers, are available if a second language translation is needed for Spanish or Russian.