Centralina Workforce Development Board Newsletter May 2024

For information on all things Centralina Workforce Development Board and NCWorks, visit:


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Upcoming Centralina Workforce Development Board Events & Announcements

Centralina WDB Establishes Mary Walls Community Impact Award


Longtime Board Member Presented Award at the May 14, 2024 Centralina WDB Meeting


The Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) – Mary Walls Community Impact Award honors individuals and organizations who are making significant contributions to their community through time, actions, talents, dedication, and resources. These individuals and organizations serve as role models for compassion and service and strive to make their communities better places to live and work. The Centralina WDB members have a passion for helping others—and we want to honor individuals and organizations who make a difference through this award, named for long-time Centralina WDB member Mary Walls...Learn More!

SAVE THE DATE!


The next Centralina Workforce Development Board meeting will be held on Tuesday July 9, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Rowan Cabarrus CC- NCRC Campus-Kannapolis


The Centralina WDB NextGen Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday June 26, 2024 at 10:00am virtually


No experience required!

You can become a Certified Production Technician in 8 short weeks. No registration fees or certification testing fees. Plus, guaranteed job interviews!


Almost 90% of graduates find full-time employment within one month of graduating.


Call 704-216-3668 or go to www.ncmanufacturinginstitute.com

Certified Production Technician Training Program


MORNING CLASS: May 6 – July 3, 2024 Mon – Fri | 8:30 – 12:30 p.m.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Kannapolis


To register or for more information: Contact Lori Miller (lori.miller@rccc.edu 704-216-3668).

An updated resume is recommended, so get started now by calling 704-216-7201 or emailing r3@rccc.edu.



Be sure to Download the FREE Centralina WDB Mobile App – available on at the Google Play Store and the App Store for iPhone to keep up with all the local workforce services and events happening around the region!


Need to Polish Your Skills? -Virtual NCWorks Workshops Coming Soon to The NC Centralina APP!

And They are Free, Free, Free, Free, Free!


*If your company would like to collaborate with the NCWorks Career Centers & Centralina WDB to plan your next workshop or career fair, contact your local NCWorks Career NCWorks Career Center. *


Community Partners and friends! The Centralina WDB and the Centralina NCWorks Career Centers are doing some virtual renovations and we need your help! Everything is looking and feeling brand new and we want you along for the ride. Like, Share, and Follow our new Facebook Pages so you can keep up with all of the wonderful events and updates in our region!
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Contact Laurie Garner - Centralina WDB Business Services Leader for all your business needs at lgarner@centralina.org

704-348-2713/704-309-0386 (Cell)

Centralina NCWorks Career

Center Highlights

Stories curated by Centralina NCWorks Career Centers

NCWorks Business Services Summit 

One Team, One NCWorks Vision


On May 20-21, 2204, the NC Association of Workforce Development Boards (NCAWDB) and the NC Department of Commerce hosted a business services summit in Greensboro, NC. All twenty Workforce Development Boards in North Carolina were represented. The purpose of the summit was to work together to design and create a framework for business services.


Business Services for the Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) and our local NCWorks Career Center were represented by Centralina WDB Executive Director David Hollars, Centralina WDB Business Services Leader Laurie Garner, NCWorks-Lincoln Center Leader Tony Simpson, NCWorks-Iredell/Statesville Center Leader Annissa Morton, NCWorks-Stanly Center Leader Gus Vanegas, NCWorks Veterans Services representatives Dora Devarie and James Barnes, NCWorks Agricultural Services representative Ricky Boyd, and NCWorks Centralina Business Services Representatives Frances Thornton and Barbara Rooney. David Hollars served as co-presenter in the opening session, as he discussed the value of business services to our employer customers...Learn More!

Centralina WDB Regional
County News

Anson County

SECU Foundation Awards $1.2 Million to Outreach Mission Inc. for Homeless Shelter to Serve Nine Counties


The State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Foundation has awarded $1.2 million to Outreach Mission Inc. (OMI) to construct a new 76-bed shelter in Sanford, doubling its capacity to serve the homeless in Anson, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Johnston, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, and Richmond counties.


OMI provides individuals in need with direct access to housing resources and other critical aid. In 2022, the nonprofit served over 21,000 meals, linked 1,600 clients to essential medical or employment services, and sheltered 536 men, women, and children. The new facility will consolidate two existing 100-year-old shelters that consistently remain at capacity, adding 40 beds...Learn More!

Anson County School District Hires Interim Superintendent of Schools


The Anson County Board of Education proudly announces Dr. Brian C. Ratliff as the new Interim Superintendent for Anson County Schools, effective June 1, 2024.


Following the planned retirement announcement of Howard McLean as Superintendent of Anson County Schools, the Board initiated a rigorous selection process in March 2024 to identify his successor. With the invaluable assistance of the North Carolina State Board of Education, the Board received three commendable recommendations and applications for the interim superintendent position.


After thorough evaluation and interviews with each candidate, the Anson County Board of Education unanimously selected Dr. Brian C. Ratliff for the role, subject to approval by the State Board of Education. Dr. Ratliff brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position...Learn More!

Cabarrus County

Concord Ranked as Second Best North Carolina City to Move to by USA Today


Concord has gained attention in recent years as not just one of the fastest-growing cities but also a popular destination for families. Concord received more exposure recently, as USA Today named it one of the best cities to move to in North Carolina.


As part of its analysis, the paper compared 22 North Carolina cities across 17 metrics to rank their livability, health and safety, jobs and economy, and housing. Metrics included several factors such as walkability, life expectancy, unemployment rates and rent-to-income ratios.


Concord was ranked No. 2 on the list; the only city that was higher was Chapel Hill. The article was impressed with Concord’s public schools and its low crime rate of fewer than 11 crimes per 1,000 residents...Learn More!

City of Kannapolis Receives National Recognitions


KANNAPOLIS — The City of Kannapolis has received three top national recognitions.

World Atlas has named Kannapolis as one of the top cities to retire to in North Carolina. World Atlas cited the city’s Discover a Healthy Life brand, affordable housing, parks and recreation amenities and more. “Newcomers to Kannapolis are fortunate to join a community that prioritizes well-being above all else,” the article noted. Services and facilities that older residents may need were also cited as a reason for the city to receive the designation.


Kannapolis has also been selected as one of the Top Seven Cities in the United States for Retirement Affordability by The Travel...Learn More!

Cabarrus College Offering New Directions Scholarship for Accelerated Nursing Program



CONCORD — Cabarrus College of Health Sciences has launched the New Directions Scholarship, a scholarship designed to give students who have a previous bachelor’s degree an opportunity to pursue an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree.


Full-time students (12 credit hours or more) with a 3.25 GPA or higher (from their most immediate previous bachelor’s degree) and demonstrated need of $6,000 or more, can receive up to $3,000 per academic year. The only thing that needs to be done by the student is to complete the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There is no need for an application or essay...Learn More!

Iredell County

Statesville Officials Break Ground on New Airport Terminal


Statesville - City officials held a groundbreaking ceremony recently to mark the beginning of construction of the new terminal at the Statesville Regional Airport.


Elected officials and city staff were on hand for the celebration.


The N.C. Department of Transportation awarded the city a grant to help cover the cost of the new three-story facility, which will cost about $12.5 million. Construction is set to begin later this month.


Airport Manager John Ferguson said that the project was the “embodiment” of perseverance. He said that the airport has helped the city land several industries over the years, including Cheney Brothers, Sherwin-Williams, Ashley Furniture, Briggs and Stratton, and Kohler...Learn More!

Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Named 2023-2024 North Carolina Association of Scholastic Awards Administrator of the Year    


Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Jeff James was recently named the 2023-2024 Administrator of the Year by the N.C. Association of Scholastic Activities (NCASA).


The NCASA Administrator of the Year Award was one of eleven awards presented during this event, which was held on Saturday, May 13, at the HES-ESS North Carolina Showcase at Mac Gray Auditorium in Statesville.


In addition to receiving this award, James was also unanimously elected to the position of president by the NCASA Board of Directors.

“Dr. James was nominated by the Nominating Committee...Learn More!

Lincoln County

EVENT RECAP: Lincoln County Schools Opportunity Fair


What a great opportunity for our high school juniors and seniors!


Students from Lincolnton High School, East Lincoln High School, West Lincoln High School, Lincoln County School of Technology, and Asbury Academy were able to connect with local business, colleges, military, and service organizations to learn about possibilities for their future.


Lincoln County Schools would like to thank the Lincoln Economic Development Association for its assistance with planning the event and securing businesses and local agencies to participate...Learn More!


Green New Energy Materials Plans Denver, North Carolina Battery Component Operations


DENVER - Green New Energy Materials, Inc., a manufacturer of a key component used in lithium-ion batteries, plans to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Denver, North Carolina. The $140 million is expected to create 545 jobs.


The new Lincoln County facility will manufacture battery separator components to supply customers across North America.


“We would like to thank the strong and unwavering support from the State of North Carolina and Lincoln County for our project...Learn More!

Rowan County

Construction of 1.3-million-square-foot Industrial Park Underway in Landis


LANDIS — A national real-estate developer announced that ground has been broken on the construction of a 1.3-million-square-foot industrial park on Old Beatty Ford Road in Landis.


Jackson-Shaw, the developer, announced that the first phase of Landis Ridge is underway on a 149.6-acre property located at 619 Old Beatty Ford Road. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2025. 


The release from Jackson-Shaw states that the location was chosen because of its proximity to the newly constructed exit 65 on Interstate 85, which allows the property to be closely connected to the Charlotte area and a larger labor market...Learn More!

Refuse Truck Manufacturer Announces Expansion with $21 Million Capital Investment and 170 Jobs in Rowan County


The Rowan EDC is thrilled to announce a significant expansion of Amrep®, a subsidiary of Wastequip, in Rowan County. This expansion, known as Project Hoist, will create 170 full-time jobs with a $21 million investment in new construction and equipment.


Amrep, a leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, will expand its current facility in the Summit Corporate Center in Salisbury to aid in its growth. The project will include the construction of an 80,000 square-foot industrial facility adjacent to its current operations, with Beacon Partners investing approximately $17 million in the new building, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024. An additional $4 million will be invested in new equipment...Learn More!

Salisbury Agrees to $3 million Incentive Grant for Industrial Site Project


SALISBURY — The Salisbury City Council came into an incentive grant agreement valued at $3.14 million to be paid over five years with RP Salisbury Partners, LLC, the name of the partnership between development companies Track West Partners and Rooker, at their April 16 meeting.  


Vice President of the Rowan Economic Council Scott Shelton led the presentation to the council while Cason Bufe, vice president of real estate at Rooker, the owner and developer of the I-85 business center project, and Christopher Kouri, an economic development lawyer with Charlotte firm Maynard Nexsen, were in attendance to answer any questions the city council had.


“The economic development package that you all are considering this evening will help us tremendously to stay competitive as we work to...Learn More!


Stanly County

Stanly EDC Director Headed to New Position with Stanly Community College


Stanly Community College (SCC) has announced that Candice Lowder will join the college as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Career Connections. Candice is also a member of the Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB)>


In this new role designed to help students gain hands-on learning experiences, Lowder will provide collaborative leadership while serving as the director of apprenticeships and liaison to industry and ApprenticeshipNC. 


With a career spanning over 17 years with the County of Stanly, with the last five being in workforce development and community engagement, Lowder brings much experience to her new role. Her tenure at Stanly County and her contributions to the Stanly County Economic Development Commission (EDC) beginning in 2019 underscore her qualifications and achievements, SCC officials said...Learn More!

Albemarle Paper Supply Breaks Ground on Expansion


Albemarle - The Kalogeromitros family has owned at least one business in Stanly County since 1991. Now with two businesses, one broke ground recently on a new warehouse facility.


Dino and Jimmy Kalogeromitros opened Blue Bay restaurant that year, which now is at 1940 E. Main St. in Albemarle, at the corner of N.C. Highway 24-27/73 and N.C. Highway 740.


One of Dino’s sons, Nick, and Nick’s cousin, John, started Albemarle Paper Supply in 2009 in a facility rented from their parents next door to Blue Bay.


The company has grown from that 5,000-square-foot space to its current location at 735 Henson St. The current warehouse has 22,000 square feet of space for the products the company sells, such as food containers, condiments, paper towels, pizza boxes, plates and cutlery for events, along with 3,000 square feet for offices...Learn More!

Union County

JobReady Partnership Awards "New Century Scholarships"



From Ron Mahle, Chair of the Union County Job Ready Council.


Dear JobReady Partners:

 

Because you supported our work in the JobReady Partnership, Brenda Robbins – Vice Chair, and I, had the pleasure of presenting this year’s “New Century Scholarships” to a couple of very deserving Union County Public Schools (UCPS) students.


Piedmont High School Seniors Makenna Tyson and Elana Lankford are the 2024 New Century Scholarship recipients. These awards have a value of $5,000 each. New Century Scholarships are funded by the generous support of Union County manufacturers and are awarded to deserving graduating UCPS seniors pursuing an associate degree at South Piedmont Community College (SPCC). After SPCC, both Makenna and Elana plan to attend Wingate University. 

 

Please join me in congratulating Makenna and Elana on their achievements. I know we are all proud of them!

Union County Community Job Fair Sees Increased Interest


MONROE, N.C.The Union County Job Fair continued its tradition of providing opportunities, resume reviews, and interview tips to future employees and job-searching candidates on Tuesday, April 30. The Centralina WDB and our NCWorks Career Center-Union were two of the sponsors of the event.


More than 450 job seekers and 80 employers attended the event, held at the Union County Agricultural Center, according to South Piedmont Community College Workforce Readiness coordinator Kristi Phifer...Learn More!

Good Jobs Great Cities Helps Students, Employees and Economy


MONROE, N.C.Monroe Mayor Robert Burns brought local leaders together for a Manufacturer’s Breakfast on April 24 at Rolling Hills Country Club to focus on the work of a Good Jobs Great Cities initiative.


The main goal of Good Jobs Great Cities is to connect people with education, including apprenticeships, career opportunities and to help local industry succeed. A particular focus is helping individuals who are historically under-served and from under-represented communities...Learn More!


Brought to you by Centralina Workforce Development Board



We help Centralina businesses expand and thrive through a globally competitive workforce. Our public and private sector community leaders are regionally focused, locally driven and dedicated to providing innovative employment and training strategies.


We ensure every business can compete in the global economy with an exceptional workforce that meets and exceeds the demands of the region's growth. We build sustainable public and private partnerships and attract ongoing funding to expand and diversify the regional economy.


www.centralinaworkforce.com

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