^The ANSON BIZ-ZINE
WADESBORO, ANSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, U.S.A.

Attendees at the June 10 Lunch and Learn at the Lockhart-Taylor Center hear opening remarks by SPCC President Dr. John McKay.

     (June 11, 2008) -- Businesspersons, ranging from artists to manufacturers, attended the June 10 "Lunch and Learn," sponsored by Anson County JobLink Partners. The event was held at the Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro.
     Lynn Edwards, Executive Director of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. John McKay, President of South Piedmont Community College, welcomed the approximately 80 people present for a catered luncheon and speakers. Lois Crumpler, Outreach coordinator for New Ventures Business Development Inc., gave the invocation.
     Grady Kindley, Branch Manager of the Anson County JobLink Career Center/Employment Security Commission, opened the remarks. Kindley urged people to visit the ESC Web site www.ncesc.com for information about the labor market, jobless rates and other pertinent facts. Kindley also explained how Work First, a statewide program, prepares people on welfare to take responsibility for themselves and their families by finding and keeping jobs.
     Lula Jackson, Interim Director of the Anson County Department of Social Services, told of services that aid employees. Some of these are help with child care or transportation. She mentioned that Work First participants can get work experience not only in paid jobs, but also as volunteers for non-profit organizations. Work First will pay participants in the "Paid Work Experience" program, a benefit to employers who provide the work opportunity. Jackson said the Work First program provides a reliable, dependable workforce.
     Melissa Flynn, Business Relations Representative with the N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, asked for a show of hands of people who knew someone who was physically or mentally handicapped. She said that her job is to place people with disabilities in the workplace. In 2006-2007, 6,721 North Carolinians found successful employment, she said. Flynn also mentioned that there are tax credits for employers who hire handicapped workers.
     Linda Kappauf, Human Resources Director at SPCC, said that the college trains and retrains workers who have lost their jobs or have been laid off. She told about the N.C. Career Readiness Certificates -- gold, silver and bronze -- that people, both employed and unemployed, can work toward. They may first take a placement testing/practice test to see what areas they need to strengthen. Testing is provided in three areas: workplace math, reading for information, and locating information. The certificates are recognized locally and nationally as a pre-hiring tool. Kappauf said that employers like the fact that workers are trained in needed skills; and that training time on the job and turnover in employment is reduced.
     Andy Lucas, Anson County Manager, said that his office is involved directly and indirectly with economic development through the public schools, SPCC, Work First, grants, outreach, and marketing and promoting Anson County. Lucas said that the county is concentrating on working with existing businesses in retention and expansion.
     Crumpler said that New Ventures focuses on entrepreneurship: those starting or growing their own business. She mentioned the Olde Mill Gallery on the second floor of the Lockhart-Taylor Center as a showplace for artists to display and sell their work. Art and other goods are also available on-line through www.ebizanson.org. Incubator space is available for entrepreneurs who need an office or studio in which to work. Crumpler also said that the NVBDI has an emphasis on empowering women to reach their potential.
     April Gonzalez, Business Development Specialist/U.S. Samll Business Administration, discussed free services available to anyone. These include counseling by retired executives, classes, small business centers, and loan programs. "These are your tax dollars at work," she said. More information can be found at www.sba.gov.
     Dana Maness, vice president of Anson Bank and Trust, joked that as the final presenter, he had to follow some excellent speakers. Maness explained the "Shop Local" initiative developed by the Uwharrie Capital Young Adult committee. Shoppers are urged to spend their money in Anson County and make the local economy stronger. For a list of participating businesses, go to www.ansonbankandtrust.com/local and make a difference.
     In conclusion, Kindley said that economic development is not a "chicken and egg" scenario, but that "we need a workforce before we get the businesses." He asked all members of the audience to stand up and introduce themselves, after which he suggested they take the opportunity to network.
     Before adjourning, Kindley introduced the recently published Anson Planner and Information Directory, which was given to all attendees. Kindley noted that the planner is filled with information about Anson County, including contact numbers for agencies and organizations. A publication of Marshall Bruney Media Consultants, the planner is available free of charge at the Chamber of Commerce and the ESC offices.
     Lunch was provided by Events Catering and Event Planning.