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May 13, 2005
JobConnect hopes to attract business
By PHILLIP GOMEZ Last year Balint learned that, through the efforts of Pahrump's three representatives on the county commission, including former Commissioner Henry Neth - and especially Commission Chairwoman Candice Trummell, who sits on the Southern Nevada Workforce Investment Board - Pahrump's Chamber of Commerce was awarded $400,000 to open and operate a JobConnect. The investment board mandated that one-third of the One-Stop's partners-to-be would specifically have employment related purposes: Nevada Business Services of Pahrump; Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) State and Local Solutions; the Nevada Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation; and the Nevada Department of Employment and Training were named as such. That left two-thirds of the office space available for other training and referral social services. "I've been inundated with not just existing businesses whose owners say how badly we've been needed, but with new businesses, too," said Balint. The other partners at the One-Stop are: • Citizens for Affordable Homes. • Creative Association Tutoring. • Woodbury's Educational Pathways. • The Salvation Army • Western and Excel truck-driving schools • Pahrump Labor Service. • Premier Labor Force. • Rural Communities Workforce Solutions. Balint said that offsite partners would also play a part in strengthening Pahrump's economic development. She has worked closely with the Nye County Coalition and the county's new economic development director, Ann Barron. Tutoring labs will be available to youths for GED preparation, Balint said, and youth service managers will work to tutor and counsel youth in gaining proficiencies for SAT testing. "We're filling in the gaps of job seekers who may need assistance to become successful tax-paying citizens, earning a livable wage and feeling good about themselves." But before that can happen, "Businesses need a place to hang their hats," said Balint. In order to help businesses thinking of relocating to Pahrump, or to any other community in the One-Stop's service area, the JobConnect and its affiliated service providers can assist them in "testing the waters of the local community," she said. "We have the information on the salary ranges, the demographics and other labor market data. We can assist with all their needs, from recruiting to job placement to increased job retention." Professional assistance in understanding the local labor market before the move is committed to can make the decision easier, Balint added. "Assistance (will be offered) in making solid business decisions and minimizing risks. "You can't fix it all, but this is a huge accomplishment," said Balint. The investment board has allocated the dollars, and now we'll see what we can do with it." Essential to the concept of the Community One-Stop has been the sharing of operating costs by being under one roof. Speedy referrals to sister agencies, businesses and employers is another important aspect of the community design. The One-Stop leases its building from Nye County. In their talking points, last week before area business people, Nevada Department of Employment and Training representatives presented several advantages of connecting with the One-Stop: • Job postings on the Internet. • Referrals and placements. • Office space for conducting job interviews. • Conference room space for employee training sessions. • Personal computer Internet access. • Labor market information. One-Stop partners, both on and off-site, will be able to offer more services to clients, Balint said. "What we're really doing is opening the lines of communication, talking about the barriers in our community, i.e., drugs and alcohol and the abuse of women," she said. In the past, personnel managers often didn't talk about the personal problems hindering job seekers in becoming employed or in retaining a job. "They didn't know what No To Abuse did," Balint said, citing an example. "Through the One-Stop, we'll work together to come up with solutions to fix our community's needs. And we'll leverage dollars together, stretching those dollars so more money will go toward clients." The One-Stop is expected to be a "business incubator" for Pahrump, strengthening economic development through co-locating businesses on Calvada Boulevard near the Eye. Balint said that long-time businesses in rural areas should seriously consider implementing "best business practices," proven strategies for dealing with customers, external and internal (employees). Otherwise, "You're not going to meet your growth challenges. Growth is jobs, growth is housing, growth is roads, churches, schools, parks." Balint encouraged the community to come out Saturday to show its support for the One-Stop and "make an impression" on the Workforce Investment Board members. Questions about the One-Stop or employment needs can be addressed by calling locally 537-2323, or toll free, (888) 787-2568. Incidentally, Balint said the One-Stop is in need of grain for the ducks; reportedly they are starving. |
