Workforce Solutions Presented to Greenville BPW

Jennifer Bruns, Young Careerist Committee Chair (left) and Dr. Lisa Wendel, Speaker (right)

Greenville, OH. January 16, 2017 - The Young Careerist Committee with Jennifer Bruns, Leigh Fletcher, and Karen Sink of the Greenville Business & Professional Women’s Club (BPW) hosted the January 12th meeting which was held at the Brethren Retirement Community.

Committee member Leigh Fletcher introduced Sonya Crist, a recent club member gave a 4 minute presentation on her journey from being constantly lethargic and sick to good health for which she credits a product called Plexis. She now has the energy to be the wife and mother her family needs along with generating additional income. Due to scheduling conflicts, Sonya is unable to compete on the regional and state levels.

Committee Chair, Jennifer Bruns introduced guest speaker, Dr. Lisa Wendel, Career Pathway Coordinator for the Darke County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) who discussed the “Tackling the Shortage of Skilled Worker to Meet the Demand in Darke County”. She presented one of the biggest issues for many businesses is the declining workforce caused by baby boomers aging out of the workforce, population reduction, more students attending 4 year degree programs, and changing skill needs. While a college education is not to be discouraged, she proposed that a four year program may not be the best fit for everyone and there are alternatives to the debt that a college education may incur. She explained several of the initiatives and partnerships between the schools and businesses which include :

• October 7th – a National Manufacturing Day where high school sophomores spend time in various manufacturing plants.
• November 7th – 11th is a week long job shadow for high school juniors.
• Various school presentations are done through the months of January and February.
• April 11th (the Tuesday before Easter) is a Senior Straight to Work Job Fair where high school seniors are able to bring their resumes and talk with employers looking to hire.
• April 26th (the last Wednesday in April) is a 20 under 20 banquet.
• June 16th, July 14th and August 4th are teacher tours of several manufacturing plants
• Also January through May there is an internship program.

Employers who are interested in obtaining information regarding these programs should contact Dr. Wendel at 419-852-0930 or by email at lwendel@darkecounty.com.

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. Dinner meetings are held the second Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be held February 9th and will be hosted by the Publicity committee. Those interested in learning more about the Club can contact Membership Chair Deb Smith at 937/417-2434 or das24bike@gmail.com or find them on Facebook at Greenville BPW Club.