Business Connection

Care Giver Initiative Grant

In response to the shortage of health care professionals and nurses in California, the Governor has issued a Care Giver Training Initiative Grant. Siskiyou Training & Employment Program (STEP) was chosen to receive some of those funds. Renee Barr, Vocational Advisor for STEP, has been assisting many of the caregiver students in meeting their financial needs while in training. Morris Eagleman Vice President of Patient Care Services at Mercy Medical Center said, “I truly believe it is an opportunity in this community to assist the local residents to prepare for a career that is in demand.”

Partners contributing to the LVN program include, STEP
(www.siskiyouwc.org), College of the Siskiyous (COS) (www.siskiyous.edu), Mercy Medical Center (www.mercy.org), Siskiyou County Behavioral Health (www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/hbs/index.htm), and Fairchild Medical Center (www.snowcrest.net/fairchildmed/).

Overall, STEP has been able to assist 35 of the caregiver students through this
initiative. A student, Lisa Aries said, “I've appreciated Renee's help with paperwork, forms, and getting organized financially.” Another student, Sandy Pfeiffer stated, “Not having the financial worry helps us to focus on the program.” Gerri Fedora the LVN instructor commented that, “The students are definitely less stressed and better prepared. Because they had their textbooks, they were immediately able to start assignments and their test grades reflected that. They are prepared for lectures, discussions and testing.”

What's Happening in the Labor Market

County Data for August (Preliminary) 2001
Labor Force # Employed # Unemployed Rate
Siskiyou County 17,370 16,190 1,180 6.8%
City of Dunsmuir 750 680 70 9.1%
City of Weed 980 910 70 7.1%
City of Yreka 2,910 2,760 150 5.1%

EDD's survey of employers indicated employment in California grew in August, adding 12,200 jobs to reach 14,806,700. The number of people employed was up 154,000 over August of last year. (Please see the chart for local statistical information.) According to labor market information issued by EDD (www.calmis.ca.gov), California's overall unemployment rate was 5.2% in August, up from 5% one year ago. The State of California procedures for filing unemployment claims have been revised. If you,
as an employer, are anticipating any future layoffs contact the Workforce Connection for current information and services.

Employer Resource Center

The Employer Resource Center's (ERC) goal is to assist Siskiyou County's businesses to grow and thrive. The ERC has been established in the Workforce Connection, to help employers get answers to questions and problems that they may face in the daily operation of their business. We can save you time and money by offering the following free resources:

  • Business Counseling
  • Seminars & Workshops
  • Conference & Interviewing Rooms
  • Targeted Employee Recruitments
    • Pre-screened Job Seekers
    Qualified Referrals
  • Labor Market Information
    • Wage, Supply, & Demand Data
    Employment Statistics
    Occupational Trends
  • Economic & Business Development Assistance
    • Enterprise Zone Vouchers
    Tax Credits
  • Workforce Development
    • Customized Training
    Employee Skills Upgrade
  • Resource Library Materials
    • Labor Law Information
    Safety Compliance
    Employee Handbooks
    Business Information Periodicals

    Sexual Harassment Prevention Seminar

    The Workforce Connection’s Employer Resource Center (ERC), sponsored a free employer seminar on Sexual Harassment Prevention, on August 28, 2001 at the Mt Shasta Resort. The presenter was Susan Kemp, J.D., from the California Chamber of Commerce (www.calchamber.com). Susan works as the Helpline Staff Manager and Helpline Consultant. She has previously authored and edited several Chamber publications on topics such as employee handbooks, sexual harassment investigations, family and medical leave, and exempt/nonexempt employees. The seminar focused on the following: “What is sexual harassment; Training of employees, managers; and How to handle an investigation.” All attendees indicated the seminar was excellent.

    The Employer Resource Center is planning another valuable seminar on December 12, 2001. This session will provide an in depth and practical overview of California Labor Law. Patty Huber, Deputy Labor Commissioner and Cynthia Coldwell, Senior Deputy Labor Commissioner will be the presenters.

    If you would like any more information or would like to attend please contact Josephine Wyatt, Community Coordinator, at (530) 938-3231 ext 214.

    Tulelake Update

    Farmers who have had their irrigation water shut off since April because of the Endangered Species Act, may see some sort of relief with AB 1637. Senator Maurice Johannessen, and Assemblyman Dick Dickerson, both lent support to the bill which authorized $8 million dollars in relief to the drought stricken Klamath region of Siskiyou and Modoc counties.

    Senator Johannessen commented that, “The lack of water has created a tremendous economic strain on the Klamath Region. This legislation will give much needed financial assistance to farmers, families, and community organizations. Not only are the people of that area facing a physical drought, but also an economic drought.”

    Siskiyou County Community Coordinator, Josephine Wyatt, frequently visits the Tulelake area to contact local businesses that have been affected by this disaster, to offer information or on-site rapid response services if needed.

    In addition, the Workforce Connection partners are still actively involved in the delivery of services through the Tulelake Newell Assistance Center. The value of the center is evident by the following: 552 Siskiyou County residents and 140 Modoc County residents have accessed the center since it's opening on May 24, 2001. Of the services available the most frequently requested are: Energy, Rental and Medical Assistance, along with Employment Services.