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The Workforce Alliance provides valuable services for job seekers AND employers within the South Central CT region. There is never a fee for job seekers or employers Proud partner with American Job Center Network.

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Workforce Today Podcast Releases New Episodes & Reaches 1,500 Downloads

January 30, 2017

Host Bill Villano is President and CEO of Workforce Alliance, based in South Central CT. He is sharing 35 years of insight about workforce and economic development through conversations with guests and friends in public service and business. "I think so much of what we are dealing with locally can be talked about on a larger level," Villano said. "Some of these people I've worked with for decades, some just recently, but they all shape our economy and have a stake in workforce development. It's fun to capture these short conversations and share them." Episode Summary: Episode 01: New Haven's own 23-term U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro gives her perspective on jobs, education and the economy. She also names the "titans" of bi-partisan leadership for getting work done in Congress. Episode 02: Manufacturing industry leaders Marcia LaFemina of North Branford's Penn Globe and Paul Hoffman of Orange Research in Milford know first-hand about CT manufacturing and what could be the answers to the skills gap in that industry. Episode 03: Edible Arrangements Founder & CEO Tariq Farid shares his story of how what started as flower shop in East Haven became an international success, plus the people in his life who have guided him. Episode 04: Microsoft's Bill Kamela, national director of workforce policy, talks about the IT skills gap, what Microsoft is doing about it, and what it's urging other tech companies to do. Episode 05: In her final days as U.S. Assistant Labor Secretary, Portia Wu discussed workforce participation, paid family leave, green jobs and the one issue she regrets not making more progress on during her tenure. Wu was born in New Haven and graduated from Yale University and Yale Law School. Bonus Episode: 5 Questions with Senator Chris Murphy. Bill caught up with Senator Murphy right after his walk across CT this fall. He shared what he heard along the way, and his thoughts about the labor market in CT.

Workforce Alliance is the Workforce Development Board serving 30 towns in South Central CT including Bethany, Branford, Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Haddam, Hamden, Killingworth, Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, Orange, Portland, Wallingford, West Haven, Westbrook and Woodbridge.

All episodes are available for streaming on the Workforce Alliance website and also through Apple's iTunes and Google Play. A free mobile Workforce Today app is available for download. Episodes are released monthly and are 15-30 minutes long. Future topics will include transportation access as a workforce and a local planning issue; healthcare as a major employer; and interviews with experts about what job postings looking like day-to-day and in the future.

Workforce Today is produced and distributed by Workforce 180, headed by Branford's own Mike Fazio. Villano has headed Workforce Alliance since 1982. He on the board of directors of the National Association of Workforce Boards, which represents 550 boards across the country; and chairs the Connecticut Workforce Development Council, which includes CT's five workforce development regions. Workforce Alliance is responsible for the design, oversight and accountability of workforce development policies and services in South Central CT. It funds employment and training initiatives that prepare individuals for jobs and assists employers with training needs, recruitment and hiring. Unlike outplacement or staffing agencies, there is never a charge to the employer or the jobseeker because services are funded through state and federal grants.

Employers can contact Workforce Alliance business services staff for help with recruiting and screening candidates and qualifying for hiring incentives that reimburse 50 to 75% of wages. Last year, more than 15,000 jobseekers in South Central CT visited the four American Job Centers in New Haven, Meriden, Hamden or Middletown for self-service or one-on-one assistance, including connecting with employers or getting training assistance to earn industry credentials that lead to employment. Programs are available that suit all ages, income or education levels.

Media Contact: Ann Harrison; (203) 867-4030 x 242; aharrison@workforcealliance.biz

Member News is provided as a service of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce and is also featured in the monthly "Chamber News" newsletter mailed to members.