WorkForce Central

Our Local WorkForce Board convened today for its regular bi-monthly meeting. In attendance were Korbett Mosesly with the?Washington State Department of Commerce and John Traugott, Executive Director of Washington Workforce Association, to share information about our legislative priorities in this upcoming session, Economic Security for All and the Community Reinvestment Plan. Also discussed during the meeting were updates on Industry Roundtables held by our Business Solutions Team, as well as how we're supporting employees of the upcoming Boeing layoffs through our Rapid Response program. Thank you to our board members who volunteer their time to support our local workforce system by providing valuable guidance and insight into these endeavors.

Meet Nicole Battles, owner of Fluffy Girl Creations, a small business located in Fife, who’s mission is to provide unique fluffy-centric items that promote self-love, care, and acceptance, no matter your size. Learn more about her business and how receiving a Small Business Grant from WorkForce Central is making an impact on her operation. View the full video on our website https://lnkd.in/gnmBa6-t

Congratulations to our Community Engagement Team, Tamar Jackson and Kelly Brickhouse, who were honored as DEAI Champions last week during the first-ever AFP South Sound Philanthropy Awards. More than 100 South Sound philanthropy leaders filled the Tacoma Community College Art Gallery to celebrate the unsung heroes in the philanthropy community.

WorkForce Central staff had a great time connecting and learning with our peers at the Washington Workforce Association Fall Conference held this week in Tacoma. Staff and several of our board members participated in sessions and panel discussions on a number of topics, including serving our justice-impacted and homeless populations, data, working with the unions, and apprenticeships. ? In a powerful panel discussion on the Community Reinvestment Plan and the impact it has had on both job seekers and businesses, Kenneth Sutton, a local job seeker, shared how the WorkSource Pierce network was able to help him overcome obstacles and support him in training and finding quality employment through community reinvestment. It was a moving testimony that further affirms to us that the work we are doing is changing lives and fuels us to continue looking for new ways to innovate and grow in our service delivery. ? Thank you to our partners Tacoma Public Schools and Port of Tacoma for participating in a session with WFC staff sharing about our work around paid internships and career pathways development. And thank you to all the board and staff members who represented WFC with various presentations: Nathaniel Lawver, Deborah Tuggle, Deanna Keller, Christian Reed, Katie Condit, Kelly Brickhouse, Josh Stovall, Samuel Bradshaw, and Kari Haugen.

Community Reinvestment in Action: For Tacoma small business owner Mattice Hoyt, receiving a Small Business Grant from WorkForce Central provided her not only a more efficient means to do business and the ability to hire an additional employee but also safety and security in her operations. Through the Small Business Grant, Mattice was able to purchase a Square point-of-sale system, security cameras, and lockable shelving for her beauty supply business, Mattice Beauty Supply.?? “As a disabled business owner, my disability has made me an easy mark for petty theft,” Mattice said. “With the grant, I was able to get lockable shelving in both my conference room and sales floor, thus opening shelf space behind my counter for more items since now I can put my wigs in locking cases. This grant also allowed me to get items that would benefit my community conference space. Like a refrigerator for our community meals and shelving for art supplies.”? And as a result of acquiring a system that can help with payroll, Mattice says she plans to hire an additional employee.? Thank you to the Washington State Department of Commerce for partnering with Local Workforce Boards on this initiative that supports small businesses and provides opportunities for them to grow. #localworkforceworks?

Learn more about how WorkSource JBLM was able to support Jaydon in pursuing a new career as he transitioned out of the military.

Welcome, Tricia!

Community Reinvestment in Action: Update! Luis has been making big moves with his small business, Break Through LLC, after receiving a Small Business Grant. In addition to hiring several new employees, Luis has also been able to secure two local government contracts paying prevailing wage and securing work for the next two years!? Congratulations, Luis! Thank you to the Washington State Department of Commerce for your partnership in supporting Black, Latine, and Native American owned small businesses. #localworkforceworks

In September, we convened for the first time the Pierce County Justice Success Network, an initiative led by WorkForce Central in collaboration with community partners. Together, we aim to build a comprehensive ecosystem that offers justice-impacted individuals the support they need to overcome systemic challenges and build better futures. Learn more about our efforts and how to get involved. https://loom.ly/zZa2qtk

"By 2031, 72% of jobs will require some form of postsecondary credential, up from 70% in 2023. To meet these growing demands, programs targeting non-traditional students and working adults are crucial." As the local workforce development board in Pierce County, with support from Washington State Department of Commerce, we are addressing underemployment by investing in programs that promote long-term economic stability and create a more resilient workforce. Thank you to Korbett Mosesly for your partnership in this work! #localworkforceworks