Posts Tagged ‘ Employers ’

First Ever Certified WorkReady Community in NC

This morning the North Carolina’s Eastern Region recognized Wayne County as North Carolina’s first ever Certified WorkReady Community. This announcement is a feather in the cap of a community that has worked hard to provide a qualified workforce to the industries that relocate and expand here in Wayne County. Many organizations need recognition for this amazing accomplishment: Wayne Community College, The County of Wayne, Wayne County Public Schools, the Wayne County Development Alliance, Inc., and our industries. Without all of the aforementioned, it would have been impossible to reach this milestone.

One may ask, “what does this really mean?” and we would collectively reply, “It means that Wayne County has the workforce to support our existing industry as well as industries that relocate to our great county!” A lot of communities make this claim – trust us we hear it ALL THE TIME but Wayne County has certifiable proof that we have the workforce that industries need. Joanna Helms, President of the Wayne County Development Alliance has this to say,

The retention and recruitment of industry is extremely competitive, even more so today than in decades past. The communities that set themselves apart in the areas most important to the decision making process will win the day. Workforce is a huge deal in economic development and Wayne County gets that. To be formally recognized as a ‘Work Ready Community’ and the first in the state is going to keep Wayne County on the leading edge. It’s a recognition that we believe will result in more jobs and more investment for Wayne County.

This past October Wayne County surpassed 10,000 Career Readiness Certificates awarded. This number is by far more than any other county in the state. With the rising interest in workforce by industries, site selectors, legislators, and the like, Wayne County has positioned itself to rise to the top. We take workforce development very seriously and our numbers prove that.

Local leaders share the excitement of become a Certified WorkReady Community

Local leaders share the excitement of become a Certified WorkReady Community

2013
02/20
CATEGORY
About Wayne County
Business & Industry
Workforce
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The Importance of a Robust STEM Program in the East

ImageExecutive Director of the STEM East Initiative, Steve Hill Speaks to Wayne County Industry Leaders about the Importance of a Robust STEM Program in the East

Goldsboro, NC – The Wayne County Development Alliance, Inc., had the distinct pleasure of hosting Mr. Steve Hill, Executive Director of the STEM East Initiative for its semi-annual Industry Leader’s Luncheon. The event was held on April 19 at the Goldsboro Country Club. In attendance were many local industry and civic leaders all of which agreed with the points that Mr. Hill made.

 

In his presentation, Mr. Hill discussed the importance of developing and implementing a robust Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program in Eastern NC. He explained that, at least 42% of the new jobs being created in NC would require at minimum some post-secondary education, many in the STEM disciplines. Not only would a viable STEM program benefit students in that it would offer them more opportunities for employment and earning potential over their lifetime, it would also fill skill gaps that are being identified by industries across the east. During his presentation, Mr. Hill lauded the efforts made in Wayne County around its WORKS initiative and CRC program, stating that,

“Wayne County has some of the best practices around workforce development”.

Mr. Hill’s emphasis on the importance of the role of educators in workforce development was exemplified by his statement that, “teachers literally control the future of this economy”. To further this point Mr. Hill explained that industry leaders need to be involved in what is going on in the school systems to ensure that future workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to meet the needs and demands of industries in the years and decades to come.

The Wayne County Development Alliance would like to thank Mr. Steve Hill as well as those in attendance. Mike Haney, VP/Existing Industry Specialist with the Wayne County Development Alliance stated, “It is encouraging to see this kind of support and interest from our industry leaders. The future of our economy and success of our industries lie in the hands of the youth. Mr. Hill has laid not only the groundwork but a clear path to achieve that success.”

2012
04/23
CATEGORY
About Wayne County
Business & Industry
Workforce
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Top 10 Employers in Wayne County

When I accepted the position with the Wayne County Development Alliance, I admittedly was naive about the industry presence in Wayne County. As I learned about the industries in Wayne County, I became more and more impressed with the strength of the industries in this area. Wayne County is home to some of the leading industries in their respective sectors. We should take pride in all of the industries that call Wayne County home. The diversity of industry within Wayne County has been instrumental in the stability of our economy.  There are over 75 companies that call Wayne County home, including several international firms and privately held companies, some of which consistently rank among North Carolina’s top 100. 

You may be amazed to learn that many of the products in our homes, in our vehicles, on convenience store shelves and anywhere in between are either manufactured in or distributed from right here in Wayne County. Just take a look at the list below – we have food processing, automotive parts, and even electric transformers.

Top 10 Manufacturing Employers*

  1. Case Farms Inc. - 983
  2. Goldsboro Milling Co. - 800
  3. AAR – 656
  4. Mount Olive Pickle Company, Inc. - 646
  5. Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc. – 581
  6. Georgia Pacific (Plywood) – 511
  7. Franklin Baking Company – 454
  8. AP Exhaust Products, Inc. - 365
  9. Uchiyama America, Inc. – 290
  10. Waukesha Electric Systems, Inc. – 273

* As of January 1, 2012

To all of the industries that operate in Wayne County, we thank you. Your presence does not go unnoticed and we are proud that you all call Wayne County home.

                                                                                ~ The Wayne County Development Alliance

2012
04/05
CATEGORY
About Wayne County
Business & Industry
Workforce
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