March 28, 2018

The SSVA SHRM Chapter met on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at 11:30 AM, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). 

Ronnie Pannell called the meeting to order and acknowledged March birthdays & guests.  He reminded members about the Virginia SHRM State Conference to be held at the Omni Homestead on

4/22 – 4/25/18 and the SHRM 2018 Annual Conference & Exposition is in Chicago 6/17 – 6/20/18.

Ronnie informed members of next meeting date and reminded all that our April meeting will be Administrative Professionals  Day 4/25/18.   Petrina Carter gave more details about the event.

Mock Interviews at DCC, participants were Ronnie Pannell & Angie McAdams.

SHAPE has been submitted with four initiatives.

No reports were given.

Petrina Carter introduced our presenter, Alexis Ehrhardt, President & CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce

Speakers Presentation was on the Chamber of Commerce Resources.  Alexis informed that we are part of the West Piedmont WIB board and gave a broad overview of the services provided by the Chamber while Allison Moore spoke specifically on workforce initiatives.

Allison delivered information about On-the Job Training (OJT), a program that is anywhere from 3 – 6 months that is funded through WIOA; Work Experience Program, which is also funded through WIOA funds that offers candidates an internship-like experience at area worksites.  Eligible individuals receive a $10/hour stipend; Pathways to the American Dream, specifically for targeted job arenas.  Gives individuals the opportunity to move into middle skill job opportunities and is funded through the DOL.  There are no stipulations to this training like through WIOA; Incumbent worker training is used to help reimburse employers for training, employees must make $10/hour and must be employed with company for a minimum of six months, eligibility to improve, keep or be promoted within their job; and Ride Solutions provides a free carpool matching database available to employers’ workers and encourages car-pooling to assure that employees have a way to get to work.  Allison is more than happy to participate in job fairs or other things that will increase awareness of these programs.

Business Development

Alexis informed that the Chamber is going to be serving more of a role in supporting small business and entrepreneurs.  Recognizing all entrepreneurs and letting them know how important they are to this community.  Trade Show will bring some changes this year.

Voice of Business

The Chamber Board voted to approve to support Medicaid expansion in our area.

The Chamber supports policy, not people, when allowing access to legislators.

Tourism

Amy heads this up and designed a nice brochure and the website is updating regularly.   LOVEwork Sign is available for chamber members to use in publication.  Focus on Agritourism for our farmers and capitalize on this asset. Chamber is willing to hold tours of our region for our group, for city and county.

• Door Prize drawing.   N/A, Christine was absent from meeting.

Ronnie reminded everyone to complete the program evaluation on their tables.  Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:35 pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted by:  Pam Payne