Nevadaworks launches new workforce liaison program

To improve workforce quality throughout the state, Nevadaworks has launched a new workforce liaison program to strengthen and fine-tune workforce development efforts in Douglas County and other rural Nevada regions.

Nevadaworks coordinates workforce development programs and training to meet the needs of employers in Northern Nevada. The federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 established local workforce investment boards throughout the country, and Nevadaworks services northern Nevada.

Nevadaworks' new program will improve the communication to and understanding by rural employers about what resources and tools they can use to improve and train their current and prospective employees.

Nevadaworks selected three local workforce development/human resources experts to support and interface with rural employers and job seekers in three areas in Northern Nevada. The workforce liaisons will assist employers to identify a variety of workforce development issues such as training, staffing, human resource assistance and overall workplace improvement, and then help them find and use programs that are provided free of charge by Nevadaworks and its service providers.

Workforce Liaisons will also be responsible for informing and introducing existing employers and potential employees to two online resources powered by Nevadaworks, NevadaEmployerHelp.com and ItsAboutJobs.com.

The three individuals selected by Nevadaworks to serve as the workforce liaisons in Northern Nevada include, Donna Weidner, who will work with employers in Douglas County, Churchill County and Lyon County; Chelle Robinson, who will work with employers in Pershing County, Humboldt County and Lander County; and Lucina Lewis, who will work with Eureka County, Elko County and White Pine County employers.

Weidner brings experience in customer service management, training and human resource management to her current position. Prior to joining Nevadaworks, Weidner was a retail manager for Specialty Sports Ventures from 2001-05 and was the human resources manager for the City of Virginia Beach from 1986-2001. She holds a master's degree in public administration and bachelor's degree in sociology from Old Dominion University, and has been a member of the International Personnel Management Association for 15 years.

"In talking to various people in the area, I think there are a lot of things that we can refine when it comes to workforce development," said Weidner. "I am excited to partner with employers to find ways to be more efficient and make the best workforce possible."

For more information, visit www.Nevadaworks.com.