Enroll in College Planning 101
Join us for our next Food for Thought Luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the Charleston Area Alliance. This session, led by Jon Duffy, will focus on:
- What colleges are looking for in students
- College planning timelines
- College success factors including individual emotional intelligence
- And more…
Cost to attend this Food for Thought Luncheon is $20 for current Alliance members/$30 for future members. Seating is limited and an RSVP is required to attend. Lunch will be provided.
For more information, contact Lesley Hager at LHager@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org or (304) 340.4253.
About the speaker:
Jon earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University in 1991 and a master’s degree in school counseling from Marshall University Graduate College in 1998. His professional experience includes coordination of a school-to-work program in Kanawha County, nominated as Youth Service Provider of the Year by the Bureau of Employment Programs.
Jon has also coordinated professional health science student rotations in Kanawha County, served as a school counselor and has spent the past seven years serving as an educational consultant to colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
Notably in 2005, Jon co-authored research published in The Journal of the First-Year Experience & Students in Transition—investigating factors contributing to college freshmen achievement. Jon most recently served as co-chairman for the 2008 Higher Education Symposium on Emotional Intelligence at Georgetown University.
The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.
The Alliance cannot issue cancellation refunds within 48 hours before the event. Thank you.
Attracting, Retaining & Motivating Employees of All Ages
Unlike previous generations, when workers were often segregated by age and promoted on the basis of seniority, today’s new hire could find herself working with a peer that could be a grandparent’s age. This shift has had a dramatic impact on corporate culture and company performance, since priorities, attitudes and workstyles can vary with each generation.
For example, “My way or the highway” managers tend to drive Baby Boomers crazy, while “flashy” or “schmoozy” bosses turn off Gen X’ers. Both the oldest and youngest employees — World War II generation and Millennials — are motivated by awards and certificates. But they differ considerably on preferred methods of communication.
How to attract, retain and motivate employees of all ages and maximize their contributions will be the focus of the next “Inclusion=Innovation” program presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Ernst & Young from noon-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 25 at the Alliance offices.
Pat Kelly of Steptoe & Johnson will moderate a discussion by “Effective Immediately” co-authors Emily Bennington and Skip Lineberg, and Linda Bunn, associate state director for AARP, on how to maximize the contributions of people of different ages in the workplace to achieve success.
Business managers, demographers and others have observed generational differences in approaches to employee loyalty, work/life balance and communication styles, among other issues. Panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by a multi-generational workforce and identify practices that will help individuals and managers work effectively with people of all ages.
Study Confirms Need, Desire for East End Grocery Store
Charleston’s East End would support a new grocery store, according to an East End Main Street feasibility study.
The East End, the market analysis says, is missing out on between $7 million and $10 million in revenue – a conservative estimate – by not having a full-service grocery store. A 20,000- to 25,000-square-foot store would be successful in the area.
“The grocery store idea has been a part of our outlook for quite some time,” said Ric Cavender, EEMS program director. “This analysis has confirmed residents’ desire to have a store on the East End, and now we can explore ways to make that happen.”
East End Main Street and its parent organization, the Charleston Area Alliance, today released the results of the feasibility study, conducted by the CLUE group out of Washington, DC and Urban Development Services out of San Antonio, Texas. EEMS hosted a public presentation Monday evening to announce the findings.
The EEMS Grocery Store Task Force this year hired Scott Day of Urban Development Services and Josh Bloom of CLUE to conduct neighborhood surveys and study buying patterns. The methodology included competitive analysis of existing food stores, analysis of sales potential, focus groups, assessment of potential sites, research on potential recruitment and consumer surveys. More than 800 people participated in surveys.
“We received an overwhelming response to the surveys, which were conducted both online and door-to-door,” Cavender said. “The consultants evaluated price points across the Charleston Metro region, buying power of the East End residents and shopping habits. This is a well-rounded, extensive study, and we are confident in the conclusions.”
At one time, the East End was home to two grocery stores, but both had closed by 2001. Foodland on Bigley Avenue and Capitol Market now are the nearest options.
“We’ve heard the demand for years,” said Alliance President and CEO Matt Ballard. “We hear about the need every day. This new data confirms it. A grocery store would be a boon for the East End economy and could spur growth in the area.”
According to the analysis, about 75 percent of grocery shopping trips made by East End residents are to stores outside of the East End area. It concludes many residents would opt to shop at East End stores, meaning current buying power justifies pursuing at least one grocery store for the region.
Several parcels in the area would be optimal sites for a store that serves the whole East End neighborhood and is walk-able for most East End residents and area employees, the study says. It suggests recruiting a “niche chain” grocery store and/or a business focused on organic foods.
“Because these two grocery stores concepts would be addressing different audiences, the two stores could be pursued separately or simultaneously,” the study says. (more…)
KVCTC to Host Open House
Kanawha Valley Community & Technical College’s Workforce and Economic Development Division has moved to a new location at the corner of Patrick Street and 5th Avenue on Charleston’s West Side.
To celebrate, the school is holding an Open House from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25. It features series of free seminars for entrepreneurs, business leaders and the general public.
Topics include: (see full list of topics and times below)
- Adults returning to college & Financial Aid opportunities
- Online training
- Healthcare Careers & Training
- Handling Ticklish Interview Questions
- Social Media for Companies, Causes, & Kin
- Many more – 21 in all!
Visit www.KVCTC.edu for more information.
Free Seminar to Focus on ‘Top 10 Leadership Mistakes’
Express Employment Professionals and Charleston Area Alliance are presenting a free seminar for clients and friends from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 30.
Smalley
“Leading Organizational Excellence by Avoiding the Top 10 Leadership Mistakes” will be at the Clay Center. Go to the Walker Theater entrance at the back of the building.
To reach new heights of organizational success, comprehensive leadership strategies must be an integral element of the company’s vision. Leadership is critical to the success of this vision becoming the organization’s mission. This interactive session details the Top 10 leadership mistakes that can cause irreparable damage to leadership’s credibility and integrity thus quickly derailing any career and the organization’s strategic initiatives.
Through true life experiences, we will discuss the consequences of questionable leadership mistakes such as:
- The failure to embrace diverse thinkers and mavericks.
- Too much talking and not enough walking.
- Failing at communication.
Leadership is having the passion and ability to influence others to reach new heights. Critical decisions must be addressed impacting corporate restructures, acquisitions, joint ventures and mergers. Unfortunately, mistakes can be made along the path that can damage the credibility of any leader resulting in failure of the organization’s mission, vision, goals and strategies thus tarnishing its culture. By embracing proven behaviors and competencies outlined in this session and avoiding the Top 10 Leadership Mistakes, we are better prepared to lead the next generation of global talent to unlimited opportunities.
Continental breakfast served 7:30 a.m.
Please RSVP by Sept. 24 to Express Employment Professionals at (304) 746-8888 or e-mail amanda.newcomb@expresspros.com.
About the Speaker:
For the last three decades, Jack Smalley has devoted his career to the field of human resources. His experience includes executive-level management in a number of different industries such as oil, chemical, and packaging. Jack serves as a senior human resources consultant for Express Employment Professionals. He provides human resource training and consulting for nearly 600 Express offices and clients in the U.S. and Canada. Jack is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). In 2008, Jack had over 100 speaking engagements and was also a featured speaker at the 2008 National Society of Human Resource Management Conference.
East End Main Street to Share Grocery Store Study Findings
East End Main Street wants to share the results of a recent grocery store feasibility study with the public.
The EEMS Grocery Store Task Force hired Scott Day of Urban Development Services in San Antonio, Texas, and Josh Blood of CLUE Group in Washington, D.C., to conduct a district- and city-wide study and market analysis for a grocery store on Charleston’s East End.
They will present their findings at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Charleston Area Alliance, 1116 Smith St.
The public is invited to attend the presentation. Those interested in attending should RSVP no later than 10 a.m. Aug. 23 to DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org.
Questions? Contact EEMS Program Director Ric Cavender at RCavender@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org or (304) 340-4253.
Show Your Team Spirit at Business After Hours
Join us for our monthly Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Ramada Inn and Wingate Inn in South Charleston.
It’s a tailgate-themed Business After Hours so be sure to wear your favorite team’s colors!
It’s a fantastic opportunity to network and meet new people in the community. Enjoy music, food and beverages.
The cost is $15 for Alliance members and $25 for future members.
Online registration for this event ends at noon on Aug. 26. Prices increase to $25 and $35 at the door.
The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.
The Alliance cannot issue cancellation refunds within 48 hours before the event. Thank you.
Enjoy a Stroll Downtown This Evening
Join us from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday as nine businesses open their doors to showcase the best of Charleston!
Participating businesses include:
Art Emporium
Stray Dog Antiques
Gallery Eleven
Annex Gallery Taylor Books
Good News Mountaineer Garage
Chet Lowther Studio
The Purple Moon
Romano & Associates Law Gallery
Visions Day Spa
Take a stroll downtown and enjoy the best of what Charleston has to offer.
For more details, visit www.charlestonartwalk.com.
Stray Dog Antiques will present several new framed lithographs from the Erie Lithograph Company (1890’s-1960’s) in it’s new second floor gallery space. New prints originally commissioned for Hershey’s and Amoco companies from the 40’s and 50’s are featured. In addition to the prints, new furniture, jewelry and other unique collectibles are on the floor.
Stray Dog Antiques also will create an environment on the second floor gallery filled with signs. Signs tell a story. They are a reflection of our culture, whether created by hand on rustic and primitive materials or manufactured digitally. Much can be revealed in the simplicity of a sign about history, culture, and art. They are used to direct attention, boost commerce or simply for their visual impact. Striking in text and color, signs offer a heartwarming appeal to any setting and are ideal decorations.
And at Gallery Eleven, Sonja Adkins is the featured artist for August. The gallery is hosting a reception for Adkins during ArtWalk. The title of her exhibit is “Clendenin, WV in Watercolors.”
Get the Picture with DigiTools
Trying to get that perfect photo? Then join us Sept. 10 for an introduction to digital photography. The class kicks off DigiTools, an exciting five-week course taught by our very own Charleston Area Alliance members.
Digi-Tools will teach you the basics in working with digital photography and Adobe software. The classes will run on consecutive Friday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
Friday, September 10: Introduction to Digital Photography. Instructor: Mark Wolfe, Mark Wolfe Design (Alliance member since 2009).
Friday, September 17: Introduction to Photoshop. Instructor: Mark Wolfe, Mark Wolfe Designs (Alliance member since 2009).
Friday, September 24: Introduction to Illustrator. Instructor: Josh Martin, Kanawha County Public Library (Alliance member since 1996).
Friday, October 1: Introduction to InDesign. Instructor: Josh Martin, Kanawha County Public Library (Alliance member since 1996)
Friday, October 8: Introduction to Web Design. Instructor: TBA
Classes are meant to build on each other; however, you do not have to take all of the classes.
Alliance member prices are $30 per class and $100 for the entire course.
Future member prices are $70 per class and $300 for the entire course.
Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible! A special thank you to Bridgemont Community & Technical College for donating the iMacs we will be using for this course.
Visit www.CharlestonAreaAlliance.org/Events to sign up for individual classes.
Contact Lesley Hager at LHager@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org to sign up for the entire course.
