News Archives

December 10, 2006
HIRED 2006 Annual Report Distributed to Friends and Supporters
The title of HIRED’s 2006 Annual Report is Innovation at Work. The publication, which was mailed to hundreds of friends and supporters of HIRED, features some of the innovative programs and people that allow HIRED to better serve its clients. To view an electronic version of the report, click here.

November 30, 2006
Former HIRED Client Recognized at State MFIP Event
Introduced by her HIRED counselor Cynthia Wilson, former HIRED client Brandi Chandler accepted a recognition award at an event for MFIP service providers held today at the DoubleTree Park Place in St. Louis Park. Chandler, who came to HIRED after losing her job and suffering from a life-threatening illness, graciously accepted the award that marked her positive attitude and firm dedication to the program.

November 20, 2006
HIRED’s Nancy James to Attend Workforce Conference
HIRED’s Senior Program Director, Nancy James, attended a national conference on sector training strategies in Washington, D.C. The conference discussed partnerships between public and private organizations. For more information, e-mail Nancy James.

November 14, 2006
October Minnesota Jobless Figures Released
Today, unemployment numbers were released for the month of October. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reports a slight increase from September, bringing the jobless number up to 3.9 percent. As reported on DEED’s site, this month, the number of labor market participants rose to a new historic high of 2,970,394.

October 17, 2006
September Minnesota Jobless Figures Released
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development released jobless figures for the month of September today. Reporting a slight increase in unemployment from last month, the state’s jobless number rose to 3.8 percent, but remains well below the national rate of 4.6 percent. A few of the industries that experienced job growth last month include financial activities and professional and business services.

October 11, 2006
HIRED Program Directors to Attend National Transitional Job Conference
This week, HIRED Senior Program Director Carol Aharoni and Program Director Jan West will attend the 8th Annual National Transitional Jobs Conference in Atlanta. The conference, themed "Strengthening Communities: Building the Workforce of the Future," will feature presenters and break-out sessions that discuss barriers and brainstorm solutions to assisting ex-offenders in finding employment. For more information contact Carol Aharoni by e-mail.

October 2, 2006
HIREDhelps Hits Mailboxes around the Twin Cities
The fall 2006 issue of HIREDhelps was recently sent to more than 2,000 mailboxes in the Twin Cities area. The issue features one of HIRED’s newest programs, Changing Lives, which assists ex-sex offenders as they are released from prison and begin the process of re-entering society. The issue also highlights HIRED’s collaboration with the Hmong American Partnership. To view the entire issue, click here.

September 28, 2006
YouthLEAD Program Accepting Applications
YouthLEAD, an employment-based education program of HIRED, is now accepting applications from out-of-school youth in Ramsey County for the 2006–2007 program. YouthLEAD, operated in partnership with Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, is a performance-based program that challenges adolescents to develop into healthy working young adults.

HIRED Program Manager Adam Levy said, “YouthLEAD is a great opportunity for teens to discover their talents and passions. For us, it’s not just about helping participants find jobs; we want to be sure that the youth in our program find work that is meaningful. Through our one-on-one skills and interest assessments, youth are guided in choosing the job that fits them best. When a path is chosen, we’ll do whatever we can to see that each youth has appropriate training to succeed.” To learn more about YouthLEAD and to read the whole release, click here.

September 19, 2006
Metalforming Program Featured in the Star Tribune
In a recent article by H.J. Cummins titled, “In-demand metal workers make hard cash,” HIRED's and Hennepin Technical College’s employer partner, Erick Ajax of E.J. Ajax & Sons, is highlighted as one of many Minnesota employers looking to hire qualified applicants for manufacturing work. To read the entire article, click here.

September 15, 2006
HIRED Senior Program Director to Present at Minnesota Development Conference
On Thursday, October 5, HIRED Senior Program Director Nancy James will lead a breakout session at the Minnesota Development Conference alongside Kathy Sweeney of DEED, titled, “Making it Happen: Sector Partnerships at Work.” The hour-long session will feature HIRED's and Hennepin Technical College’s Metalforming Project. For more information on the conference, visit http://www.deed.state.mn.us/events/devConf.htm or e-mail Nancy James.

September 12, 2006
August Minnesota Jobless Figures Released
Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released unemployment figures for Minnesota in the month of August. The figures released indicate that the unemployment rate fell just slightly to 3.7 percent, from 3.8 percent in July. Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains below the national average of 4.7 percent.

August 24, 2006
HIRED’s Manufacturing Initiative Featured in Sun Newspapers
An article titled, “New State Grant Aimed at Metro-Area Manufacturing Workforce,” published in several local Sun Newspapers highlights HIRED and its metalforming program partnership with Hennepin Technical College. The article recognizes a recent grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development that will be used to train low-income workers for careers in manufacturing. To read the entire article, click here.

August 24, 2006
HIRED Website Featured in Sun Newspapers
An article published this week in several local Sun Newspapers titled, “HIRED website provides job-seeking advice” highlights HIRED’s refreshed website and the useful tools it provides to Twin Cities area job seekers. In the article, Executive Director Jane Samargia is quoted as saying, “We are steadily improving the content of our site to provide better services to our clients. We hope users will find the site intuitive and informative. Since HIRED first launched an electronic employment bulletin board in the late 1980s, we have tried to provide users of all backgrounds relevant information on HIRED’s services and employment opportunities.” To read the entire article, click here.

August 20, 2006
HIRED Counselor Susan Hagstrom Quoted in the Star Tribune
The article titled Be Prepared by Matt Krumrie discusses the importance of keeping your resume, cover letter and career portfolio up-to-date. In the article, Susan Hagstrom, a senior employment counselor at HIRED, reminds readers that “You could be caught off guard when you are let go from your company, or the perfect opportunity could come along when you least expect it.” To read the whole article, click here.

August 16, 2006
July Minnesota Jobless Figures Released
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released unemployment figures for Minnesota in the month of July. The unemployment rate rose two-tenths of a point to 3.8 percent, but remains one full percentage point above the US average.

August 8, 2006
HIRED and the EAC Partner to Provide Dislocated Worker Services to CitiFinancial
With the leadership of HIRED Program Manager Matt Derosier, HIRED and the EAC will provide dislocated worker services to more than 300 CitiFinancial workers being laid off as a result of the closing CitiFinancial’s Bloomington facility.

July 19, 2006
HIRED Staff Member Attends Workforce Development Conference
The week of July 10, HIRED Senior Program Director Nancy James attended a workforce development conference in Anaheim, Calif., titled Workforce Innovations. The conference — which drew more than 3,000 attendees from across the nation — featured lectures on regional approaches to economic development, employer partnerships, transportation and workforce services.

In addition to attending several seminars, James, together with Hennepin Technical College’s Joe Fredkove, led a seminar titled Business Taking Action to Secure Skilled Workers. The sessions drew on their experience spearheading the Metalforming Training Program, and discussed how to connect employers and community colleges and leverage resources to support regional efforts.

For more information on the conference, e-mail Nancy James.

July 18, 2006
June Minnesota Jobless Figures Released
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minnesota added 14,700 jobs in the month of June. When combined with job growth figures from April and May, Minnesota added 32,900 jobs — the highest quarterly gain in 22 years. Additionally, the state’s unemployment rate fell to 3.6 percent, down from 3.7 percent. Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains below the national average of 4.6 percent.

July 3, 2006
HIRED Employment Counselor Featured in the Star Tribune
Abdurashid Ali, an employment counselor at HIRED’s Griggs Midway location, was featured in Monday’s Star Tribune. The article by Mary Jane Smetanka discusses Ali’s work to connect Minneapolis Community and Technical College with Puntland State University in Somalia. To read the entire article, click here.

June 22, 2006
HIRED Program Appears in Local Publication
In a recent article in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, a grant award for HIRED’s Manufacturing Training Program was recognized. See below for the whole article:

State Awards $375,000 for Worker Training Program
About 150 low-income workers will be able to prepare for manufacturing careers thanks to a $375,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

DEED awarded the grant to Hennepin Technical College and HIRED, a workforce development organization, to develop a curriculum for the program.

The funding is part of the Minnesota Skills Partnership and Pathways Program. Pathways provides grants to employers and educational institutions to train those making the transition from public assistance to work.

June 20, 2006
YouthLEAD Program Participants Awarded
Before a crowd of more than 100 people, participants in HIRED’s YouthLEAD program were awarded certificates of recognition in an early-evening ceremony held at Harriet Island. The event, co- sponsored by HIRED, honored the participants’ remarkable self-improvement and outstanding effort and accomplishment in helping to better local youth and the community.

In addition to a crowd of friends and parents, also in attendance were Ramsey County Commissioners Toni Carter, Jim McDonough, Jan Parker and Victoria Reinhardt. The program featured a dinner served and prepared by participants in HIRED’s Culinary Training Program at Broadway High School, and a drawing for prizes donated by more than 20 local businesses. For more information on the event, please contact Adam Levy by e-mail.

June 19, 2006
HIRED Announces Re-Birth of its Website
HIRED, one of the most respected workforce development organizations in the Twin Cities area, has launched a refreshed website (www.HIRED.org) to provide job-seekers, employers, policy makers and media representatives with the essential workforce development and employment-related information they’re seeking in a more comprehensive, organized manner.

The improved navigation and expanded content provides visitors with more information and allows HIRED program directors the opportunity to create and post program information and resources specific to their client-base. Customized web pages provide detailed program information and appropriate job-search resources to participants in HIRED’s dislocated worker, youth, MFIP and adult programs.

HIRED Executive Director Jane Samargia said, “We are steadily improving the content of our site to provide better services to our clients. We hope users will find the site intuitive and informative. Since HIRED first launched an electronic employment bulletin board in the late 1980s, we have tried to provide users of all backgrounds relevant information on HIRED’s services and employment opportunities.”

In addition to new content and improved navigation on the main site, Job Link (www.joblink.org), HIRED’s online, proprietary job-search database, has also been redesigned, allowing visitors to search for jobs by geographic area or career field. The database, which is available exclusively to HIRED clients and partner employers, was the first of its kind in the area.

June 13, 2006
May Minnesota Jobless Figures Released
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that the state’s unemployment level for the month of May is down to 3.7 percent. Industries that saw the greatest growth include: professional and business services, trade, transportation and utilities, and education and health services.

May 17, 2006
HIRED Youth Meet with St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman
Today, participants in HIRED’s Building Lives/YouthLEAD program will meet with Mayor Chris Coleman at 4:00 p.m. in St. Paul City Hall – Room 390. The meeting will bring together youth from a couple of St. Paul programs, including Got Voice, Got Power. Among the topics discussed will be St. Paul’s summer youth employment program and changes Coleman’s administration can make to provide youth with meaningful work experiences.

May 17, 2006
HIRED and Hennepin Technical College to Present Metalforming Certificates
Tomorrow, Thursday, May 18, HIRED and Hennepin Technical will present certificates of achievement to 36 metalforming manufacturing training program graduating during a ceremony on the college’s Brooklyn Park campus. The 5:30 p.m. ceremony will feature a keynote address by Phyllis Eisen, vice president of the Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturers and executive director of the Center for Workforce Success in Washington, D.C. To read the entire news release, click here.

May 16, 2006
April Minnesota Jobless Figures Released
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that the state’s unemployment level for the month of April remained steady at 4.1 percent — up just slightly from one year ago. Two industries that saw the biggest gains are: professional and business services, adding over 6,000 jobs and leisure and hospitality, adding nearly 5,500 jobs.

May 9, 2006
HIRED and Urban Boat Builders Featured in Midway Como Monitor
Jan Willms of the Midway Como Monitor was present at the HIRED/Urban Boat Builders canoe launch on April 29, and wrote an article highlighting HIRED youth participant, Abdirizak Sharif Nur. To read the entire article, click here.

April 29, 2006
HIRED Youth Program Participants Launch Their Hard Work
Nearly two years ago, HIRED and Ramsey County Workforce Solutions formed a partnership with Urban Boat Builders to provide youth with a new internship opportunity. Under the direction of instructor Phil Winger, youth in the Building Lives/YouthLEAD programs began the partnerships second project in November 2005 — constructing two canoes.

Adam Levy, a program manager at HIRED said, “This has been a great project for the kinds involved. They have built a number of life-long skills and have perfected a craft that has tangible results. We hope that the teens will take the skills they learned into their communities and promote positive activities for youth of all ages.

The two canoes are now complete and the program celebrated with a ceremonial launch on Saturday, April 29 on the shores of Lake Phalen in St. Paul. For more information about the program or event, contact Adam Levy at 651-291-1861 ext. 22204.

April 26, 2006
Twelve Women Graduate from Metalforming Training Course
On Wednesday, April 19, before a crowd of family, friends and a number of DOC staff, 12 women from the Shakopee Correctional Facility graduated from the Metalforming Level 1 Program, co-sponsored by HIRED and Hennepin Technical College. As each of them is released in the upcoming months, they will work with HIRED for job placement assistance.

Elizabeth Abraham, CEO of Top Tool in Blaine, Minn., and recipient of the 2005 Small Business of the Year Award from the Metro North Chamber, spoke at the event. She had encouraging words for the graduates, and plans to offer jobs to some of the women. In a conversation after the event, she said, “It was such an honor to speak at the graduation. Thank you for the opportunity.” For more information about the program, contact Judy Swanson, Project Manager, at 952-933-9639 ext. 205.

April 24, 2006
HIREDhelps Hits Mailboxes
The much-anticipated spring 2006 edition of HIREDhelps will soon hit nearly 2,000 mailboxes in the Twin Cities area. Along with a profile of HIRED client Dudley Ray, the issue features details of the Metalforming Training Program and re-caps the Faith Based Organizations Conference held in March. To view an electronic version of HIREDhelps, click here.

April 18, 2006
March Minnesota Jobless Figures Released
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is happy to report that the state’s unemployment level fell to 4.1 percent in March — the lowest rate reported since January 2005. Industries that saw the most growth were Professional & Business Services and Manufacturing. Together, the sectors added nearly 5,000 jobs.

April 10, 2006
Olga Valdovinos Retires
After more than 25 years of service to HIRED in a variety of roles, including, most recently, Senior Program Director, Olga Valdovinos retired at the end of March. When reflecting on Olga’s tenure at HIRED, Executive Director Jane Samargia said, “Olga is an extremely bright, vivacious person who brought sophistication, a joy for life and sparkle to HIRED… She has been a good friend to many HIRED staff and clients who have had the privilege of knowing her.” Look for more on Olga’s career in the next issue of HIREDhelps.

April 5, 2006
HIRED YouthLEAD Participant Gains Experience at the Capitol
An exciting internship opportunity at the Capitol was recently presented to HIRED YouthLEAD participant, Kao Choua Vue, and she gladly accepted the challenge! The four-week job-shadowing experience will give Kao the opportunity to attend meetings with Rep. Steve Simon and report the results of a recent survey of his constituents. Look for more information on her experience in upcoming HIRED publications.

March 29, 2006
HIRED Convenes Workforce Development Conference for Faith-Based Organizations
Last week, more than 30 people attended a HIRED-sponsored workforce event titled, Faith Communities in Tomorrow’s Workforce. The half-day seminar featured two keynote speakers: Minnesota State Demographer Tom Gillaspy, who spoke about the labor needs in the state and nation’s economies today, and how strikingly similar they are to our needs 150 years ago; and the founder of Urban Adventure, Peter Heegaard, who emphasized that in order to shrink the widening economic gap, we have to find ways to bring down the costs of transportation, housing, education and childcare. Jane Samargia, HIRED’s executive director wrapped up the event, speaking about the need for collaboration among like-minded organizations and the importance of ensuring that immigrants have access to the education, training and work opportunities. For more information, contact Richard Rezac at 612-302-8509.

March 22, 2006
February Unemployment Figures Released
The February unemployment rate jumped to 4.4 percent, up from 4.1 percent in January. Though the state’s jobless numbers remain below the national rate of 4.8 percent, HIRED Executive Director, Jane Samargia warns that finding employment is not any easier in Minnesota. With the trade, transportation and retail industries reporting gains, losses in manufacturing, education and health make it difficult for job seekers of all ages.

March 13, 2006
HIRED Names Amy Barwick Director of Human Resources
HIRED recently named Amy Barwick director of its human resources department. Barwick will be respon- sible for the recruitment of new staff members, managing the benefits and compensation programs, supervisory training and employee relations.

To read the entire news release, click here.

March 6, 2006
HIRED To Sponsor Half-day Workforce Seminar
On Thursday, March 23, HIRED will host a workforce event at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center, 3700 Monterey Drive. The event, titled Faith Communities in Tomorrow’s Workforce, will discuss the factors in the Twin Cities area that keep residents from fulfilling, sustainable and financially viable employment. Speakers include Tom Gillaspy, Minnesota State Demographer, and Peter Heegaard, the founder of Urban Adventure.

To read the entire news release, click here.

March 1, 2006
HIRED Comments on Minnesota’s Job Outlook
When Minnesota’s unemployment figures were released on Tuesday, the Pioneer Press’ business reporter, Jennifer Bjorhus, turned to HIRED’s Executive Director, Jane Samargia, for her expert opinion. Samargia warned that although the unemployment figures remained steady at 4.2 percent, it’s still a tough job market for many people. She made mention of the people HIRED is having a particularly difficult time placing, including older, experienced workers, new immigrants and lower-skilled health workers. To view an electronic version of the article, click here.

February 24, 2006
Sixteen Adults Graduate from Metalforming Training Course
Cheered by friends and family members, sixteen students graduated from a specially designed Metalforming Training Course co-sponsored by HIRED and Hennepin Technical College. The course, supported through a grant from the National Association of Manufacturers, provided a National Insti- tute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credential sufficient to qualify the graduates for entry-level jobs in a wide range of manufacturing firms. As Erick Ajax, Vice President of E.J. Ajax & Sons, noted in remarks to the graduates during an afternoon job fair, “Your success in this program demonstrates you have the attitude and aptitude to get that first job and start out on a manufacturing career. But this is only the beginning. You can look forward to gaining skills and pursuing additional training for the rest of your career.”

Judy Swanson, HIRED Project Manager, said, “This is a day that program participants, trainers and counselors have worked hard to reach. Each graduate is much better qualified for manufacturing employment. They are also more focused about their employment search. We are eager to assist them apply this training by finding work in a field that recognizes and respects their effort.” For more information about the Metalforming Training Course, contact Judy Swanson, Project Manager, at 952-933-9639 ext 205, or by e-mail.

February 21, 2006
HIRED Assists in Organizing Opportunities & Outlook Series
On Tuesday, March 14, the West Metro Employer Services Partnership will kick-off the first “Opportunities & Outlook” workshop at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park. The first program in the series will explore current trends and job opportunities in the healthcare industry.

Nancy Buysee, a HIRED program manager, said, “This is a very exciting time. Being a part of the planning committee for the Opportunities & Outlook series has provided a number of challenges, but we are excited to offer job counselors a program that will provide their clients with solid employment leads in a variety of fields." For more information, contact Nancy Buysee at 763-536-6058.

February 20, 2006
HIRED Names Joanne Kosciolek to Board of Directors
HIRED recently named Joanne Kosciolek of St. Louis Park to its Board of Directors. Kosciolek is the vice president of fund development and communications at Central Community Housing Trust in Minneapolis. The board provides guidance in organization management and helps establish strategic direction. To download a pdf of the news release, click here.

February 14, 2006
Local Officials to Visit Metalforming Site
On Wednesday, February 15, Minnesota policymakers participating in a day-long tour focusing on how the state is benefiting from training initiatives targeted to low-wage and entry level workers will have the opportunity to visit the metalforming training site operated by HIRED and Hennepin Technical College. The tour, which is sponsored by a number of local nonprofit agencies, will visit HIRED’s Griggs-Midway location at 11:50 a.m. For more information, contact Laura Vitelli at 612-287-1364.

February 14, 2006
Local Officials Visit HIRED’s Sabathani Location
Deb Bahr Helgen, the director of Minneapolis employment and training programs, and newly elected Minneapolis City Council Member Elizabeth Glidden visited HIRED on Monday, February 13, to learn more about the programs HIRED offers and the people counselors assist. The afternoon, which featured a welcome by Executive Director Jane Samargia, provided the local officials with the opportunity to talk with the staff and hear the public policy issues that are most important to HIRED program participants.

February 13, 2006
HIRED Launches Collaboration with Hmong American Partnership
HIRED has partnered with the St. Paul based, Hmong American Partnership, to provide Hmong Ramsey County STEP program participants with valuable work experience, where English language skills are not required. HIRED Program Manager John Klem said, “We are very excited to see the opportunities this partnership presents our clients. Working with Chan Xiong, the organization’s business development coordinator, will give HIRED clients a program tailored to their specific needs — the chance to become familiar with the American work environment, and obtain references for future employment.” For more information, contact John Klem at 651-999-5670.

January 17, 2006
December Unemployment Figures Released
Nearly 7,000 jobs were added in Minnesota last month, but despite the additions the state’s jobless rate climbed to 4.1 percent, up from 4.0 percent in November 2005. The industries that reported the largest gains include: transportation and utilities, leisure and hospitality, and professional and business services. Industries reporting the greatest loses were construction, manufacturing, and natural resources and mining.

January 11, 2006
HIRED Awarded Grant from Precision Metalforming Association
HIRED’s newest program, Metalforming Level 1, a training course offered in conjunction with Hennepin Technical College, has been successful since it first began in the spring of 2005. As a result, HIRED submitted a proposal to the Precision Metalforming Association for additional funding to expand current offerings to include Occupational English for Metalforming. The course, which was recently received funding, will be offered to English language learners who are taking Metalforming Level 1. The new class will focus on language skills and vocabulary specific to the industry as well as developing an understanding of the American workplace culture.

January 4, 2006
HIRED’s Metalforming Training Course Boasts Impressive Graduation and Job Placement Statistics
The Metalforming Level 1 training course offered through HIRED’s partnership with Hennepin Technical College is posting remarkable statistics, and interest in the program designed to train clients for entry level manufacturing positions is growing. Classes began last spring, and the program has already graduated more than 35 adults, nearly 30 of whom have been placed in jobs earning an average of $13.35/hour. Already, the winter session slated to begin sometime this month has more than 25 participants registered. For more information, contact Nancy James at 952-346-4318.