(BUSINESS WIRE)--CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation's largest retailer of used cars, is currently recruiting for approximately 600 store positions in locations across the country. The majority of positions are in sales, with additional openings in service operations, the business office and purchasing. Automotive experience is not necessary for most positions. Full and part-time positions are available.
“At a time when unemployment is high and people may be thinking about a career change, we are proud to be offering quality jobs that offer training, development and excellent benefits at a company that is often recognized for being a great place to work,” said Tom Folliard, president and CEO of CarMax. “The current store position openings are part of our usual hiring each year to prepare for the spring and summer car buying season.”
CarMax was just named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” for the sixth year, by FORTUNE magazine. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, paid time-off, insurance and disability, and retirement options. The company promotes a work-life balance and a diverse work environment. Employees receive discounts on car purchases and other services.
“CarMax is looking for candidates with high integrity, strong customer service skills, good problem solving ability, and who have a willingness to work the varied hours of a retail work environment,” says Pam Hill, director of selection and recruitment for CarMax. “We look forward to hiring a diverse, talented group of associates this year and we are particularly interested in individuals with professional sales experience.”
How Can Job Seekers Apply?
* Job seekers should apply online at http://www.carmax.com/careers
* To see a video with first-hand accounts of CarMax sales consultants, visit the Careers page on carmax.com and click on Store Careers.
* CarMax will contact applicants and set up interviews after an initial review of applications
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Showing posts with label fayette. Show all posts
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Launches Updated Employment Website
(BUSINESS WIRE)--J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT) today announced the Company has launched an improved version of its popular employment website, www.jbhunt.jobs. Prospective employees may now utilize a host of new features and user-friendly navigation designed to streamline the job search and application process.
“It is our goal to provide applicants information about our Company, our employees and our benefits as well as an outlet for them to contact us regarding employment opportunities.”
An updated job-search feature allows applicants to obtain real-time information about driving, office and maintenance careers, as well as internships and benefits. From corporate responsibility to J.B. Hunt’s focus on diversity and sustainability, applicants have the information they need to know about life at J.B. Hunt, while taking advantage of improved capabilities that include:
* The ability to search real-time job postings by city and state or by zip code and apply online for open positions
* A job alert feature to provide drivers with job opening notifications by phone, text or email
* A Driver chat function which allows drivers to have their questions answered instantly by a Company hiring representative
* Streamlined navigation throughout the site
“We continue to focus on providing the best user experience possible by increasing interaction with prospective employees,” said Kirk Thompson, president and CEO for J.B. Hunt. “It is our goal to provide applicants information about our Company, our employees and our benefits as well as an outlet for them to contact us regarding employment opportunities.”
The most significant changes to the site focus on the driver section. With an updated job alert function, interested drivers can choose for J.B. Hunt to contact them by phone, email or text when a driving position becomes available in their area. The site also provides easier access to information on local and regional driving jobs, which can provide drivers more quality time at home as well as strong W2 earnings.
J.B. Hunt is a dynamic and diverse organization of more than 14,500 employees nationwide. For more information on employment opportunities, or to view the new site, visit www.jbhunt.jobs.
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“It is our goal to provide applicants information about our Company, our employees and our benefits as well as an outlet for them to contact us regarding employment opportunities.”
An updated job-search feature allows applicants to obtain real-time information about driving, office and maintenance careers, as well as internships and benefits. From corporate responsibility to J.B. Hunt’s focus on diversity and sustainability, applicants have the information they need to know about life at J.B. Hunt, while taking advantage of improved capabilities that include:
* The ability to search real-time job postings by city and state or by zip code and apply online for open positions
* A job alert feature to provide drivers with job opening notifications by phone, text or email
* A Driver chat function which allows drivers to have their questions answered instantly by a Company hiring representative
* Streamlined navigation throughout the site
“We continue to focus on providing the best user experience possible by increasing interaction with prospective employees,” said Kirk Thompson, president and CEO for J.B. Hunt. “It is our goal to provide applicants information about our Company, our employees and our benefits as well as an outlet for them to contact us regarding employment opportunities.”
The most significant changes to the site focus on the driver section. With an updated job alert function, interested drivers can choose for J.B. Hunt to contact them by phone, email or text when a driving position becomes available in their area. The site also provides easier access to information on local and regional driving jobs, which can provide drivers more quality time at home as well as strong W2 earnings.
J.B. Hunt is a dynamic and diverse organization of more than 14,500 employees nationwide. For more information on employment opportunities, or to view the new site, visit www.jbhunt.jobs.
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
Naughty or Nice? How Job Seekers Can Shine During the Holiday Season
(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Have you been naughty or nice?” No one is too old to consider this seasonal question. According to John Paul Tier, a career consultant for Williams, Roberts, Young, a Winston-Salem, N.C.-based partner firm of Career Partner International (CPI) www.cpiworld.com, the world’s largest partnership of career transition and coaching firms, to maximize the unique job-search advantages that the entire holiday season offers, become your very own Santa Claus and make sure your efforts reflect the “Nice” list.
* Naughty. Be a humbug!
Nice. Take time to recognize your individual blessings. Enjoy the holidays, join in the celebration, and remember that we all have something to feel good about. This will actually endear you to friends, family, and others.
* Naughty. Give up and restart your efforts in the New Year.
Nice. Bump your job search efforts up a notch by increasing your holiday activities to stand out from those job searchers who simply give up during the holiday season.
* Naughty. Ask, “What’s in it for me?”
Nice. Lend a helping hand. Volunteering to help others can expand your network of contacts and allow you to demonstrate your talents at a time of year when many corporate, charitable or community support programs are short of help.
* Naughty. Refuse invitations to holiday parties.
Nice. Take advantage of the season’s social hubbub as holiday parties offer great opportunities to expand your network. Also, reignite your network connections and spread good cheer by sending holiday greeting cards.
* Naughty. Have a bleak and negative response to, “How’s the job search?” that revolves around where you have been and why you haven’t found a job yet.
Nice. Have a positive and proactive response to, “How’s the job search?” that focuses on where you are going and what you are looking for.
* Naughty. Focus only on making your interactions with people about job leads.
Nice. Focus more on getting to know other people so you can build stronger, long-term relationships that will create more opportunities personally and professionally.
* Naughty. Give in to the stress and strife.
Nice. Give yourself permission to simply relax. Not only will you enjoy the holiday season, taking a few scheduled days off will help you stay mentally fit and refreshed in the months to come—making you a more attractive candidate and potentially shortening your search.
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* Naughty. Be a humbug!
Nice. Take time to recognize your individual blessings. Enjoy the holidays, join in the celebration, and remember that we all have something to feel good about. This will actually endear you to friends, family, and others.
* Naughty. Give up and restart your efforts in the New Year.
Nice. Bump your job search efforts up a notch by increasing your holiday activities to stand out from those job searchers who simply give up during the holiday season.
* Naughty. Ask, “What’s in it for me?”
Nice. Lend a helping hand. Volunteering to help others can expand your network of contacts and allow you to demonstrate your talents at a time of year when many corporate, charitable or community support programs are short of help.
* Naughty. Refuse invitations to holiday parties.
Nice. Take advantage of the season’s social hubbub as holiday parties offer great opportunities to expand your network. Also, reignite your network connections and spread good cheer by sending holiday greeting cards.
* Naughty. Have a bleak and negative response to, “How’s the job search?” that revolves around where you have been and why you haven’t found a job yet.
Nice. Have a positive and proactive response to, “How’s the job search?” that focuses on where you are going and what you are looking for.
* Naughty. Focus only on making your interactions with people about job leads.
Nice. Focus more on getting to know other people so you can build stronger, long-term relationships that will create more opportunities personally and professionally.
* Naughty. Give in to the stress and strife.
Nice. Give yourself permission to simply relax. Not only will you enjoy the holiday season, taking a few scheduled days off will help you stay mentally fit and refreshed in the months to come—making you a more attractive candidate and potentially shortening your search.
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Saturday, December 5, 2009
GEICO to Hire 150 for Macon Office in First Quarter 2010
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Since GEICO’s Macon operations center opened in 1974, the office has grown to employ more than 4,340 associates – and it has no plans of stopping. GEICO is actively recruiting and plans to hire more than 150 new associates in its Macon office in the first quarter of 2010.
GEICO’s Macon office has doubled in size in the last 10 years and because of its continued growth, the company has many career opportunities and is hiring for its sales, customer service, claims and centralized services departments. GEICO provides paid training for entry-level associates and positions are available for high school and college graduates, applicants with some college and experienced professionals.
"This is a great time to build a career with GEICO," said Shawn Burklin, the regional vice president in Macon. “GEICO has been in business for 73 years and the Macon office celebrated its 35th anniversary this year. We expect continued growth in 2010 and are looking for well-qualified associates who want to grow with GEICO and be part of our success."
According to Meredith Rosser, director of human resources, “If you want a place to build a career, GEICO is it. No insurance experience is required because we provide a 100 percent paid training program. We offer excellent benefits including competitive salaries, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) plans, medical plans and many other perks. Our supportive culture provides a positive and successful work environment for our associates.”
GEICO’s Macon office uses a one day hiring process in which applicants can start and finish the interview process in one day rather than making several visits.
To submit an application online, go to http://careers.geico.com/.
GEICO has been named a top employer for college graduates by CollegeGrad.com, The Black Collegian, and mentioned in the Princeton Review’s “Best Entry-level Jobs” guidebook.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) – as part of Berkshire Hathaway – is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States*. GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.
As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.
*A.M. Best 2008 market share data
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GEICO’s Macon office has doubled in size in the last 10 years and because of its continued growth, the company has many career opportunities and is hiring for its sales, customer service, claims and centralized services departments. GEICO provides paid training for entry-level associates and positions are available for high school and college graduates, applicants with some college and experienced professionals.
"This is a great time to build a career with GEICO," said Shawn Burklin, the regional vice president in Macon. “GEICO has been in business for 73 years and the Macon office celebrated its 35th anniversary this year. We expect continued growth in 2010 and are looking for well-qualified associates who want to grow with GEICO and be part of our success."
According to Meredith Rosser, director of human resources, “If you want a place to build a career, GEICO is it. No insurance experience is required because we provide a 100 percent paid training program. We offer excellent benefits including competitive salaries, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) plans, medical plans and many other perks. Our supportive culture provides a positive and successful work environment for our associates.”
GEICO’s Macon office uses a one day hiring process in which applicants can start and finish the interview process in one day rather than making several visits.
To submit an application online, go to http://careers.geico.com/.
GEICO has been named a top employer for college graduates by CollegeGrad.com, The Black Collegian, and mentioned in the Princeton Review’s “Best Entry-level Jobs” guidebook.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) – as part of Berkshire Hathaway – is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States*. GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.
As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.
*A.M. Best 2008 market share data
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Monday, September 21, 2009
Global Fortune 150 Company to Locate Plant on Georgia Megasite
Mitsubishi Power Systems to invest $325 million, create 500 jobs
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Mitsubishi Power Systems (MPSA) will locate a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Savannah, ultimately creating 500 jobs and investing $325 million. The Governor and MPSA Senior Vice President Dave Walsh made the announcement at the plant's ground-breaking today on the Georgia megasite in Pooler. The facility significantly boosts the next-generation energy solutions developed by one of Georgia's most strategic industries.
“Georgia delivered all the items on Mitsubishi's list: a skilled and deep labor pool, easy access to the ports and interstates, and the ideal site to facilitate the company's global growth and expansion,” said Governor Perdue. “We welcome Mitsubishi Power Systems to Georgia's international business community and look forward to contributing to its continuing innovations in energy generation.”
Mitsubishi will produce advanced steam and gas turbines on the site, and will also service turbines and related components for power generation. The Pooler plant, which will be constructed in three phases, will serve the company's customers in North and South America.
MPSA President and CEO Koji Hasegawa, who attended the ground-breaking, remarked, “We are especially thankful for the support provided to us by Governor Perdue and his economic development staff, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Georgia Power and countless other agencies and officials who joined forces to make Georgia and Savannah an extremely attractive site for our project. This marks another key milestone in our long-term goal of locating equipment manufacturing and critical service support much nearer to our important customers.”
Construction will begin in 2009 on the first phase of the plant, which will manufacture gas turbine combustor components to support operating units in the Western Hemisphere and new turbines worldwide. The company will begin hiring in early 2010, and Quick Start, Georgia's top-ranked workforce training program, will provide training on the assembly and service of the turbines. It expects to begin making components as early as the fall of 2010.
In Phase Two, Mitsubishi will build comprehensive service capabilities to support turbine rotor, rotor balancing, valve and other large component repairs and upgrades for gas and steam turbines. During the third and final phase, the company will manufacture and assemble the next generation of high-efficiency, low-emission gas turbines.
Mitsubishi chose the Savannah site after an extensive search throughout the Southeastern U.S. that began in late 2007. The 119-acre site, located near the intersection of Interstates 95 and 16 near Pooler, is part of the Chatham County Industrial Site, also known as Georgia's megasite, and has been ranked by KPMG as the top such location in the Southeast. Its major advantages include ready access to the Port of Savannah, a nearby rail spur, extensive modern infrastructure availability and its status as a “shovel ready” location.
Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Senior Project Manager Scott McMurray assisted the company with its location, as did the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA).
“SEDA could not be more proud to welcome Mitsubishi to Savannah, knowing the addition of this world-class company will invigorate the local economy and put Chatham County squarely in the ranks of an international movement towards the production of clean energy,” remarked Brian Foster, board chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority.
Energy is one of the industries singled out by the Commission for a New Georgia as an area of strategic growth for the state. In 2006 Governor Perdue instituted an energy strategy for the state, providing a roadmap that balances economic growth through traditional and alternative energy sources, with a long-term goal of energy independence for Georgia. As a global leader in the development of power generation technology, including an expanding line of proven renewable energy technologies, Mitsubishi will be a major contributor to Georgia's innovation economy.
About Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc.
Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc. (MPSA) was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida with key operations in Orlando, FL, Newport Beach, CA, Houston, TX, and Juarez, Mexico. MPSA provides a wide variety of products and services for the electric power generation industry including gas, steam, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric turbines, boilers, selective catalytic reduction systems and solar energy. The company is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), a diversified Fortune “Global 150” company with more than $30 billion in annual revenues and 40,000 employees worldwide. MHI is an international leader in the design and supply of energy, aerospace, machinery, transportation, and environmental systems and equipment.
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Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Mitsubishi Power Systems (MPSA) will locate a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Savannah, ultimately creating 500 jobs and investing $325 million. The Governor and MPSA Senior Vice President Dave Walsh made the announcement at the plant's ground-breaking today on the Georgia megasite in Pooler. The facility significantly boosts the next-generation energy solutions developed by one of Georgia's most strategic industries.
“Georgia delivered all the items on Mitsubishi's list: a skilled and deep labor pool, easy access to the ports and interstates, and the ideal site to facilitate the company's global growth and expansion,” said Governor Perdue. “We welcome Mitsubishi Power Systems to Georgia's international business community and look forward to contributing to its continuing innovations in energy generation.”
Mitsubishi will produce advanced steam and gas turbines on the site, and will also service turbines and related components for power generation. The Pooler plant, which will be constructed in three phases, will serve the company's customers in North and South America.
MPSA President and CEO Koji Hasegawa, who attended the ground-breaking, remarked, “We are especially thankful for the support provided to us by Governor Perdue and his economic development staff, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Georgia Power and countless other agencies and officials who joined forces to make Georgia and Savannah an extremely attractive site for our project. This marks another key milestone in our long-term goal of locating equipment manufacturing and critical service support much nearer to our important customers.”
Construction will begin in 2009 on the first phase of the plant, which will manufacture gas turbine combustor components to support operating units in the Western Hemisphere and new turbines worldwide. The company will begin hiring in early 2010, and Quick Start, Georgia's top-ranked workforce training program, will provide training on the assembly and service of the turbines. It expects to begin making components as early as the fall of 2010.
In Phase Two, Mitsubishi will build comprehensive service capabilities to support turbine rotor, rotor balancing, valve and other large component repairs and upgrades for gas and steam turbines. During the third and final phase, the company will manufacture and assemble the next generation of high-efficiency, low-emission gas turbines.
Mitsubishi chose the Savannah site after an extensive search throughout the Southeastern U.S. that began in late 2007. The 119-acre site, located near the intersection of Interstates 95 and 16 near Pooler, is part of the Chatham County Industrial Site, also known as Georgia's megasite, and has been ranked by KPMG as the top such location in the Southeast. Its major advantages include ready access to the Port of Savannah, a nearby rail spur, extensive modern infrastructure availability and its status as a “shovel ready” location.
Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Senior Project Manager Scott McMurray assisted the company with its location, as did the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA).
“SEDA could not be more proud to welcome Mitsubishi to Savannah, knowing the addition of this world-class company will invigorate the local economy and put Chatham County squarely in the ranks of an international movement towards the production of clean energy,” remarked Brian Foster, board chairman of the Savannah Economic Development Authority.
Energy is one of the industries singled out by the Commission for a New Georgia as an area of strategic growth for the state. In 2006 Governor Perdue instituted an energy strategy for the state, providing a roadmap that balances economic growth through traditional and alternative energy sources, with a long-term goal of energy independence for Georgia. As a global leader in the development of power generation technology, including an expanding line of proven renewable energy technologies, Mitsubishi will be a major contributor to Georgia's innovation economy.
About Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc.
Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc. (MPSA) was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida with key operations in Orlando, FL, Newport Beach, CA, Houston, TX, and Juarez, Mexico. MPSA provides a wide variety of products and services for the electric power generation industry including gas, steam, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric turbines, boilers, selective catalytic reduction systems and solar energy. The company is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), a diversified Fortune “Global 150” company with more than $30 billion in annual revenues and 40,000 employees worldwide. MHI is an international leader in the design and supply of energy, aerospace, machinery, transportation, and environmental systems and equipment.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Exide Technologies to Create 200 Jobs in Columbus Expansion
Battery manufacturer awarded $34.3 million federal grant
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Exide Technologies, a lead-acid battery manufacturer, has received a $34.3 million federal grant and will create up to 200 manufacturing jobs at its location in Columbus.
“Exide Technologies is a perfect example of a Georgia-based, innovative company that believes our state is the ideal location to grow and thrive,” said Governor Perdue. “Our business-friendly environment, rich intellectual capital and well-trained workforce are continuing to attract green technology companies.”
Exide Technologies, a 2009 Fortune 1000 company, is based in Milton, a northern suburb of Atlanta.
The $34.3 million grant is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which supports the domestic production of affordable lead-acid batteries incorporating advanced carbon technology. Exide will manufacture advanced AGM flat plate batteries at its Columbus location. These fuel-saving batteries have numerous industrial and transportation applications. In addition, advanced lead-acid batteries are more cost effective than other battery technologies for many micro-hybrid and no-idle applications. The technology is expected to reduce emissions and U.S. dependence on imported oil.
The company plans to expand their current facility on Joy Road in Columbus to accommodate the new manufacturing line. Exide will use Georgia Quick Start to train its new employees and will also work with the Center of Innovation for Manufacturing.
“Despite the current economic situation, we believe this area of investment can be expected to yield significant benefits including job creation, energy savings and an association with both advanced technology and environmental sustainability,” said Gordon Ulsh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Exide Technologies. “Georgia’s business-friendly environment and top-notch training makes it a natural fit for this expansion. The convergence of innovative designs, novel carbon-lead hybrid chemistries, and the application of nano technology – all in conjunction with lead-acid technology that has proven itself for more than a century – sets the stage for the delivery of superior energy storage solutions.”
“We are excited that our proposal convinced one of our valuable existing companies, Exide Technologies, to select Columbus for this significant expansion project,” said Dick Ellis, chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. The federal grant will provide Exide the ability to accelerate the creation of these new jobs for our citizens over the next three years.”
Candice Scott, project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and former project manager Greg Wright assisted the Company in its expansion.
About the company
Exide Technologies, with operations in more than 80 countries, is one of the world's largest producers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries. The company's four global business groups -- Transportation Americas, Transportation Europe and Rest of World, Industrial Energy Americas and Industrial Energy Europe and Rest of World -- provide a comprehensive range of stored electrical energy products and services for industrial and transportation applications.
Transportation markets include original-equipment and aftermarket automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural and marine applications, and new technologies for hybrid vehicles and automotive applications. Industrial markets include network power applications such as telecommunications systems, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic (solar-power related) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and motive-power applications including lift trucks, mining and other commercial vehicles.
Further information about Exide, including its financial results, are available at http://www.exide.com/ .
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Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Exide Technologies, a lead-acid battery manufacturer, has received a $34.3 million federal grant and will create up to 200 manufacturing jobs at its location in Columbus.
“Exide Technologies is a perfect example of a Georgia-based, innovative company that believes our state is the ideal location to grow and thrive,” said Governor Perdue. “Our business-friendly environment, rich intellectual capital and well-trained workforce are continuing to attract green technology companies.”
Exide Technologies, a 2009 Fortune 1000 company, is based in Milton, a northern suburb of Atlanta.
The $34.3 million grant is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which supports the domestic production of affordable lead-acid batteries incorporating advanced carbon technology. Exide will manufacture advanced AGM flat plate batteries at its Columbus location. These fuel-saving batteries have numerous industrial and transportation applications. In addition, advanced lead-acid batteries are more cost effective than other battery technologies for many micro-hybrid and no-idle applications. The technology is expected to reduce emissions and U.S. dependence on imported oil.
The company plans to expand their current facility on Joy Road in Columbus to accommodate the new manufacturing line. Exide will use Georgia Quick Start to train its new employees and will also work with the Center of Innovation for Manufacturing.
“Despite the current economic situation, we believe this area of investment can be expected to yield significant benefits including job creation, energy savings and an association with both advanced technology and environmental sustainability,” said Gordon Ulsh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Exide Technologies. “Georgia’s business-friendly environment and top-notch training makes it a natural fit for this expansion. The convergence of innovative designs, novel carbon-lead hybrid chemistries, and the application of nano technology – all in conjunction with lead-acid technology that has proven itself for more than a century – sets the stage for the delivery of superior energy storage solutions.”
“We are excited that our proposal convinced one of our valuable existing companies, Exide Technologies, to select Columbus for this significant expansion project,” said Dick Ellis, chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. The federal grant will provide Exide the ability to accelerate the creation of these new jobs for our citizens over the next three years.”
Candice Scott, project manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and former project manager Greg Wright assisted the Company in its expansion.
About the company
Exide Technologies, with operations in more than 80 countries, is one of the world's largest producers and recyclers of lead-acid batteries. The company's four global business groups -- Transportation Americas, Transportation Europe and Rest of World, Industrial Energy Americas and Industrial Energy Europe and Rest of World -- provide a comprehensive range of stored electrical energy products and services for industrial and transportation applications.
Transportation markets include original-equipment and aftermarket automotive, heavy-duty truck, agricultural and marine applications, and new technologies for hybrid vehicles and automotive applications. Industrial markets include network power applications such as telecommunications systems, electric utilities, railroads, photovoltaic (solar-power related) and uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and motive-power applications including lift trucks, mining and other commercial vehicles.
Further information about Exide, including its financial results, are available at http://www.exide.com/ .
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Four Georgia Counties Reach Certified Work Ready Community Status
Creating Skilled Workforce, Improving Public High School Graduation Rates
Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that Chattooga, Cook, Grady, and Jenkins counties were named new Certified Work Ready Communities, a designation showing the county has the skilled workforce that business demands and the educational infrastructure to drive economic growth and prosperity.
“These Georgia communities are positioning themselves for strong future growth by building the skilled workforces that employers need,” said Governor Perdue. “Work Ready is helping them build a pathway for life-long learning that empowers both citizens and companies to succeed.”
The four counties represent the fifth group of Georgia counties to complete their Work Ready Certificate goals. The new Certified Work Ready Communities achieved the following:
§ Chattooga County: 503 Work Ready Certificates earned (56 percent above goal); increased public high school graduation rate from 70.3 percent to 75.8 percent
§ Grady County: 352 Work Ready Certificates earned (22 percent above goal); increased public high school graduation rate from 65.1 percent to 71.4 percent
§ Jenkins County: 277 Work Ready Certificates earned (67 percent above goal); increased public high school graduation rate from 63.6 percent to 72.3 percent
§ Cook County: 294 Work Ready Certificates earned (34 percent above goal); increased public high school graduation rate from 64.8 percent to 67.6 percent
To earn the Certified Work Ready Community designation, counties must demonstrate a commitment to improving public high school graduation rates through a measurable increase, and show a specified percentage of the available and current workforce have obtained Work Ready Certificates.
Each community created a team of economic development, government and education partners to meet the certification criteria. Counties are given three years to reach the goals necessary to earn the designation.
To date, 12 counties have earned the Certified Work Ready Community designation and 112 others are working toward their individual goals.
Once counties attain their Certified Work Ready Community goals, they are able to maintain their status by ensuring a small percent of their available workforce continue to earn Work Ready Certificates, engage local businesses to recognize and use Work Ready, and continue to increase their public high school graduation rate until they reach a threshold of 75 percent. Once they reach 75 percent, they must maintain that graduation rate to maintain their certification status.
To continue their work, each county will receive a $10,000 grant. Their Work Ready Community teams will also receive a two-year membership to their local chamber of commerce and a budget for additional Work Ready outreach materials. Counties that are fully certified receive road signs and a seal denoting the year they achieved certification.
Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative builds on the assessments and job profiling system to create opportunities for greater economic development.
For more information on the Work Ready initiative please visit the Web site at www.gaworkready.org
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Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that Chattooga, Cook, Grady, and Jenkins counties were named new Certified Work Ready Communities, a designation showing the county has the skilled workforce that business demands and the educational infrastructure to drive economic growth and prosperity.
“These Georgia communities are positioning themselves for strong future growth by building the skilled workforces that employers need,” said Governor Perdue. “Work Ready is helping them build a pathway for life-long learning that empowers both citizens and companies to succeed.”
The four counties represent the fifth group of Georgia counties to complete their Work Ready Certificate goals. The new Certified Work Ready Communities achieved the following:
§ Chattooga County: 503 Work Ready Certificates earned (56 percent above goal); increased public high school graduation rate from 70.3 percent to 75.8 percent
§ Grady County: 352 Work Ready Certificates earned (22 percent above goal); increased public high school graduation rate from 65.1 percent to 71.4 percent
§ Jenkins County: 277 Work Ready Certificates earned (67 percent above goal); increased public high school graduation rate from 63.6 percent to 72.3 percent
§ Cook County: 294 Work Ready Certificates earned (34 percent above goal); increased public high school graduation rate from 64.8 percent to 67.6 percent
To earn the Certified Work Ready Community designation, counties must demonstrate a commitment to improving public high school graduation rates through a measurable increase, and show a specified percentage of the available and current workforce have obtained Work Ready Certificates.
Each community created a team of economic development, government and education partners to meet the certification criteria. Counties are given three years to reach the goals necessary to earn the designation.
To date, 12 counties have earned the Certified Work Ready Community designation and 112 others are working toward their individual goals.
Once counties attain their Certified Work Ready Community goals, they are able to maintain their status by ensuring a small percent of their available workforce continue to earn Work Ready Certificates, engage local businesses to recognize and use Work Ready, and continue to increase their public high school graduation rate until they reach a threshold of 75 percent. Once they reach 75 percent, they must maintain that graduation rate to maintain their certification status.
To continue their work, each county will receive a $10,000 grant. Their Work Ready Community teams will also receive a two-year membership to their local chamber of commerce and a budget for additional Work Ready outreach materials. Counties that are fully certified receive road signs and a seal denoting the year they achieved certification.
Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative builds on the assessments and job profiling system to create opportunities for greater economic development.
For more information on the Work Ready initiative please visit the Web site at www.gaworkready.org
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Friday, May 8, 2009
Defense Department Officials Hope to Create 20,000 Acquisition Jobs
Defense Department officials want to increase acquisition jobs by 20,000 over the next five years, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III told Congress Wednesday.
Speaking to the House Armed Services Committee, Lynn cited a "lack of critical skills" as a major consideration while the department reforms its process for purchasing weapons and defense systems.
"These new positions will ensure that [the Defense Department] knows what it is buying and gets what it pays for," he said.
The Defense Department budget, expected to be submitted to Capitol Hill today, includes funding to increase acquisition personnel by 20,000 positions over the fiscal years 2010 to 2015, Lynn said.
The breakdown includes roughly 9,000 jobs at the Defense Contract Audit Agency and the Defense Contract Management Agency, the Pentagon components responsible for estimating contracting costs and contract oversight.
The remaining 11,000 new hires will be created when roles currently carried out by contractors -- jobs in systems engineering, program and business management, and logistics -- are converted to federal positions.
"One of the critical reasons for some of our shortcomings in the acquisition process is the lack of critical skills in the acquisition work force," Lynn said. "Over the last 10 years, defense contract obligations have nearly tripled, while our acquisition work force has fallen by more than 10 percent.
"In the absence of these personnel, we have outsourced too many functions that should be performed inside the department," he added.
Lynn acknowledged the challenge in attempting to enhance a system as complex as defense purchasing, noting that nearly 130 studies of acquisition reform have been completed since World War II.
"Many very smart people have tried and have met with only limited success," he said. "In this regard, we need to keep in mind the importance of not making the system worse in our efforts to achieve reform."
Describing other areas in need of improvement, Lynn stressed a need for clearer, more realistic contract requirements and cost estimates, and the importance of shortening the development cycle.
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
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Speaking to the House Armed Services Committee, Lynn cited a "lack of critical skills" as a major consideration while the department reforms its process for purchasing weapons and defense systems.
"These new positions will ensure that [the Defense Department] knows what it is buying and gets what it pays for," he said.
The Defense Department budget, expected to be submitted to Capitol Hill today, includes funding to increase acquisition personnel by 20,000 positions over the fiscal years 2010 to 2015, Lynn said.
The breakdown includes roughly 9,000 jobs at the Defense Contract Audit Agency and the Defense Contract Management Agency, the Pentagon components responsible for estimating contracting costs and contract oversight.
The remaining 11,000 new hires will be created when roles currently carried out by contractors -- jobs in systems engineering, program and business management, and logistics -- are converted to federal positions.
"One of the critical reasons for some of our shortcomings in the acquisition process is the lack of critical skills in the acquisition work force," Lynn said. "Over the last 10 years, defense contract obligations have nearly tripled, while our acquisition work force has fallen by more than 10 percent.
"In the absence of these personnel, we have outsourced too many functions that should be performed inside the department," he added.
Lynn acknowledged the challenge in attempting to enhance a system as complex as defense purchasing, noting that nearly 130 studies of acquisition reform have been completed since World War II.
"Many very smart people have tried and have met with only limited success," he said. "In this regard, we need to keep in mind the importance of not making the system worse in our efforts to achieve reform."
Describing other areas in need of improvement, Lynn stressed a need for clearer, more realistic contract requirements and cost estimates, and the importance of shortening the development cycle.
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
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Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on April Employment Numbers
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement on the April 2009 Employment Situation report released today:
“This past April, our economy lost 539,000 jobs, bringing the total number of jobs lost since this recession began to 5.7 million. The overall unemployment rate has increased to 8.9 percent.
“Behind these numbers are daily struggles and hard decisions. Americans are facing continued challenges in affording health care, paying for education and meeting monthly bills. The findings released today reflect the urgent needs of Americans, and they are the focus of this administration’s immediate action and relief.
“We are moving aggressively to protect workers who have lost their jobs, to provide new training opportunities to assist workers in upgrading their skills, and to open new employment in emerging sectors such as green jobs and health information technology.
“This morning, President Obama announced that the Department of Labor and the Department of Education will work to coordinate efforts to lower the barriers for unemployed workers to pursue education and training, at the same time allowing them to keep their unemployment benefits.
“This program would allow unemployed workers receiving unemployment benefits to qualify for federal assistance for education and training. This aid would be significant for many American workers, particularly the Federal Pell Grant program, which can provide up to $5,350 for educational costs at community colleges, colleges and universities, and many trade and technical schools.”
“The Department of Labor has released more than $31 million in National Emergency Grants to states facing mass layoff events and other emergencies, and we have distributed $50 million for Youth Build programs to expand services for at-risk youth and $250 million for the Job Corps. To date, the department has made available $45 billion of the $46 billion we are responsible for under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“As the comprehensive plan of the administration takes hold, we have begun to see signs of recovery. We’ve seen the financial system and the housing market stabilize. New jobs are being created as ground has broken on thousands of new infrastructure projects in all 50 states.
“Our nation is facing tough times, but America is no stranger to challenges. I know we can face this challenge with the same spirit of innovation and resilience that has characterized us in the past and that we can build a stronger, more prosperous nation.”
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“This past April, our economy lost 539,000 jobs, bringing the total number of jobs lost since this recession began to 5.7 million. The overall unemployment rate has increased to 8.9 percent.
“Behind these numbers are daily struggles and hard decisions. Americans are facing continued challenges in affording health care, paying for education and meeting monthly bills. The findings released today reflect the urgent needs of Americans, and they are the focus of this administration’s immediate action and relief.
“We are moving aggressively to protect workers who have lost their jobs, to provide new training opportunities to assist workers in upgrading their skills, and to open new employment in emerging sectors such as green jobs and health information technology.
“This morning, President Obama announced that the Department of Labor and the Department of Education will work to coordinate efforts to lower the barriers for unemployed workers to pursue education and training, at the same time allowing them to keep their unemployment benefits.
“This program would allow unemployed workers receiving unemployment benefits to qualify for federal assistance for education and training. This aid would be significant for many American workers, particularly the Federal Pell Grant program, which can provide up to $5,350 for educational costs at community colleges, colleges and universities, and many trade and technical schools.”
“The Department of Labor has released more than $31 million in National Emergency Grants to states facing mass layoff events and other emergencies, and we have distributed $50 million for Youth Build programs to expand services for at-risk youth and $250 million for the Job Corps. To date, the department has made available $45 billion of the $46 billion we are responsible for under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“As the comprehensive plan of the administration takes hold, we have begun to see signs of recovery. We’ve seen the financial system and the housing market stabilize. New jobs are being created as ground has broken on thousands of new infrastructure projects in all 50 states.
“Our nation is facing tough times, but America is no stranger to challenges. I know we can face this challenge with the same spirit of innovation and resilience that has characterized us in the past and that we can build a stronger, more prosperous nation.”
---
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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