1-800-PetMeds

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Planned Job Cuts up in March Compared with February

A day before the release of a hotly anticipated monthly jobs report from the government, a private firm said U.S. companies dramatically increased layoffs in March compared with February.

Outplacement firm Challenger Gray & Christmas said Thursday that companies announced 67,611 planned job cuts last month, much higher than the 42,090 in February.

There were some bright spots, however; compared with last year the pace of downsizings is sharply slower, with March cuts down 55% from the same month a year ago. And the first-quarter total of 181,183 is 69% below the year-ago first quarter mark.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/market-overview/planned-job-cuts-march-vs-feb--challenger/


Geithner: Jobless Rate to Stay 'Unacceptably High' for a Long Time

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Thursday it's "deeply unfair" that some financial institutions that got taxpayer-paid bailouts are emerging in better shape from the recession than millions of ordinary Americans.

He acknowledged public outrage over that and said people watched with disdain as Washington protected high-risk banks and investment houses, even as the national unemployment rate was soaring to double-digit levels for the first time in a generation.

But in a nationally broadcast interview, Geithner also argued that President Obama had no choice when confronted with a financial crisis.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/01/geithner-jobless-rate-stay-unacceptably-high-long-time/?test=latestnews

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Clayton State New York Times Talk on Unemployment, March 23

The high unemployment rate will be the topic of discussion on Tuesday, Mar. 23 when the next discussion in Clayton State University’s on-going series of New York Times Talks takes place in room T152 of Clayton Hall.

From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Associate Professor of Economics Dr. Nikki Finlay will facilitate a New York Times talk explaining why unemployment is so high right now in the United States.

The event is free and open to the public, and a free lunch, courtesy of the New York Times and the American Democracy Project, will be provided to those who attend.

For more information, contact Professor of Political Science Dr. Joseph Corrado, Clayton State campus coordinator of the American Democracy Project, at joecorrado@clayton.edu or (678) 466-4803.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---

Friday, February 12, 2010

Augusta: Job fair brings opportunity to unemployed CSRA residents

Metropolitan area has 9 percent unemployment rate

Sizemore, Inc. will host a job fair on Monday, Feb. 15, at the Holiday Inn on Belair Rd. The regional employment company will offer a variety of open positions, including security, administrative, industrial and health care.

The job fair offers a one-stop shopping opportunity for residents of the CSRA who are a part of the 9 percent of the population who are currently unemployed. Applicants should bring two forms of identification and a current criminal background check. Criminal background checks can be obtained from a local sheriff's office.

Sizemore, Inc. is the parent company of Sizemore Security Services, Sizemore Staffing Services, and Sizemore Janitorial Services. The Sizemore, Inc. corporate headquarters has been located in Augusta, GA since 1955.

Admin / Labor / Industrial / Machine / Warehouse / Forklift / Material Handlers
FT / PT Wknd Janitorial, Security Officers
Exp Healthcare Sec Mgr

Apply at 1369 Reynolds St.
Mon - Wed 9 - 2, Thurs 9 - 12
Bring current criminal background check & two forms of ID

Saturday, January 23, 2010

CarMax Hiring for 600 Store Positions Across U.S.

(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

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

Friday, January 22, 2010

State of Georgia Announces Job Training Partnership with Microsoft

25,900 free Microsoft technology training vouchers to be provided to Georgia citizens

Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that Georgia and Microsoft will combine efforts in a unique, public-private partnership to provide free technology training to displaced workers. The Governor joined Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s Chief Executive Officer, at the Capitol to applaud the initiative titled “Microsoft Elevate America.”

“We are excited to join forces with Microsoft in this important initiative. This partnership will provide thousands of Georgians with the education and skills required to succeed in the new economy,” Governor Perdue said. “When people obtain the necessary job and technology skills, their quality of life, and the quality of our state workforce, vastly improves.”

Microsoft is partnering with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development to distribute a total of 25,900 training vouchers during the next 90 days. Courses range from basic technology literacy to intermediate and advanced level technology skills training. A portion of the vouchers will be issued to Georgia residents for Microsoft Certification Exams, all at no cost to the recipient.

“Our vision for Elevate America is to give Americans the technology training and certification to help them get back to work, “said Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft. “Many individuals do not possess critical skills needed in today’s changing economy. We believe that through a strong partnership with the state of Georgia, the training offered through Elevate America can lead to employment opportunity and ultimately grow Georgia’s economy.”

Georgia will receive 11,500 vouchers for Microsoft Windows and Office online training, 11,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification Exams, and 2,900 vouchers for advanced technical professional level online training:

• Each training voucher is redeemable for free online training in Microsoft Windows, or one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Each certification exam voucher is redeemable for a Microsoft Business Certification Exam.
• Advanced technical professional level vouchers are redeemable for free online training for individuals in technical professional career tracks in areas such as web development or database management.

Any Georgia resident may request and receive a voucher. The vouchers will be distributed through the Georgia Work Ready Web site through on-line application at www.gaworkready.org ; through participating Workforce Investment Act (WIA) One Stop Centers and select Goodwill locations. In its role as Microsoft’s “designated partner” for administration of Elevate America in the state, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development is responsible for the overall distribution program. Vouchers will be available to citizens across the state on a first-come, first-served basis starting today through April 22, 2010. Individuals must activate their vouchers for training and complete certification exams within the 90 day period.

Microsoft Vice President Pamela Passman announced the “Microsoft Elevate America” program at the National Governors Association winter meeting in February 2009. The initiative is expected to provide up to 1 million vouchers nationwide for Microsoft e-Learning courses and select Microsoft certification exams at no or low cost to recipients. The program is designed to provide technology training for up to 2 million people during the next three years. Georgia’s participation in the program makes it the tenth state to take part in this groundbreaking initiative.

For additional information regarding the Microsoft vouchers and locations where citizens can obtain a voucher in Georgia, please visit www.gaworkready.org within the “Jobseeker” portion of the site.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---

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.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

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.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

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

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Saturday, October 24, 2009

DBHDD Launches Website for Job Seekers

Job seekers can now get information about openings at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) at the state agency’s new jobs website: www.DBHDDJobs.com. The website lists employment opportunities at DBHDD’s Atlanta headquarters as well as the state hospitals and regional offices overseen by the department across the state. Job applications and information about state benefits are also available.

“Our number one priority as a new agency is to staff up, bringing in the right people with the right skills to give the best care possible to the people we serve,” said Rhian Sharp, Director of the Office of Human Resources at DBHDD. “We’re looking for people who thrive on challenges and strive to make a difference. There’s no doubt that working in Georgia’s behavioral health system is challenging. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to make an immediate difference.”

DBHDD is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. It began operations on July 1, 2009. In addition to its Atlanta offices, the department operates seven regional and state hospitals located in Rome, Atlanta, Milledgeville, Augusta, Columbus, Thomasville, and Savannah.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ryla to Hire 1,500 Temporary Employees

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ryla Inc. (www.ryla.com), a leading domestic provider of outsourced call center and customer contact solutions, is providing an employment option for people looking for temporary work and income this holiday season. The company today announced it is hiring 1,500 full-time, temporary customer service positions at its Atlanta-area headquarters location. The eight-week positions start immediately.

Weekly open houses to screen and hire candidates will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday starting today until Dec. 3, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 545 Kenneth E. Marcus Way, Marietta, GA 30030.

“At Ryla, temporary positions provide our team with an opportunity to assess customer service agent strengths and make full-time job offers to temporary workers when permanent positions become available,” said Shelly Wilson, co-founder and chief operations officer at Ryla. “In this economic environment, contact center positions also provide an excellent job opportunity for people looking for supplemental seasonal income and others who want to hone their customer service skills.”

Ryla’s announcement closely follows a released survey that retailers plan to hire fewer seasonal workers this holiday season. According to a recent Hay Group survey, 57 percent of surveyed retailers are reducing staffing levels for the 2009 holiday shopping season, and 40 percent are hiring fewer workers.

When hiring agents, Ryla looks for a variety of characteristics including overall enthusiasm and high energy. Candidates also must be able to type 30 words per minute with 80 percent accuracy and pass spelling, grammar and vocabulary tests. Applicants should wear business attire and arrive early in case of large turnouts.

Future job fair information as well as job type descriptions can be viewed at http://www.ryla.com/Job_Opportunities.htm. Interested individuals unable to attend the open houses can submit their resumes to resumes@ryla.com.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Georgia fatherhood program to host Duluth career fair

On Wednesday, September 30, 2009, the Georgia Fatherhood Program, a division of the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), will sponsor a career fair to provide new career opportunities. The career fair, which is open to all job seekers, will be held at the Goodwill of North Georgia located at 1502 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, Georgia, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees are asked to dress professionally and be prepared to interview immediately on site.

Attendees will have the opportunity to receive resumé writing assistance, apply for positions, discuss employment opportunities and learn about OCSS and the Georgia Fatherhood Program. Over the past decade, OCSS has worked to increase the number of parents who remain current on child support through the Fatherhood Program. The Fatherhood Program helps non-custodial parents overcome employment barriers so they can gain steady employment and make timely payments.

These employment barriers include lack of a high school diploma or GED, no driver’s license or transportation, alcohol and substance abuse, criminal records and mental health issues. The program works with non-custodial parents who are willing yet unable to pay their support regularly. The Fatherhood Program typically takes three to six months to complete and serves both fathers and mothers who are non-custodial parents. The participants are required to work at least 20 hours per week while enrolled in the program and pay child support.

Once enrolled in the program, participants receive assistance in obtaining full-time employment at a livable wage. Georgia’s Fatherhood Program is the largest state-operated fatherhood program in the United States.


-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

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.

---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

As Economy Picks Up Steam, Employment May Still Lag; Job Seekers Need New Ways to Stand Out in An Ever-Crowded Market

/PRNewswire/ -- While the latest U.S. Labor Department reports layoffs are at their lowest level in a year -- and some experts herald that the recession is over -- the good news comes with warning: unemployment could still rise in the coming months, and recovery will most likely be slow. So what's a job seeker to do?

Andrew O'Connor, President of A.J. O'Connor Associates (AJO), offers the following advice:

Be focused. "Despite the headlines, many companies are hiring, and people are landing jobs," says O'Connor, whose Parsippany, New Jersey-based human resources consulting firm that helps job seekers find new direction. "What has changed is that hiring is a slower, more rigorous process, so candidates must be prepared for what could be an extended search." Today, it's not unusual for an employer to review 400-plus resumes, conduct 90 phone interviews and meet face-to-face with 25 prospects before hiring for one position," explains O'Connor.

Keep energized. "Finding a job comes down to staying encouraged, motivated, and focused," says Marie Tanzi, Director, Career Transition Services at AJO. Set achievable daily and weekly goals, and maintain a daily schedule. "In this market, you can't realistically say, 'I will land a job in two months,' but you can say, 'I will contact 10 new people each week.'"

Put your network -- including your social network -- to work. Many people are finding jobs through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and other outlets. Let your network know you're in the job market and the type of position you are looking for. Also, many companies' recruiting efforts rely heavily on social networking. "With today's advanced technology, it's critical to be savvy in these areas and know how to utilize these kinds of networks to promote your skills," says Tracy Tyler, Managing Director, Human Capital Solutions, AJO. One caveat: Potential employers will check out your Facebook page. Never post anything online that could embarrass you later.

Learn to sell yourself. "Package yourself professionally, practice and polish your 'brand,' and tweak when necessary," says Tyler. Ask friends and former colleagues to critique your resume and presentation. Make sure everything about you -- from your interview clothes to the way you introduce yourself -- reflects the image you want to project to potential employers.

Invest in yourself. "Look at the transition time as a chance for exploration," says Tanzi. "Pursue a passion, develop a new skill set and look for interesting opportunities that may be on the periphery of your 'comfort zone.'" These new interests may enhance your life long after you find your perfect job.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Saving Lives Is a Growth Industry

/PRNewswire/ -- Amazing medical advancements are made almost every year and Americans are more health-conscious than they've ever been before. As a result, people are living longer lives. While that is unarguably a good thing, the combination of an aging population and new medical discoveries has created a huge demand for healthcare professionals. Healthcare credentials at any level -- from one-year Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certifications to eight-year Medical Doctor (MD) professional degrees -- can now provide good pay, excellent benefits, and real job security for decades to come.

Registered Nurse and Healthcare Support Careers Expanding Fast

While healthcare careers are growing across the board, two areas are expanding faster than others: nursing and healthcare support. And like many of the quickest-growing occupations, students can often enter these fields with just one or two years of post-secondary education.

Of all the nursing certifications, Registered Nurses are the most in-demand. RNs perform the bulk of day-to-day nursing duties, from evaluating patients to providing front-line care. To become an RN, a student must earn -- at minimum -- an associate's degree in nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Those who plan to elevate their careers into administration or advanced nursing practice often acquire their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, but that is not required. An associate's is enough to become an RN.

Healthcare support careers, such as medical billing and medical assisting, are growing even faster; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 48% increase in healthcare support jobs through 2016. The basic certification for medical billing and coding can be earned in one year, but a two-year associate's program prepares one to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), which usually leads to better jobs. Medical assistants typically earn an Associate of Science (AS) in Medical Assisting.

Healthcare Education Promises a Great Return on Investment

The U.S. is using strong healthcare job growth as a cornerstone of its recovery from the current economic recession. Degree and certificate programs in fields like nursing, medical billing and medical assisting allow students to enter the most rapidly expanding careers of the next decade. Every day, more students are discovering good pay, excellent benefits, and real job security in the healthcare profession -- where saving lives is a growth industry!

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

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/ .
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---