Vocational Solutions of Henderson County is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing career and life skills training to adults with disabilities or other vocational barriers in a supportive environment.  They pursue this goal by partnering with local businesses in the community to provide a host of outsourcing services.  The work generated by local firms provides invaluable training opportunities and jobs for individuals working to overcome developmental disabilities, while saving time, lowering costs and providing high quality results to area manufacturers.  Vocational Solutions has worked with AGI Shorewood, Borg Warner, Coats North America, GE Lighting Solutions and SELEE among others.

Upon assuming the Plant Manager position with GE Lighting Solutions, Patrick Peterson immediately recognized the opportunity to support Vocational Solutions while meeting their needs as a company.  Working with Allen Combs, Executive Director of Vocational Solutions, GE identified several projects outside of the company’s primary manufacturing responsibilities, but jobs that could prove useful for individuals training to overcome disabilities.  Peterson said, “I am well pleased with how quickly Vocational Solutions was able to transition this work.  The end result is a more economical part for our customers and better inventory management for GE.”

Vocational Solutions offers a range of flexible outsourcing services including:

• Kitting
• Assembly and packaging
• Shrink wrapping
• Collation, rework and repacking
• Sorting and inspection
• Fulfillment

To fulfill work orders and to provide an ideal working environment for clients, Vocational Solutions operates a 45,000 square foot facility complete with clean room capabilities, delivery services and a trained staff, capable of facilitating work orders in an efficient manner.  If your business has interest in exploring a partnership with Vocational Solutions, please contact Allen Combs at (828) 696-0361 or at acombs@vocsol.com.

On April 18^th the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development hosted the 2013 Industrial Executives Forum. The Forum featured two discussion panels; the first focused on Retaining Top Talent & Attracting the Future Workforce, the second concentrated on Managing a Business in Transition. Over 115 industrial representatives, HCPED members and elected officials attended the meeting.

Following the Forum, industrial leaders participated in a working lunch with Henderson County Public Schools. Lori Chappell, Career Development Coordinator and Dr. Helen Owen, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Counseling, represented the Henderson County Public School System. Representatives provided specific information regarding upcoming opportunities for employer engagement.

Mrs. Chappell noted current efforts are underway to engage employers with interest in hosting an internship placement beginning Fall 2013. To participate, employers were instructed to contact Lori Chappell at lchappell@henderson.k12.nc.us or 828-698-5149, ASAP to ensure a placement can be made prior to the end of the current semester. Mrs. Chappell also discussed the inherent flexibility that is built into Career and Technical Education programming, specifically noting the variations of work assignments as well as the school system’s ability to extend insurance coverage to students when engaged in off campus activities. Insurance liability, according to a recent survey of industrial employers, was one of the leading concerns that created a barrier to participating in internship and job shadowing opportunities.

Utilizing previous survey data and direct feedback during the work session, participating industrial leadership developed a plan, outlining recommendations and next steps for future engagement with the school system. The strategy will achieve four simple goals:

1)      Form productive relationships between industry leaders & the public school system

2)      Promote the manufacturing sector as a viable career path

3)      Positively impact the number of students who pursue careers in the manufacturing sector

4)      Increase industrial participation in CTE programs including job shadowing & internships

Implementation will include a variety of outreach and employer engagement. The effort will begin with a series of employer-driven luncheons designed to build relationships among industrial leadership and school  guidance counselors. The strategy calls for guidance counseling staff to visit different industrial employers at their prospective operations. The lunch meetings will afford meaningful discussions regarding future workforce needs. Manufacturing representatives will then have the opportunity to provide a guided facility tour, allowing school representatives the opportunity to experience first-hand the manufacturing process.

For more information about the 2013 Industrial Executives Forum or to get involved in the collaborative effort with the school system please contact Josh Hallingse at Josh@hcped.org or 828-692-6373.

All-States Medical Supply’s staff is more than doubling in size in the next two months to meet the demands of a recently awarded Medicare contract.

Medicare just released their list of only eighteen contract suppliers who won the bids for the national mail-order program for diabetes supplies. These will be the only companies allowed to provide supplies to the six million plus people with Diabetes on Medicare.

Two years ago, All-States Medical Supply was approved to provide supplies to nine areas nationwide, so this expanded territory means the company needs to grow quickly to be ready for the demand when the new contract goes into effect on July 1st.

“In 2011, we learned how to handle an increase in call volume when we won the initial nine area contract,” says Marcus Suess, President and Owner of All-States Medical Supply. “Because our company’s name starts with an ‘A’, we are at the top of the provider list and expect an even higher call volume than most.”

All of this increase in demand means the company plans to go from forty employees to ninety in the next two months. Open positions are primarily for Customer Care Representatives and Medical Records, but will also include a few positions in billing and shipping departments. All positions are permanent 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, with most starting salaries at $10.50 an hour. Candidates with previous customer service experience are preferred.

JobLink at Blue Ridge Community College is assisting with the hiring process and will be accepting resumes for All-States Medical Supply by fax 828-694-1698, email at danh@blueridge.edu or in person (preferred method) at JobLink at Blue Ridge Community  College at 180 West Campus Drive in Flat Rock, North Carolina. All questions should be directed to Daniel Harris at 828-694-1755. More detailed information can be found on their website at www.allstatesmedical.com/about/jobs.

About All-States Medical Supply

Established in 1998, All-States Medical Supply provides patients top quality home medical supplies with a convenient home delivery program that is available nationwide. As a family-owned business in Western North Carolina, All-States Medical Supply treats every patient as part of their family. For more information, please contact Tanya Fletcher at 828-651-8055. Ext. 2226 or at tanyaf@allstatesmedical.com. More information can be found on the website at www.allstatesmedical.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/allstatesmedical.

Just in time for Earth Day, All-States Medical Supply is inviting the public to learn more about green energy by hosting a free educational event. With over 400 solar panels recently installed, All-States Medical now generates more power than they use. This is one of the only Net-Zero systems in the region and is helping their business stay competitive with pricing on home care products. They are encouraging the public to come learn how helping the environment can be profitable for business.

The system is a 104 kilowatt “Buy All, Sell All” system where the company sells the power it generates to Duke Energy. After only five years, All-States Medical Supply will see a return on their investment and dramatically reduce their overhead expenses.

“It feels great to be able to produce more energy than we consume,” says Marcus Suess, President and Owner of All-States Medical Supply. “Not only does the environment benefit, but lowering our company expenses gives us another competitive advantage to keep us ahead of the game.”

On Wednesday, April 24th, 2013, from 4:30-6:00 PM, All-States Medical will host the Healthcare Goes Solar event  featuring roof-top tours. Participants will also enjoy beer from Oskar Blues Brewery, food and music while networking with peers.  The solar installation company will also be available to answer questions and demonstrate the online Deck Monitoring software that gives real-time data on the power generation. Go to All-States Medical Supply’s website for a live preview at www.allstatesmedical.com/solar.

To register please utilize the following link: http://healthcaregoesolar.eventbrite.com.

About All-State Medical Supply:
Established in 1998, All-States Medical Supply provides patients top quality medical supplies with a convenient home delivery program that is available nationwide. They have recently expanded to include an on-site mail-order Pharmacy called American Pharmacy Company to better serve their patients. With the installation of a Net-Zero solar panel system, All-States Medical Supply is also one of the only green Home Medical Equipment companies in WNC. As a family-owned business in Western North Carolina, All-States Medical Supply treats every patient as part of their family. For more information, please contact Tanya Flether at 828-651-8055 Ext. 2226 or tanyaf@allstatesmedical.com. More information can also be found on the website at www.allstatesmedical.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/allstatesmedical

Many privately-owned businesses in the industrial sector will at some time be required to transition ownership. According to a business assessment published by the New York Times, the more ownership prepares, the more successful the outcome is likely to be when a company is sold. Today, business valuations are down, credit markets remain tight and even some of the strongest businesses have shown some signs of volatility.

Regardless of the economic climate, proactive planning is essential to extracting value from a company while preserving the assets and the wellbeing of existing employees. As business owners approach retirement age, prepare for new challenges, encounter health concerns and other scenarios, simply waiting until the marketplace improves is not viable. To be successful, ownership must think creatively about the future, plan according and perhaps explore untraditional approaches.

During the Industrial Executives Forum, scheduled for 8:30-11 am, on Thursday, April 18th, a panel of business leaders will discuss different approaches to selling, exiting or transitioning a business. Strategies to be addressed will include obtaining outside investment, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and employee buyouts. According to Bill Harris, Vice President of IMOCO, “Our goal with this panel is to create dialogue and encourage business leaders to think proactively. Selling a business, no matter the approach, takes resourcefulness. In many cases the process can span months and even years to implement.”  To make plans to attend the Forum, please RSVP to Josh Hallingse at josh@hcped.org or 828-692-6373. 

Panel Members Include:

Fred Martin, Mast General Store
Mr. Martin represents The Mast General Store, a NC-based retail operation with 9 stores located throughout the Carolinas and Knoxville, TN. Mast was established in 1883 in Valle Crucis, NC. The business has grown to become a leader in the retail industry and has established a thoughtful approach to community involvement. Formerly a family-owned business, The Mast General Store now operates as an ESOP.

Anna Mills, The Van Winkle Law Firm
Attorney with the Van Winkle Law Firm with extensive business law expertise. Mills specializes in legal counsel for start-ups and small businesses. She has assisted clients through legal issues inherent in selling or buying small and mid-sized businesses. She has also served as counsel for both companies and lenders.

David Reeves, Business Consultant
Mr. Reeves has served in numerous roles within the private sector. His career began as an investment banker with E.F. Hutton & Co. Mr. Reeves has also owned and operated his own small businesses which have included Cason Companies and the Daniels Group.

Scott Sonnone, Cane Creek Cycling Components
Scott Sonnone, serves as the CEO of Cane Creek Cycling Components located in Fletcher, NC. Cane Creek Cycling is an employee-owned business and among the world’s largest producers of bicycle headsets. The company has a long, rich history in the evolution of bicycle suspension technologies.

This year’s program is brought to attendees at no cost thanks to support from HCPED Patron Members: Asheville Savings Bank, Blue Ridge Community College, Cooper Construction Company, Duke Energy, First Citizens Bank, Hunter Automotive Group, PSNC Energy and the Van Winkle Law Firm as well as Supporting Sponsor: Carolina Specialties Construction.

Employee retention is top of mind across industry sectors.  According to Steve Racher, Plant Manager at BorgWarner, “Attracting the right people is essential to developing a great company, but implementing strategies to retain top talent is critical to staying competitive.”  The new normal for employment is just under five years. At that mark, workers often look for new opportunities that better match their abilities and satisfy career ambitions.  Consequently, management is challenged to create new opportunities for employees that ensure a stable work environment while simultaneously attempting to maximize individual skillsets and professional ambitions.  There are many factors that come into play including pay, benefits, job descriptions and the overall work environment.

On Thursday, April 18th during the Industrial Executives Forum, a panel will address stories, successes and solutions for retaining top talent and attracting your future workforce.  The panel will offer diverse approaches that will appeal to large manufacturers, small manufacturers as well as perspectives outside of the industrial sector.  “We are excited about this panel,” says Steve Sheppard, Factory Manager with Blue Ridge Metals Corp. “The message here isn’t about endorsing a single approach or philosophy but rather learning from peers and recognizing opportunities for improvement.”  The panel will create a dialogue that offers innovative strategies, retention plans, ideas for identifying prospective employees in non-traditional manners, and a greater understanding of what motivates employees.

Panel Members Include:

John Bruce, Kimberly-Clark
Since 2007, John Bruce has served as the Plant Manager for Kimberly-Clark in Hendersonville, NC. The company is a leading global consumer products company who specializes in developing and manufacturing tissue, personal care and health care products. Kimberly-Clark is consistently recognized as one of America’s top places to work.

Carolyn Coward, The Van Winkle Law Firm
Carolyn specializes in legal counsel for medical centers, government agencies and small family-owned business on a variety of general employment matters. She has experience in the development of employment and shareholder agreements and the structuring of compensation arrangements and customized health care, labor and employment practices.

Scott Darnell, Burke County Development, Inc.
President of Burke Development, Inc., the organization recently implemented RENEW, a unique, workforce development program run by BDI in partnership with local companies and Western Piedmont Community College, the 96-hour course is designed to re-tool, re-educate and re-invent the local workforce.

Bill Medlin, Legacy Paddlesports
Representative of Legacy Paddlesports a recreational boat manufacturer who, in 2012, relocated to Fletcher, NC. Following the relocation, the company commenced an aggressive hiring plan that resulted in the recruitment of over 125 workers in less than 12 months. Adopting a philosophy that the company is improved by employing a diverse workforce, Legacy has quickly become an employer of choice in the region.

HR Representative, Strategic Workplace Solutions
HR Representative from Strategic Workplace Solutions will be sharing management/leadership experiences that translate across a variety of employment sectors.

Doug Salkewicz, Advanced Technical Welding
Founder and owner of Advanced Technical Welding located in Etowah, NC. Since 1987, the company has specialized in microscopic repair welding. Doug has extensive experience in the industrial sector. In December, 2010, Advanced Technical Welding was awarded the N.C. Small Business of the Year designation by Business North Carolina Magazine, a testament to the company’s loyal employees and a commitment to quality customer service.

The forum will be held at Blue Ridge Community College’s Technology Education and Development Center from 8:30-11:00 am. Registration and coffee networking will begin at 8:30 with the program starting at 9:00.  This year’s program is brought to attendees at no cost thanks to support from HCPED Patron Members: Asheville Savings Bank, Blue Ridge Community College, Cooper Construction Company, Duke Energy, First Citizens Bank, Hunter Automotive Group, PSNC Energy and the Van Winkle Law Firm as well as Supporting Sponsor: Carolina Specialties Construction.

To RSVP, please contact Josh Hallingse at 828-692-6373 or josh@hcped.org.

Enhance business development skills for higher revenue. Connect to more potential customers. WNC conference assists local businesses and non-profit organizations to position themselves for growth in 2013.

Tuesday, April 23rd
Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, NC

8:30-8:45 am    Welcome in Gala Room

8:45-9:45 am    Brand your Company to Improve Your Bottom Line  Phil Davis  Founder, President Tungsten Marketing

10:00-11:00 am Customer Loyalty Programs are Key to Growth Repeat customers spend 33%. Referrals among repeat customers are 107%. It costs six times more to sell something to a new prospect.

11:15 – 12:15 noon   Best Practices from Successful Local Business Owners

Panel: Owners share their best practices for growth in 2013.

12:15-1:00pm   Lunch and Networking (Lunch option for $10)

Track One: Free Ways to Grow Your Business
Free website, domain name and hosting for a year with Gybo. NC LEAP provides pro bono legal services to low-wealth entrepreneurs who are starting or expanding their businesses. NC E-Procurement provides suppliers with free increased access to customers.

Track Two: Financial Reports and Data to Grow your Business
How to Lower Taxes in 2013, Using Cash flow statements to grow your business, and Understanding P&L Statements and Balance Sheets

Track Three: Internet Marketing to Grow your Business
Power of Email Marketing by Constant Contact- repeats each hour

Track Four: Mobile and Video Technology
“YouTube” for business; Using video on your website to attract more customers; Mobile websites and apps to grow your business.

Track Five:  Small Business Management 
How to lower workers comp costs, Business plan for growth and capital; How to grow your organization in 2013

Track Six: Social Media
2013 update on social media i.e. blogging, Facebook, Linked-in, Twitter and Goggle+.  Setting up your Facebook business page. Setting up your LinkedIn Profile.

There is no cost to attend, due to sponsor support.

To register go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Prosperingin2013

On April 19, 2012, HCPED hosted the 5th Industrial Executives Forum at Blue Ridge Community College. The discussion centered on future workforce development needs and how the community could address workforce concerns. The Forum brought two concerns to the surface: 1) a desire to elevate the visibility of manufacturing as a viable career path and 2) the need to better connect with the Henderson County Public School System to reach students prior to making career planning decisions. Given these issues, the Partnership’s Existing Industry Committee has spent time with community stakeholders and industrial leaders identifying interest levels in various strategies as it relates to coordinating a specific approach to connecting industry and the K-12 system.

On April 18, 2013, Pete Szelwach, Existing Industry Committee Chair and Plant Manager for Clement Pappas, will address the progress of the group at the 6th annual Industrial Executives Forum. Szelwach will start the program by following up to last year’s discussion and identifying how HCPED, industry partners, the Henderson County Public Schools and Blue Ridge Community College have been working to identify future workforce opportunities. Additionally, Szelwach will address the results of the “Connecting Industry and Work Based Learning” survey that industrial employers recently completed. According to Szelwach, “we have two needs to address through this committee, the future workforce needs and how to develop our current workforce. The results of the survey and forthcoming meetings with Henderson County Public Schools will better align the needs with opportunities.”

In addition to this presentation, the Partnership has assembled two outstanding panel discussions. Topics for conversation will include 1) Retaining Top Talent and Attracting your Future Workforce, and 2) Managing a Business in Transition, which will cover items that relate to succession planning, creating exit strategies for retiring or outgoing key personnel, ESOPs and outside investment.

Registration and networking will begin at 8:30 am. For more information on the forum or to RSVP, please contact Josh Hallingse at 828-692-6373 or josh@hcped.org.

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development will host the 2013 Industrial Executives Forum on Thursday, April 18th at Blue Ridge Community College’s Technology, Education and Development Center. Registration and networking will begin at 8:30 am, and the program will conclude at 11:00 am.

Pete Szelwach, Chair of the Existing Industry Committee, will kickoff this year’s event with a brief follow-up to the 2012 forum. Szelwach will update forum attendees on efforts to connect Henderson County industry with work-based learning opportunities in partnership with the Henderson County Public School System and Blue Ridge Community College.  Following this brief overview the Partnership has assembled two outstanding panel discussions. Topics will include 1) Retaining Top Talent and Attracting your Future Workforce, and 2) Succession Planning & Exit Strategies.  Both panels will have representation from large manufacturers, small manufacturers, as well as perspectives outside of the industrial sector.

The Industrial Executives Forum began in 2006, as a means to build and solidify the network of industrial companies operating in Henderson County. Through the years, the event has evolved into a platform for industrial leaders and community stakeholders to identify and address issues which impact the local business climate.  The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development is thankful for the support of the Existing Industry Committee who volunteers time and energy each year to develop and build this program.  Members of the committee include:

Jim Clarke, Manual Woodworkers & Weavers
Bill Harris, IMOCO
Mark Morse, SELEE Corporation
Steve Racher, BorgWarner
Doug Salkewicz, Advanced Technical Welding
Steve Sheppard, Blue Ridge Metals
Pete Szelwach, Clement Pappas

As the event draws closer please be on the lookout for more details about this year’s program, and registration information. For more information contact Josh Hallingse at josh@hcped.org or (828) 692-6373.

The Van Winkle Law Firm is hosting “Eat and Educate”, a series of employment and taxation seminars. Visit www.VWEatandEducate.com for more information.