AN INTERVIEW WITH
April Pruitt

  The Georgia Employer Committee would like to share with its viewers the EMR's who are vital to the success of the Local Committees throughout the State. This month we meet and talk with April Pruitt of the Griffin Career Center.

 

Tell us your name, your Career Center and how long you’ve been an EMR?

AP: - April Pruitt, Griffin Area Employer Committee, Griffin Career Center.

What types of businesses or organizations make up your Employer Committee?

AP: - The Griffin Area Employer Committee consists of the following types of business/industry: Manufacturing, textile, banking, healthcare, education, local chambers of commerce, local government, state government, and non-profit organizations.

What do you believe is unique about your Employer Committee?

AP: - The Griffin Career Center services a five county area, including Butts, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties. I believe the Griffin Area Employer Committee is unique in that (1) it consists of a diverse mixture of business, industry, local and state government agencies and chamber representatives from each county , (2) each member is dedicated to making a difference in the future workforce, and (3) in addition to being associated with the Griffin Area Employer Committee, most of the members have developed relationships outside of the committee through business and other community involvement forming stronger relationships.

What do you believe is your Employer Committee's biggest challenge for your area, regarding the workforce?

AP: - The biggest challenges in our area, much like many other areas, are the concern for a better-educated and skilled workforce, and attracting new business and industry to the area.

Why should I join your Employer Committee?

AP: - The Griffin Area Employer Committee meets bi-monthly for an early morning semi-formal meeting. We begin our meetings by welcoming members and guests, then proceed to present any updates, including DOL updates, and any old or new business. We discuss community projects and our involvement within the community. We occasionally invite speakers to come and share information with our committee. All of our committee members will agree that being a part of such an organization has been beneficial to them in numerous ways. They feel that by being involved with the Griffin Area Employer Committee, they have first hand knowledge of “what’s new” with the DOL, and it also allows them a closer working relationship with DOL staff. Committee members know they can call the Career Center anytime to speak with someone they know personally to get what they need.

How active is your Employer Committee working in your community?

AP: - The Griffin Area Employer Committee adopted the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club as an on-going project throughout the year. The committee purchased arts & crafts supplies for the Boys & Girls Summer Camp program. They prepared lunch for the attendees and grilled hotdogs and hamburgers to feed over 100 children and staff. The committee also served as bell ringers for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season. The committee recently met with the Director to discuss a schedule for members to assist with the After School Program at the Boys & Girls Club.
The Griffin Area Employer Committee recently co-sponsored a Career Expo in Griffin drawing over 70 employers and over 1400 job seekers. The Griffin Area Employer Committee also provides a variety of employer related seminars for area businesses. The committee recently sponsored a seminar titled “Navigating the New Rules for Electronic Discovery and Retention”. The Griffin Area Employer Committee continues to provide support to the community and the employer community as well.

Has your Employer Committee received any awards or special recognition?

AP: - The Griffin Area Employer Committee received the following awards:
1990 – 2nd Runner Up for “Committee of the Year”
1994 – Runner up for “Project of the Year”
2000 – Runner up for “Committee of the Year”
2003 - 2nd Runner Up award for “Project of the Year”

What future trends does your Employer Committee see in employment needs in your area?

AP: - Company downsizing and plant closures have affected the Griffin Career Center service area tremendously over the past few years. The need for more jobs and a better educated and skilled workforce has been, and continues to be a serious need in the area.

In the future, what would you most like to accomplish as an EMR?

AP: - I would like to help implement and facilitate tools for employers to improve workforce ethic and retention, something that appears to be a growing need everywhere.

April Pruitt and William Futrell