2011 Committee of Year
AN INTERVIEW WITH
Isaac Williams Jr.
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 EMR Isaac Williams Jr. of the Columbus Career Center.
Tell us your name, your Career Center and how long you’ve been an EMR?
IW:My name is Isaac Williams Jr. I have served as an Employment Marketing Representative since 2009. Prior to that I served as a Unit Supervisor and also an Outreach Program Coordinator I am employed with the Columbus Career Center which serves 8 counties as well as one county in Alabama. The counties are Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, and Talbot County, GA and Russell County, AL
.
Do you have any special talents, hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
IW:I am a sports (ESPN) enthusiast with football and basketball on the top of the list. I also enjoy reading technology type magazines with some nice jazz in the background. When time permits, I enjoy spending time playing a nice relaxing game of chess
What led you to your position as an EMR and why?
IW:I became an EMR because of my passion to help people. I felt networking and educating our labor force was the best way of accomplishing my goals. I have held various jobs within the agency, working with job seekers (employed and unemployed), and employers. I was ready for a new challenge and more face to face exposure. The variety of tasks involved in the EMR position (job fairs, schools, family connections, rapid response, chamber networking, etc.) was the perfect fit.
What community activities do you participate in as an EMR?
IW:I am on the Columbus Employer Committee cooking teams for the Ronald McDonald House. We also “elf” (reindeer or Santa) for the Committee’s annual “Evening with Santa”. Covering eight (8) counties, I attend numerous Family Connections meetings and Chamber functions throughout our area. Additionally, I speak at schools, civic organizations, and prisons. I am on the Academic Advisory Board for Miller Motte Technical College as well as the Columbus Technical College Manufacturing Advisory Boards. I also serve on the “Love in Action” and the Columbus Impact advisory council.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
IW:Every day brings new challenges: Labor Market Information (LMI) presentations, job fairs, career days, positive recruitments for new companies, rapid response for companies closing or restructuring. There is never a dull day. I find myself always educating and improving our current and future workforce.
What types of businesses or organizations make up your Employer Committee?
IW:We have a wide variety including manufacturing, staffing companies, public utilities, chamber of commerce, commercial bakeries, health care, insurance, financial, retail, and other government and public agencies. It is a good cross section of our area in both types of business and size of business.
What do you believe is unique about your Employer Committee?
IW:Our commitment to public/private partnership. Such partnerships are a hallmark in Columbus.
What do you believe is your Employer Committee's biggest challenge for your area, regarding the workforce?
IW:Fielding a qualified workforce in an expanding economy. Employees who understand and operate within the concept of strong work ethics.
Why should I join your Employer Committee?
IW:First hand access to “what’s new” with the DOL, a more personal working relationship with DOL staff, access to national decision makers via the State annual trips to Washington, DC, and working together outside of the business arena on projects that give back to the community.
How active is your Employer Committee working in the community?
IW:Our Committee is constantly growing and improving due to our regions positive growth. The Committee is very active in supporting the local community through innovative projects and charitable works. We cook dinner twice a month at the Ronald McDonald House, collect beverage cans pull tabs in the, “Pull for Ronald McDonald House” recycling campaign, sponsor affordable business seminars twice a year, host the “Evening with Santa” event for disadvantaged children each year, and this year are adding House of Heroes and Dress for Success as new projects.
Have you or your Employer Committee received any awards or special recognition?
IW:Columbus Employer Committee Awards:
2011 Committee of the Year at State Conference
Committee of the Year - 2008
Community Service Project of the Year – 2011, 2010, 2004, 2002,
Community Service Project of the Year 2nd Runner up – 2005
Ronald McDonald House 5 Year Service Pin – 2007/08
Ronald McDonald President’s Silver Award – 2007/08
EMR Team – IAWP Miller Merit Group Award – 2004
Isaac
IW- IAWP Miller Merit Individual Award – 2008
Certified Global Career Development Facilitator (CDF) – 2007
Certified Moral Reconation Therapy - 2004
Graduate Commissioner’s EXCEL Program – 2002
What future trends does your Employer Committee see in employment needs in your area?
IW:Our area is currently undergoing great changes. The BRAC initiative will double the size of Ft. Benning, increase our Federal workforce, and impact private business beyond anything that this area has experienced in over 30 years. Ft. Benning may be the centerpiece, but AFLAC expansion, Pratt Whitney and Cessna growth, KIA just to the north, and the subsidiaries that support the auto industry are fast becoming positive realities. Our future trends are leaning toward the service sector. We are seeing a good number of customer service positions in our insurance industry. The hospitality industry is growing by leaps and bounds. The Columbus region is about to become the top area in Georgia in which to secure employment in many types of jobs.
In the future, what would you most like to accomplish as an EMR?
IW:Our team is committed to continuing improvement in the quality of our workforce through education, re-establishing the disappearing work ethic.
Isaac Williams
EMPLOYMENT MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE (EMR)
COLUMBUS career center
Columbus Career Center
Dianne Jenkins (Manager)
Dianne Jenkins (Manager)
