AN INTERVIEW WITH
CATHY SMITH

  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 Cathy Smith of the Toccoa Career Center.

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

CS: - I am Cathy Smith and I am the Employment Marketing Representative for the Toccoa Career Center, serving Banks, Franklin, Hart and Stephens Counties. I have worked at the Toccoa office for 12 years and the last 2 years as the Employment Marketing Representative.

Do you have any special talents, hobbies or interests you’d like to share?

CS: - I enjoy antique cars. I have always had a special interest in old cars especially Corvettes. I own a 1990 Corvette Convertible in mint condition. I used to have a 1955 Chevy Belair 2 door Hardtop and a 1967 Rally Sport/ Super Sport Camaro but it is hard to keep all the cars up mechanically. I also enjoy fishing and doing karaoke.

What led you to your position as an EMR and why?

CS: - After College I felt I wanted to give back to my hometown community a sense of understanding, knowledge and customer service that could be utilized at the Department of Labor. As I advanced in my career I gained a strong bond with the local employers. I became their lifeline for questions, answers and services. I feel my marketing knowledge and excellent customer service gained me the respect and dedication I needed to obtain the Employment Marketing Representative job.

How active is your Employer Committee? What do you feel are its best features and biggest challenges?

CS: - Our employer committee is the Northeast Georgia Employer Committee which is an awesome and active committee. We have 20 employers that all step up to the plate to reflect success. We have a strong chairperson & co-chairperson who are the backbone of our group. We meet once a month and are continually working towards new ideas to serve our community. We had a seminar this May for Supervisors on practical tips to avoid employment litigation. We had 72 employers in attendance at which time our committee gave a $1,000.00 scholarship to a graduating senior at Stephens County High School.

We also participate in mock interviews and serve as mentors for the school systems in our area. I feel the best features of our committee are reflected in the work we do and things we give back to our community. One of the biggest challenges we face is assisting our school system in keeping students in school to reduce the dropout rate and produce an educated & skilled workforce.

What community activities do you participate in as an EMR?

CS: - I participate in the Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, Stephens County Development Committee, Stephens Works Committee, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Hart County Chamber of Commerce and Partners for Success Group.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

CS: - I enjoy the wonderful feeling of giving services so others can be successful in their job or business.

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

CS:I would like to continue to work with my Stephens Works Committee to build an educated workforce through DOL services and tools. We recently hosted a job fair co-sponsored with Toccoa Falls College, North Georgia Technical College, Stephens County High School and Stephens County Chamber of Commerce. The event was a success for the students and employers. We hope to continue the job fairs and expand on information that will give students the opportunity to find work after graduating for school.

What future trends do you see in employment needs in my area?

CS:I would like to see us increase our on the job training programs in the area to retrain workers that are losing their jobs or just entering the workplace.

Toccoa Staff

Click images to view larger image