AN INTERVIEW WITH
Debra Hancock

  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 Debra Hancock of the Cairo Career Center.

 

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

DH:

• My name is Debra Hancock
• GDOL/Cairo Career Center
• Cairo/Grady County Employer Committee - Cairo Career Center

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

DH:

• Staffing Agencies
• Manufacturing Plants
• Hospital Healthcare
• Chamber of Commerce
• Hospitality-Hotel/Motel
• Government Agencies
• Wholesale Plant Nurseries
• Technical College
• Retail Business

 

What do you believe is unique about your Employer Committee?

DH: The Cairo/Grady County Employer Committee is unique in that we are a small community with one common goal and that is what we all can do collectively to make our community the best we can. Our Chamber is hard at work trying to bring industry to Cairo rather than have industry go to other counties. We have taken a hard hit over the past few years with global industry taking such a stronghold; however, there does seem to be a trend to keep America’s workforce in America.

In order to keep and attract businesses, you have to have a strong workforce. The Cairo/Grady County Employer Committee has developed a strong relationship with our educational system to include middle school, high schools and the technical college. It is our belief that the future will need a skilled workforce to keep America running. In conclusion, what makes the Cairo/Grady County Employer Committee unique is that we are focused on the future and committed to be a part of growing ourselves for the benefit of the community.

 

Why should I join your Employer Committee?

DH: The Cairo/Grady County Employer Committee is made up of various businesses, organizations, and agencies that believe in this community. They also believe in the collaborative efforts with the Georgia Department of Labor will bring support to their business that they would not otherwise have access to. This collaboration brings support to them that not only strengthens their business, but serves for the betterment of the community as well.

 

How active is your Employer Committee working in your community?

DH: The Cairo/Grady County Employer Committee continues to grow and strives to give back to the community some of the time and talents they have to offer. Currently we support and are active in the following community projects:

Youth Apprenticeship Program
• Every month, a different partner along with the Department of Labor attend the High School and makes a presentation that will assist high school children in obtaining tools that will assist them in job readiness.

Veterans Express Bus Golf Classic
• Employer Committee Sponsors this golf class to raise money for the Veterans Express Bus. This is a bus that takes Veterans to the VA hospital for medical needs free of charge.

Job Fairs
• The Employer Committee sponsors job fairs which is county-wide as well as specific job fairs for schools and targets agencies when needed.

Seminars
• The Employer Committee sponsors seminars presented to Grady County Employers, agencies and government officials with topics of interest which benefit Grady County.

Quarterly Meetings
• The Employer Committee host quarterly meetings with employers to present roundtable discussions and often have guest speakers to present topics of interest to employers.

 

Has your Employer Committee received any awards or special recognition?

DH: - No

 

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

DH: - As continued recruitment for Industry and Trade is being brought to our community, it will be important to provide the workforce that is needed to keep these businesses thriving and successful. The continued growth in industry will require a growth in skilled workforce, it is imperative that we find ways to bring a workforce up that can operate and be productive in industry environments and have opportunity to growth potential so that they can take care of their families and stay in Cairo.

 

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

DH: - I feel most honored to serve as an EMR in my community. I feel as though this is an opportunity for me to serve and give back to a community that has blessed me so richly. My heart’s desire is to see the Georgia Department of Labor and community business melt together in one pot to bring to the people of our community the necessary education, training, and skills to help our community thrive. We are a rural community so we depend on a lot of resources to pull with us to make things happen. I also would like to see the merging of baby boomers and new workers. This is a chance of a lifetime for boomers to reach down and pick up a new worker and guide them into their future, how beautiful is that?

Cairo Career Center Staff