AN INTERVIEW WITH
Faith Copeland-Pittman

  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 Faith Copeland-Pittman of the Kings Bay Career Center.

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

FP: - My name is Faith Copeland-Pittman; I began working for the Georgia Department of Labor Kings Bay Career Center June 2004 as Employer Marketing Representative.

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

FP: - I enjoy landscape design – my favorite flowers are roses, hydrangeas and bearded irises! As a professional seamstress, I also enjoy designing custom window treatments and costumes for my daughter’s activities including talent shows and dance recitals. In addition, I do party planning, decorative cakes and other dessert treats for special occasions including weddings and receptions. I am currently working on a small business plan, Haley B. Designs. I play the piano for relaxation.

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

FP: - I worked for 15 years with the Division of Family and Children Services and the State abolished my position in the process of downsizing state office staff. I knew I would enjoy the marketing aspect, making public presentations, coordinating events and providing customer service.

What do you feel is unique about the area in which you work?

FP: - Four major communities including Kings Bay Naval Sub Base, Kingsland, St. Marys and Woodbine make up Camden County – located geographically on the Eastern Georgia Coastline. The Kings Bay Career Center is located a few miles from the Florida/Georgia border. In addition to working with military families in transition, many Camden residents commute to either Jacksonville or Brunswick for employment. Although our career center specifically serves Camden County, I work with employers from Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Jacksonville, Folkston and Brunswick.

The HGTV dream home built in St. Marys at Cumberland Harbour brought international fame to our community. The Camden County area is a growing coastal community attracting families seeking a small-town setting with a great school system. In addition, many military families are choosing to settle in Camden County when they retire from the military. Senior citizens are retiring to our community and many are looking for opportunities to supplement their retirement income. The Camden community is visionary, working in partnership with businesses, civic organizations, local and state agencies to secure a bright future.

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

FP: - The Kings Bay Employer Committee has experienced steady growth in its membership over the past two years and is very active! The committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday. Attendance at meetings has ranged from 20 to 65 over the past year. 100 plus individuals are listed as members of the KBEC. The challenge is accomplishing the committee’s vision…. The greatest strength is willingness and desire, the biggest challenge is time.

Have you or your Employer Committee received any awards or special recognition?

FP: - I was honored to participate in EXCEL 2004, the first year I was employed for the Georgia Department of Labor. In 1990, I was selected Georgia’s Independent Living Program Coordinator of the Year by the Division of Family and Children Services, the first time the award was given. As ILP Coordinator, I provided services to youth in foster care in 27 counties.

What community activities do you participate in as an EMR?

FP: -

1. Camden County Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Development Task Force Committee

1. Camden County High School Youth Apprenticeship Program – assist with coordinating annual Job Fair

1. Kings Bay Employer Committee – facilitate and coordinate monthly meetings, special events and projects, assist subcommittees and develop all event flyers, brochures, etc.

1. Tri-County Collaborative Committee

What do you enjoy most about your job?

FP: - Putting the WOW in government services – providing customer satisfaction!

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

FP: - I would like the Kings Bay Career Center to be the hub for the Camden community connecting people to work and work to people! I would like to see employers in our career center everyday offering a variety of employment opportunities to our customers. I would like to see more partnerships established with local businesses, organizations and other government agencies.

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

FP:- I see more and more employers, both large and small companies, utilizing full-service staffing agencies to meet their human resource needs both short-term and long-term. The Kings Bay Career Center will continue to work closely with such agencies and will need to continue to educate customers on the positive aspects of employment with staffing agencies.

Kings Bay Staff

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