AN INTERVIEW WITH
Bill Palmer

  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 Bill Palmer of the Camilla Career Center.

 

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

BP: - My name is Bill Palmer. I am the Employment Marketing Representative of the Camilla Career Center. Our local employer committee is the Mitchell-Baker Employer Committee.

 

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

BP: - The Mitchell-Baker Employer Committee is comprised of representatives of a local Processing Plant, the City and County, the Service Industry, Southwest Georgia Technical College, and several local Government Agencies.

 

What do you believe is unique about your Employer Committee?

BP: - While our committee is smaller than some, our members care deeply about the local community. This shows in the activities we sponsor and take part in, including charity events to benefit local citizens. Around Christmas of 2006 our committee sponsored a customer service seminar for local employers and human resource representatives and collected children’s coats that were donated to charity. We were glad to be in a position to help the children of our community have coats during the cold months.

 

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

BP: - Some employers in our area suffer from high turnover rates. This is especially true in retail and service industry jobs. Many employers are willing to train new employees, so the lack of training is not a concern to them. Employers are more concerned with finding workers who are ready to work, and willing to learn and advance within their company or business.

 

Why should I join your Employer Committee?

BP: - When you join the Mitchell-Baker Employer Committee, you meet many representatives from the local business and service community. You stay informed of events happening that effect our community both positively and negatively. You have a chance to contribute and give back to the community.

 

How active is your Employer Committee working in your community?

BP: - The Mitchell-Baker Employer Committee works closely with the community. All of our events, seminars and activities are directed to the community. We have a great relationship with the local newspaper, the Chambers and City government, as well as the Department of Family and Children Services, WIA and Workforce Development. Our goal is to serve the community.

 

Has your Employer Committee received any awards or special recognition?

BP: - None so far, but contributing to the local community and getting positive feedback are recognition in and of itself.

 

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

BP: - Members of the Mitchell-Baker Employer Committee feel that a skilled and educated workforce is very important to the success of the business community. In today’s job market, the committee believes that a strong work ethic, education and a willingness to learn will continue to be qualities employers seek. More and more employers in Mitchell and Baker counties are seeking skilled and educated workers. Never before has a high school diploma or equivalent been so important. While many employers in the area are willing to train employees, they still seek individuals with at least a high school education. Other employers are seeking individuals with skills such as welding, metal fabricating, and automotive mechanics. Job seekers with trade skills and post high school education will be qualified for more jobs. So a college and technical school education becomes ever more important.

 

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

BP: - I hope to continue to market Department of Labor services to local employers. The Department of Labor Camilla Career Center has so much to offer employers and job seekers. I strive to show the local community that the Camilla Career Center is a vital contributor to economic growth and expansion in our area.

The staff of Camilla Career Center (from left to right) Danny Cope, Rheunnell Phillips, Wilda Willis, Vivian McGalliard, Tom Brock, Bill Palmer, Gloria Bundy, Angelia Adams, Brenda Hawkins