2011-2012
Annual Report
Investing in People
2 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
Message from the Board Chair & Executive Director 3
About ECWDB 4
Board of Directors, Chief Elected Officials & Staff 6
ECWDB Organizational Chart 7
National Emergency Grant On-the-Job Training Program 8
Hurricane Irene National Emergency Grant 9
NC First Work Ready Communities Program 10
2011-12 Happenings 11
NC JobLink Career Center System 12
Services for Adults and Dislocated Workers 14
PY2011-2012 Training Programs Sponsored by WIA 15
WIA Adult/Dislocated Worker Success Stories 16
NC Incumbent Workforce Development Program 18
WIA Youth Services 19
WIA Youth Success Stories 20
WIA Youth Activities 21
Our Region 22
WIA Participant Data 24
2011-2012 Local Area Performance 25
2011- 2012 Financial Report 26
Table of Contents
On behalf of the Eastern Carolina Job Training Consortium, I would like
to take this opportunity to commend the Board and staff, JobLink
partners, and WIA service providers for another very successful year in
serving the citizens of our region.
~ Joseph Wiggins, Chairman, Eastern Carolina
Job Training Consortium
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 3
Message from the Board Chair & Executive Director
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that our
workforce development system is
customer focused, demand-driven
and accountable in preparing our
current and future workforce to
meet the changing needs of a
highly competitive global
economy.
Our Vision
Our vision for the eastern counties
of North Carolina is a highly skilled
workforce with an educational
attainment level that meets the
needs of the 21st Century work-
place, so that local firms can
compete in a technologically
enhanced global economy.
Value Added
We add economic value to our
communities by ensuring that
quality education, job training and
employment opportunities are
available for job training seekers
and employers alike, thereby
improving the quality of life for
our citizens throughout Eastern
North Carolina.
Mona Padrick, Chairman
TO OUR
STAKEHOLDERS:
To Our Stakeholders:
We are pleased to present this 2011-2012 annual report. While the prin-
cipal focus of this report concerns our federally-mandated responsibility
to provide planning, oversight and evaluation of local workforce devel-
opment programs, including the local One-Stop Delivery System
(JobLink Career Center System in North Carolina), we have also high-
lighted other workforce development initiatives undertaken by the
Board to reflect the changing needs of workers and businesses.
Through our network of JobLink Career Centers, we served over 37,000
customers seeking assistance with employment and/or training services.
Over 1,100 individuals enrolled in our Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
Adult, Youth, Dislocated Worker and Incumbent Workforce Programs,
resulting in expenditures of over $4.1 million. Working together, the
Eastern Carolina Local Area met the State’s negotiated performance
goals in the areas of employment, retention, earnings, and customer sat-
isfaction.
We owe our success to the strong partnerships created throughout our
region among our chambers of commerce, employers, community col-
leges, public schools, economic development agencies, elected officials,
local governments, community based organizations, and numerous non-
profit organizations, along with the dedication of time and energy from
board leadership and dedicated staff.
On behalf of the Board, we would like to express our sincere apprecia-
tion to our staff for their dedication and contributions, and to our Job-
Link partners and service providers for the quality services they provided
to the citizens of the nine-county region. Finally, we would like to
thank our Board of Directors and the Eastern Carolina Job Training Con-
sortium for their leadership, invaluable counsel and commitment toward
achieving our mission of developing a skilled workforce for Eastern
North Carolina.
Sincerely,
Mona Padrick Tammy Childers
Chairman Executive Director
Tammy Childers, Executive Director
4 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
About ECWDB
The Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board (ECWDB) is a non-
profit organization located in New Bern, North Carolina. It is the desig-
nated administrative/fiscal agent for the Federal and State workforce de-
velopment funds appropriated by the North Carolina Department of
Commerce to operate employment and training services in a nine county
local area. A twenty-eight member board of directors governs the
ECWDB in partnership with the local elected officials.
The ECWDB contracts its programs with reputable organizations through-
out the nine counties who provide services in local JobLink Career Cen-
ters serving both the job/training seeker and the employer populations.
Members of the ECWDB are appointed by the elected officials of their
respective counties in accordance with criteria established by the Gover-
nor.
ECWDB membership includes representatives from business and industry,
education agencies, economic development agencies, vocational rehabili-
tation, and labor organizations. Membership is drawn from individuals
who have optimum policy-making authority from their organization.
The ECWDB's role is to ensure that the local workforce development sys-
tem is business-driven and responsive to meeting the employment and
training needs of both job seekers and employers.
The ECWDB:
coordinates rapid response meetings with employers who are down-
sizing or facing a plant closure
serves as a point of contact for business, industry and the public sector
to identify solutions that address their workforce needs
promotes strategies to encourage life-long learning and improve work-
place skills
assists in the development of new training programs to benefit the re-
gion's workforce
conducts planning, oversight and evaluation of local workforce devel-
opment programs to include the JobLink Career Center system
offers advice regarding workforce policy and programs to local elected
officials, employers, education and employment agencies, and citizens
coordinates with economic development efforts to promote the re-
gion's availability of qualified workers
reviews local agency plans and grant applications for workforce devel-
opment to ensure coordination of services
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 5
Core Beliefs
The Board is accountable for providing leadership in building & maintaining a
quality workforce delivery system.
The development of a strong economy for NC depends upon having a supply
of educated & well-trained workers who possess the skills needed to make
NC’s business & industry globally competitive.
Public institutions and public resources play a critical role in the development
of an educated, well-trained workforce.
Improvements to the NC workforce development delivery system must focus
on the needs of job seekers and be based on factual, relevant & timely data.
The JobLink Career Center System is the primary portal that directs job seekers
to employment & training, provides business services to employers & links
those seeking employment with those seeking to hire.
NC workers and the workforce development system must adapt quickly to the
demands of the 21st Century economy and embrace continuous learning.
The North Carolina Workforce Development Delivery System includes all agen-
cies and organizations involved in increasing the quantity and quality of work-
ers in North Carolina, improving worker access to jobs and increasing worker
access to information about the availability of jobs and training opportunities.
**Adopted by the NC Commission on Workforce Development
Key Strategies
Engage business and community leaders in addressing workforce issues and
promote strategies to improve education levels and basic workplace skills.
Strengthen alliances with economic development to identify and address
the workforce needs of current and future industries.
Implement a community awareness plan that promotes education, life-long
learning and the workforce development services available for job-seekers
and employers.
Identify and implement effective employment and training strategies that
result in employment opportunities for all citizens.
To establish an accountability system that builds the capacity of the Work-
force Development Board and staff.
6 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
Board of Directors, Chief Elected Officials & Staff
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carteret County:
Mike Kraszeski, Atlantic Veneer, Vice President
Myles Stempin, Carteret Co. Economic Dev., Ex. Dir.
Dwayne Oglesby, Fleet Readiness Center East, Organization & Workforce Planner & Analyst
Craven County:
Jeff French, Coastal Wholesale Grocery - Supervisor
Kimsey Welch, Vocational Rehabilitation, Retired
Ronald Knight, Communications Workers of America
Duplin County:
Alex Asbun, Vidant Duplin Hospital Dir. of Health Care Programs
Dr. Lawrence Rouse, James Sprunt CC, President
Al Searles, Murphy Brown, LLC. - VP, Transportation
Greene County:
Angela Bates, Greene Lamp, Inc., Executive Director
Judy Darden, Darden Bookkeeping, Owner
Jody Tyson - Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service
Jones County:
Frank Emory, Emory Construction, Owner
Thelma Simmons, Jones County DSS, Executive Director
Norma Sermon-Boyd, Jones Co Partnership Children, Dir.
Lenoir County:
Brantley Briley, Lenoir Community College, President
Bruce Parson, Blind Shop, Owner
Debbie Beech Burrell, FACILITATE, CEO
Onslow County:
Don Harris, Stanadyne Diesel, Retired
Ralph Leeds, Employment Security Commission, Manager
Mona Padrick, Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber, President
Dr. Kathy Spencer, Onslow County Schools, Superintendent
Pamlico County:
Wayne Brackin, Tideland EMC, Job Training & Safety Dir
Carla Byrnes, B & B Yacht Designs, Owner
Jason Hannah, Hannah Service Center, Owner
Wayne County:
Fletcher Bizzell, Excel-Linde, HR & Safety Manager
Gerald Jones, Southco Distributing Co. HR Director
Tara Myers, Vocational Rehabilitation, Facility Director
EASTERN CAROLINA
JOB TRAINING CONSORTIUM
CHIEF ELECTED OFFICIALS
Bill Smith, Carteret County
Johnnie Sampson, Jr., Craven County
David J. Fussell, Sr., Duplin County
Jerry Jones, Greene County
Joseph Wiggins, Jones County
George W. Graham, Jr., Lenoir County
Barbara Ikner, Onslow County
Christine Mele, Pamlico County
J.D. Evans, Wayne County
EASTERN CAROLINA WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT BOARD, INC.
MANAGEMENT STAFF
Back Row From Left to Right:
Wendy Walker-Fox, Veterans Initiative Coordinator,
Trina Hale, Accounting Technician, Joe McCarthy, Youth
Coordinator, Robert Kehres, Assistant Director.
Front Row From Left to Right:
Lisa Harvey, WIA Coordinator, Tammy Childers,
Executive Director, Ellen Sink, Administrative Assistant,
Debbie Simpkins, Fiscal Monitor
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 7
ECWDB Organizational Chart
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have
much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt
8 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
National Emergency Grant On-the-Job Training Program
In 2010, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced $75 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
of 2009 funds for On-the-Job (OJT) Training, National Emergency Grants (NEG). North Carolina was one of
41 states chosen to participate. These resources are to help long term dislocated workers get back to work, es-
pecially in geographic areas disproportionately impacted by the recession. North Carolina’s allocation was $3.1
million and selected four local areas to participate in the program – High Country, Western Piedmont, Region
C and Eastern Carolina.
Upon notification of the award, the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board contracted with the
North Carolina Employment Security Commission to operate this program through June 30, 2012. The OJT
program was designed to encourage businesses to hire workers by offering employer reimbursement for a por-
tion of employees’ wages while in training with reimbursement on a sliding scale up to 90% during training.
The program offered a method to jump start re-employment for 41 dislocated workers experiencing prolonged
unemployment by enabling employers to create training and job opportunities for these individuals.
Participating employers included:
AAR, Inc.
Alcoke Management, LLC
Always Online, LLC
Anchor Coupling, Inc.
Bluewater Associates
Buy Smart Realty
Carolina Technical
Davis Roofing & Wall Systems
Down East Heating & Air Conditioning
Drahtzug Stein
Royal Janitorial dba Facilio
Golden Heart Senior Care
Jacksonville Heating & Air
Latham Electrical Co.
Onslow Pines Rest Home, Inc. dba The ARC
Prestige Land Surveying
Proactive Technologies
SWFC, PA dba Croatan Primary Care
The Country Squire
The Flame
The Real Estate Center
Tire Country of Jacksonville, Inc.
Tradewind Aviation Maintenance
Urethane Innovations, Inc.
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 9
Hurricane Irene National Emergency Grant
Hurricane Irene, a category 1 storm, brought devasta-
tion and destruction to coastal North Carolina and
over 100 miles inland in the eastern part of the state.
The storm, which brought massive flooding, impacted
thousands of North Carolinians and destroyed homes,
farms, businesses, bridges and roads. Thirty six counties
were affected by the storm including: Beaufort, Bertie,
Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus,
Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates,
Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Le-
noir, Martin, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton,
Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans,
Pitt, Sampson, Tyrell, Warren, Washington, Wayne
and Wilson.
On September 29, 2011, the North Carolina Depart-
ment of Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions
received a $2 million National Emergency Grant which
created temporary jobs for eligible dislocated workers,
to assist in storm recovery efforts. The designated
grant funded the 5 local workforce board areas with
the highest concentration of storm damage: Capital
Area Workforce Development Board, Eastern Carolina
Workforce Development Board, Region Q Workforce
Investment Board, Northeastern Workforce Invest-
ment Board and Turning Point Workforce Develop-
ment Board. Participant eligibility included individuals
temporarily or permanently dislocated from their jobs
due to storm destruction, qualified dislocated workers
and the long term unemployed.
A total of 124 participants were enrolled in the pro-
gram statewide which provided cleanup, restoration
and humanitarian services to storm ravaged victims
and communities. Of the 124, 43 participants were
enrolled from the Eastern Carolina Local Area. Public
agencies, already impacted by shrinking budgets, were
able to quickly recover from the devastation of the
storm, without the significant delays which had been
anticipated. Participants were afforded an opportunity
to earn competitive wages, learn new skills, and ex-
perience the satisfaction of feeling productive on the
job again, while providing a service to their commu-
nity. Several placements resulted in full-time perma-
nent employment.
Within the Eastern Carolina Local Area, participating local governments and non-profits included:
Carteret County Engineering Department
City of Goldsboro Public Works
City of Kinston
Craven County DSS
Craven County Planning Department
NC Conference of UMC, Disaster Recovery
Pamlico County Disaster Recovery Coalition
Pamlico County Inspections
Pamlico County Parks and Recreation
Pamlico County Planning Pamlico County Water De-
partment
Pamlico County Water Department
The Salvation Army Family Store
Town of Bayboro Maintenance Dept
Town of Freemont
Town of Swansboro
10 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
North Carolina’s First Work Ready Communities Program
A Demonstration Project in the Eastern Region Fast Facts
8,189: Career Readiness Certificates (CRCs) earned* in
Eastern Region since launch of Work Ready Communities 132,100: Total CRCs across North Carolina 24%: Eastern Region portion of CRCs in state 95: Number of employers in the Eastern Region that use
the CRC *As of June 1, 2012.
Source: www.crcnc.com
Nearly 100 businesses across nine counties already have committed to using the CRC for recruit-
ment or promotions.
Work Ready Communities was first launched in Georgia and Oklahoma more than five years ago, as a pro-
gram administered by the states to encourage communities to increase the employment opportunities of their
workforce by meeting high school graduation and Career Readiness Certificate benchmarks. After two years of
planning, in November 2011, the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board, in partnership with North
Carolina’s Eastern Region, North Carolina’s Community College System, North Carolina’s Rural Center, and
Corporation of Enterprise Development launched a pilot program, based on earlier research and customization
of Work Ready goals to North Carolina standards.
The pilot aims to assess and award communities that meet Work Ready goals, evaluate the standards for certi-
fication, motivate rural county participation, and introduce Work Ready Communities to employers. Early
response to this pilot has been positive—all thirteen counties are participating and already offering promising
practices and key lessons learned for possible expansion of Work Ready Communities across the state. The
richness in this program is the synergy of efforts between 11 local community colleges, 13 county school sys-
tems, the region’s economic development agencies, three workforce development boards, over 100 businesses,
and other regional, state, and local leaders.
The benefits of the Work Ready Community certification extend to employers, students, job seekers, and
across communities. As job seekers earn CRCs and demonstrate their employment skills, employers win with
productive and committed employees. During this first year, nearly 100 businesses across nine counties have
committed to using the CRC for recruitment or promotions. To date, the Eastern Region is leading the State
with nearly 33,000 individuals who have earned their CRC, representing 24% of the State’s total CRCs issued.
To help citizens prepare to take the CRC, the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board has continued
it’s support of the Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN) for Work Keys. The internet-based WIN instruc-
tional courseware helps build workplace skills and prepare individuals for the ACTS WorkKeys assessments at
no cost to the individual. Since 1995, over 11,700 students and adults have been enrolled into the WIN pro-
gram.
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 11
2011-12 Happenings
The 6th Annual Trades Day Competition
The 6th Annual Trades Day competition was held on March 24, 2012 at Coastal Carolina
Community College in Jacksonville where over 90 participants from Jones and Onslow
counties competed in six different categories for recognition, prizes and money awards.
Board Chair, Mona Padrick presided over the successful event. This year female and male
participants competed together in the masonry category. Local employers in the trades
were in attendance and talked to students about employment or internship opportunities
upon graduation. Some of the employers hired the students on a part-time basis throughout the school year
and/or during the summer months. All materials for the competition and prize awards were donated for each
category by local community organizations and businesses. The judges were instructors or individuals em-
ployed in the trades. The Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board was one of the sponsors of the
event and provided trophies to the successful contestants.
Town Hall meeting with Congressman G. K. Butterfield
On April 9, 2012, the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board and Wayne County
JobLink Career Center hosted a Town Hall Meeting with Congressman G.K. Butterfield with
a focus on the WIA Dislocated Worker Program, Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, WIA
participants and employers. Congressman Butterfield discussed jobs and training opportuni-
ties for dislocated workers and shared information about the nation’s economy and the
newly proposed Universal Displaced Worker Program which sought to combine the WIA
Dislocated Worker and TAA programs into one piece of legislation.
Pamela Pearce with Anchor Coupling Company shared her positive experience with the On-the
-Job Training Program and the service provided by the Wayne County JobLink Career Center.
Speakers included participants from the WIA and TAA programs who spoke of their training
and educational opportunities and return to gainful employment. The event was well attended
with over 40 people attending and was covered by the local media.
U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary Visits the Eastern
Region
In June, North Carolina’s Eastern Region hosted US. Assistant Secretary for Vocational
and Adult Education Brenda Dann-Messier who toured several STEM East facilities in
Lenoir and Craven County and participated in a roundtable discussion with students,
teachers and private and public partners. “We need to find out what’s happening on the
ground,” Dann-Messier said of the reason for her visit. “We don’t have the answers in
Washington - they are on the ground with those of you doing this work on a daily ba-
sis.” The day started with a tour of Contentnea-Savannah K8 Schools’ math center, one
of the first in the state. The project-based center is housed at the school’s computer lab and allows students
to have hands-on experience with Math 1 which replaces Algebra 1 in the new common core standards.
Modules are based on topics such as sports statistics, unsolved mysteries, climate change and projectile mo-
tion. Dann-Messier called the lab “phenomenal.” The assistant secretary also had the opportunity to meet
with community leaders to discuss how STEM was formed in the local area.
Ms. Dan-Messier toured a Craven County STEM Lab which was implemented through the NCER through the
Golden LEAF Foundation. Chris Bailey, Career-Technical Education Director for Craven County Schools com-
mented that “The students are more in tune to STEM –type careers… and makes our area more attractive to
business and industry because we’ve made our students more employable.” Source: Kinston Free Press
Rowanda Newton, Dislocated Worker attending WCC shares her WIA experience
12 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
NC JobLink Career Center System"
To improve North Carolina’s workforce and strengthen our state’s economy by developing a system of JobLink Career
Centers that offers labor market information, provides access to career training and job placement services, and serves
as the connection between employers and qualified workers."
Across the region, JobLink Career Center staff and
partners have worked together to create user friendly
facilities which provide job seekers, training seekers
and employers access to a variety of employment and
training services all under one roof. These efforts al-
low JobLink Career Center professionals to make the
best use of scarce resources during these economically
challenging times while continuing to deliver high
quality services to the citizens of Eastern North Caro-
lina. The goal of each Center is to offer a more con-
venient, efficient and effective way for customers to
look for a new or better job. For employers, the Cen-
ters provide a single place to address their employ-
ment and training needs that is unique for their type
of business.
When delivering employment and training services to
a broad range of customers, there are times connec-
tions to other community partners are necessary.
Across the region, partnerships with faith-based and
community-based organizations, as well as numerous
non-profit organizations played an important role in
delivering services through the JobLinks. Collectively,
these organizations offered a variety of supportive
services to include child care, counseling, food, tutor-
ing youth, emergency shelter, transportation, cloth-
ing, counseling, space for English as a Second Lan-
guage and/or Basic Skills classes, as well as space to
offer a variety of Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Anonymous programs, etc.
Within our network of JobLink Centers, several com-
munity-based organizations to include Greene Lamp,
Inc., Coastal Community Action, Inc., Eastern Caro-
lina Human Services, Wages, Inc., Coastal Women’s
Shelter, Telamon, etc. are active partners
and dedicated to serving those in most need. Their
importance cannot be underestimated, and the East-
ern Carolina Workforce Development Board em-
braces them as a critical partner in workforce devel-
opment.
t for filing and filling job orders
rapid response assis- tance for plant closings and mass lay- offs
worker training information
JOBLINK LOCATIONS:
Carteret County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: NC Div. of Workforce Solutions
Morehead City
Craven County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: NC Div. of Workforce Solutions
New Bern
Duplin County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: NC Div. of Workforce Solutions
Kenansville
Greene County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: Lenoir Community College
Snow Hill
Jones County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: Lenoir Community College
Trenton
Lenoir County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: Lenoir Community College
Kinston
Lenoir County JobLink Information Site
Hosted by: NC Div. of Workforce Solutions
Kinston
Onslow County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: NC Div. of Workforce Solutions
Jacksonville
Onslow County JobLink Information Site
Hosted by: Coastal Carolina Community College
Jacksonville
Pamlico County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: Pamlico Community College
Bayboro
Wayne County JobLink Career Center
Hosted by: NC Div. of Workforce Solutions
Goldsboro
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 13
JobLink… Where job seekers and employers
connect!
Carteret County
The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce
and JobLink partners held their annual JobLink
Appreciation Luncheon where they recognized
local employers and successful WIA participants
for their successes. The Carteret County Board
of Commissioners also designated that week as
JobLink Appreciation Week by passing a resolu-
tion as a means of recognizing the county work-
force leaders for their contributions to the
County’s many successes.
Job Fairs
Sponsored by the Lenoir County JobLink and
hosted by Lenoir Community College held on
April 3, 2012. Over 103 public and private em-
ployers participated which included government
agencies, industrial firms, law enforcement, U.S.
Military, health care, restaurants with almost
1,000 jobseekers attending.
The 6th Annual Pamlico Community College
Job Fair - Sponsored by Pamlico Community
College, The Pamlico County JobLink Career
Center and the Displaced Homemaker Grant
Program.
The ECWDB and Craven County JobLink par-
ticipated in the 2012 Business Expo - New Bern
Convention Center
JobLink Career Center Customers Served
County Customers New Registra-
tions
Carteret 4,008 1,020
Craven 1,235 307
Duplin 6,363 1,149
Greene 532 112
Jones 311 93
Lenoir 10,368 2,727
Onslow 5,800 2,274
Pamlico 117 37
Wayne 8,643 1.988
TOTAL 37,377 9,707
2nd Annual Veterans Stand Down
Hosted by the Onslow County JobLink, more
than 40 services were available to the homeless
and indigent veterans in Onslow County which
included job opportunities and information,
health & dental screenings, begin VA paper-
work, pick up donated clothing, free hot lunch
and new this year, a warm shower at the Na-
tional Guard Armory. The event was a great
success and plans are already underway to hosts
next year’s event.
14 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
Making a Difference
Services for Adults and Dislocated Workers
The Eastern Carolina Workforce Devel-
opment Board, Inc., extends a special
thank you and recognition to the follow-
ing WIA Service Providers who provided
quality training opportunities for Eastern
Carolina’s Adult and Dislocated Worker
WIA participants.
Carteret Community College
Coastal Carolina Community College
James Sprunt Community College
Lenoir Community College
NC Division of Workforce Solutions
( formerly NC Employment Security
Commission)
Pamlico Community College
Wayne Community College
Through local JobLink Career Centers, job-seekers
benefit from better coordination of programs and
services to ensure access to a seamless system of
workforce investment services. Some customers may
be job ready and referred quickly to an employer.
Others may need additional career planning services,
such as staff assistance with resume preparation,
career planning, job search, or referral to training.
For job-seekers who are unemployed or under-
employed, or for individuals who find themselves
displaced from their employment due to down-sizing
or plant closure, an individual training voucher may
be issued to the eligible customer for training by a
training provider of their choice sponsored through
the WIA.
During Program Year 2011-2012, WIA service
providers established individual training accounts for
270 adults, 301 dislocated workers. These individuals
participated in training programs that lead to a
certificate, diploma, or degree in high growth, in-
demand occupations within the local area.
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 15
PY 2011-2012 Training Programs Sponsored by WIA
16 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
Cheyenne Adams, a single par-
ent with three children to sup-
port, knew she had to com-
plete her education in order to
get a job that would lead to
self sufficiency. In the past, she
had allowed fear of failure to
hold her back. In August 2009,
she applied for and was accepted in the Emergency
Medical Science (EMS) program at Carteret Community
College.
Cheyenne’s first year in the EMS program went well, but
in her second year after completing her Intermediate
Certification, the program lost its program director and
things began to fall apart. Her fear made her want to
quit, but with the support of her WIA case manager and
her will and determination she continued and was able
to successfully complete her training. In May of 2011, she
received her Associate’s Degree in EMS. Hard times
weren’t quite over, but again she persevered, and on
January 30, 2012 she became a full-time paramedic with
Brunswick County EMS in Shallotte, NC.
Cheyenne Adams was recognized as an “Adult Success
Story” in the North Carolina Workforce Investment Act
Annual Report for Program Year 2011.
Success Stories
WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Success Stories
Cheyenne Adams
Alissa Fender
Founded in 1783, the Town of Swans-
boro offers a historic downtown district
overlooking the water, numerous op-
portunities for coastal recreation, and a
progressive town government that
works to balance high quality commu-
nity growth with conservation of the
community’s natural and historic re-
sources.
Since 2009, the Town of Swansboro
has provided training opportunities for seven Work-
force Investment Act participants in either work ex-
perience or under the Hurricane Irene – Disaster Relief
Employment Grant. The Town has hired three of the
seven participants. The salaries and benefits have been
competitive and the employees seem to enjoy their
positions.
The Public Works Director, Mr. Ed-
wards worked with two former
participants and was instrumental in
recommending both of them to be
hired permanently. He is very inter-
ested in working with the WIA Pro-
gram to train more work experi-
ence participants in the future.
It has been proven to be a good
working relationship with The Town of Swansboro, a
win-win situation for all. We look forward to continu-
ing our collaborative efforts in the future.
Outstanding Employer - Town of
Swansboro, NC
Alissa Fender was employed with Embarq as a Cus-
tomer Service Representative for eight years when
the business closed its doors in November of 2009.
A young wife with two children, she was concerned
about the job opportunities in a downturned econ-
omy.
While attending a Rapid Response event at Embarq,
through the Onslow County JobLink Career Cen-
ter/Division of Workforce Solutions she learned of
the WIA Dislocated Worker Program and opportu-
nities for retraining. She enrolled in the Medical Of-
fice Administration curriculum offered at Coastal
Carolina Community College in Jacksonville.
Through determination, Alissa proved to be a
model student achieving good grades. Her motiva-
tion was so strong to complete training and find
employment, she took additional courses offered at
a second college to reach her goal.
Alissa was informed of a work experience available
with the Town of Swansboro. She interviewed and
was selected for an office assistant position with the
Public Works Department.
Alissa was hired full-time
with benefits by the
Town of Swansboro
when its new budget
was approved. She con-
tributes her success to
the WIA Dislocated
Worker Program and
now sees a future full of
hope and promise.
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 17
William (Chris) Lee worked
with R & J Contracting as
an electrical supervisor for
a few weeks before being
laid off. He had been out
of work 55 weeks after
having ten years of experi-
ence as an electrician. Chris
was enrolled in the Reemployment Service Program
(RES) at the Onslow County JobLink Career Center.
Sandra Shepard, a WIA Case Manager, contacted the
RES Coordinator to request participants affected by
Hurricane Irene to participate in the Hurricane Irene
Disaster Relief Employment Program (HIDREP). Chris
was very excited about becoming employed again,
even if it was for a short period of time. An interview
was set with the Town of Swansboro, who requested
a maintenance position to assist with clean-up and re-
pair of storm damaged areas in the Swans. Lee began
work in October of 2011.
Lee impressed his supervisor and other workers. He
received a glowing evaluation and praise from his su-
pervisor. Consequently, his supervisor requested that
Lee be hired permanently since there was money avail-
able in the Town’s budget. After the details were
worked out and Lee had completed all work related
to Hurricane Irene damage, he was hired full-time with
the Town of Swansboro. Lee said this was one of the
best places he has ever worked.
Chris was recognized as a “Dislocated Worker Success
Story” in the North Carolina Workforce Investment
Act Annual Report for Program Year 2011.
Pherbia Chadwick
More Success Stories
Karen Beckman
In February 2008 at the age of 43,
Karen Beckman found herself in a
desperate situation. She was newly
married and suddenly unemployed
as her employer, Boaters World
filed for bankruptcy. She felt dis-
heartened and unsure of the fu-
ture.
Karen was informed of the WIA
Dislocated Worker program. Hold-
ing a high school diploma, she was
excited about the prospect of re-
turning to school and getting a de-
gree. On April 30, 2009, she en-
tered the WIA Dislocated Worker program to pursue
her interest in administration and health care. She en-
rolled in the Medical Office Administration program.
While the journey was not easy, she remained ex-
tremely dedicated and focused on achieving her goals.
She received her AAS degree from Pitt Community Col-
lege in the fall of 2011.
Karen is now employed at Carolina Physical Therapy in
Morehead City as the Front Office Coordinator making
a good wage with benefits. After graduating from col-
lege, she obtained her Certified Professional Coding
Certificate. Through the WIA Dislocated Worker pro-
gram, Karen states she was given the opportunity to
receive an outstanding education, and get a job in a
field she truly loves. As she so aptly puts, “I am so
happy to be back in the workforce and giving back to
my community.”
Pherbia Chadwick was
laid off from her posi-
tion as a Customer Ser-
vice Representative at
Cooper Crouse-Hinds,
LLC on November 14,
2008. While attending
a Rapid Response infor-
mational session onsite,
she learned about the Lenoir County JobLink Career
Center and the WIA Dislocated Worker Program.
Pherbia, a single woman, mother and grandmother
who lives independently, had the will and determi-
nation to complete anything she tried but often,
needed to be convinced that she can reach for the
stars even though she’s past the age of 50. Some
days, you can see tired all over her, but she contin-
ues to smile and says everything is alright. Her hu-
mility makes it easy to assist her, as she steadily con-
tends, “there may be someone who needs it more
than me.” When her Unemployment Insurance
benefits were exhausted, Pherbia still managed to
complete training and maintain A’s and B’s in her
studies.
On December 31, 2011 with a GPA of 3.59, she re-
alized one of her dreams by graduating from Lenoir
Community College with her AAS in Medical Office
Administration. She is a member of the Phi Theta
Kappa Honors Society.
William (Chris) Lee
18 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
Gregory Poole Equipment Company Marine Power is involved in the sale and service of marine engines for the
pleasure craft industry. The company is based in Beaufort with facilities in Wilmington and Wanchese for diesel
sales, service, and parts. In addition, it acts as a service provider for Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, Suzuki, Crusader
and Mercury's (MerCruiser lines) of inboard marine engines in North Carolina. Gregory Poole Marine Power
also has locations in Southport, NC (Marine service yard) Wilmington, NC (Marine service yard) Wrightsville
Beach, NC (Outboard sales, service and parts) Morehead City, NC (Outboard sales, service and parts) Front
Street Village Beaufort, NC (Outboard sales, service, and parts). They are the largest CAT Marine service
provider in the US. Gregory Poole Marine Power is known worldwide as the leader in service. Gregory Poole
Equipment Company targeted 28 employees in the areas of Marine Electrical Certification, CAT Electric Power
II, and CAT 3600 Master Mechanic Certification. These technical certifications will positively impact their
ability to compete for large contracts and also allow them diversity in bidding for new contracts. These factors
will contribute to less slow times for their technicians, diverse revenue streams, and decreased possibility of
layoffs.
Worth Products, LLC is a small privately held fabrication and CNC manufacturing facility located in Snow Hill,
opened in 2003 by Ken Letchworth. The company originated in Hookerton and moved to Maury in 2004, and
to Snow Hill in 2006. Worth Products has expert experience in Tool Design and Product Design. They have the
capabilities to design molds, dies and many other tools. Current customers include AAR, Kidde and Spirit
Aerospace which specifically requested ISO / AS certification in order to expand business with them. In addition,
military installations in North Carolina that do depot level aircraft maintenance have the same requirements as
do their prime contractors such as McDonnell Douglas, Boeing and Sikorsky. Worth Products, LLC targeted 10
employees in the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS) program and its ISO Internal Auditor
Team. They also completed training in the AS9100 (aerospace supplier quality system) which became more
complex with the implementation of Revision C in 2010. Establishing the ISO/AS systems will qualify Worth
Products to directly bid on government and aerospace work that will bring in new business and fuel the
economy. It also provided training in the importance of Continual Improvement as required by ISO.
General Industries Incorporated is a family-owned business in operation for 55 years in Goldsboro and is the
premier supplier of above and underground tanks, oil and water separators, F.A.S.T. (Factory Assembled
Storage Tanks) and custom tanks. It was awarded funds to target 37 employees in the ISO 9001:2008 Quality
System (QMS) program to educate and guide participants in development of the company’s first formal Quality
Management System (QMS) as well as training an ISO Internal Auditor Team; and prepared the company for a
Registration Audit by a Third Party Registrar with the goal of achievement of Registration to ISO 9001-2008
before the end of 2011. The training was essential to keep up with a changing market, to keep new and existing
customers, and to give employees the tools to improve their skill level to meet industry requirements and
demand and to “break the layoff cycle”.
NC Incumbent Workforce Development Program
The purpose of the NC Incumbent Workforce Development Program (IWDP) is to support training that results
in either
Lay-off aversion through skill attainment for employees, or
Lay-off aversion through process improvement that contributes to the competitiveness and productivity of
a business.
The North Carolina Commission on Workforce Development and the state’s 23 Local Workforce Boards, es-
tablished under the Workforce Investment Act, cooperatively administer the Incumbent Workforce Develop-
ment Program.
In 2011-12, grants were awarded as follows: • General Industries to target 37 employees - $14,217•Worth
Products, LLC to target 10 employees - $12,376•Gregory Poole Equipment Co. to target 28 employees -
$20,291
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 19
WIA Youth Services
The Youth Programs under Title I of WIA serve eligible low-income youth between the ages of 16-21 who
face barriers to employment, including those who have deficiencies in basic skills or meet one or more of
these criteria: homeless, a runaway, pregnant, parenting, an offender, school dropout, or a foster child.
The programs also serve youth with disabilities and others who may require additional assistance to
complete an educational program to secure and hold employment. This can be done either through the
program itself or through program partners.
Youth services include:
Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to secondary school completion, including
dropout prevention strategies;
Alternative secondary school offerings;
Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning;
Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing;
Occupational skill training;
Leadership development opportunities, which include community service and peer-centered
activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors;
Supportive services;
Adult mentoring;
Follow-up services and;
Comprehensive guidance and counseling.
Career Readiness Certification
Thank You to the following Youth Service Providers who made a positive difference in the lives of Youth
served through the local Workforce Investment Act programs.
Carteret County Schools Greene Lamp, Inc.
Craven County School Lenoir Community College
Greene County Schools Onslow County Schools
WIA Youth CRC Recipients - 2011 WIA Youth Participants - Craven
County Schools 2011 Awards Luncheon
20 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
Youth Success Stories
Walnecia McNair
Walnecia McNair dropped out of high
school only to realize the importance and
necessity of a good education. She entered
the WIA Out-of-School Youth Program in
August 2010. She is a hard working young
mother willing to do whatever is necessary
to become successful and be a good exam-
ple for her son, Tyramis.
Through the WIA Youth Program, Wal-
necia enrolled in the Adult High School
Diploma Program at Wayne Community College in
Goldsboro. In May of 2012, not only did she graduate
with honors, she was selected as a guest speaker for
the Commencement Ceremony.
Walnecia has achieved many of her goals. In addition
to receiving her high school diploma, she earned a Sil-
ver Career Readiness Certificate, and
completed her CNA 1 Certification. She
demonstrated outstanding leadership
skills and positive social behaviors while
working for the Wayne County Boys
and Girls Club through the WIA Work
Experience Program working as an Ac-
tivity Leader.
The WIA Youth Program gave her the
tools to shine in her accomplishments towards a life
she sought, becoming an excellent role model not only
for her son, Tyramis, but also for her peers and the
children she mentored at the Wayne County Boys and
Girls Club.
Keyear Delmar
Keyear Delmar is a senior at New
Bern High School and enrolled in
the WIA Youth Program. A typical
day for Keyear includes attending
school full-time, and working part-
time at the Shoe Department in
New Bern. When she gets home she
cares for her two-year old child,
does homework, and then starts her
busy day over the next morning.
Keyear has made Honor Roll this
year and has participated in many
of the leadership opportunities af-
forded her through WIA.
During the 2011-12 school
year, she has taken full advan-
tage of the WIA program op-
portunities by participating in
the RCS service project,
toured Craven Community College
and received vital college admission
and financial aid information. In
addition, she met her math goal in
March 2012, attended the WIA
awards luncheon, attended the
Youth Summit, job shadowed at the
New Bern Sun Journal
as a photographer and
ended the program
year with a job experi-
ence at the Craven
County Department of
Social Services.
Keyear is truly deserving of the title
“Outstanding Youth Participant”
her positive attitude, responsible
parenting, academic success and
positive self-esteem are all admira-
ble traits in this young woman.
Outstanding Supervisor - Reggie Jones (Facilio)
Facilio has been a work experience site for
many of Craven County Schools’ WIA
Youth participants. Reggie has provided a
safe and meaningful work site experience
for many of our participants that otherwise
would not have even been given a chance
by others.
Reggie has been willing to work with ex-offenders,
public assistance recipients, troubled youth and other
populations that are sometimes hard to place in work
experience sites. He is a strong leader and most of the
youth that work with him learn that a good work
ethic is a necessity and taking pride in your job is of
the utmost importance.
Many of the WIA Youth participants have been
hired by Facilico upon graduation based on
their positive evaluations while in the work ex-
perience program. Those students learned many
skills that helped them obtain a “real” job after
graduation. Those skills included many indus-
trial related job skills but the main skill they
learned was job responsibility and a good work
ethic. Those can be directly linked to Reggie.
He demonstrates all the qualities that an Outstanding
Supervisor possesses; and is a beacon to youth to reach
for their full potential.
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 21
Participants of the Workforce Investment Act programs
at Havelock High School, New Bern High School and
West Craven High School on November 1, 2011
attended a day-long field trip to Camp Don Lee. They
were given many problem solving activities that
mandated teamwork in order to complete their tasks.
The youth were able to demonstrate their leadership
and teamwork skills as they cheered each other on in
the ropes course, archery and canoeing activities. The
students enjoyed getting to know their peers from other
schools and learned that working as a team has
substantial benefits. The Craven County Schools WIA program serves in school youth who are most at risk of
dropping out and helps students stay on track for high school graduation as they gain job ready skills. Source: Craven County Schools
WIA Youth Activities
The Eastern Carolina Youth Council hosted its Eighth Annual Youth Summit on April 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:15
p.m. at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. Attending the Summit were over 125 youth from the
nine-county Local Area, The theme for this event was “The Rippling Effects of Choices.” “The purpose of this
year’s Summit was to bring young people together to discuss their role as future leaders in the changing econ-
omy and how the choices they make today will impact them tomorrow.” said Lisa Harvey, WIA Coordinator.
The Youth began their day with Keynote Speaker, Attorney David McFadyen, Jr. of Valentine & McFadyen
Law Firm serving New Bern & Beaufort, North Carolina. Attorney McFadyen shared how the choices he made
as a youth affected him, which ultimately led to his decisions of pursing law school. He encouraged the youth
to be extraordinary, maintain a positive attitude, to follow their dreams, and achieve their goals.
Following the morning session, the youth rotated through three separate workshops that addressed challenges
and choices as it relates to being smart with social media, managing money and developing a savings plan, and
strategies for getting hired in today’s competitive job market. After the workshops, lunch was served. The
young people had the opportunity to interact and win door prizes sponsored by local businesses.
Craven County Schools WIA Students at Camp Don Lee
Eastern Carolina Youth Council 8th Annual Youth Summit
22 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
Our Region
The Eastern Region Local Area is located within the
Eastern Region Economic Development Region and
encompasses nine counties: Carteret, Craven, Duplin,
Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico and Wayne.
These counties are primarily rural and reliant upon
agriculture with a total area of 5,710.64 square miles,
and 4,834.41 square miles of land area. The counties’
populations range from Jones and Pamlico with less
than 13,500 each, to Craven, Onslow and Wayne with
more than 100,000 each.
The July 1, 2012 population estimate of the nine-
county area was 663,737. The counties are a diverse
mix of races, ethnic groups and ages with pockets of
urban prosperity among rural poverty. There are four
military bases in the three highest populated counties
of Craven, Onslow, and Wayne. In addition, the three
coastal counties, Carteret, Pamlico and Onslow, are
growing seasonal resort and retirement areas. Govern-
ment, retail trade, services and manufacturing are the
major sources of employment, with government em-
ploying the largest number of workers. Most of the
jobs are located in the seat of government for each
county.
Pamlico County
Wayne County
Onslow County
Jones County
Greene County Carteret County
Craven County
Lenoir County Duplin County
July 1, 2012 Population Estimates
County
Carteret 68,703
Craven 108,259
Duplin 60,595
Greene 21,397
Jones 10,191
Lenoir 59,648
Onslow 197,214
Pamlico 13,172
Wayne 124,558
Grand Total 663,727
Source: North Carolina State Demographics
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 23
Eastern North Carolina continues to experience a profound economic transformation. Accelerating globalization, chang-
ing industrial structures and shifting demographics – these and similar forces are remaking the pathways that long have led
to economic prosperity. For generations, local residents have earned their livelihoods through a mix of agricultural,
manufacturing and wholesale trade activities, supplemented by the opportunities associated with the region’s four major
military installations. In recent years, however, a variety of forces have altered the economic base of the Local Area. For
example, from 2001 to 2010 data shows that the Local Area has experienced a 27% decline in manufacturing, 24% de-
cline in Agriculture,17% decline in transportation, 10% decline in Construction, and a 5% decline in retail. Meanwhile,
opportunities in service-producing industries have multiplied. A third of the region’s jobs now are in just four service
fields: professional/technical, business, educational, and health care services. Moreover, various projections suggest that
these fields will grow in coming years. Anticipated growth is expected to occur in such high value-added industries as ad-
vanced manufacturing, aerospace, aviation and military contracting.
The following is data concerning the Occupational outlook for our Local Area through 2021.
1 Economic Modeling Systems, Inc.
24 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
WIA PARTICIPANT ENROLLMENTS
County Adult Dislocated Worker Youth Total
Carteret 34 22 59 115
Craven 26 60 90 176
Duplin 70 61 22 153
Greene 11 8 35 54
Jones 10 17 2 29
Lenoir 81 132 30 243
Onslow 63 43 42 148
Pamlico 18 10 4 32
Wayne 57 91 20 168
Grand Total 370 444 304 1,118
WIA Participant Data
31%
69%
PY2011 WIA Programs
Gender
Male
Female
0
200
400
600
800
24 2
621
11 3
494
PY2011 WIA ProgramsEthnicity/Race
Age 14-15
Age 16-17
Age 18 - 21
Age 22 - 35
Age 36 - 49
Age 50+
41
136
159
328
300
154
PY2011 WIA Programs
By Age
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 25
HONORING
Joe McCarthyYouth Services Coordinator
2001-2012
Don T. Harris Leadership Award
Recipient
The Workforce Investment Act establishes a comprehensive performance accountability system in order to
optimize the return on investment of Federal funds and to assess the effectiveness of Local Areas in achieving
continuous improvement of workforce investment activities funded under Title I. The US Department of Labor
has established a total of six common measures for WIA Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth
programs. Performance measures for Adult and Dislocated Worker programs are: Entered Employment Rates,
Retention Rates and Average Earnings. Measures for Youth are Placement in Employment or Education,
Attainment of a Degree or Certificate and Literacy or Numeracy Gains.
Local Area Name Adults 370
Eastern Carolina Workforce
Development Board, Inc. (40) Total Participants Serviced Dislocated Workers 444
Youth 304
ETA Assigned # 37125
Total Exiters
Adults 183
Dislocated Workers 287
Youth 96
Reported Information Negotiated
Performance
Level
Actual Performance
Level
Entered Employment Rates Adults 76.0% 65.6%
Dislocated Workers 83.5% 77.1%
Retention Rates Adults 86.2% 81.8%
Dislocated Workers 92.6% 93.9%
Average Earnings (Adults/DWs) Adults $10,393.85 $9,606.00
Dislocated Workers $11,320.00 $12,878.80
Placement in Employment or
Education
Youth (14-21) 59.7% 55.8%
Attainment of Degree or Certificate Youth (14-21) 45.6% 68.5%
Literacy or Numeracy Gains Youth (14-21) 41.6% 20.0%
2011-2012 Local Area Performance
Honoring Outstanding Performance
Thank you for all your years of
service. You have touched and
changed the lives of many
along your journey and have
been an inspiration to us all.
Retirement came way too
early. We love and miss you.
Vision without action is
merely a dream. Action
without vision just passes the
time. Vision with action can
change the world.
Joel A. Barker
26 / Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board
2011-2012 Financial Report
Actual Expenditures for Program Year 2011-2012
Program Beginning Allocations Expended Remaining Percent Expended
Adult $ 1,206,388.93 $ 895,509.46 $310,879.47 74%
DW $ 1,360,405.74 $ 1,196,794.62 $163,611.12 88%
OJT/IWP $ 220,291.00 $ 4,266.00 $216,025.00 2%
Youth $ 1,315,708.83 $ 1,042,162.94 $ 273,545.89 79%
Incentives/IWP $ 188,790.48 $ 177,321.58 $ 11,468.90 94%
NEG-OJT $ 177,916.93 $ 177,916.93 $ 0.00 100%
NEG-Irene $ 323,310.00 $ 315,349.36 $ 7,960.64 98%
Admin $ 415,027.36 $ 272,349.36 $ 142,678.00 66%
Admin NEG-OJT $ 18,524.69 $ 18,524.69 $ 0.00 100%
Admin NEG-Irene $ 18,072.00 $ 17,716.57 $ 355.43 98%
Total $ 5,244,435.96 $ 4,117,911.51 $ 1,126,524.45 79%
OJT/IWP Funds Awarded to WDB Total Funds Expended Remaining
*EDSI Contract $ 200,000.00 $ - $ 200,000.00 Incumbent Worker Grant $ 20,291.00 $ 4,266.00 $ 16,025.00
Total OJT/IWP $ 220,291.00 $ 4,266.00 $ 216,025.00 *Received special funding from DWS on 5/31/12 for EDSI contract to begin 7/1/12 - 6/30/13.
Annual Report 2011-2012 / 27
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
(TTY) 1-800-735-2962 (Voice) 1-800-735-8262
1341 South Glenburnie Road • New Bern, NC 28562
email: [email protected] • website: www.ecwdb.org
phone: (252) 636-6901 or (877) 916-6901 • fax: (252) 638-3569