Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this April 2010
Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for April. Most of the workshops we offer are FREE. To register please call 705.328-0180.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Highest-ever fundraising total for United Way
Dave Flaherty, Lindsay Post
LINDSAY - Despite not quite reaching its goal for the 2009 campaign, the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has raised it highest total ever.
The agency announced it has raised $447,737.34 so far at its 'touchdown' event on Tuesday at VCCS Employment Services in Lindsay.
United Way executive director Penny Barton Dyke said the campaign will continue to climb with one last event Saturday at 7:30 at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.
It will be a fundraising hockey game with the Protectors playing the Lindsay Pastimers. The total was unveiled by a group of local children who were able to build a basketball court in their neighbourhood with leadership and support from the United Way.
Barton Dyke told the group gathered at the touchdown it was fitting to hold the announcement at VCCS. "This is where people start to raise their confidence and get a different career path," Barton Dyke said. "It's just a prime example of the commitment of our agencies."
There are some misconceptions about the United Way, including that it only serves Lindsay or money raised for the campaign is then shipped off to Toronto, she said. "Money raised in the City of Kawartha Lakes stays here," Barton Dyke said. She was proud to able to say the local United Way receives only 9% to 13% of its capital money from fundraising.
The government mandates not-for-profit organizations should run at a 20% rate, and most run at 25%, Barton Dyke said.
To drive home the impact United Way agencies can have, the touchdown event featured guest speakers.
One was Debbie Hamilton, who spoke about how her son Cameron has benefited from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton. Hamilton lost her husband to cancer which was quite hard on her son, she said. "He was grief-stricken and left with a hole in his life," Hamilton said. "He was holding onto memories of his dad." Hamilton said she realized she was unable to fill both roles of father and mother, and her son needed a positive male role model in his life. He was soon matched up with a Big Brother named Wesley. "Wesley has become family and the positive role model Cameron needed," Hamilton said. "Without the United Way, agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters would not be such a large part of the community."
-dflaherty@thepost.ca
Dave Flaherty, Lindsay Post
LINDSAY - Despite not quite reaching its goal for the 2009 campaign, the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has raised it highest total ever.
The agency announced it has raised $447,737.34 so far at its 'touchdown' event on Tuesday at VCCS Employment Services in Lindsay.
United Way executive director Penny Barton Dyke said the campaign will continue to climb with one last event Saturday at 7:30 at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.
It will be a fundraising hockey game with the Protectors playing the Lindsay Pastimers. The total was unveiled by a group of local children who were able to build a basketball court in their neighbourhood with leadership and support from the United Way.
Barton Dyke told the group gathered at the touchdown it was fitting to hold the announcement at VCCS. "This is where people start to raise their confidence and get a different career path," Barton Dyke said. "It's just a prime example of the commitment of our agencies."
There are some misconceptions about the United Way, including that it only serves Lindsay or money raised for the campaign is then shipped off to Toronto, she said. "Money raised in the City of Kawartha Lakes stays here," Barton Dyke said. She was proud to able to say the local United Way receives only 9% to 13% of its capital money from fundraising.
The government mandates not-for-profit organizations should run at a 20% rate, and most run at 25%, Barton Dyke said.
To drive home the impact United Way agencies can have, the touchdown event featured guest speakers.
One was Debbie Hamilton, who spoke about how her son Cameron has benefited from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton. Hamilton lost her husband to cancer which was quite hard on her son, she said. "He was grief-stricken and left with a hole in his life," Hamilton said. "He was holding onto memories of his dad." Hamilton said she realized she was unable to fill both roles of father and mother, and her son needed a positive male role model in his life. He was soon matched up with a Big Brother named Wesley. "Wesley has become family and the positive role model Cameron needed," Hamilton said. "Without the United Way, agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters would not be such a large part of the community."
-dflaherty@thepost.ca
Friday, March 19, 2010
Summer company program now taking applications for 2010
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre (KLSBEC) is looking for youth who want to be their own boss this summer.
Applications are currently accepted for the Summer Company program 2010. The program is an opportunity for students aged 15 to 29 to start and run their own summer business.
Summer Company offers an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and make some money at the same time. It is a provincial government initiative, which is run locally by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre.
"We're pleased to be able to assist our local students in creating their own work opportunities, especially during this time of high unemployment," said Diane Steven, manager of KLSBEC. "It is a great chance to experience life as an entrepreneur, but in a risk-free environment."
Those who are approved for the program are eligible for up to $3,000 in funding to start their ventures. They meet with mentors and attend classes to help with various aspects of business such as marketing and bookkeeping. The online application and completed business plan deadline is Thursday, May 6.
Applying to the Summer Company program is a competitive process, space is limited and the program reaches capacity quickly so those interested are encouraged to apply now by visiting www.ontario.ca/summer-companyor contact KLSBEC at 324-9411 ext. 1283 or info@klsbec.ca.
The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre (KLSBEC) is looking for youth who want to be their own boss this summer.
Applications are currently accepted for the Summer Company program 2010. The program is an opportunity for students aged 15 to 29 to start and run their own summer business.
Summer Company offers an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and make some money at the same time. It is a provincial government initiative, which is run locally by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre.
"We're pleased to be able to assist our local students in creating their own work opportunities, especially during this time of high unemployment," said Diane Steven, manager of KLSBEC. "It is a great chance to experience life as an entrepreneur, but in a risk-free environment."
Those who are approved for the program are eligible for up to $3,000 in funding to start their ventures. They meet with mentors and attend classes to help with various aspects of business such as marketing and bookkeeping. The online application and completed business plan deadline is Thursday, May 6.
Applying to the Summer Company program is a competitive process, space is limited and the program reaches capacity quickly so those interested are encouraged to apply now by visiting www.ontario.ca/summer-companyor contact KLSBEC at 324-9411 ext. 1283 or info@klsbec.ca.
New plant to create 60 jobs
By Lisa Gervais, Lindsay Post
A wood pellet plant near Kirkfield will create about 60 new jobs when it opens later this Spring.
Woodville Pellet Corporation is a private enterprise that includes the backing of prominent Bobcaygeon businessman Charlie Pitcher.
Woodville Pellet Corporation is a private enterprise that includes the backing of prominent Bobcaygeon businessman Charlie Pitcher.
The plan is to initially produce 60,000 tons of wood pellets, using wood waste material, for heating to the Ontario market. Woodville Pallet Corporation vice-president sales and marketing, Bruce Nagy, shared details with The Lindsay Post this week.
Nagy said the company hopes to create more than 60 new jobs in the first year of operation and up to 80-plus jobs by year three when output is expected to double. The jobs are in the plant and in transportation. "It's all new jobs although a handful of people have been on the payroll for a few months," Nagy said.
He added the total did not include temporary construction jobs. The company's request for a rezoning application - to build a new 2,323 sq.m. material storage building and eventually a 524 sq. m. extension to the east side of an existing warehouse building - comes before council on March 23.
Nagy is hopeful the company can start advertising positions in six weeks' time, hire 20 people "right off the bat" and hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony as early as May. In the meantime, the private investors are chasing government money in the hopes of a partnership.
"I think it's obvious that the various governments are very interested in getting involved in new economy businesses and this is very much a new economy business," Nagy said. He said the slowdown in the building industry in the USA has had a direct effect on lumber mills in Ontario, Quebec and BC.
He said governments are looking for alternatives and a wood pellet plant in BC is being jointly funded by the private sector, economic stimulus money and a bank. Nagy said he is very excited about the Kirkfield area plant but is also exercising cautious optimism "because the schedule keeps getting pushed back."However, he thinks that is about to change.
"Three months from now I think we will have pellets coming out of the plant."
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Real Local Success!
Andrew Cunday
Andrew Cunday Came to VCCS in the summer of 2009 seeking an employer to aid him in continuing his apprenticeship as an Automotive Service Technician. He had gained experience with his previous employer through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) which allows high school students to gain apprenticeship hours while simultaneously obtaining co-op credits towards their high school diploma.
Through the OYAP program, Andrew gained valuable workplace experience and on-the-job training in an automotive repair shop. Andrew had a desire to continue his learning as he had an obvious knack for mechanical work. Through the assistance of Job Connect and Job Development Placement Services he was able to access a subsidized training placement with Dalemar Sales and Service in Oakwood.
Dalemar owner Bob Bassett saw potential in Andrew as a small engine mechanic apprentice due to his experience working with cars and trucks. Andrew is now registered as an apprentice small engine mechanic and continues to use his transferable skills as he becomes a valuable member of the Dalemar team, gaining important knowledge and skills for a long term career in the trade.
Andrew Cunday
Andrew Cunday Came to VCCS in the summer of 2009 seeking an employer to aid him in continuing his apprenticeship as an Automotive Service Technician. He had gained experience with his previous employer through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) which allows high school students to gain apprenticeship hours while simultaneously obtaining co-op credits towards their high school diploma.
Through the OYAP program, Andrew gained valuable workplace experience and on-the-job training in an automotive repair shop. Andrew had a desire to continue his learning as he had an obvious knack for mechanical work. Through the assistance of Job Connect and Job Development Placement Services he was able to access a subsidized training placement with Dalemar Sales and Service in Oakwood.
Dalemar owner Bob Bassett saw potential in Andrew as a small engine mechanic apprentice due to his experience working with cars and trucks. Andrew is now registered as an apprentice small engine mechanic and continues to use his transferable skills as he becomes a valuable member of the Dalemar team, gaining important knowledge and skills for a long term career in the trade.
Employer Presentation:
Global Human Resources
Tuesday March 23 at 2:00 pm
Registration is FREE
Contact: VCCS Employment Services
370 Kent Street West, Lindsay ON
705-328-0180
www.careerservices.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)