'Sweet' funding helps local dairy expand

By Catherine Whitnall

Kawartha Lakes This Week

Kawartha Dairy in Bobcyageon has received $620,000 from the provincial government for expansion project

'Sweet' provincial funding helps local dairy expand. MPP Rick Johnson, Mike Crowe, director of operations at Kawartha Dairy, and Blake Frazer, general manager of Kawartha Dairy show off cones of the dairy's ice cream on Friday (Feb. 5). The Province gave Kawartha Dairy $620,000 to help the company expand its ice cream production. Lance Anderson (BOBCAYGEON) Funding for an expansion project is a real sweet deal for one long-time Bobcaygeon business.Founded in 1937 by Jack and Ila Crowe, and still family owned and operated, Kawartha Dairy recently received $620,000 in support from the province’s Rural Economic Development Program to help complete a major expansion project. Costing roughly $1.2 million, the project will see new technologies installed to improve production and material handling, food safety and quality control. After completion in the spring, the project will not only retain 86 existing positions, but also create 10 new jobs, as well as increase demand for milk from local farmers. “Kawartha Dairy ice cream is really an iconic brand,” explained general manager Blake Frazer, noting items produced at the Bobcaygeon fascility are loved by both area residents as well as visitors. The company’s main focus has been to “grow that brand” out of the Kawarthas and into the GTA and beyond. As a result, the business has outgrown its current facility, as well as production. One of the key aspects of the expansion project is to install automated equipment. Currently, ice cream tubs are filled by hand, which is not only labour intensive, but also “quite a science”, noted Mike Crowe, director of operations and the third generation to work at the business. “This is our largest projects to date,” said Mr. Crowe, adding it’s “hard to express the gratitude” he feels toward the support from the province, local dairy producers, the City of Kawartha Lakes and Ward 13 Coun. Pat Warren. “As a family member, I’m hoping to see this continue.”The equipment will also afford the business the opportunity to “co-pack” products with other companies.“Improving production at Kawartha Dairy will result in more milk produced by local dairy farmers, provide more jobs for local workers and give consumers more reasons to shop locally,” stated Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Rick Johnson, who is also the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The McGuinty government is proud to support partnerships aimed at strengthening and growing rural economies.”Planning for the expansion began in 2008 with the project kicking off in November. Mr. Crowe hopes to have construction, which is already underway, completed in three months in order to maintain a seamless flow of products when the “busy season” kicks in at the end of April.

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this February 2010

Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for February.

Most of the workshops that we offer are at no cost.

To register please call 705.328-0180.

10 Questions to Ask in an Interview

When preparing for an interview we tend to focus on answering the questions we anticipate the employer will ask. Another key piece to preparation is to create a list of questions we will want to ask the employer. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the work of the company or organization and wish to contribute.

Create a written list of questions to refer to in the interview. Consider these top 10 questions:

1. "Could you describe to me your typical management style and the type of employee that works well with you?"
2. "Where are your major priorities that need to be immediately addressed in this job?"
3. "What is your company's policy on providing seminars, workshops and training so employees can develop their skills?"
4. "Are there any restraints or cutbacks planned that would decrease the budget here?"
5. "What particular computer equipment and software do you use here?

6. "How will my performance be measured? By whom?"
7. "What challenges do you forsee for this department?

8. "What types of people seem to excel here?"
9. "Can you give me an idea of the typical workload and extra hours or special needs it demands?"
10. "Describe the atmosphere of the office."

Remember to review the company’s website and any additional information you can source. Asking questions specific to the company will certainly capture their attention and prove you a positive contributor to the organization.

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS in January

Click the image below to view our Events Calendar for January. Most of the workshops we offer are at no cost. Please call 705.328.0180 for more information or to register.

The New Age of Job Searching Using the World Wide Web

In today’s world, looking for work is not just handing out resumes door to door, but looking for job opportunities on the “World Wide Web”.

Job searching is like a full time job; just to find a position that might just be the “one”. Many opportunities are found in what is known as the hidden job market. Company websites hold career/employment opportunities that may not appear in other advertising avenues. Some websites also hold additional information to help in your job search process. You can learn about resumes, cover letters, how to handle yourself in an interview and so on.

VCCS Employment Services offer you workshops for Internet Job Searching as well as the 3 week Job Finding Club and 3 day Job Search Workshop. These are just a few of our workshops that can assist you in your steps to employment.

Ask our friendly staff for a copy of The Employment Resource Guide for the City of Kawartha Lakes. This little booklet is full of information, along with phone numbers to important services that you can access. If you are willing to take time; our friendly staff will be here to give you a hand. Happy Job Hunting!

Always remember to check out the local Labour Market Information in your active job search.

Labour Market Information Workforce Development Board

http://www.wdb.ca/

Occupational Information

http://www.jobfutures.ca/

Labour Market Information

http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/

And there's MORE! Check out our full Newsletter for November 2009. Articles include:

Market Yourself!
The Job Finding Club
Effective Networking

Habits of recession-era workers categorized

By KEVIN CONNOR, SUN MEDIA

Nov. 13th, 2009


The Seven Habits of Recession-Era Employees study says on-the-job worker's behaviour during a recession can be grouped into seven categories and each one requires distinct management skills.




"Managers encounter a wider range of on-the-job behaviours than simple economic reasoning predicts. Relying on fear as a management tool is a poor choice during a recession as it is during a boom," said Douglas Reid, an associate professor at Queen's School of Business.


A survey of 250 managers enrolled in programs at Queen's School of Business shows 48% say an increase in employment would be the strongest sign of a recovery and 36% believe their company will be hiring in the next six months.


"Nervous employers want to ensure that the recovery is firmly established before adding to the workforce. But employers also need to recognize that engaged employees will be the core of any organization's renewal efforts," Reid said.

How has the recession affected your view of the workplace?

The Terminated: while not physically present in the organization, their memories linger and affect those that stay.





The Fearful: these employees believe they will be cut next. They are ready to search for a new job but cling tenaciously to whatever certainty their existing situation affords.





The Indifferent: this group is watching the recession occur and believe it is going to affect someone else.





The Delighted: high performers who delight in the improvement in their situation relative to the average consumer via sales and discounts in the marketplace.





The Apocalyptic: a small group that believes that the recession presents a necessary "reset" for a myriad list of failures in the existing system of capitalism.





The Longers: Hoping for a severance package and optimistic they'll obtain rapid alternative employment.


The Engaged: The core of a company's renewal efforts. They understand the consequences of the recession and what needs to be done to help the business recover.

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS This November

Click the image below to view our Events Calendar for November. Most of the workshops we offer are at no cost. Please call 705.328.0180 for more information or to register.