Blog: Greta Suda

Jobing.com is proud to partner with The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce  and would like to congratulate all the Sterling Award Winners.  The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce does a great job of recognizing companies that have demonstrated excellence, innovation and community stewardship through their business practices.

The winners of the prestigious award were presented on Thursday, November 12th before a sold out crowd at the Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center! Four winners were selected from among twelve finalists for the coveted Sterling Award:

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS! 

Micro Business: Express Digital Solutions

Small Business: Kohler Academy

Big Business: Harkins Theatres

Non-Profit: Devereux Arizona

Today is the day!  It's the last general Jobing.com Career Expo for the year.  This is a great opportunity for job seekers to meet face-to-face with local employers.  Click here to check out the list of employers attending.

You also have the opportunity to attend amazing pre-event workshops presented by the experts at Maricopa Workforce Connections.  This will give you a chance to get inside the event early, learn tips for building a successful resume and powerful interview techniques and even network with other professionals.

Come on down to the event this morning at 10:30 am to take advantage of this opportunity!

10:30   

Resume Instruction                                                                                       

An effective resume will sell your skills and abilities to the extent that a potential employer will want to know more about you . Its major purpose is to get you the interview. Topics covered in this module will be how to format and develop an effective resume, how to use a resume, how to formulate professional accomplishment statements, and resume do's and don'ts.


12:15   

Interview Techniques                                                                                                  

In this class, you will learn how to answer tricky questions, the four components of every interview and how you can best share your information with the employer. Preparation for the interview will mean the difference between getting hired or not. You will learn how to formulate personal, positive responses to typical tough interview questions and you will understand how to sway the interview process in your favor.

There was much to celebrate last week at the Diversity Leadership Alliance Conference, including the  winners and finalists recognized by the State Council for the Arizona State Society of Human Resources Management Association.  AZSHRM is proud to once again honor companies, organizations and individuals for their 2009 diversity and inclusion efforts in the workplace and beyond.  This was the award’s eighth year and many of the past winners were in attendance at the conference to recognize this year's winners as well.

AZSHRM partnered again this year with the Diversity Leadership Alliance and Jobing.com.  There were many wonderful nominations this year who should all be proud of the great work that is being done. 

Over 900 Valley business and community leaders were present on October 22 for the awards ceremony at the Downtown Sheraton when the winners were first announced. 

2009 Workforce Diversity Award Winners Business - Large Category
American Express

Business - Small Category
Answers & Apples
Non-Profit/Government
Valle del Sol

Diversity Champion
Maria Aguirre, Arizona Western College

For more information about the awards, please visit http://www.workforcediversityawards.com/

 

13th Annual
Spirit of Enterprise Awards
Congratulations to Our Award Winners and Finalists

Even the worst recession since the Great Depression couldn’t stop many businesses in Arizona from boosting our economy and giving back to our community over the past year.  On September 24, ten of the best companies in the state were honored, with five of those being named winners of Spirit of Enterprise Awards for their contributions.  The Spirit of Enterprise Center of the W. P.  Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is proud to present these awards to recognize firms that demonstrate ethics, energy and excellence in entrepreneurship.  This year’s finalists were distinctly divided into two groups.  One group had survived the last major economic downturn by learning to reinvent themselves and thrive, and the other had emerged since the beginning of this decade by carving out new businesses and seizing new opportunities.

Over 800 Valley business and community leaders were on hand on Sept. 24 for the awards luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix when the winners were first announced. 

The 13th Annual Spirit of Enterprise Award Winners

Answer-1 Communications – Innovation in Entrepreneurship Award.  This telephone answering and remote receptionist service provides top-notch customer service.  It has also embraced new technology over three decades, thriving every time its industry was faced with major changes.  In addition, employees participate in two community benefits each month.

Caliente Construction, Inc. – Overcoming Adversity Award sponsored by the Arizona Lottery.  When the company’s founder became terminally ill, rather than selling off the business, his wife chose to support their employees and prove that a woman-owned construction company could succeed in a male-dominated industry.  The firm now has a repeat-client/client-referral rate above 85 percent.  This year, it has actually added employees and expects to see a 20-percent increase in revenue, despite the recession.

D. P. Electric, Inc., - Gary L. Trujillo Minority Enterprise Award, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.   This fast-growing electrical contractor has a safety incentive program and an employee profit-sharing program.  It also features an in-house mentoring program designed to help other minority businesses.

Express Digital Solutions – Special Achievement in Entrepreneurship Award.  This authorized Xerox Corp. Agency also specializes in electronic document management and paper document scanning.  The company partners with Gompers Habilitation center to employ more than 30 adults with disabilities.

Terralever, - Emerging Entrepreneur Award sponsored by U.S. Bank.  This award-winning interactive marketing and technology services firm is an interactive partner with big names, including Facebook and Microsoft.  However, it also has a goal of helping small local companies with world-class online marketing strategies.

Visit www.spiritofenterprise.org for more information about the awards.

The Diversity Leadership Alliance is proud to present the 8 th Annual Diversity Leadership Alliance Conference, October 22nd, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel, downtown Phoenix. The theme for the 2009 DLA Conference is “Engaging an Inclusive Community: I Can and We Will,” with Roderick Miller as Keynote Speaker.

Date: Thursday, October 22
New Location: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
New Time: 7am – noon

This conference will feature exceptional workshops hosted by world speakers, guided dialogue sessions focusing on emerging issues and best practices, and the opportunity to network with other professionals in an inclusive environment. Of course, DLA’s Youth partners from various High School Districts in the state will add their energy and enthusiasm to the conference’s experience for all.   We expect 1000 professionals from around the State at this extraordinary event to learn about “Engaging an Inclusive Community: I Can and We Will”. We invite you to join this exciting event, and experience being a part of this Inclusive Community”!     CONFERENCE AGENDA

7:00am – 7:30am              Registration, Breakfast Buffet

7:30am – 9:00am              Welcome, Keynote, Award Program

9:15am – 10:30am             Workshops:   Diversity 101: Roderick Miller  Diversity 202: Jermaine Davis - The Diversity Competent Leader   Executive Forum: Michael Welp   Youth Track: Emmanuel Ngomsi-Yankaloba

10:30am – 10:45am           Break

10:45am – 12 noon            Workshops:   Diversity 101: Jermaine Davis - Oops! What Do I Do Now?   Diversity 202: Michael Welp   Executive Forum: Ellis Carter   Youth Track: Calvin Terrell

Plan to attend the event or showcase your company by being a sponsor.  For more details, visit www.diversityleadershipalliance.org 

You already know that Jobing.com is the top local recruitment resource in the Valley. Did you also know that Diversity is not only a huge priority to us, but that it is built right into our product? We have a network of local diversity partners that helps our clients with their diversity efforts in three ways. Our jobs cross post to a Diversity Network of local job boards (Click here to see), we bring more diverse candidates and resources to those candidates and employers at out Career Expos, and in partnership with local HR Associations, and we provide diversity focused professional development opportunities to the local recruitment community.

1. All jobs on Jobing.com also cross-post to our network of local associations, chambers, schools, and diversity organizations. Our growing Phoenix “Diversity Network” currently includes:

 Alliance of Technology and Women
American Business Women's Association - Scottsdale Express Network
American Business Women's Association - Southwest Valley Express Network
American Society of Women Accountants – Mesa
Arizona Affirmative Action Association
Arizona Mature Workforce Initiative
Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center
Arizona Women's Education and Employment
AZ-Hispanic Connection
Center for Workforce Transition - Boomers in Demand
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.
Diversity Leadership Alliance
Fresh Start Women's Foundation
Girls For A Change
Greater Phoenix Urban League
Honor Our Troops USA
National Association of African Americans in Human Resources
National Association of Asian American Professionals
Network of Indian Professionals
Network of Indian Professionals Phoenix Chapter
Salute a Soldier Foundation
Society of Women Engineers- ASU Section
Vietnam Veterans of America - Arizona 1011
Women in Insurance and Financial Services-Valley of the Sun
Women of Power International Ministries

 2. In Phoenix, we host 4 largest Career Expos at the University of Phoenix Stadium and 2 Healthcare Job Fairs at the Phoenix Convention Center. We have several partnerships in place with these partners I just named as well as the Maricopa Workforce Connections, Life Development Institute and the Arizona Employers Advisory Council. In these Career Expo partnerships Jobing.com provides a Disabilities Resources Booth for jobseekers. Through our partnerships, all of these partners advertise our Expos to their clients. As a result we are able to both deliver jobseekers from diverse back grounds and diverse aptitudes to our Employers at the Expo as well as provide resources for those jobseekers that might have special needs or language interpreters.

3. We partner with Local HR Associations to provide professional development opportunities in the area of Diversity. Several of our Community Relations Team Members sit on the boards and planning committees of Diversity Conferences and Associations.

Two specific current efforts in Phoenix are:

Jobing has has partnered with the Phoenix chapter of the National Association of African American’s in Human Resources Association. This is a new association in Phoenix that is growing and providing great professional development opportunities.  
Also, Jobing.com has partnered with AZ SHRM and the Diversity Leadership Alliance to sponsor the Workforce Diversity Awards and Annual DLA Conference where we have known companies like, American Express, Mayo Clinic and Cox Communications sharing their Diversity recruitment and inclusion strategies for attendees to learn from and create their own strategies.

Donald Cardon from The Department of Commerce shared this information about Governor Jan Brewer's announcement of the first commitment of funds associated with Arizona's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 for rural Arizona. More than $9.5 million will be available to five Arizona counties and 68 communities, with a population of 35,000 or less, to develop and implement projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing energy use in their communities.

"This is a significant opportunity to positively impact the economies of rural Arizona's communities for years to come," said Governor Jan Brewer. "The potential projects under the EECBG program will create a number of local jobs in areas hardest hit in the current recession, while also helping local governments reduce utility costs."

Under Arizona's program, administered by the Arizona Department of Commerce, the ARRA funds will finance a variety of EECBG projects, such as building audits, retrofits and installation of energy-saving devices and equipment. Other activity may include putting in place energy efficient traffic signals, street lighting and renewable energy technologies for government buildings.

To learn more about the EECBG Program or for eligible entities to request Letters of Intent, visit www.azcommerce.com/Energy/EECBG <http://www.azcommerce.com/Energy/EECBG>

The past year was marked by a number of economic challenges faced by all of us throughout the nation. For this reason, the Hispanic Women's Conference will focus on the Hispanic Women's Corporation (HWC) Institutes for the executive, professional, and student attendees to address their current environments and preparation for the years ahead. HWC will also bring together a special track of courses for Spanish-speaking/bilingual small business owners who wish to enhance their entrepreneurial development and problem solving. Please visit the Itinerary & Agenda page for more information on these engaging Institutes.

It is important to note that Hispanic Women's Corporation will be offering significantly discounted  an early registration rates allowing allowing affordability for everyone at all ages.   An additional focus will be placed in creating a Career Resource Center and Family Resource Center within the Latina Power Expo to assist our public in employment seeking efforts and assistance. The Health Care Fair and GOING GREEN initiative also featured in the Latina Power Expo will be filled with information and demonstrations to benefit your families and yourself!  

SPECIAL NOTE…An invitation has been extended to our First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, to be our keynote speaker for the Scholarship Benefit Luncheon.  This invitation has been acknowledged and more information will be shared once a confirmation has been received.  The honorees will be Honorable Hilda Solis-Secretary of Labor, Nely Galan-Latina Entertainment Mogul, Miss USA-Arizona and national 1st runner up-Alicia-Monique Blanco and our first National HWC Youth Leadership Honoree-Toni Gutierrez from Palm Desert, California!  The Hispanic Women's Corporation is also proudly acknowledging their 55 scholars who are attending college from high school through medical school!

Early registration rates of $150 ($100 less then last 2008) are in effect now until September 29, 2009!  All registrations are applied on a first come first serve basis and will confirm your registration for your choice of the Executive Management Institute, Professional & Leadership Institute, or Mis Negocios en Español with so much more!  This conference is bringing you the best of national and regional high powered authors and speakers in their fields and award-winning authors.

Click here to register!

We look forward to your presence as you join these institutes as attendee or as a sponsor at this annual spectacular event! 

For more details on sponsorship, please contact Uzra Vo at uzra@eveningentertainmentgroup.com.

You are invited to attnd the 3rd Quarter Grand Canyon University Alumni Chamber of Commerce Breakfast. It will be held Thursday, September 17 at 8 a.m (doors open at 7:30 am)

This quarter will feature the following: 
 
Topic: Who Are you?  Branding Identity through Social Media
 
When:  Thursday, September 17th
             Program begins at 8:00 a.m., Doors open at 7:30 a.m. -
 
Where: McKinley Banquet Hall, Grand Canyon University
             3300 W. Camelback Rd. 
             Phoenix, AZ 85017
 
Event Details:
How do you use this social media stuff to benefit your business? Using case studies and real world stories, Zach Hubbell of Jobing.com will open you eyes to the social media world we live and breathe each day. By the end of the session, you will be able to:
            •Understand social media and social media technologies
            •Identify the benefits and risks associated with social media
            •Attract clients and candidates through social media
            •Connect with employees (especially Gen Y) with social media initiatives
           •Identify the social media strategy that best fits their organization

RSVP to Melanie Beem at mbeem@gcu.edu.

Executive of the Year
Do you know a Chief Staff Executive (CSE) of an Arizona association that exemplifies the very best in association management?  If so, nominate her or him for AzSAE’s highest recognition, Executive of the Year, presented annually at the December Holiday Gala.  Nominations are due October 1!  Click here to submit your nomination online (www.azsae.org – click on awards).

Awards of Excellence in Association ManagementGain the recognition your organization deserves!  Each year AzSAE recognizes outstanding programs and projects implemented by associations in Arizona.  The winning entries in 5 categories are showcased at the AzSAE Holiday Gala and serve as inspiration to other associations.  Open to all non-profit associations located in the state of Arizona, including local chapters of national/global organizations.  Click here for more info.

The August 12th Jobing.com Career Expo provided a clear visual of what Jobing.com does best; connect local employers with local job seekers through our local employment website and recruitment technology services. Over 80 local organizations and schools filled the University of Phoenix Stadium from 2-6pm with one goal in mind, to put Phoenix job seekers back to work. This event consisted of employers like U.S. Airways, Sears Customer Care Network, American Express and USAA. Almost every industry was represented and a wide variety of opportunities, from entry-level to C-level positions, were available. And yes, there were many positions available. One of the great things about the Jobing.com Career Expo that differs from other job fairs is the requirement for all companies to actually be hiring on the day of the event. So, the over 5,500 job seekers who attended knew there was real opportunity for them.
"This was an incredibly successful event", said Theresa Maher, Director of Public and Job Seeker Relations for Jobing.com. "It was really exciting to see the job seekers take advantage of the time they had with the hiring professionals."

These hiring professionals gave job seekers the opportunity to gain valuable information that can be used to better customize their cover letters and resumes. Many organizations have internal processes in place that require candidates to apply for open positions online. This gave job seekers who attend events like the Jobing.com Career Expo a real advantage.

"Job seekers have the opportunity to gather information from these employers that you can't find anywhere else," says Maher. "A job seeker can better position themselves as a qualified candidate after learning more about the needs of the organization and what they are looking for in new hires. This is the stuff you can't find on a company website".

The August 12th event offered more than just employer booths. Job seekers were offered numerous other resources that, like admission and parking, were provided absolutely free. One corner of the University of Phoenix Stadium offered workshops focused on topics like what industries are hot in today's economy, and how to stand out from your competition. In another, job seekers could sit down with an HR professional and have their resume critiqued, make edits, and print new copies to offer to employers. There were also employer hosted workshops. Eight local employers had their own private workshop section where they offered a variety of in-depth information about their organization, their hiring practices, how to more effectively use social media in a job search, etc. The event's largest partner, Maricopa Workforce Connections offered workshops from 9am-6pm to help veterans and dislocated workers improve their resumes and interviewing skills.

Brian Bunderson is one job seeker who took advantage of the event. "There's a good mix, there are quite a few varieties here. I think for most of the people coming here, I think it's going to be well served," said Bunderson.

If you missed the August 12th Jobing.com Career Expo, you have time to prepare for the October 28th event.

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) Phoenix  and the Arizona Technology Council are teaming up on September 15, 2009 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa for the Marketing Technology Summit 2009. This event was created to educate business marketing professionals on technologies that can cost-effectively make a positive impact on customer engagement and ultimately, sales.

The five-hour event features a keynote presentation, two panel discussions and a networking and technology showcase – all designed to help Arizona marketers build their plans for the future. Event speakers represent media, agencies, technology giants and online marketing experts, all of whom can provide attendees with real-life perspectives on what’s working, what’s not, and how to measure success in the emerging world of digital and social marketing.

“Effective use of marketing technologies such as online video, search engine optimization and social media platforms can help businesses grow faster, and more profitably, than the competition,” said Al Maag, president of the Business Marketing Association, Phoenix chapter, and chief communications officer at Avnet, Inc. “According to an exclusive survey of b-to-b and b-to-c marketing professionals by BtoB Magazine and the Association of National Advertisers, 66% of the marketers surveyed said they are now using social media, up from 20% of respondents to the 2007 survey. This first-of-its-kind event will help marketing professionals learn more about these technologies that can bring true return on investment to their companies’ marketing efforts.”

Summit Sessions include the following:

Keynote Session: The New Paradigm for Digital Marketing, Search Marketing and Brand Success; Understand the convergence of search and display, and how digital agencies will support the migration of search to other media. Featured speaker: Jeffrey Pruitt, chairman, SEMPO and CEO, Acendant

Panel 1: Social Media �]�] What’s really working in social media? Moderated by: Ellis Booker, editor, BtoB Magazine Show Me the Money!

Panel 2: Marketing ROI – The Dream is Alive; Lead generation and brand building in an increasingly sophisticated marketing tracking world. Moderated by: Sheila Kloefkorn, president, KEO Marketing

The Arizona Technology Council and Business Marketing Association look forward to seeing you out at the Biltmore on Tuesday, September 15 th .  For more information or to register for the event please log onto www.aztechcouncil.org or www.bmaphoenix.org.  Registration is only $35 for members of the Arizona Technology Council or Business Marketing Association and $50 for non-members. 

The 2009 AZSHRM Workforce Diversity Awards is proud to continue its partnership and association with The Diversity Leadership Alliance (DLA) and Jobing.com to bring you the 2009 Workforce Diversity Awards.  Nominations are open and applications will be accepted through 5 pm on Friday, September 18th.

This is a great opportunity to keep your company visible in the community as an "employer of choice" without any costs involved.  Nominate today!

This year the awards will be presented in conjunction with 2009 Diversity Leadership Alliance Conference at Phoenix Sheraton Downtown on October 22nd. This half-day event will feature an engaging keynote speaker, informative workshops and our award celebration.  The awards began 9 years ago, when the East Valley Human Resources Association (EVHRA) and Metro Phoenix Human Resource Association (now Valley of the Sun Human Resource Association - VSHRA) each participated in a Human Resources based Diversity Best Practices Award called the "CAMI".

The categories and criteria for the 2009 awards include:

Company Size Categories:
Small
Medium
Large
Government/Non-profit
Diversity Champion

Criteria:

Company Award Evaluation Criteria:Clarity: Clarity and completeness of the award nomination submitted and supporting documentation.
Alignment: Alignment of the diversity initiative to overall business and organizational goals and strategy.
Measurement: Metrics and measurements that evaluate the diversity strategy’s effectiveness.
Intangibles: Evaluates the intangible benefits of the diversity initiative or strategy.
Effort: Evaluates the company/organization’s overall commitment to the area of diversity and evolution over time.

Diversity Champion Award Evaluation Criteria:Clarity: Clarity and completeness of the award nomination submitted and supporting documentation.
Accountability: Evaluates the overall accountability that this individual has for the diversity initiative for the company or organization.
Level of Influence: Overall level of influence in the company or organization as it relates to the diversity initiative.
Effort: Individual's overall effort to introduce a diversity initiative or evolve the organization’s current understanding and perception of the area of diversity.

Companies who are multi-state are encouraged to apply along with all local Arizona Employers. Your entry will be evaluated on your practices and achievements in Arizona only.

Nomination Form

www.workforcediversityawards.com

There is a new HR Award being introduced this year - get involved and get recognized!

Nomination Process
Arizona Business Magazine is honoring human resources professionals throughout the state. They're accepting nominations for HR Directors, Heads of HR Departments, HR Teams, CEOs supporting the HR Function and Leaders within the HR Services and Support industries. It’s time show recognition to the hard-working HR professionals for all that they do for Arizona’s businesses. Tell your story! All finalists will be notified via email by the end of October.

Awards Reception & Magazine
2009 Human Resources Awards
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
6:00 – 8:00pm | Ritz Carlton Phoenix

All finalists will be recognized and winners in each category announced at the HR Awards Reception. Arizona Business Magazine will publish a special feature highlighting all of the finalists and winners within the December edition.

Click here for more information.

If you’ve decided to go back to school, congratulations!  If you’re thinking about it, now is a great time.  Either way, here are a few tips that will help you make the transition easier.
1.       Apply for Financial Aid – There are many programs out there to support adults going back to school.   You could receive grants, scholarships and low cost loans.  The registration office at your school of choice will point you in the right direction but do some research on your own as well. Financial aid can be applied for through the federal government at the education site Free Application for Financial Aid. (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov). (SCAM ALERT!! IT NEVER COSTS MONEY TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL AID)
2.       Consider Starting Slow – You’re already working full time.  You might have young children.  You probably have activities you enjoy and are committed to attending.  Consider taking just a few classes to see how things go.  Easing yourself back into school instead of taking a full load right away might increase your chances of success.
3.       Prepare Yourself Technically – Things are definitely different now.  Teachers communicate frequently via email.  Group papers are completed using shared documents online.  Some tests are even done online.  Make sure you understand how things these things work before waiting until the last minute.
4.       Time Management – You must learn how to manage your time.  Only you will know what’s best for you.  A friend of mine went to work an hour early every day and stayed an hour late.  That gave him ten hours a week that he could dedicate to school work without the distractions at home.  As an added bonus, by altering his daily drive time, he spent three less hours each week driving!
5.       Hang in There! – As tempting as it is to hang it up keep pushing.  Don’t think about the excess work load…think about your goals and why you’re going back to school.  That term paper will be over with shortly.  The promotion, or better job you’ll get, will last a long time!
6. Find the right program for you – There are many research options available to you to find the right degree program.

We recommend the following:
JobingEducation – Local and Online private education programs
Princeton Review – College ratings website

JobingEducation Highlighted Schools include:
Grand Canyon University – Online Graduate Degrees
University of Phoenix – Online Undergraduate Degree

Good luck with your continued studies.  You’ll look great in that cap and gown!