The Erie Community Foundation

ReTool Erie Hosts Inaugural Event

May 05, 2010 | Posted in Homepage, News, Press Releases

Recently, over 100 leaders from the nonprofit, business and economic development communities participated in the first session of the training series presented by ReTool Erie, which is a project of The Erie Community Foundation. "Everyone in attendance had a common interest of strengthening workforce development efforts in the Erie region," said Shiloh Turner, vice president of Programs. "The takeaway is that we need to do something now, and our guest speakers not only gave an overview of the workforce development system and flow of resources, but they defined the role of nonprofits and the importance of multi-sector partnerships."

ReTool Erie named the session: Achieving a Competitive Workforce in NWPA: Understanding the essential role of nonprofits. Speakers, Stephanie Powers, Project Director for the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Michele Zieziula, CEO of the Regional Center for Workforce Excellence, and Phyllis Eisen, Co-Founder and Sr. Advisor to Business Champions, Inc., provided an overview of trends and needs in workforce training and the essential role that nonprofits play.

Powers told the audience, "Use your community foundation. If you come up with an innovative idea that has a collaborative effort, your foundation can connect you with best practices and more importantly, can leverage outside funding sources for your project."

Participants represented a variety of nonprofits including shelter and housing organizations, women’s services, youth programs, multi-cultural organizations, disability advocates, community development groups, and for-profit businesses. ""Today was well worth my time, and I have a page of notes," said Denise Olczak of Mystic Mountain. "I can feel the energy in the room and I am learning how to connect our project of teen leadership to others here today."

"The take away message from the day was that nonprofits need to reach out to the business community for more than just Board members and donations," said Amanda Brown Sissem, project officer. "We’re partners in moving the Erie region forward by developing services that meet real employer needs and offering individuals the tools to not only secure, but maintain meaningful employment with growth opportunities in their industry."

The next session of the ReTool Erie training series, The Employer’s Voice, will be held July 15th. For more information on ReTool Erie.