County’s On-the-Job Training funds and hiring assistance help employers create local jobs
“It is exciting to see a company move into California and create local jobs with help from the Workforce Investment Board and the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency,” said Chair Josie Gonzales, Fifth District Supervisor. “Our County’s business support programs such as On-the-Job Training make our region an ideal place for companies to thrive.”
The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to investing County resources in projects which will immediately generate jobs and in programs which maximize job creation.
Six months ago, Home Meridian International began working with the County to plan for the move, said Ted Danciart, who oversaw the opening of the distribution center. He was impressed with the organized and efficient hiring services he received from the County.
“Experts at the Employment Resource Center in San Bernardino handled the hiring process for us, including finding and screening candidates, scheduling interviews and setting us up in a private conference room,” Danciart recalled. “We are very pleased with all of the individuals we hired using this process.”
Home Meridian International, which expects to receive and ship approximately 10,000 containers annually through its new distribution center, chose the Redlands location because of its proximity to the Port of Los Angeles.
“Far more than simply a warehouse, this distribution center will be the hub of our freight negotiations and logistics,” said George Revington, President and CEO of Home Meridian International. “In an increasingly global economy, the ability to efficiently track and transport goods is a key differentiator that lowers costs, reduces waste and makes us the preferred provider.”
Home Meridian International is in talks to hire more personnel through the Employment Resource Center.
“This program creates an opportunity for businesses in our County to realize substantial cost savings using federal training funds for their employees, while creating job opportunities for our local residents who have struggled with long-term unemployment,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board and Director of the Workforce Development Department in San Bernardino County.
All employers in the County can access no-cost, business assistance which includes: wage reimbursement for employees in On-the-Job Training, customized programs to upgrade the skills of existing workers, help with hiring and screening candidates, as well as access to labor market information, business workshops and free business consulting.
These programs are federally funded and administered locally by the Workforce Investment Board. Businesses are welcome to contact Vanessa Gilmore at (909) 387-9851 for information on the Workforce Investment Board.
Interested job seekers are invited to enroll at one of the County’s Employment Resource Centers located in San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga and Hesperia to take advantage of the free workshops, career counseling, and computer labs. They are welcome to call (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.sbcountyadvantage.com/career-centers.aspx
About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County
The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. The Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.
The Workforce Investment Board, through the County’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.
