DWD Bulletin - April 18, 2013

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SECRETARY'S COLUMN Dear Colleagues: On Monday, April 15, we held the first in a series of Workforce Innovation Webinars. All of you have important roles to play as members of the DWD team, and I am committed to keeping you informed as we work together in serving the people of Wisconsin. The first webinar provided a brief overview and update on a key initiative, U2E, shorthand for Unemployment Insurance to Employment. This is central to Governor Walker's legislative agenda to address the skills gap and reform the workforce system. Already approved, the Wisconsin Fast Forward package of reforms gives us a good start in addressing our present challenges, which currently consist of the following: over 112,000 UI claimants despite tens of thousands of job openings across the state; a high no-show rate for automatically scheduled RES workshops; a job search system that could be improved and expanded to better meet the needs of job seekers; and other challenges. The all-agency webinar offered a progress report on our efforts to work more effectively as a department-wide team, not separate divisions, and help claimants move from unemployment to employment. You also received a preview of a new product that our labor market economists are finalizing to help connect job seekers to opportunities based not just on occupational titles, but on skills that can transfer across many different occupations. We very much look forward to rolling out this new skills-based search system in the weeks to come. I was pleased that many of you were able to take part in the webinar and get the latest information. Soon, a recording will be available on the U2E site, http://dwdworkweb/u2e/, for those of you who could not participate. I want to thank all involved in the U2E initiative, as well as those who assisted me with the webinar. Indeed, we are making significant reforms to our workforce delivery system and the next 1824 months will be an exciting time of change. Our success will require the talents and innovation of all of our DWD staff. Thank you for your continued service to the people of Wisconsin and for your support of these exciting initiatives.

Reggie Newson Secretary Georgia Maxwell Bids DWD Farewell On Friday, April 12, Executive Assistant Georgia Maxwell bid DWD farewell. As noted earlier in a message from Secretary Newson, Georgia agreed to serve as the new Executive Assistant at the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).

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When Governor Walker took office, she took on the job of DWD Executive Assistant, the third ranking officer in the department. She arrived at DWD in January 2011 with over two decades of private and public sector experience in senior management, legislative and public policy. From 2004 until her appointment, she was President of the Maxwell Group Inc., a public affairs, grassroots, and message development consulting firm. She served as leading advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Wisconsin Chapter, which was one of her Maxwell Group clients. From 1999 to 2004, she served as Government Affairs Director for the Wisconsin Credit Union League, where she was instrumental in raising the organization's profile to rank among the top 10 Wisconsin trade associations. "Georgia will undoubtedly excel in her new position at DFI," Secretary Newson said in congratulating her on her new appointment. "She has been an excellent representative of DWD to our stakeholders in Congress, the Legislature, the media and our many workforce partners. Her sunny disposition and unyielding knowledge of external relations will be hard to replace." Said Maxwell, "It has been a challenging and rewarding couple of years and I would not trade my experiences with you for anything! I am excited about my new appointment to the Department of Financial Institutions but a part of my heart will always remain with you at DWD." View more photos of Georgia Maxwell DWD In The News wausaudailyherald.com State, technical colleges seeking to boost participation in apprenticeship programs waow.com Secretary of Workforce Development calls for more state businesses to partner with schools biztimes.com Safety awards salute Wisconsin companies wiscnews.com Job seekers, employers meet at Kalahari job fair jsonline.com Prison inmates taught job skills in new program Employers, Job Seekers Connect at Wisconsin Dells Job Fair On April 3rd, the Bureau of Job Services held a job fair at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells. Employment and Training Specialists Heath Bierman and his team worked diligently to secure a wide range of employers as well as job seekers. Heath confirmed there were 53 employers present with about 600 job seekers. The job fair was held from 1 to 6 p.m. with nearly 200 job seekers within the first hour. Heath also added that there were five employers on the waiting list eager to be part of the job fair.

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The job fair provided a mix of industries ranging from manufacturing, retail, hospitality, sales and marketing, and insurance. Also provided to job seekers was an adjacent room to complete applications and return to the employer. There was also private space for employers to conduct onsite interviews, which led to many job seekers leaving with new or better employment. Job Services marketed the campaign through local media in Sauk and Columbia counties as well as television, radio, and social media outlets. The overall comments from the employers were very positive. A number of employers said they would like to see this become a yearly event in their area with some encouraging a fall job fair in addition to the spring. The job seekers were pleased with the abundance of options to choose from and to have the opportunity to speak with employers about positions available. Dane County Job Center Helps Hy-Vee Staff New Store The Dane County Job Center staff assisted HyVee with hiring almost 500 employees at the new grocery store it will open on Whitney Way this spring. Hy-Vee has been listing job orders on the JCW website since late January. So far, Hy-Vee has hired almost 100 people for full-time positions. In late February, they began seeking part-time employees. Many job seekers used the Job Center resource room to complete and file applications on line. From March 19 through 21, Hy-Vee interviewed applicants at the Westgate Mall, adjacent to the new store. Sue Bogen and Rhonda Johnson assisted over 20 Hy-Vee human resources people from all over the Midwest with screening, selecting and interviewing over 400 job seekers. Nearly 250 applicants received job offers and training schedules. Training began March 25. Job Service provided two laptop computers for job seekers whose applications were missing information or who had not correctly completed the questionnaires. A second round of interviews occurred April 2 through 4 at the mall to fill the remaining 200 positions. Bogen and Nicole Bernhardt helped with logistics and assigning interviews, The South Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board provided four laptops from their mobile lab so that job seekers could complete applications and assessments. The second round resulted in 120 jobs offers to applicants. "We so appreciate the help we've received from the Job Center," said Joanna Dunton, Hy-Vee Corporate Human Resources Advisor. "The exposure we've had on the website has helped us with our recruiting, and the Candidate Search feature really helped us find qualified applicants for some of our more specialized positions." Hy-Vee has started construction in Fitchburg on another store projected to open early in 2014.

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They've already started talking about how Job Service can help with those hiring needs as well. Let ARMA help you shred your past to protect your future! Have you ever wondered how to safely dispose of those boxes and boxes of personal files stashed away at home? Have you burned out a personal shredder or two trying to discard personal files in a secure manner! The Madison Chapter of the Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) can help. Just in time for Earth Day, Monday, April 22, and as part of Records and Information Management Month, ARMA Madison is teaming up with Kard Recycling and Access to offer two days of free confidential shredding to the general public and small businesses. The dates and times are: Friday, April 18 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Saturday, April 20 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Click on the link below for more information and directions to Kard Recycling and Shredding (Eastside) and Access (Westside). Feel free to pass the information on to friends, family, coworkers and anyone else who may have personal files they want to shred! Volunteers are needed at both locations, so if you have a couple hours to spare either day and would like to help out, let me know. ARMA Madison provided this flyer about the event: http://www.armamadison.org/library/files/2013SHREDDINGDAYFLYER.pdf HAPPY EARTH DAY - MONDAY, APRIL 22! For more information, contact: Dawn Bluma, DWD Records Officer, (608) 266-5515, - or Yvonne M. Subak, ARMA-Madison, Wisconsin Physicians Service Manager, Records and Information Management, (608)223-2971. National Volunteer Week and the Red Cross In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 21-27), the Red Cross thanks blood donors who give of themselves and encourages others to strengthen the blood supply by volunteering to donate. Volunteers are the backbone of the American Red Cross. Every year, about 3.5 million volunteers donate more than 6 million pints of blood through the Red Cross. Your blood is needed more than you think. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. In the hour it takes to volunteer to donate blood, you can help save the lives of patients in your community and nationwide. Benefits of Donating It feels great to donate!

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You get free juice and delicious treats. It's something you can spare. Most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around. You will help ensure blood is on the shelf when needed. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do. You will be someone's hero. In fact, you could help save more than one life with just one donation. Make a difference in a lifesaving cause: be a Red Cross volunteer blood donor. To schedule an appointment (or for more information about donation) go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Alexandra Chastian Becomes U.S. Citizen ASD HUMAN RESOURCES STAFF CELEBRATE COLLEAGUE'S NEW CITIZENSHIP STATUS On March 21, Alexandra Camarao Chastain, ASD Human Resources Assistant, became a U.S. Citizen. She traveled to Milwaukee for the swearing in ceremony, and on April 10, her HR colleagues surprised her with a red, white and blue celebration. Alexandra came to the United States from her native Brazil in 1995. Her husband at that time was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "I didn't know I could become a U.S. citizen," she said. "My green card was going to expire on May 13 of this year, and I was talking to my attorney's assistant to renew it. She asked me, Why don't you become a citizen, instead? And it was a happy surprise to know I could do that!" She took all the necessary steps, and on the second day of spring, she was in Milwaukee, ready to take her oath and eager to receive her citizenship certificate. Her best friend Aivar Grislis drove her to Milwaukee. "It was a very emotional day and what amazed me the most was the variety of people becoming American citizens," she said. "People from all over the world! The judge asked people to stand up when he mentioned their country, and I was the single Brazilian. I was also the single one with flowers!" In addition to Aivar, Alexandra was joined by another friend and former HR colleague J Lea Roberts and J Lea's daughter Bailey. Said Alexandra, "I'm very proud to be part of this family and great Nation! Thank you all for accepting me!" April Autism Awareness Month April is Autism Awareness Month, providing us an opportunity to learn about autism spectrum disorders, and equally important, to gain an understanding and appreciation for individuals

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with autism and what they have to offer. Each year, our Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps thousands of people with disabilities overcome barriers to employment and become independent. People diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders have strengths and abilities to offer employers and the community. One in 50 children, ages 6 to 17, are likely to be diagnosed with autism, Asperger syndrome or a related developmental disorder, according to a report issued just last month by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration. The latest report shows a dramatic increase in the number children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, and the increase was attributed to greater awareness and recognition of such disorders. To learn more, visit: http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/ http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/1823.htm http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002494/ http://theautismresearchfoundation.org/ http://nationalautismassociation.org/ BITS BYTES GEF-1 CONFERENCE ROOM PROJECTOR/SCREEN REPLACEMENT UPDATE Smart Boards (interactive whiteboards) are now available for use in the following GEF-1 conference rooms: F105, F305, H306, A415 and H406. These boards are useful in meetings and presentations, reduce paper costs and bring other efficiencies to our daily work. These boards and projectors are also unlike the traditional projectors and screens, which have limited functionality due to age. Smart Boards (interactive whiteboards) offer advanced features such as: Work on multiple screens simultaneously. Save drawings and meeting notes made on the boards to a network drive. Opportunities for attendees, in addition to the moderator, to manipulate the board]s content during team discussions or presentation preparation activities. Training on the use of the boards is offered on DWD Campus. You will find information located by each white board that shows you how to use them. We strongly encourage users to attend a training session before using the Smart Boards. If you have questions about smart boards, please contact the DWD Multimedia Services Team.

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ONLINE SHAREPOINT TRAINING IS NOW AVAILABLE An online SharePoint training site is now available to DWD staff. The new online training provides staff with SharePoint Basic and Designer training modules. Online training sections will replace the previous classroom based SharePoint training classes offered by the SharePoint team. A new online General User Section replaces the classroom based SharePoint Level 1 training. A new online Designer Section replaces the classroom SharePoint Levels 2 & 3 training classes. The SharePoint team now offers a combination of online training supplemented by classroom training on specific advanced topics. The classroom training will now cover specific subjects such as Setting up a SharePoint site, Libraries & Lists, or Modular and Reusable Component Web Parts. A general Question and Answer session is also scheduled on April 18 for general users who have reviewed the on-line material and have additional questions. Please visit the DWD Campus for a listing of the upcoming classes. The on-line training class is available at the DWD SharePoint On-Line Training site. It can also be accessed from the DWD SharePoint Enterprise page via the SharePoint 2010 link. New topics are continually being added so be sure to check back often for additional information. CYBER SECURITY ALERT Internet watch groups and cyber security experts have already identified multiple fake domains/websites, and charity efforts attempting to take advantage of the April 15 Boston Marathon bombing. More scams are expected to follow in the coming days. Internet users need to apply a critical eye and conduct due diligence before clicking links, visiting websites, or making donations. Users should adhere to the following guidelines when reacting to large news events, including news associated with the Boston Marathon bombing, and solicitations for donations: Be cautious of emails/websites that claim to provide information because they may contain viruses. Do not open unsolicited (spam) emails, or click on the links/attachments contained in those messages. Never reveal personal or financial information in email. Do not go to websites that you are unfamiliar with to view the event or information regarding it. Never send sensitive information over the Internet before checking a website's security and confirming its legitimacy. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net) You can review the Cyber Security Alert page for more information. Kim McPeak Joins Human Resources Staff Kim McPeak, a DWD employee for 13 years, has a new position with Human Resources Services in the Division of Administrative Services. Kim moved from the Equal Rights Division (ERD) to the HRS bureau in March. Since 2007, Kim served as an Equal Rights Officer in the Labor Standards Bureau. As an Equal Rights Officer, she investigated complaints alleging violations of Wisconsin's labor standards law. Her job involved analyzing, interpreting and applying labor standards statutes and administrative codes, determining whether there was evidence of a violation, and then preparing cases for prosecution by the Attorney General. She also presented Labor Law Clinics. Prior to ERD, Kim was an Employment and Training Specialist in the Division of Employment and training. Along with this wealth of program experience, Kim also possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

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In February, while still assigned to ERD, Kim was able to attend Staffing Training with the Office of State Employment Relations. "With her OSER training, Kim hit the ground running when she joined us in March," said Laurie Conley, HRS Workforce Services Chief. "Kim is assigned to provide staffing services to DET. You may also see her shadowing senior analysts during her training period. In addition, you may spot her periodically in ERD as she wraps up her final labor standards cases. Please help us welcome Kim to HRS." In Memoriam SANDRA SCHULZE Sandy Schulze, age 61, of Appleton, Sandy Schulze, age 61, of Appleton, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2013, at Appleton Medical Center with her family by her side. She was born on February 15, 1952, in St. Cloud, Minnesota the daughter of George and Donna (Sivinski) Schulze. Sandy graduated from the College of St. Theresa in Winona, Minnesota, and then Marquette Law School in Milwaukee. She was the Senior Administrative Law Judge for the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development - Unemployment Compensation Division for the Appleton and Eau Claire offices retiring in 2012. Sandy volunteered for the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts, along with the St. Theresa Alumni Association. She enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, and watching old Classic Hollywood movies. Her time spent with family and friends, especially during the holidays, will be cherished amongst us. She loved surrounding herself with her loved ones, and her son George meant the world to her. The funeral liturgy for Sandy was held on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Appleton. A memorial fund has been established in her name. You can view the entire obituary of Sandra Schulze published by the Appleton Post-Crescent on April 1, 2013 STEVE SELL Steve Sell, a member of the BITS Database Administration (DBA) Team, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in UW Hospital. Steve was 57. Steve started state service in 1993. While at DWD, he was an Application Developer in the UI Tax & Wage unit working for Lana Olson. In 2001, Steve joined Technical Support Services as a member of the DBA team. Recently, he played an integral role in the successful completion of the IDMS to DB2 mainframe database conversion. Steve was also an avid fly fisherman and a master craftsman/woodworker. He also had a black belt in Aikido. Steve's family was very important to him and he often shared stories about his kids. Steve's daughter Molly worked in the DWD mailroom as shipping and mailing clerk from January 2011 to April 2012. Steve was a very dedicated employee who took a lot of pride in his work. His efforts were appreciated by his customers, team, managers and all of BITS. He will be dearly missed by all of us in BITS. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 5, and the location will be announced as soon as arrangements are complete.

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Carrie Dodge - UI Adjudicator, Eau Claire I took a call from a claimant today who wanted me to know that she has dealt with a lot of personalities in unemployment but Carrie is by far the best. The claimant indicated that Carrie is personal, efficient, knowing and answers all her questions while treating her like an equal instead of talking down to her due to her employment situation. The claimant wanted me to know that, "Carrie is a gem". Submitted by Vicki Proudlock - Adjudication Supervisor, Eau Claire Anne Donaldson - UI Claim Specialist, Madison A claimant spoke with Anne today and wants to compliment her on the fantastic job she did. Anne expedited sending some documents to the claimant which saved him from having his electricity turned off, and he couldn't be more grateful. Nice work, Anne!! Submitted by Shawn Cuevas - UI Claims Supervisor, Madison Jude Toche - UI Adjudicator, Madison "I received a call from a claimant who wanted me to know what a great job Jude Toche did while working on her case. She stated that he was pleasant and patient and took the time to explain things. He was just great to work with. Way to go Jude!" Submitted by Trudy Potts - Adjudication Supervisor, Madison Nathan Anderson - UI Collection Specialist, Madison UI received the following compliment from a North Carolina law firm attempting to resolve a tax collection issue for a client: "I have had great success with your online reports and payment. I made the reports and the payment just now. I also closed the account because the firm no longer was operating in Wisconsin. ... I very much enjoyed working with Wisconsin. I like your online procedures and the promptness of your help. Absolutely amazing. Other states need to learn from this." Submitted by Thomas McHugh - UI Financial Manager, Madison Ryan Radke - Telecom Manager, Madison I just wanted to send a note to you to let you know what an outstanding job that Ryan does on a daily basis. Ryan has managed the CARES ACD with extremely outstanding customer service. He goes above and beyond to assist and trouble shoot. He has to deal with some very "non" technical people and always talks at a level they can understand without being condescending. He is very diplomatic. I know from my own responsibilities as the UI CARES administrator, that some days it feels like all we do is fix problems, but Ryan always has time for everyone and always greets them with a smile.

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Submitted by Kirsten Hurley - UI System Design Analyst, Madison Kevin Smith - Employment & Training Specialist, West Bend Thanks again for a worthwhile session this morning. I appreciate the advice you shared regarding my "honesty" when approaching employers with my future in mind. I plan to hold onto your card if any questions/concerns come up. Be well. Submitted by Angelica Vasquez - Employment & Training Specialist Lead, West Bend Sue Bogen - Employment & Training Specialist, Madison and Rhonda Johnson Employment & Training Specialist, Madison I want to thank you for all of your support during our hiring process. Sue Bogen and her team have been so helpful and have made the process so much easier for me. I met with the team earlier in our process and they did such a great job of learning our process and learning Hy-Vee. We also truly appreciate the time that Sue Bogen and Rhonda Johnson spent helping us at our Mass Hiring. We had so many great comments from our HR team about how well they fit in and how helpful to us they were. They were such a great resource for us and I can't say how much we appreciated their help. Compliments from Hy-Vee, submitted by Mary Pasholk - Workforce Development Program Manager, Madison Christina Ehlert - UI Compensation Associate, Eau Claire Christina Ehlert, an employee in the support unit at the Eau Claire Adjudication Center, received a message from a claimant complimenting the Unemployment Insurance Division and, in particular, the Eau Claire Adjudication Center for having "top notch" customer service. He said with his many years of working in customer service, it was a pleasure to deal with such courteous people throughout the entire process and he appreciated the promptness and time taken in responding to his questions. He added that it was a pleasant surprise in dealing with a state agency. Thanks to all in the UI Division for your continuing effort to provide great customer service. Client's email, submitted by Amy Banicki - UI Adjudication Director, Madison Carl Bogar - Training Specialist Lead, Kenosha This guy rules! He has made me completely motivated to go forward. So glad I came today. Client's email, submitted by Rene O'Connor - Workforce Development Program Manager, Kenosha

Editor's Notes
Thank you for taking the time to read the Bulletin. It is our hope that the information found here will be of value to our readers. Most Bulletin stories come from employees, which is how we like it. Please feel free to make a submission in the future. Send a retirement announcement, a thank you note, story and/or photo of something you'd like to share with other employees. Check out the Bulletin story submission guidelines and then be sure to submit a story idea for the Bulletin.

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Last Revised: April 18, 2013

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