On Tuesday, November 10th, the Greater Memphis Chamber held the second annual UpSkill 901 Workforce Summit virtually. Sponsored by FedEx, the summit this year focused on understanding the current state of workforce, how social responsibility is playing a larger role, and an outlook on how Memphis will be reshaped in this new climate.
Young Memphis Honoree: Karlisa Cheris Cryer
Get to know Karlisa Cheris Cryer, Digital Content Specialist at ALSAC/ St. Jude and Greater Memphis Chamber 2020 Young Memphis Honoree.
What event or accomplishment has been the most impactful for your career so far?
The most impactful event of my career has been mentorship by one of my previous chiefs. Mentorship in the workplace has made a huge influence on my career and I am looking forward to mentoring a young person in the same capacity.
[Read more…] about Young Memphis Honoree: Karlisa Cheris Cryer
Young Memphis Honoree: Alex Stringfellow
Get to know Alex Stringfellow, Vice President with Colliers International, Memphis and Greater Memphis Chamber 2020 Young Memphis Honoree.
What event or accomplishment has been the most impactful for your career so far?
I’ll never forgot receiving the call from Don Drinkard and Kevin Adams saying they might have an open position with CBRE in Memphis. I was working in Nashville at the time, but anxious to get back to Memphis and ideally find a job in commercial real estate. At that point, I would have been open to anything, but when Don said it was a position focused on Downtown Memphis, I couldn’t get here fast enough. It was 2011, so not the best time to be hiring or starting in real estate, but CBRE gave me a chance, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
Monitoring Recovery | Indicators to Watch 11/3/2020
November 3, 2020 – To build an understanding of the current market trends that are impacting the Memphis Metro area, the Chamber has been releasing monthly updates to our economic recovery.
To best gauge and position insights related to market activity, we are looking at the region through two lenses. The first is through the lens of traditional monthly indicators. These measures include the lower frequency jobs and unemployment figures and are often seen as lagging indicators of labor market activity. The second lens is through higher frequency weekly indicators. These measures include weekly unemployment insurance claims and job postings. Often, the higher frequency indicators are seen as leading indicators and can signal worsening or better employment outcomes for the region against the monthly reports.
With the release of the September 2020 unemployment numbers on October 28, these updates will provide a key snapshot of where the Memphis market sits as it relates to a recovery from the March/April 2020 contraction.
[Read more…] about Monitoring Recovery | Indicators to Watch 11/3/2020
Strategic, planned communication cannot be rigid
It may sound like an oxymoron if I were to say, “Planned communication must also be unplanned.” But as PR professionals, this is pretty much a given. Yes, our job is to be laser-focused on strategic planning and preparing for the most optimal communication-related results – as far in advance as possible. At the same time, we’re also in charge of keeping our fingers on the pulse of what’s going on around us, including cultural movements, emerging trends, unanticipated nuances and well, I have to add… pandemics. So, how do you create communication plans that are strategic yet adaptable? Below are a few things to keep in mind as you plan.
[Read more…] about Strategic, planned communication cannot be rigid
Meet the Chairman’s Circle: David Andrews
David Andrews is the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of City Enterprises, LLC. City Enterprises is the managing company of several owned businesses, many auto-related, including City Auto Sales, Chief Automotive Group, Pace Financial, City Auto Finance, and Dealers Auto Auction Group. He launched City Auto Sales over 35 years ago. Since then, he has grown the business to seven auction sites, multiple franchise & used car showrooms, eight City Auto Finance branches, and a nationwide forwarding company.
City Enterprises, LLC managed companies employ more than 850 people. Andrews says his employees are like family. He believes in rewarding employees who work hard with performance-based pay. Andrews points out, they take care of customers, just like they take care of their employees, and if they are doing their job right, customers should feel like buying a car is fun.
He is constantly seeking ways to improve and expand his business model and he continuously adjusts his goals and challenges his managers to reach these goals.
“The ability to operate and manage a business is truly a gift,” Andrews says. “I have never considered going to work as work. The relationships that we build are part of the fabric of our lives. There are so many ways to enjoy your profession such as working with your team and developing a business from concept to a successful operation. Another important aspect of building a business is that it allows for the creation of many jobs for employees to support their families.”
He says City Enterprises, LLC is focused on making a difference: for their employees, customers, and their communities. At the end of the day, he hopes he made a difference.
[Read more…] about Meet the Chairman’s Circle: David Andrews
Have you checked your digital front door?
The digitization of business processes has fully trickled down to small and local businesses, in part because necessity mandated a major transition to online business development in the early months of 2020. Regardless of the reason for this transition, it would be naive to think that we’ll backtrack away from digital engagement, even with local businesses. The convenience, simplicity and privacy afforded to consumers when they engage with businesses online has opened eyes to a new world of consumerism, and it’s unlikely that everyone will return to running errands around town when they can engage with businesses they love from the comfort of their home.
[Read more…] about Have you checked your digital front door?
Chamber & Shelby County Schools Celebrate Virtual National Manufacturing Day
The Greater Memphis Chamber in partnership with Shelby County Schools College, Career & Technical Education (CCTE) celebrated National Manufacturing Day virtually on Friday, October 2th, with over 700 Shelby County School students tuning in for virtual tours of 10 Memphis area manufacturing companies and those who serve manufacturing companies.
[Read more…] about Chamber & Shelby County Schools Celebrate Virtual National Manufacturing Day
Monitoring Recovery | Indicators to Watch 10/2/2020
October 2, 2020 – To build an understanding of the current market trends that are impacting the Memphis Metro area, the Chamber has been releasing monthly updates to our economic recovery.
To best gauge and position insights related to market activity, we are looking at the region through two lenses. The first is through the lens of traditional monthly indicators. These measures include the lower frequency jobs and unemployment figures and are often seen as lagging indicators of labor market activity. The second lens is through higher frequency weekly indicators. These measures include weekly unemployment insurance claims and job postings. Often, the higher frequency indicators are seen as leading indicators and can signal worsening or better employment outcomes for the region against the monthly reports.
With the release of the August 2020 unemployment numbers on September 30, these updates will provide a key snapshot of where the Memphis market sits as it relates to a recovery from the March/April 2020 contraction.
[Read more…] about Monitoring Recovery | Indicators to Watch 10/2/2020
Career Fairs in the Greater Memphis Area
The Greater Memphis Chamber’s UpSkill901 Initiative in partnership with several local companies invite you to the following upcoming career fairs:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Electrician and Lineman apprenticeship opportunities will be posted Oct. 26, 2020 – Nov. 2, 2020. You must apply in order to be considered. https://www.tva.com/careers
Candidates need to prepare for the Electrical training alliance AIR test. The test is timed and consists of Algebra and Reading Comprehension. Candidates need to get a resume ready and create an account on the TVA careers site and upload their resume before the posting. If Candidates passes the test the next step if selected is to interview in front of a panel and they need to be practicing their interview skills. When job is posted and Candidates applies they need to make sure they get an email confirmation, and if one is not received they need to check junk email folder. If email is not in either folder they did not complete the application and need to apply again.
Our ask is make sure they want to pursue this craft as a career. That involves to name a few, working outside in all temperatures and weather conditions, working from heights in equipment and climbing up to 500ft, working near voltages up to 500kv, and being gone from home in hotels at least 4 days a week.
Electrician Apprentice –
Local Candidates Preferred
Organization: Transmission Construction Substation Location: TN Valley
Posting Open: 10/26/2020
Posting Close: 11/2/2020 at 11:59pmEST Salary: $49,010
**Please keep check on your email at all times in the case of changes/updates and communications.**
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Must successfully pass the American Institute of Research (AIR) examination
Must successfully pass an Isokinetic Assessment (physical assessment of joints and weight)
Electrical experience or working around electricians highly desired
JOB EXPECTATIONS
Will not be required to move, as this position is 100% travel across the Tennessee Valley
In most cases you will be away from home a minimum of four nights per week
Per diem at $96.40 per day will be given to pay for lodging and meals if you are traveling more than 40 miles from your home
Work hours are 6:00am – 4:30pmCST Monday – Thursday
Will be required to work in close proximity to voltages up to 500kv
Must be willing to work at heights
Most aerial work is between 20ft and 80ft
You will rotate into telecom where you will be expected to work at 550ft
Must be willing to work a physically demanding job
Could be required to lift up to 75lbs
Must be willing to work outdoors 100% of the time
Must be willing to work in extreme weather conditions
Must be willing to work on rough terrain such as gravel and mud
Must be willing to respond to storm or system damage with minimal notice
Will be required to learn how to operate equipment including but not limited to JLGs, forklifts, and booms lifts
PROGRAM DETAILS
To remain in the program, must successfully complete On the Job Training, self-study bookwork , classroom training, and oral, written, and practical exams.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Duties:
Training will include rotations between Telecom & Substation Construction. This Job requires travel up to 100% of the time at a location in the TVA seven state region for a minimum of four days a week. This position will require you to work outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme temperatures.
Substation:
Performs tasks associated with the construction, modification, and rehabilitation of transmission system substations or telecommunications equipment and components related to the TVA transmission system.
Installs grounding systems, conduit and wire race systems, cable and wire systems, and structural steel.
Installs, checks, and adjusts and performs tests on major electrical equipment, power transformers, breakers, reactors, coupling capacitors, voltage transformers, current transformers, and all major equipment.
Installs motor operated and manually operated switches rated at various voltages. Installs insulators and bus systems.
Installs various switchboard and control equipment. Installs switchboard and control wiring. Installs grounded protective barriers.
Installs communication equipment, capacitor banks and associated equipment. Installs various transmission system telecommunications and control equipment. Performs commercial building wiring. Installs battery and charger systems.
Performs wiring verifications, i.e.; cable and control circuits. Follows wiring procedures and construction standards.
Drives and operates equipment and vehicles necessary to support substation or telecommunications construction work.
During system emergencies, or as may be required, supports the Transmission Operations & Maintenance organization in restoring transmission service to customers including equipment repair/restoration/change out.
When assigned to perform work at a nuclear plant site, and if required by plant security practices, must be able to obtain and maintain unescorted plant access.
Telecom:
Performs tasks associated with the construction, modification, and rehabilitation of transmission system telecommunications equipment and components related to the TVA transmission system.
Installs grounding systems, conduit and wire race systems, cable and wire systems, microwave dishes and antennas.
Splice fiber optic cable, and terminate fiber ends. Terminate and install multiple Copper telecommunication cables
Installs various switchboard and control equipment. Installs switchboard and control wiring. Installs grounded protective barriers.
Installs communication equipment and control equipment from bucket truck, JLG, ladder, or other various aerial equipment in both indoor and outdoor environments
Performs commercial building wiring. Installs battery and charger systems.
Performs wiring verifications, i.e.; cable and control circuits. Follows wiring procedures and construction standards.
Drives and operates equipment and vehicles necessary to support substation or telecommunications construction work.
Qualifications:
Some previous experience in electrical work is desirable and the ability to qualify for additional responsibility and training.
Incumbent should be a high school graduate or its equivalent and have attained a satisfactory score to qualify for the craft apprenticeship program.
Applicant will be REQUIRED to pass the American Institute of Research (AIR) assessment in order to move forward to the interview process.
Supervision Received:
Employee is under the general supervision of the Transmission Construction Foreman, and the direct supervision of the Electrician Foreman, who assigns and supervises the work.
Supervision Over Others:
None; however, may direct the work of other journeymen or apprentices as may be assigned in routine work and other classifications in emergency situations to carry on the work.
Supplementary Data: Must meet TVA physical/medical requirements for the position of electrician and those associated with the various equipment certifications/licenses required of this classification. Must be able to work prolonged periods of time under inclement weather conditions.
___________________________________________________________________________
PAST EVENTS
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
SRVS DRIVE-THRU JOB FAIR
Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 10am – 1:00pm
3971 Knight Arnold Road Memphis, TN 38118
(SRVS Parking Lot)
Safety Protocols Enforced!
Applicants must remain in vehicles at all times
Open Positions: Salary $9.21 – $10.50
- Direct Support Professionals
- Independence Coach
- Personal Support Staff
Please bring copies of the following items: High School Diploma/G.E.D., valid Driver’s License, and Social Security card.
NOTE: All applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug test, and have a valid Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi driver’s license with an endorsement to transport people supported
_____________________________________________________________
Meet the Chairman’s Circle: Alfred Washington
Alfred Washington is owner and chief executive officer of Top Notch Security, Inc., one of the fastest growing security companies in the U.S., providing professional security guards for industrial, commercial, residential, government and executive protection services to clients globally.
[Read more…] about Meet the Chairman’s Circle: Alfred Washington
Maintaining Banking Relationships in the Midst of a Pandemic
COVID-19 has made it especially challenging to maintain personal relationships with customers in the banking industry. Bankers are used to having a great deal of face-to-face contact with customers. In fact, Paragon Bank was built on providing “high touch” personalized service, which often means that we take the bank to our customer’s home or office.
[Read more…] about Maintaining Banking Relationships in the Midst of a Pandemic