Training consortium offered in Jones Co.

     Jones County Economic Development and both the Monticello and Anamosa chambers are collaborating with Kirkwood’s Training and Outreach Services to provide the Jones County Business Partners Training Consortium.

     This series of work sessions is designed to:

     • Leverage training dollars by accessing experienced trainers

     • Network and share ideas with other local companies

     • Provide flexible training for Jones County employees

     JCED Director Dusty Embree invites everyone to attend the first session, free of charge, on Tuesday, June 13, from 1-5 p.m. at Fawn Creek Country Club in Anamosa. The session, titled “Critical Dialogue to Build Teams,” will be led by Dr. Celina Peermam. The session will examine important tools to start and continue to strengthen dialogue in every level of organization.

     The cost for the Training Consortium is $299 to reserve one seat in all four training sessions. JCED and Monticello and Anamosa chamber members receive a 10 percent discount. Embree said there might be additional grant funding available for businesses to bring the cost down even more.

     “These sessions are not just for businesses and companies,” she said. “It’s for anyone, organizations, who wants to attend and gain skills to build a business.”

     Embree said they’ve worked to bring “top-notch presenters” to Jones County for the Training Consortium.

     “This is an opportunity for Jones County to receive high-caliber presenters we don’t normally have here,” she said.

     The second session, “Goal Planning: Employee and Employer Goal Planning and Execution,” will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 1-5 p.m. at the Monticello Veterans Hall. This will be led by Mel Gonnerman.

     The third session, “Leadership: Skills for New and Emerging Leaders,” will be led by Heather Woody. This will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 1-5 p.m. at the Anamosa Library and Learning Center.

     The fourth and final session will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 1-5 p.m. at the Monticello Veterans Hall. “Social Media: How to Effectively Use in Business Today” will be led by Alex Rose.

     Embree said this consortium is something she’s been working on with Kirkwood since last fall.

     “Washington County has held a consortium the last couple of years,” she said, “and making it work. I think if we model ours similarly, we could provide learning opportunities in rural counties at the same caliber.”

     Embree said she’s heard from her own business partners and members that they’d like to take part in training programs, but can’t send employees to Cedar Rapids or Dubuque.

     “So we’re offering it here,” she said.

     As for the topics chosen, Embree said the decisions stem from a survey that was sent out to members last fall.

     “These are the topics businesses around here are interested in,” she said.

     While the $299 reserves one spot in all four sessions, Embree said that does not mean a business has to send the same person to every session. Maybe that business’ HR (human resources) director would be a good fit for one session, while the quality controller is better suited for another session.

     “A business can break up the attendance accordingly,” explained Embree, “based on their needs or wants in training. But, I encourage businesses to send as many as possible to the first session.”

     Embree said after the first Training Consortium is complete, all those involved will look to see if this needs to be offered again, with future topics to be determined by attendees.

     To RSVP for the June 13 session, contact Embree at 319-480-7446 or director@jonescountydevelopment.com. To register for the entire program, contact Barb Rawson with Kirkwood at 319-398-2754 or visit www.kirkwood.edu/businesspartners.