Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 15, 2004
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact: Kristin Alexander, Employment Security Department, 360-902-9307
“WorkSource can no longer be called the state’s ‘best kept secret.’ We’re among the best when it comes to meeting business needs,” Locke said.
The Puget Sound Business Journal recently listed WorkSource as the No. 1 employment agency in the Puget Sound region, based on more than 90,000 job placements made by local centers during 2003.
“WorkSource centers provide solutions employers are looking for to help them reduce costs and operate more efficiently,” Locke said. “They are part of our continued commitment to restoring our state’s economic vitality.”
Part of the increase in WorkSource’s visibility can be attributed to a pilot outreach campaign that is now being replicated throughout most of the state. This effort includes both direct marketing tools and training of business representatives who work directly with employers in Washington.
During the next several months, approximately 15,000 businesses in 22 counties will receive information about how WorkSource can meet their needs, as well as offers for free incentives such as a 5-in-1 Federal Labor Law poster and wage data to help them remain competitive.
The latest marketing effort stems from a nationwide project conducted last year. Seven states received a special grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to help increase awareness and usage of WorkSource and similar one-stop resource centers, with Washington serving as the lead state in the project.
An independent market research firm surveyed businesses in target sectors before and after the campaign. Results showed that 55 percent of Washington employers recognized the WorkSource name prior to the campaign and 81 percent after.
Nationally, 21 percent of employers surveyed before the campaign said they would definitely or probably use a one-stop center in the future. At the conclusion, that number had more than doubled to 51 percent. Moreover, the portion of employers who said they would definitely use a center tripled from 9 to 32 percent.
“The campaign was a tremendous success,” said Bill Tarrow, WorkSource communications manager. “Employers became more familiar with WorkSource and developed very positive opinions of staff and services. We expect similar success in the communities where we are expanding the campaign.”
WorkSource is a public-private partnership of business, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and colleges that provides all the resources job seekers and employers need in one place. Services to businesses include:
· Qualified workers. WorkSource maintains the state’s largest database of job seekers and their qualifications.
· Advice and help from experts. Business representatives who specialize in the local labor market can work directly with employers to find and pre-screen job applicants. They also can help find new jobs for workers affected by downsizing.
· Free job listings. Employers can easily post an opening or search for qualified candidates online at www.go2worksource.biz.
· Information. Experts can help employers understand regulations and explain how to take advantage of tax credits. They can provide wage norms and other current labor market data, by industry and county.
· Training. WorkSource can provide skills training for employees.
· Resources. Small business planning and financing resources are available.
Employers interested in obtaining additional information about special business services available through WorkSource are urged to contact a local WorkSource center or check out WorkSource services online at http://go2worksource.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 15, 2004
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact: Kristin Alexander, Employment Security Department, 360-902-9307
Gov. Gary Locke Praises WorkSource for Meeting Business Needs
OLYMPIA – March 15, 2004 – Gov. Gary Locke today commended WorkSource for being the resource of choice for Washington employers. A survey of Washington employers found that WorkSource centers are one of the most popular resources for hiring employees, second only to newspaper classifieds.“WorkSource can no longer be called the state’s ‘best kept secret.’ We’re among the best when it comes to meeting business needs,” Locke said.
The Puget Sound Business Journal recently listed WorkSource as the No. 1 employment agency in the Puget Sound region, based on more than 90,000 job placements made by local centers during 2003.
“WorkSource centers provide solutions employers are looking for to help them reduce costs and operate more efficiently,” Locke said. “They are part of our continued commitment to restoring our state’s economic vitality.”
Part of the increase in WorkSource’s visibility can be attributed to a pilot outreach campaign that is now being replicated throughout most of the state. This effort includes both direct marketing tools and training of business representatives who work directly with employers in Washington.
During the next several months, approximately 15,000 businesses in 22 counties will receive information about how WorkSource can meet their needs, as well as offers for free incentives such as a 5-in-1 Federal Labor Law poster and wage data to help them remain competitive.
The latest marketing effort stems from a nationwide project conducted last year. Seven states received a special grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to help increase awareness and usage of WorkSource and similar one-stop resource centers, with Washington serving as the lead state in the project.
An independent market research firm surveyed businesses in target sectors before and after the campaign. Results showed that 55 percent of Washington employers recognized the WorkSource name prior to the campaign and 81 percent after.
Nationally, 21 percent of employers surveyed before the campaign said they would definitely or probably use a one-stop center in the future. At the conclusion, that number had more than doubled to 51 percent. Moreover, the portion of employers who said they would definitely use a center tripled from 9 to 32 percent.
“The campaign was a tremendous success,” said Bill Tarrow, WorkSource communications manager. “Employers became more familiar with WorkSource and developed very positive opinions of staff and services. We expect similar success in the communities where we are expanding the campaign.”
WorkSource is a public-private partnership of business, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and colleges that provides all the resources job seekers and employers need in one place. Services to businesses include:
· Qualified workers. WorkSource maintains the state’s largest database of job seekers and their qualifications.
· Advice and help from experts. Business representatives who specialize in the local labor market can work directly with employers to find and pre-screen job applicants. They also can help find new jobs for workers affected by downsizing.
· Free job listings. Employers can easily post an opening or search for qualified candidates online at www.go2worksource.biz.
· Information. Experts can help employers understand regulations and explain how to take advantage of tax credits. They can provide wage norms and other current labor market data, by industry and county.
· Training. WorkSource can provide skills training for employees.
· Resources. Small business planning and financing resources are available.
Employers interested in obtaining additional information about special business services available through WorkSource are urged to contact a local WorkSource center or check out WorkSource services online at http://go2worksource.com.
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