EMC: Brantford and Region SIG talked about recruiting, retention and government funding

Our first event focused on the challenge of recruiting and retaining employees. A lively discussion was had with some of following questions discussed:

• How do you post your jobs?  Is it different depending on the level in the organization? Which location is the greatest success for you?
• What unique recruiting strategies have you introduced?  Do you think they worked?
• Who is responsible for interviewing/testing the employees? Which strategies do you see the greatest success in?
• How does the internet play into your recruitment strategies?
• Do you have formal procedures or practices to retain your key staff?  Do they work?
• What questions do you have for your peers regarding recruiting strategies or retention?

 

Some of the suggestions included:

• Employing a pay for skills strategy
• Hiring for attitude rather than skill - skill can be taught easier than attitude can be changed
• To increase retention - communicate;communicate; communicate AND celebrate; celebrate; celebrate (a $3 Tim horton's card or slice of pizza goes a long way!)
• Treat employees with respect

 

 

Our second event covered the topic of government funding and connecting with your community partners.  We had Joanne Gies from the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) and Bob Ham from the City of Brantford Economic Development join us to talk about programs and offerings that will benefit manufacturers. 

 

Some questions we discussed included:

 

• What government programs are you currently accessing? 
• Is there a certain area of your business that you would like to find government funding or support to assist you in?
• What is challenging you and your business moving forward into the next decade?
• What current themes and challenges are you embracing to grow your business?
• What do you want to learn from other leaders/businesses in manufacturing?

 

Some of the challenges that were discussed included:

 

• Buying raw materials inEuros
• Cash flow
• Productivity - business is steady but need to look at cost savings
• US $ hurts

 

 

Here's a link to many government programs (note the deadline and qualifications may change so it's often best to contact you MEDT Advisor to verify eligibility)

 

 

http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/medt/investinontario/en/Pages/government_programs.aspx

For more information about the Brantford and Region consortium and local happenings, please contact Laura Gibson at lgibson@emccanada.org or 226-388-3894.