January 2008

The AIM Institute has partnered with the cities of Auburn, North Platte and Seward to enhance their workforce recruitment abilities.  The Workforce Improvement Network, a partnership created by the three cities, received funding in December from the Governor through Nebraska’s Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA). A key component of the grant is AIM’s pledge to provide in-kind matching funds via its Careerlink.com job-posting service and education coordination activities.

The BECA grant was established by the Nebraska Legislature in 2005 and received funding for further grants in 2007.  BECA provides grants to rural communities to implement collaborative projects addressing issues related to chronic economic distress, unemployment, lower-than-average per capita income, and severe population loss.

The two-year $55,000 grant awarded to the three cities will enable them to implement the Workforce Improvement Network, an aggressive workforce development campaign promoting economic development within each of the cities and their respective regions. AIM’s contribution of its Internet-based job-posting service — Careerlink.com — to this effort is consistent with its regional mission to promote community growth through information technology. 

“This is an attractive opportunity for AIM and really allows us to expand our services in other areas of the state.  The expansion to other employers and jobseekers will help every part of the state and we are excited about its implementation,” said AIM President and CEO Kandace Miller. 

In support of the Workforce Improvement Network, each community will undertake an interrelated series of activities designed to provide local employers the resources they need to effectively promote employment opportunities.  By integrating AIM’s Careerlink.com into this effort, jobseekers nationwide, as well as local residents, will have the opportunity to find employment in these communities. 

AIM will also collaborate with each of the communities to coordinate promotional and educational sessions covering a variety of topics related to the use of Careerlink.com and economic development solutions in general.  AIM will also provide employers one-on-one assistance in each of these communities, both general and technical assistance necessary to access and utilize the Careerlink.com site effectively. 

As Auburn, North Platte and Seward gain the extra tools and services they need to increase the workforce in their communities, AIM will move closer to fulfilling its mission to provide its services throughout Nebraska. It is envisioned this model and grant program may lead to more efficient and expansive services throughout the state’s rural areas. 

For more information, please contact:

Tim Erickson
Business Development Director
(402) 345-5025 Ext. 143
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