COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Economic Development Council is continuing its energizing efforts to encourage and enhance business and job development. The council hosted a panel presentation April 3 that highlighted resources available to assist job seekers. The presentation was a follow-up to the Council’s March meeting, which featured advice on being business friendly.
“We are dedicated to increasing opportunities and to linking our residents with resources to help them grow and thrive in their careers. The Council´s momentum and focus is an important catalyst to spurring new businesses development opportunities,” said chair Brian Murphy.
Panelists at the April 3 event outlined expected employment trends and highlighted the detailed training and programs available in Middle Township to help meet the anticipated workforce needs. Healthcare is among the industries projected to grow in Cape May County and the demand is strong for qualified employees, especially nurses, said Connie DiMemmo, RN. DiMemmo is a human resources consultant at Cape Regional Medical Center, one of the largest private employers in the area. Cape Regional and its affiliated Cape Regional Physicians Associates, offers benefits and many opportunities to advance and grow in a career. There are also many positions available in non-clinical support services, including nutritional services, maintenance and administration.
DiMemmo said Cape Regional, along with Atlantic Cape Community College and the Cape May County Technical School, offer specialized training and individualized education plans to mentor and encourages those interested in nursing, respiratory therapy and other medical programs. Contact DiMemmo at 609.463.2721 or cdimemmo@caperegional.com.
Maria Kellett of Atlantic Cape was also among the panelists. Kellett, the Associate Dean, Resource Development & Dean, Cape May Campus, spoke of the school’s commitment to serving as a strong resource for education and workforce development. The school´s offerings are geared to local industry, including healthcare, drone development, science and technology and more. The college plans to increase networking and offerings at the Cape May County campus, with the goal of the campus becoming a true community hub, she said.
Additionally, Atlantic Cape offers customized training for businesses and their employees, including computer classes and customer service workshops tailored to various industries. Visit www.atlantic.edu or contact Kellett at 609.463.3670 or mkellett@atlantic.edu.
Community Service Aide Raymond Heslip, Jr., of the Cape May County Division of Workforce Development, shared how the department assists both jobseekers and businesses. The county´s One Stop Career Center located in Wildwood, provides assistance to those who are unemployed or underemployed, he said. A job coach of sorts, Heslip links candidates with opportunities, and coordinates on the job training and mentorship. There are benefits available to qualifying and partnering employers, including tax incentives and training reimbursement funds. Heslip can be reached at Raymond.Heslip@co.cape-may.nj.us or call 609.854.4741.
Joseph Sittineri, executive director of Jersey Cape Diagnostics, rounded out the panel. The non-profit offers a variety of programs, including employment and training services for those with disabilities. Sittineri detailed how Jersey Cape also links with at risk youth to help them complete high school and obtain employment. Establishing partnerships is the key link in workforce development, he said. Sittineri can be reached at 609.465.4117 or via the website www.jerseycape.org.
Middle’s EDC hosts monthly open meetings to explore and discuss increasing employment and economic opportunities for local residents. One of the primary goals is to make Middle Township more attractive for businesses to expand and grow with the goal of well-paying jobs, amenities for the residents and tourists, and a stronger local economy. For more information, call Economic Development Coordinator Nancy Sittineri at 609-465-8731 or nsittineri@middletownship.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
