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Jefferson County Workforce Center, JCBRC, Mary Russell, Director - Executive Profile. MARY RUSSELL, Director
Jefferson County Workforce Center

CENTER MATCHES SKILLED WORKFORCE WITH EMPLOYERS

by Rose Muenker

"Our ultimate goal is economic," says Mary Russell, director of the Jefferson County Workforce Center. "A vibrant workforce equals a vibrant economy." The center specializes in bringing qualified job seekers and employers together. It serves Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties.

The Jefferson County Workforce Center offers programs and services to both job seekers and businesses. For job seekers, the Center focuses on helping them get ready to go to work and to make successful career transitions. Its programs and resources address the needs of a wide range of individuals, including those who have lost employment, those who seek a new career path, veterans, older citizens, ex-offenders, people with disabilities, and youth entering the workforce. Job fairs, online learning, skills assessment, workshops that strengthen or expand skills, and other resources help prepare them for their next employment.

"We help people understand what they need to do to really meet the needs of the employer," Russell states. Education programs and workshops discuss the world of work, soft skills, work environments, teamwork, employee dependability and more. "They need to be able to demonstrate to a company why they would be a good fit."

Businesses also have a number of resources available to them. The Center's primary focus is on helping them meet their employment needs. It selects candidates for them to interview who have been pre-screened and qualify for their industry. And it hosts job fairs and hiring events. Standard services and job postings on the Center's controlled-access job boards are complimentary.

In addition to helping businesses find new employees, the Center offers a variety of other services, including extensive training for current staff, retention tools and aid for displaced workers.

"We understand that growing a successful business in today's competitive marketplace requires more than good products and services," Russell says. "We help local businesses decrease costs, increase profits and meet growth objectives."

To ensure the best service for both job seekers and employers, Russell also endeavors to keep the Center's staff well trained to give instruction about new types of jobs, such as those being created by the energy industry.

Summarizing the rewards of her work at Jefferson County Workforce Center, Russell comments: "When I close my door at the end of the day, I know that we have helped someone in a meaningful way."


Local VacationEnjoying the hometown feel of the streets of Golden. Dining creekside at the Grappa Mediterranean Bistro and Café.



Published in the West Chamber Resource Guide 2009 Best of Business Directory & Magazine, an annual publication of The West Chamber Serving Jefferson County.

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