Companies must be careful to make right decisions during hiring process

Midlands Business Journal, June 25, 2010

(Aureus Group and Celebrity Staff)

Companies must act cautiously when making hiring decisions because the wrong decision could potentially be very costly. Most companies don’t calculate the direct and indirect costs of hiring or replacing employees, said Chris Carlson, regional manager of Aureus Group, a division of C&A Industries. A company has many methods of recruiting top talent, said Elizabeth Ambri, branch manager of Celebrity Staff in Lincoln. Making a bad employment decision costs employers money, Carlson said. Direct costs include advertising a job, staff expenses, relocation expenses and internal referral bonuses. Indirect costs include time spent on hiring. “Some new hires are bad fits,” Carlson said. “Mistakes happen. Spotting mistakes early saves time and money.” A new hire who does not ask questions throws up a red flag, Carlson said. Not asking questions may mean the person does not understand the job, does not know who to ask or may not care if the task is done well. The most important part of hiring is to understand what is needed before recruiting starts, Carlson said. This will help employers understand the target candidate pool and create a plan. Companies that do the best job of finding top talent keep their talent pool full and never stop recruiting, Celebrity Staff’s Ambri said. Some of the best methods for finding top talent include attending networking events, talking to customers and other agencies in the industry, friends, family, using outside recruiters, and creating buzz on social networking sites. More companies are using sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and My Space to recruit, as it is an effective way to get the word out about a company, Ambri said. Retaining top talent requires being a great company, she said. “Employees are wanting to work for great companies,” Ambri said. “In return, companies need to take the time to communicate with their employees.”

Employment firms help companies seeking workers, those in search of jobs

Midlands Business Journal, May 14, 2010

(Aureus Group)

Employment firms can be valuable aids for people looking for jobs and for the companies looking for employees. Employment firms invest a lot of time in educating candidates that it places in jobs, said Chris Carlson, regional manager at Aureus Group. According to Carlson, employment firms can offer leads, develop resources, provide tips on how to write resumes and interview coaching. “We invest a lot of time educating candidates on the reality of market salaries, demanded skills, and career planning,” she said. “Employment firms are hired to find the best talent available so it’s critical to keep skills current and continue the journey of professional development.” The key to understanding a successful match is having a true understanding of the role, how it impacts the company’s overall mission and aligns with the career goals of the employee, Carlson said. To achieve this, an objective assessment of an organization’s culture, retention rates, job descriptions, compensation, interviewing and performance expectations are needed. Businesses use employment firms to provide expertise in the marketplace and find hidden talent sources, Carlson said. Companies want an unbiased picture of the employment landscape, and employment firms are not vulnerable to the pressures of internal politics and cultural dimensions. Prospective employees looking at using an employment firm should research it and choose one that specializes in their areas of expertise, Carlson said.

Lincoln seeing some growth in employment; manufacturing making slow rebound

Midlands Business Journal, May 1, 2010

(Celebrity Staff)

Job seekers everywhere are having a hard time finding employment, but Lincoln is experiencing some job growth in specific areas. Many companies are hiring temporary workers in place of permanent employees, said Elizabeth Ambri, branch manager of Celebrity Staff in Lincoln. Nebraska’s March unemployment rate was 5 percent, compared to 10.4 percent nationally. Lincoln’s unemployment rate is even lower, starting at 4.9 percent in March, Ambri said. “We have been really busy with temp workers,” she said, adding many companies turn to temporary workers because they are being cautions about hiring people permanently. Many want to use temporary help before determining whether they need permanent employees. Those positions that are available exist in areas such as sales and niche employers like the legal and medical profession, she said. Ambri has also seen growth in mobs for customer service or call center positions. The good news for temp workers is taking such a position may lead to permanent work, Ambri said. Nationally, up to 40 percent of temp workers hired are brought on permanently. “It’s a great way to get your feet wet with a company”.

No Shortage of Unique Local Venues for Events, Lack of Time, Planning Process Poses Biggest Obstacles

Midlands Business Journal, April 9, 2010

(AurTravel)

Dining in an 83-year-old Omaha landmark among opulent chandeliers and French Renaissance architecture. Conversing with colleagues as sharks and stingrays (safely) glide overhead. Acknowledging business achievements amid flowing water wall and sculptures created by world-renowned artists. The aforementioned scenarios are all options businesses have as settings for corporate gatherings. No matter the location, full-service travel agency AurTravel does its part to assure that attendees get to the event safely, comfortably, and at minimal expense to the business, Kaylene Nienhueser, certified travel counselor and general manager indicated. "Our job is to check a variety of options and locations and find out what the best choice is for a particular company," she said. "Why not have a travel agency do the legwork for a company rather than one of the company's own employees spending his or her time doing the same thing when it is a service we offer at no charge?" Nienhueser said that budget constraints are forcing many business owners to plan meetings closer to home, rather than flying across the country as was the norm in previous years. "If they want to hold their meeting offsite but still stay in Omaha, we have relationships with hotels and other venues where they can get away from the office but still save money on traveling to another location," she said. In addition to these partnerships, Nienhueser stressed that AurTravel staff can set up meeting rooms, arrange lunches or dinners, and order required items on behalf of the client for meetings. Staff is also on call to help with needs that arise at 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday or 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, according to Nienhueser. And though clients may feel pressure to stay closer to home for meetings, that doesn't mean the volume of meetings is waning; in fact, she said incentive or awards-type trips are on the rise again after a fall-off in 2008 and 2009. "Since people are working harder than before with less staff than before, companies are more willing to reward those who are their top producers," Nienhueser said. "We can help them create a fabulous trip for their team and help plan events while they are there."

Owner’s Specific Needs, Requirements Dictate Level of Business Background, Specialization

Midlands Business Journal, March 12, 2010

(Celebrity Staff)

The legal insight and consultation one needs when she starts her business isn’t necessarily the guidance she needs as the business grows, according to Nick Dafney with full-service business law firm Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman. “A lot of times, business owners that are just starting out are doing a lot of the work themselves, so they don’t need specialization,” said Dafney. But with growth comes employees. Those employees bring with them other issues that may necessitate the skills of an attorney specializing in employment lay, Dafney indicated. Even those attorneys that are considered “generalists” from the outset are specialized, at least by industry, according to Monica Fuehrer, account manager with a staffing firm that matches attorneys to organizations – Celebrity Staff. “For example, the general counsel for a major broker dealer will have an expertise in securities law,” she said. “In house counsel roles, depending on the size of the company, will have a combination of litigation and transactional duties.” Fuehrer said duties may span contract negotiations and buy/sell agreements to employment law. “That said, the largest majority of my searches are for specialized attorneys at all levels for business clients,” she said. Fuehrer indicated there are more highly qualified attorneys to be had, for the business owner on the hunt or for an attorney partner or the staffing professional employed by a business partner to find that talent. “Particularly in the larger metropolitan areas, due to lost jobs as a result of the economy,” she said of what’s prompting the heightened quality of talent. Though contract attorneys are not as sought-after in Omaha as in larger metro areas, Fuehrer indicated this option is being increasingly touted to Celebrity’s clients as a flexible workforce solution. “In private practice, I look for substantive experience and proven success in his or her practice area couples with business development abilities,” she said. “In corporate, I look for an industry expert with diverse responsibilities; breadth over depth of experience in all areas of law.”

C&A Industries Named Among Best Places to Work for Second Consecutive Year

February 5, 2010

(C&A Industries)

C&A Industries, Inc., parent company to a portfolio of leading staffing and recruiting firms – Aureus Group, Aureus Medical Group, AurStaff, and Celebrity Staff - has been named among the “Best Places to Work” in Omaha for the second consecutive year.

The annual competition, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Baird Holm, recognizes a select number of companies based on surveys which measure employee satisfaction and engagement. C&A has been named in the category of organizations with more than 250 employees.

“Our mission as an organization is not only to be the staffing provider of choice but also the employer of choice. To be recognized by our own employees as among Omaha’s best for two years in a row is tremendous,” said Scot Thompson, Chief Executive Officer. “The company is fortunate to have achieved much success in recent years and its due in large part to our outstanding group of employees. There are great things happening at C&A and our future is very exciting.”

C&A will be recognized along with other Best Places to Work recipients during a luncheon on May 6, 2010.

Local Businesses Offer Alternative to Traditional Valentine’s Day Gifts

Midlands Business Journal, February 5, 2010

(AurTravel)

Whether it is an unconventional date or a gift that strays far from the traditional chocolate and flowers, couples can make their Valentine’s Day memorable with the help of local companies. Unique gifts can range in complexity from licorice from Licorice International to gifts lasting all year from the Month Club Store. Those looking to go over the top can plan a romantic evening at Marcus Midtown Cinema or even a vacation from AurTravel. If you’re looking to extend your Valentine’s Day experience, couples can employ the help of C&A Industries’ AurTravel to plan a romantic vacation. “Mexico is so popular this year, as the prices are fantastic,” said Kim Roche, business development manager at AurTravel. Top Mexico destinations include Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas. Roche said many people travel to Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day – several to get married. Other vacations offered by AurTravel include weekend trips to San Francisco where guests often drive up to Sausalito, California. With the help of a travel agency, couples can plan extravagant and romantic vacations. “We recently sent a honeymoon couple to Paris, where we planned a private dinner on the River Seine,” Roche said. “Or Italy where we arranged a private dinner in one of the museums.”

C&A’s Thompson Appointed to Board of Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

February  8, 2010

(C&A Industries)

Scot Thompson, chief executive officer, C&A Industries, Inc. has been appointed to the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (GOCC). He joins the Board, comprised of business and community leaders, as a Director at Large.

The GOCC is dedicated to increasing business, investment, and employment in the Greater Omaha area and to ensuring it is a vibrant place to do business, work and live.

Thompson joined C&A, a national leader in staffing and recruiting, in 2000 as chief operating officer and was appointed chief executive officer in 2009. During his tenure he has been instrumental in strategically transforming C&A into one of the largest human capital management firms in the country, earning market leading positions in nearly every market it serves as well as serving thousands of clients throughout the United States.

Prior to joining C&A, Mr. Thompson was employed for twelve years at Valmont Industries, Inc., a publicly traded global manufacturing company, where he held various positions in corporate finance, marketing, sales, and management.

Mr. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He is very active in his church and in the community, including numerous charitable organizations.

Vacation Packages and Resources Give Agents a Strong Hold on Traveling

Midlands Business Journal, January 8, 2010

(AurTravel)

Losing luggage when flying can be a nightmare, especially if all you have is an automated toll-free number to work with. Working with a travel agent can speed up the process and alleviate some stress. “That phone recording isn’t going to help you find your luggage,” said Kim Roche, business development manager at C&A Industries’ AurTravel division. “We have connections that can help us help our customers.” AurTravel offers services for vacations, cruises, business travel, extended travel, group travel as well as honeymoons and weddings. In order to find a quality travel agent, Roche suggests finding someone with several years of experience. “Our average years of experience here is over 21 years.” Roche said. When researching travel agencies, it’s best to use a local agency that gives plenty of feedback on all aspects of your travel arrangements. “I would avoid a travel agency that only promotes low rates and doesn’t talk about the place you’re staying at.” Roche said. When bad weather unexpectedly interferes with travel plans, it’s best to utilize a travel agent to look up flight cancellations and assist in rescheduling a flight. “A business traveler isn’t going to have the time to call airlines and see if they can get through, that’s the benefit of using a travel agent.” Roche said. Outside of a typical $25 airline ticket fee, the agency won’t charge for its basic services. If last minute changes occur in travel plans, travel agencies like AurTravel offer 24-hour service. “We’re always there with a laptop and a cell phone,” Roche said. “So if you’re stuck in an airport at 11 o’clock at night, we’re there.” Travelers might enjoy the convenience of online services, but the Internet has its flaws. “We partner with certain companies, so if we’re selling a trip to Mexico or Jamaica, price-wise, we’re competitive with what you find online.” Roche said.

C&A Industries Named Among Best Omaha Employers for Second Consecutive Year

Omaha Magazine, January 6, 2010

(C&A Industries)

C&A Industries, Inc., parent company to a portfolio of leading staffing and recruiting firms, has been named among the top employers in Omaha by Omaha Magazine for the second consecutive year.

The announcement is featured in the magazine’s January/February 2010 “Best of Omaha” issue.

“This is very exciting for C&A, to have been recognized not only this year but for two years in a row,” said Scot Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, C&A Industries. “Whether in prosperous or challenging times, our mission is to be the staffing provider and employer of choice. To be named as among Omaha’s best employers says a great deal about C&A.”

Since 1992, Omaha Magazine has been awarding, based on public vote, the “Best of” in a wide variety of categories, including restaurants, arts & culture, retail, and more.

Omaha Magazine is a regional lifestyle publication that serves a readership of more than 100,000. For more than 20 years, Omaha Magazine brings its readers captivating stories on area politics, home and garden, leisure life, food and dining, style, the arts, entertainment and travel, as well as service articles and compelling features on the area's most interesting people and places.

Companies Concerned About Committing to Workers Look to Temporary Employees

Midlands Business Journal, November 27, 2009

(Celebrity Staff)

It's an employer's market, as too many people are competing for too few jobs and many companies are opting for temporary workers instead.While unemployment in Omaha is below the national level, employers are still cautious in hiring. Some employers have a misperception that Omaha has a wealth of talented job prospects, said Patty North, regional manager of Celebrity Staff. Companies that are hiring today - knowing that many people are looking for jobs - are under a false assumption that they will have an unlimited pool of talent from which to choose, North said. "Because the unemployment rate is high doesn't mean there are lots of talented candidates", she said. "Having lots of job seekers doesn't mean they are talented or qualified." Many people hungry for jobs will apply for about anything regardless of whether they are qualified, she said. Many small to mid-size companies that don't have human resources staff are becoming overwhelmed with the task of hiring. They may get 100 applicants for a job and most of them may be unqualified. "It's a challenge for them to get through the hiring process."

Detailed Record Keeping, Professional Advice Can Help During Tax Season

Midlands Business Journal, October 9, 2009

(Aureus Group)

Be prepared, keep detailed records, and be aware of tax laws which may help you ameliorate losses in an economically turbulent year as you look ahead to the coming tax season. The tax season can be stressful in small business offices of accounting departments of large companies, but learning from past experiences can help you lower the level of jitters as crunch time approaches, said Chris Carlson, regional manager at Aureus Group. “You must take a proactive stance to manage human capital effectively during this time,” she said. “Use your prior year’s experiences to plan for this year,” she said. “This sounds simple, but it’s something that is not always done effectively.” Budgetary constraints in a volatile economy make it difficult for some companies to hire consultants or temporary workers to help out, she said. “Do a quick assessment of the talent you have on staff,” she said. “There may be someone from another department who can help with tax preparation.” Your experienced employees may be able to do short tax training courses for newer staff, she said. “Allowing flexible work arrangements can be helpful when your employees are being asked to do a lot of extra things.” Carlson said. A company that finds it more economical to hire outside help temporarily might consider the value of using retired professionals or other accounting students, she said.

Staffing Agencies from Around Omaha Report Positive Trends in Employment

Midlands Business Journal, September 25, 2009

(C&A Industries, Inc.)

Staffing firms from around Omaha each paint a slightly different picture of the current Omaha employment landscape, but they all report seeing that things are starting to take a turn for the better as more companies look for the right people to fill holes left when employees were cutback in the recent year. When the recession started, many companies cut employes that weren't necessarily unskilled, just bad fits for that particular company or job. Now companies are taking advantage of the surplus of good people. C&A Industries is an Omaha staffing and recruiting company that has seen positive signs in recent hiring trends. Scot Thompson, CEO, said that while businesses are still less interested in expanding, even with the large pool of quality applicants to draw from, there is some strategic hiring of senior-level positions taking place. "The idea of having the right people in your organization never goes out of style," Thompson said. "Their headcounts may not be growing, but they may be upgrading the staff that they have." C&A has also seen an increase in demand for applicants in the light industrial and manufacturing areas. Thompson said that while there is a very positive and sustainable trend in Omaha, the new "normal" is yet to be seen.