Archives

2011 News Archives

Read where C&A Industries and our affiliates have made the news in our industry and in our community.

For media inquires, contact the Marketing Department by phone at 800.574.9829 or by email.



Job seekers are redefining what it seems to ‘go social’ during job hunt

Midlands Business Journal – December 30, 2011

(Aureus Group)

As more people have turned to the touch of the screen or click of the key, as opposed to the traditional “shake of the hand” in their search for a job, global and regional staffing and employment firms have taken notice and are adapting by providing leveraging technology themselves. Of course, with this technology comes its own challenge (which can’t be ignored) of how to use the tools popping up everywhere, according to Regional Manager Chris L. Carlson of Aureus Group. “Choosing which ones are the most efficient and effective in each skill set is a daunting and expensive task,” she said. “It’s our core business so we invest the resources and measure results and annually tweak the tools we use. “I believe this is one of the variables driving the growth in the staffing industry. Companies are increasingly using recruiting partners more strategically for hard-to-fill positions.”

Management, training, coaching helps employees move up with confidence

Midlands Business Journal – December 30, 2011

(C&A Industries, Inc.)

Leadership and management courses can help companies identify people to promote and empower individuals to better understand their own career paths. With employees representing four generations working within C&A Industries, training requires a constantly changing and varied approach leading to something new each year, said Liz Hall, executive director of training and development. “Pathways to Success,” a 12-week program focused on helping people develop as business leaders and explore advancement opportunities, is the newest in-house training program to launch at C&A Industries. When departments needed new managers, Hall said, people came to her asking for a way to give employees with identified potential the opportunity t to preview the next position, to practice certain skills and to decide what the next step for them might look like. “Of the firs 12 people who completed the program, three of them were promoted, two decided that they were in a better place where they were at and the rest are continuing to search for a leadership opportunity that fits them,” Hall said. No matter what the outcome, she added, “Pathways to Success,” and other in-house career development programming helps with retention, company loyalty, and provides managers with better leadership resources within the department. It is also another tool among a long list of both online and in-house training resources available to their employees. “If we can create an empowerment of leadership, that gives people a sense of ownership with the direction of the business,” Hall said. “It also gives them a better knowledge base of the company and contributes toward the overall positivity of the workforce, knowing that the company is willing to make an investment in them.”

Developing and engaged culture, attracting a knowledge workforce top priorities

Midlands Business Journal – November 25, 2011

(Aureus Group)

Attracting and retaining the right people in an environment with no shortage of openings for those with highly technical or specified sill sets is overwhelmingly the biggest challenge facing those in employment and staffing circles, according to local professionals. “Companies that attract and retain the right people create a compelling offering for their customers,” said Chris Carlson, regional manager of Aureus Group. “The organizations who strive to be a preferred employer are increasing their market share. Although some turnover is good, its expensive, so getting the right people on the bus in the right role producing the right results is essential.” She also said the so-called “soft” elements – such as engaged associates – has become hard. “Data clearly shows highly trusted companies attract more employees and have better employee engagement and retention,” Carlson said. “This soft stuff results in hard dollars.” Carlson indicated one need only look to the list of Fortune 100 Best Companies to work for list, featuring the likes of Zappos, Google, and Microsoft. “The primary criteria to make the cut in Fortune’s list of 100 companies measures the level of trust that employees have in the company and in senior management,” she said. “The Great Place to Work Institute developed this measure; it makes great sense: Trust is a measure of the quality of a relationship.” “When we trust a person, group, or organization we feel confident that they will do what is right, consider our interests in a fair manner; we tend to feel good about such stewards, especially when times are uncertain or risky.” Another hard fact: the knowledge workforce is in demand, according to Carlson, who referred to a specific need for auditors at all levels in both private and public practice, as well as tax professionals and .NET and Java developers.

Celebrity Staff’s Lincoln operations steady with its administrative focus

Midlands Business Journal – November 4, 2011

(Celebrity Staff)

In an industry highly sensitive to the whims of market forces, Celebrity Staff has maintained an even keel by focusing on a few basic principles in the Lincoln market – sticking to three core client categories (administrative, management, and legal positions), providing value added services, and nurturing the early stages of the employer-employee relationship, according to Patty North, regional manager. Keeping to these core areas has allowed the company to develop a level of expertise that delivers clients a staffing solution within three business days 80 percent of the time. Roughly 65 percent of the time, candidates and employees are matched the same day and all without the usual headaches associated with hiring. “Many of our clients are small businesses who don’t have the time to look at, in some cases, hundreds of resumes and then go through the interview process,” she said. Last year the company rolled out a series of webinars addressing various hiring “best practices” topics, as well as a monthly e-newsletter and blogs by members of the Lincoln offices. “We have always provided consultative services to applicants but we do the same for the companies we work with,” she said. Just as we coach an applicant on the importance of being on time and presenting themselves in a professional manner, we also coach our companies on how to provide a better workplace experience.” North says she sees a fresh prospective with today’s college graduates, who are “much more realistic because they have been raised on technology and all they have been hearing the past four years of college is how bad the job market is,” she said. “As a result they are willing to do what it takes to get their career started.” Another customer segment that is on the rise are people returning to the jab market after retirement. Much of this segment is driving growth in Celebrity Staff’s temporary employment segment.

Openings, high pay positions available in tech world, report area professionals

Midlands Business Journal – October 21, 2011

(Aureus Group)

Most businesses have some type of high-tech equipment these days, and running it and keeping it up-to-date takes staffing. Security engineers, database administrators, and developers, specifically mobile, java, and NET, are sought-after-employees. Companies are willing to pay well-experienced professionals up to and sometimes more than $85,000 annually for all those positions, said Gabe Romero, branch manager of the Aureus Group Systems Division in Omaha. Romero said that those interested in technology shouldn’t just follow the hottest trends. They should follow their own interests. “Once you find your calling, always update your technical skills and be prepared to enhance or change your direction of the technology is changing,” he said. A Bachelor’s degree is a plus in many of these jobs, but the majority of these positions are looking for hands-on work experience and/or specific technology education. This includes specialty schools and technical certifications, Romero added.

Tax pros advise starting tax prep early to maximize savings, assure accuracy

Midlands Business Journal – October 14, 2011

(Aureus Group)

If you aren’t getting your records in order soon, it may be too late – as tax planning isn’t just a process that occurs when people start to think about filing tax returns. It should be year-round and starts with finding professional partners you gel with. “You’re not just looking for someone to take over the accounting – you are looking for someone that will be a key advisor to your business,” said Chris Carlson, manager of the Aureus Group , a C&A Industries recruiting affiliate, which specializes in placing finance and accounting professionals. “They will be giving you advice about an area of critical importance – your money.” “Don’t wait for an upcoming deadline to begin looking for an accounting. The worst time to shop for an accountant is during the busy season – January to April.” Considerations when selecting such a professional include: identify the scope of the work required of an individual or form; solicit referrals from other owners or business resources; conduct focused interviews, asking oneself, “Does he/ she specialize in businesses like mine? Does he/she “get” my company and its needs? Will the partner delegate the work to new staff?” Carlson also urges obtaining at least two references from former employers or clients and checking up; also, verify education and credentials. “The length and success of the candidates’ relationship s are good indicators of your future experience,” Carlson said. Also on the savings front, Aureus Group’s Carlson stressed the more legwork organizations do in-house means less expense associated with tax preparers’ time.

Area staffing firms work to help companies find, hire right employees

Lincoln Business Journal – August 15, 2011

(Celebrity Staff)

Staffing firms still play a significant part in helping companies find the right employees. The biggest growth in staffing agencies is being seen in temporary clerical help and higher-level positions, said Sheri Conner, recruiter at Celebrity Staff. Celebrity Staff sees the great demand in two opposite ends of the spectrum, Conner said. An increasing number of companies are seeking temp workers to do work like data entry and other clerical tasks. Businesses often hire temp workers for special projects that are short term. The other high demand area is in high-level niche positions, for example a grant writer, Conner said. Celebrity Staff hires [along with direct hire] both strictly temp workers and match hire, in which workers start as temp workers for 90 to 120 days then go permanent [direct hire] if the match is successful, Conner said. “Employers can look at it as a working interview,” she said.

Applicants urged to research prospect companies through online searches

Midlands Business Journal – July 29, 2011

(Aureus Group)

For Chris Walker, branch manager of Aureus Group, most of the professionals working with Aureus Group are looking for opportunities to advance in their chosen career field – as opposed to a few years ago when people were making more drastic career choices to get or keep a job. “Most of our clients are looking to add talented and skilled employees to handle the increased demands for their products and services,” she said. ”Some of these clients are experiencing this increase due to the rebounding economy, some are in industries that weren’t affected by the economic downturn and some are with new companies that are experiencing rapid growth.” IT systems careers, driven by innovation tied to mobile and cloud technologies, as well as accounting and finance careers, driven by organizations’ needs to use such expertise to increase revenue and reduce costs, represent hot career fields. Regardless of career field, Walker also said it’s important to never burn a bridge and to do that homework on the company to get to know the prospect employer. Managing one’s online presence is also important. “Online social networking sites are becoming more popular with employers as a way to search for more information on potential employees before they make the decision to hire,” she said. “Be sure to Google yourself often to catch any unflattering comments or photos and keep private content private on your social networking profiles.” Be aware of the opportunity to interview the interviewer, by making a list of thoughtful and smart questions. “Most employers will not take a candidate seriously if they don’t come prepared with questions – it shows a lack of interest,” Walker said.

Networking proving more beneficial than job postings for career seekers

Midlands Business Journal - July 29, 2011

(Aureus Group)

The best way to find a job is through networking, staffing experts agree. A job seeker must let others know he or she is looking for a job, said Linda Aughenbaugh, senior recruiter with Aureus Group. Most jobs are not posted but rather are learned about through recruiters, Aughenbaugh said. Aside from working with a recruiter, telling others is the best way to find a job, she said. “Network, network, network,” Aughenbaugh said. Reach out to everyone you know and make them aware that you’re looking for a new career opportunity.” Aughenbaugh also advises people to keep an eye on Internet job boards, as many companies now post their openings. She suggests not posting a resume on a job board unless the job seeker is unemployed. Those who are employed need to be more discreet and instead should work with a recruiter, she said.

HR professionals face challenge of changing work dynamics, post-recovery demand

Midlands Business Journal – June 24, 2011

(Aureus Group)

Human resource management personnel have always had substantial responsibilities placed on their shoulders, but in a changing professional landscape, Human Resource Association of the Midlands leadership indicated challenges loom larger than in prior years. Chris Carlson, regional manager of Aureus Group, addressed temporary hiring. “Companies no longer believe in filling every position with a permanent employee whose real cost to a company only begins with a salary and extends to benefits, payroll taxes, vacation time, holiday pay, and a host of other expenses,” Carlson said. “The outdated stereotypes of ‘temp workers’ who help out for a few busy days in a mail room or fill in for a vacation is not today’s reality.” “There are 3 million people in the U.S. going to work each day as a ‘temp’ or ‘contractor’ – increasingly skilled and highly-educated workers, including accountants, attorneys, chief executives, doctors, engineers, information technology professionals, nurses, medical techs, pilots, and software developers.” Carlson said that many employees thrive on the challenge of diverse assignments or view temporary or contract work as a way to test-drive prospect employers – or as a quick way to land a permanent gig. In general, Carlson said staffing firms are an extension of HR departments to complement their strategic recruiting efforts. “A company that can get the right people in the right positions at the right time and at the right price has a tremendous advantage over less astute competitors,” Carlson said. In addition, it was noted small firms may not be able to have HR professionals on staff, so they act as a consultant on elements like market salaries and job descriptions, whereas larger organizations may tap into staffing expertise for sourcing high-level employees or technical skill sets. As a strategic recruiting partner, Carlson noted there as some considerations HR professionals can make to assure a strong partnership and process. “All successful partnerships begin with good communication and clear expectations,” she said. “Understanding an organization’s mission, values, talent gaps, and potential career paths help us create a compelling story to source top talent that will fit culturally.”

Aureus Group’s Romero leads division to revenue gains with recruiting efforts

Midlands Business Journal – May 20, 2011

(Aureus Group (Gabe Romero – one of the Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Winners))

In 2010 as branch manager for Aureus Group, Gabe Romero led the company’s IT-IS staffing division to a 60 percent growth in revenues. “The entire year of 2010 was a huge breakthrough for our division,” he said. “Our team did a great job of tuning out the bad news that was pervasive at the end of 2008, all of 2009, and into 2010.” “If you listened to the media, you could really get into a state of paralysis, but our team just concentrated on the things they could control,” he said. One of the most rewarding opportunities his job provides is working with people, according to Romero. “The relationships I have built within our company and those relationships I have built with our clients and candidates is my favorite part of what I do. I am a people person,” he said. “I truly enjoy building meaningful relationships and my position has been a great way for me to create those.” Romero said the next decade will provide opportunity for his team to be a major player in not only the regional market but nationally as well. “Everyone is well aware that there will be a talent vacuum that will occur as the baby boomers leave the workforce and take their knowledge and experience with them,” he said. “Finding passive talent, that is, experienced professionals that will consider a career move but are not actively looking for that move, will be absolutely critical.”

Effective ways to work with outside firm to match employers, workers

Midlands Business Journal – May 13, 2011

(Celebrity Staff)

Omaha area employment firms aim to combat unemployment, help businesses find qualified candidates, and help prospective employees find the right company. Different staffing firms provide different services, so it is important to know what is needed and what is not, said Patty North, regional manager of Celebrity Staff. Most staffing firms provide temporary or permanent positions or both, North said. Some firms specialize in specific areas of employment. Whatever services a firm provides, firms are noticing more people seeking work because of higher unemployment, she said. While more people have come to Celebrity Staff to find a job, many are not qualified for the type of jobs available. As jobs become fewer, employers have made their job requirements more specific. A higher number of applicants can make a staffing firm’s job more difficult, North said. All applicants must be reviewed and, with more people competing for jobs, there are an increasing number of applications to sort through. Company personnel often do not have time to sift through a large stack of job applications to determine who is qualified, North said. A staffing firm will sort through the applications and narrow the numbers down to who is qualified. Celebrity Staff will conduct initial interviews to determine who is qualified, then send a manageable number of qualified candidates to the firm to be interviewed, she said. “We do a full comprehensive interview before we represent someone to the client,” North said.

Online search methods prove popular for job seekers, recruiters

The Lincoln Business Journal – May 1, 2011

(Celebrity Staff)

Search engines, social media platforms and other online efforts are being utilized by both candidates and employers, and while hiring is occurring due in part to these efforts, there are still issues to overcome. In Lincoln and throughout Nebraska, things are picking up for job seekers, said Elizabeth Ambri, branch manager for Celebrity Staff. According to Ambri, employers are currently taking longer to make final hiring choices, which creates issues for those who have interviewed for particular jobs. “I have seen scenarios where a candidate has interviewed and then it is 30 days or more before the company makes a hiring decision,” Ambri said. She said candidates struggle with the options of continuing to interview with other companies or waiting for the hiring manager to make a decision. “It’s a tough place for a candidate to be in because they shouldn’t put all of their eggs in one basket, but it doesn’t always bode well if they accept another position and then the company they initially interviewed with comes back with an offer,” Ambri said. “It can also make the candidate feel as though the company really isn’t that interested in them in the long run.”

As equipment, approaches to technology evolve, office personnel follow suit

Midlands Business Journal – March 18, 2011

(Celebrity Staff)

Gone are the days of office services being reduced to stacks of paper and a few pieces of equipment. And it’s not just the devices that are now office staples that have become increasingly sophisticated, according to Patty North, regional manager of Celebrity Staff. “The amount of filing, data entry, and what we would think of as ‘entry –level’ work has become more obsolete as more business correspondence is handled via email or is scanned into client files and online processes have drastically reduced the need for employees to ‘enter’ that data,” she said. “Now, office and administrative professionals have to be able to do more process evaluation – meaning, do checks of the customer data to review for errors, as one example.” She added, “Automated phone systems have replaced the need for someone to handle volume calls and businesses have taken other tasks within their organization and shifted them to elevate the role.” In addition, an administrative or office support professional may also handle marketing materials, distribution, inventory collections, and help management with sales presentations, according to North. “We are seeing very blended roles which means today’s office professionals must be diverse in experience, flexible in the type of work they will do and savvy with the inter-workings of a business so they may step in wherever they can,” she said. North indicated one of the biggest mistakes a business owner can make is to overlook the importance of the individuals to the overall organization – after all, these professionals often represent the first impression a customer or would-be customer has of one’s business. “Many times when a customer has a negative experience, they will tell, on average, seven to 10 people, and most often it does not go back to you,” she said. “They don’t tell you they weren’t happy, they just don’t come back. Can you afford for that to happen from someone answering the phone or following up with customers? Most of us can’t.” North said hit helps to not only look at the daily tasks this individual will perform, but also the expectation one has of how the individual will contribute. She also suggests meeting with other key managers to ask for their input, particularly if this person is going to provide support. Generally speaking, if all parties aren’t on the same page when it comes to roles and d expectations, then that leads to the wrong hire and costs associated with replacing the person or lost productivity, she said.

In-demand professionals require degree, experience in field, staffing experts say

Lincoln Business Journal – March 1, 2011

(Celebrity Staff)

There are careers in demand in a variety of positions that require education, experience, or a combination of the two.Celebrity Staff has seen demand for medical billers and coders as well as legal support staff, according to Elizabeth Ambri, branch manager. Health care providers depend on biller and coder positions to be reimbursed for the services they provide. Law firms had put off hiring support staff roles and are now becoming busier. Ambri added call center staff and customer serviced representatives are being needed as companies are having internal shifts or seeing demand for their services. Ambri said for positions such as medical billers and coders, candidates will need a degreed or certificate, while in the legal field, it is preferred that candidates have a degree for paralegal, legal assistant and legal secretary positions, but a firm will look at someone who has years of experience. She added that there are many positions that don’t required degrees such as call centers and customer service positions, but employers are more likely to hire a candidate who has solid work experience.

C&A Industries to Participate in University of Nebraska-Omaha Career Fair

February 28, 2011

(C&A Industries, Inc.)

C&A Industries, Inc., a national leader in staffing and recruiting, will be participating in the Spring Career Fair hosted by the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The event will be held Tuesday, March 8, 2011 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom. Students of all majors are invited to attend.

Representatives from C&A will be available to speak with students about internal career opportunities with the company as well as other opportunities available with client organizations through C&A’s specialized staffing and recruiting firms.

For more information about C&A, visit www.ca-industries.com.

Preparing future leaders requires ongoing training methods

Midlands Business Journal – February 25, 2011

(Aureus Group)

Developing a business succession plan is an ongoing process. When deciding who will eventually take the leadership role, preparing potentials is key in making that final decision. Change is the buzzword when it comes to business succession and will continue as technology furthers capabilities of businesses of all sizes. “Small and large firms need to engage technology and get the right person in places for every job,” said Chris Carlson, regional manager with Aureus Group. “Some of tomorrow’s jobs don’t even exist now so if a firm plans to grow, more managers will need to be acquired or developed.” Business leaders should look for potentials that surround themselves with talented individuals without being threatened, Carlson added. “The team approach versus dictator hierarchy will attract the best talent available,” she said. “The real key in succession management is to create a match between the firm’s future needs and the aspirations of the individuals,” Carlson said. “Retaining talented people is to provide them with growth opportunities that keep them stretching and engaged.” Carlson suggested recruiting and retaining leaders is a strategic challenge that all businesses should address. The average college graduate is expected to change jobs seven times over the next 10 years, she said.

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

February 24, 2011

(C&A Industries, Inc.)

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 third consecutive year.

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

“To once again be recognized as among Omaha's best serves as yet another affirmation of the fantastic people who work at C&A. Our employees make it one of the finest companies to work for and a national leader in the markets we serve,” said Scot Thompson, Chief Executive Officer. “This award is not only an honor for our organization, but also for each employee who has helped to make C&A what it is today. Thanks to their passion, effort, and dedication, we've achieved incredible growth and success - and our future is even more exciting."

C&A will be recognized along with other Best Places to Work recipients during a luncheon on May 5, 2011.

Corporate attorneys assist businesses to form structure, start out on the right foot

Midlands Business Journal - February 11, 2011

(Celebrity Staff)

Most businesses will need legal assistance at some point. That is why corporate attorneys exist. The right corporate attorney can be hired by seeking referrals from other companies, said Monica Fuehrer, senior account manager with Celebrity Staff. Corporate council should be used for complex transactions such as international mergers and acquisitions, spinoffs and breakups, private equity and strategic investments, real estate transactions, securities offerings and other capital raising transactions, said Fuehrer, who handles attorney search and placement for Celebrity Staff. Some intellectual property work such as patents is arduous and is best referred to outside counsel, she said. The expertise of outside counsel also should be sought out for the most challenging corporate litigation matters. When choosing a corporate attorney, Fuehrer advises establishing an outside counsel management program with performance measures. The progress of the program needs to be monitored. Outside counsel should be viewed as a strategic resource, she explained, noting a company should limit the number of firms with which it assembles strategic partnerships. “Align outside counsel with your business objectives and ensure they understand your decision-making process,” Fuehrer said. Fuehrer advises seeking referrals based on experience. “Select firms with a track record of promoting excellence at the expense of short-term profit,” she said. Where appropriate, use other resources and services in place of traditional law firms, such as temporary staff, contract attorneys or legal research organizations, she said.

Demand for IT pros growing across all types of industries

February 11, 2011

(Aureus Group)

“Technology jobs are increasing more rapidly than other disciplines, second only to the health care profession,” said Chris Carlson, regional manager with Aureus Group. “IT jobs are also one of the nigh paying careers in demand. Relatively new career paths having to do with computers are popping up everywhere.” Healthcare information management professionals and healthcare information technology are in great demand, Carlson said. “This is because of the new regulations requiring electronic medical record enhancements and automation overhaul. The goal is to use computers and digital technology in medical facilities to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical healthcare for patients and providers,” she said. “A bachelor’s degree in computer science combined with a master’s in business administration is very desirable,’ Carlson said. “The business savvy, financial understanding and interpersonal skills intertwined with the technical education will definitely position a candidate for success.”

Demand increasing for IT hires across various industries

Midlands Business Journal – January 21, 2011

(Aureus Group)

Aureus Group’s Systems division has seen an increase in both contract and direct hire positions in the IT industry, with the largest increase in the need for contract staffing, said Gabe Romero, branch manager. The skill sets in highest demand have been for network security engineers, project managers, and ERP administrators and developers, he said. Romero added the technology field has also seen a growing need for IT professionals driven by industries such as finance that are using technology to improve internal and external efficiencies. Romero suggests employers have a clear, consistent and timely approach to the recruitment process. He said the process should include an organized screening process, including technical assessments, phone or face-to-face interviews, detailed reference checks, and a deep market search. “The challenge is often completing this process in a timely fashion,” Romero said. “When you have the right person, it’s key to be positioned to make a decision and still maintain the consistency and clarity of the recruitment process. Outsourcing your search can also be your best strategy depending on your circumstances.”

Oldest worker recipient, staffing experts offer advice to growing senior workforce

Midlands Business Journal – January 21, 2011

(Aureus Group)

Facing a “forced” or necessary career change can be stressful enough 10 years into one’s career, let alone 20 or 30 years. Jon Duncan of C&A Industries’ Aureus Group stressed the importance of staying positive. “You have to wake up each day believing that this will be the day that you get that job,” the executive sales manager said. “Nothing speaks louder than a negative attitude in an interview and it could cost you the job. In order to stay positive, find something to occupy your time so you are not sitting at home thinking about not being employed. Think about volunteering or working a part-time position until you find a permanent one.”

Make your career move to C&A, named among Omaha's Best Places to Work for five consecutive years! We're hiring dynamic professionals for our expanding team. At C&A, you'll find great, high paying careers, a fun work environment, cohesive teams, plus an accredited training program. Work for the best! Learn about a career with C&A!