SLC Economic Development Workforce Development Manager Jake Maxwell offers this latest blog on an Operation Rio Grande “Dignity of Work” success story. As always, we’d love to hear your feedback.

It is always rewarding to see my professional career come full circle. Before joining SLC Business Development, I managed homelessness programs for DWS and helped to launch Operation Rio Grande phase 3- Dignity of Work. Now that I am trying to solve workforce issues on the business side of things, I want to give a shout out to Nicholas and Company and, particularly, Gia Dowling – Director of People and Culture for Nicholas and Co.

Gia shared with me their businesses goal to specifically hire those fallen on tough times as well as their full benefits package and mental health benefits. She had even started looking into some potential food cost savings. After all, they are a food distribution company! We discussed some positive connections the company could make and 6 months later I saw this great video at the State Workforce Development Board meeting.

Allow me to shamelessly leverage my involvement to recruit more support for the greater good. There are so many people out there struggling for a chance to prove to businesses and themselves that they can conquer their hardships. I would love to chat with any business who would like to know where to start. Enjoy!

Questions about the program? We’re here to help. You can reach Workforce Development Manager Jake Maxwell jacob.maxwell@slcgov.com or call  385-256-5565.

Ready for a list of candidates right now? Employer inquiries can be directed to Workforce Development Specialist Vicki Giesler at giesler@utah.gov or 801-503-7296.