Work for these companies and never get laid off.

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

Downsizing has become a way of life for most American workers and companies. A recent article in Fortune Magazine describe several companies that have never laid off a worker and have made the commitment to never do so. These layoff free companies share several traits in common. Most of the companies are privately held, fiscally conservative with a focus on customer service. They invest in their employees with training because they see them as valuable. The employees return the confidence with cost cutting ideas and loyalty to their organization.  Check out the list, maybe some day you will be lucky enough to work for one of them. No surprise most of them are on Fortune’s list of best places to work.

Nugget Market
This grocery chain has been in business for 81 years, When Nugget Market has less demand for workers they allow the workforce to shrink through attrition. They also cross train employees to allow them to fill more roles within the store and fill jobs that pay a higher rate.

Devon Energy
This oil and gas company believes its talented workforce is the key to its success.  They avoid layoffs by keeping costs low during tough economic times. In rough years employees may be asked to give up wages. In good years the company will give a mid year pay increase.

AFLAC
We have all seen their humorous commercials with the talking duck. Silly ads aside, AFLAC believes in living up to the mandate of its founders.  The philosophy of John, Paul and Bill Amos was , “If we take care of our employees, the employees will take care of the business”. AFLAC keeps its workforce employed by practicing conservative fiscal management.  They solicit employee ideas to keep budgets in line with a program called “Bright Ideas”.  Ideas implemented include flex scheduling and telecommuting.

Nu Star Energy
Nu Star is a pipeline operating company.  Chairmen Bill Greeley and CEO Curt Anastasio have promised employees if they do a good job, they will always have a job.  They feel layoffs erode morale, create fear and reduce productivity. To avoid layoffs, Nu Star manages costs and looks for ways to improve profits. The employees have responded with fierce loyalty.  When hurricane Ike hit, many employees reported to work to get the company back up and running, even though many of them had lost their homes. One of the employees was quoted as saying “it is an honor and a privilege to work for a company that considers you a valuable individual”.

Quik Trip
This privately owned company maintains a strong balance sheet by investing heavily in the company. They have expanded stores even during this recession, creating jobs.  Quik Trip keeps costs low by investing in projects only if there is a benefit to customers or provides growth for employees

Container Store
The container store is another organization that expanded this year, creating jobs.  Container store invests heavily in training. The average employee gets an average of 241 hours of training each year. They have avoided layoffs by freezing salaries and watching their balance sheet.  They asked employees to help boost sales with a cash incentive contest.

Stew Leonard’s
This Northeastern based grocery chain is privately held by Stew Leonard.  They have made the commitment to keep employees during tough economic times.  They work hard to maintain profits by emphasizing customer service.  The goal of CEO Stew Leonard is to “grow and develop our people and not to lay them off just to increase short term profits”.  Stew says the  grocery business is somewhat stable. They do not see large drop in sales during a recession or a large increase in sales during good times.

Scott Trade
Things have been tough for many companies in the financial services business. Scott Trade is no exception. CEO Roger Riney made a commitment to retain their talented workforce.  Scott trade is a privately held company that has a conservative growth strategy and a strong focus on the happiness and longevity of their employees.  

Scott Trade employees have continued to get a bonus although reduced during this recession. One employee was quoted as saying “job security is priceless not just for your pocketbook, but for your piece of mind”.

Publix Super Markets
This company has increased sales during the recession.  They focus on managing costs, employee development and store expansion. Publix has no debt. They recently acquired a number of stores closed by grocery retailer Albertson’s saving 1,250 jobs. There has not been a layoff in the 77year history of Publix.  Publix is employee owned. The company philosophy is to never layoff an owner.

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

No job for you-why you can’t find a job

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

 Remember the soup Nazi from the Seinfeld episode? One miss-step in line and he would yell “No soup for you!” The job hunt these days may feel like that. You may feel like you have been kicked out of the job search line. Your lack of job may not be your fault. The job market is the worst since the Carter administration. Here are some reasons why you job search may be so tough right now:

Job Creation

While the pace of layoffs has slowed, job creation remains sluggish. There are not enough jobs out there to employ the laid off workers. According to the U.S. department of Labor 3.98 million jobs were created in May, while 4.36 million workers were laid off, quit, or were fired. Job openings in May declined 36% from the previous May. This number would be even worse if the government was not doing so much hiring. They account for the biggest number for job creation. The government added 326,000 jobs in May. Gallup reported recently that July job creation was down 40% from a year ago. So the trend continues.

Consumers

Fewer people are quitting their jobs stalling new job openings. Consumer spending is stalled. Consumer spending accounts for 70% of the American economy. Retail sales posted a 5% drop last month over last year. Spending lead us out of the last two recessions. Our economy is largely consumer driven. Consumers have been paying down debt and saving. The savings rates are up for the first time in years. While this is good long term, is has the economy stalled. Spending will likely remain depressed until job numbers improve since many people are nervous about their own jobs.

Business

Gallup reported in July only 24% of organizations were hiring new employees or expanding the size of their workforce. Job creation is worst in the West and best in the South. GDP has fallen for four straight quarters. Until businesses start producing, they won’t be hiring. GM is currently using only 40% of their capacity.

Government

All the spending (stimulus, bailout, tarp) is making businesses and consumers nervous. Only about 10% of the stimulus has been spent. When the massive amount of spending starts to hit, inflation may be triggered. Many organizations are reluctant to add staff with the uncertain economy. Companies are also nervous about potential spending on health care. Benefits currently offered may mean an additional tax from government.

There has also been a lot of anti government rhetoric and talk of higher taxes for business and high income individuals. Companies are reluctant to expand their business and hire when the potential for many new taxes are out there. The Regan administration had it right. They cut taxes and the capital gains and it spurred a huge expansion in the economy.

What can you do in the face of this news? It is even more important to use your network and get a have a good resume. Use your network to find out about openings and get recommend. A recommendation can make all the difference. It minimizes the risk a company takes to hire you. Good luck and keep hunting.

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Candidate Bill of Rights

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

Job seekers are given lots of advise on the job search process to make a favorable impression with potential employer’s.  They do their research, put together a resume and spend money on interview clothes.  Sometimes the company the candidate comes to visit does not put in the same amount of effort or behave very well to candidates. That behavior is sometimes worse in a tight job market.  Here are some rules for companies searching for employees that I call the “Candidate Bill of Rights”:

1.)    Respect my time.
 If you schedule a 9:00 am interview do not leave me sitting in the lobby for 30 minutes with no explanation.  I arrived on time ready for our meeting.  Don’t keep me waiting for no reason. I understand things happen, but let me know you will be delayed, don’t just leave me sitting there
.

2.)    Be Prepared.
Prepare for the interview.  Ask meaningful questions that are a good indication of my ability to do the job.  Have my resume handy so we can go over my qualifications and work experience.  Be prepared to answer questions about the position and job duties.  I want to join an organization where I can make a contribution, and you want an employee that can do the job and fit in with your team.  An interview that really evaluates my skills benefits us both.

3.)    Don’t play games.
Some companies use unorthodox screening methods.  One went to the parking lot to look at the candidates car. If it is messy they aren’t hired. One took a potential employee out to eat and did not hire him because he cut his meat all at once.  One had a team member criticize a member of the interview team and make a hire decision based on the candidate reaction.  Don’t play these games unless it has direct impact on my job performance.  Hire me based on testing, the interview, and my qualifications.  Unless you are giving me a company car, it shouldn’t matter how messy mine is.

4.)    Answer my phone calls
I understand that the company cannot answer the phone calls of everyone who sends in a resume.  If I have been to your company on several occasions for interviews, you should return my calls.  I may want to know where you are in making a decision. You may not be the only organization I am interviewing with. Just let me know where you are in the decision process.

5.)    Respect me.
Treat me with respect.  I once interviewed with a large well known law firm in the Milwaukee area. They put me in an office for 30 minutes at lunch time. No one checked on me to see if I needed anything. I got no explanation for the delay.  No one offered me anything to drink or let me know where the restrooms were.  When I got called back for a second interview, I declined.  The ways you treat me as a candidate give me a preview of how I will be treated when I join your organization.  Be aware of the impression you are creating for a potential employee.

6.)    Communicate.
If I was in for a job interview and I didn’t get the job please let me know. A letter informing me of your decision is greatly appreciated. I spent a lot of time getting ready for the interview. At least let me know you filled the position.  Be open to providing feedback to me. 

7.)    Provide clear directions.
I once went to an interview and was told to park in the company lot. I got a $35 ticket while I was taking the employment test.  Not a good way to start an employer/employee relationship.  Provide clear directions to get the interview, where to park and anything the candidate should bring.

8.)    No Surprises
Let me know the type of interview I will experience. If I am going to be required to take a pre-employment physical within 24 hours of the offer let me know.  Don’t tell me on a Friday afternoon I have 24 hours to do the exam.  Don’t surprise me with a stress interview.  It is stressful going through an interview, don’t add to it with unwelcome surprises.

9.)    Be Honest.
Be honest when asked about the job and the company culture. If I will have to work 60 hours a week, let me know.  Give me all the details about the job. Don’t paint an overly rosy picture to get me on board. I will only be an unhappy employee once I figure out the true picture. Be honest so I can make a good decision for both of us.

Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

More Money Earning ideas when unemployed

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

Being able to bring in even a little extra money a month can really make a difference if you are unemployed. Besides if you are spending time earning money you probably are not spending money.  In an earlier article I listed some ideas for part time jobs to earn some money. Here are a few more:

Catering

Many catering companies hire wait staff and bartenders for events. Check with local caters and venues doing parties and weddings.  Work is mostly on weekends and evenings.

Free lance Writing

If you have a talent for writing and expertise in a particular area, check out free lance writing sites like elance, manuscript services and textbroker. Of course examiner.com is always looking for area writers.

Seamstress

Most of us don’t have time or hate doing chores like hemming and sewing on buttons.

If you can do simple repairs and alterations you might have a nice little business. Even better if you are able to do tailoring.  You can have a nice business doing wedding and special occasion dresses.   In the Hispanic community girls have a special ceremony and party when they turn 15.  The dresses for the girl and her attendants are very similar to a wedding. There may be a big opportunity here.

Home Arts

You can put your sewing skills to work making drapes and other home furnishings.  Have pictures of projects you have worked on.  You can offer a variety of services such as slip covers, duvets and furniture upholstery.

Artist

Draw murals for kid’s rooms or other home decorating projects.  Charcoal or pastel portraits can also be a good source of work. You can draw from a photograph, so you can do this when you have time.  You can do portraits of pets, people, homes,  or cars.  Charge between $50-$100 per drawing.  Get contacts by working at local festivals and farmers markets doing caricatures’.

Crafts

Everyone knows about selling products on ebay and at local craft fairs. There is also another outlet.  Etsy.com is a web site for crafters to sell their products.

Umpire/Ref

Do you play soccer, softball or volleyball?  Most leagues whether adult or youth need line judges, umpires, referees and scorekeepers. Many of these positions pay per game worked.  This can be a good way for your kids to make some part time income and for you if you want to be involved in the game without playing.

Organizer

A lot of us have a lot of clutter and don’t have a clue how to be organized. If you can help someone turn chaos into organization, turn it into a business. California closets turned organization into a business. Help others get rid of clutter and you can too.

Ebay

Instead of just selling your own stuff on ebay, how about selling other peoples stuff?  You take the pictures and write up  the ad. When it sells you collect a fee, typically 20% of the price. You just need a digital camera, a flair for writing and some space to store your inventory.

Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Unemployed-keeping a roof over your head-homeowners

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

This is a tough economy for homeowners.  A recent news release reported forty eight percent of homeowners were underwater on their mortgage. That means they owed more than their home was worth. Maybe you really like your home and kept up with all of your bills until you were unemployed. What do you do to keep your home when you lose your job or can’t make your payments?

Payments

Stay current with your mortgage payment if at all possible. This may be your biggest asset and you don’t want to lose it.  Pay this bill first.  Draw on the emergency fund you set aside. If your partner is working you can use their income or severance payout.  Ask family or friends for help if needed.

Lender

Call your lender before you get behind in your payments. Explain your situation and ask if you can make other payment arrangements. If you call take the name of the person you spoke with. Ask for the same person on future calls. Send a letter to summarize any agreement you are able to get from the lender. Options you might be offered include: temporary forbearance, extending the loan term or refinancing

Union

 If you are a union member involved in a large layoff the union may be able to get some concessions with local banks.  Check if any other assistance is available through your union.

Mortgage Insurance

If you are still working, check with your lender about insuring your mortgage.  I have a policy that will defer my payments for two years if I am unemployed.  I will still have to pay real estate taxes.   The deferred payment means I can live on my unemployment benefits if I lose my job. This can make a big difference in your monthly cash flow. If you have a mortgage with FHA, HUD, FMHA or VA you may already have insurance. Check with the agency to see the help they can provide.

Sell

This is not the best time to sell. Some markets are decent even in this bad economy. Selling and moving to a smaller place may be a good long term move.  This is a good option if you have a lot of equity in your home. Better to sell at a slight loss than to lose the property in a foreclosure.

Equity Sharing

Try to find someone willing to invest in your property.  One or more person can join you in owning the property.  They assume the mortgage payments and begin building equity, while you keep the equity you already have. A real estate lawyer could draw up the contracts. This may make sense in areas with a temporary down turn in values.

Rental

You may be able to help your situation by renting out rooms in your house or renting out the entire house.  Although this is not an ideal situation it can really help your cash flow and may help you keep your house.  Be sure to do a full credit and background check on any potential renter.  Any renter should also sign a lease.

Government

FEMA offers one time assistance in areas with high employment or poverty rates.  This help is offered through local agencies like

United Way

. This agency is a good place to help to seek this one time assistance.  Help will be dependent on your financial situation and employment status.

Social Service/Charities

Check with local charities such as the Salvation Army.  Local churches may also offer assistance to help with your mortgage.  Fraternal organizations often have funds to help members in need. 

Surrender

It may make sense to turn the property to the bank, if you have little equity or have not been making payments for an extended period of time. This will keep a foreclosure off of your credit record.

Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Unemployment-keeping the lights on.

 Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

While money is tight you can take some steps to cut your utility costs and keep your lights on. 

Telephone

• Do you need both a land line and a cell phone?  Get rid of one. 
• Get rid of features like call waiting or unpublished numbers to reduce costs.
• If you have a cell phone watch your minutes and be aware of roaming charges.
• Check your bill each month to be sure all charges are correct.
• If you are paying for long distance, make calls on nights and weekends when rates are cheaper.

Electric & Gas-Reduce Costs

• Turn off lights when they aren’t being used.
• Unplug electrical devices like computers and TV’s when not in use. These devices use electricity even when turned off. 
• Pull the plug on the air conditioning if you can’t afford it. In a moderate Midwest climate you really can live without it. What do you think our parents did?
• Unplug the second refrigerator. You really can do without that one in the garage or basement being used to keep drinks cold.
• Lower the thermostat in the winter to save heating costs.
• Hang clothes outside to save on dryer costs.
• Shut off the dishwasher and do dishes by hand.
• Do only full loads in the washer.
  

Budget Plans

Call your local gas, electric or phone company to see if you can get on a budget plan. Spreading out the payments can really help your plan your expenses each month.  Notify your utility company before you get behind. They may also be able to get you enrolled for energy assistance programs.

Know Your Rights

Contact the state public service commission. In Wisconsin your power cannot be shut off in the winter.

101 Cost Savings Tips

Check out the WE Energies web site for many more energy saving tips for lighting, water heaters, stoves, washers, dryers and a host of other appliances.

http://www.we-energies.com/residential/energyeff/index.htm

Copyright 2012 Summit Training Publications

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
• Feedback Form

Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation

Job Search Web Sites

Chris Wodke

http://www.summittrainingpublications.com/

Job you may not know about

If you have looked at newspaper classified ads lately you will see they are pretty slim on listings. Many companies have gone exclusively to on line postings.

Here are some places you can look for employment online. Many of these sites have information on careers and continuing educations. Some charge a fee, but most are free.

The Big Job Boards

http://www.monster.com/

www.careerbuilder.com
www.hotjobs.com

www.flipdog.com

www.sologig.com

www.elance.com

Lesser Known Sites

www.americanjobs.com

www.groovejobs.com

www.flipdog.com

www.jobsearch.org

www.jobcenterofwisconsin.com

www.net-temps.com

www.bestjobsusa.com

www.localcareers.com

www.truecareers.com

www.careermag.com

www.snagajob.com

www.coolworks.com

www.wetfeet.com

www.topusajobs.com

www.jobbankusa.com

www.directemployers.com

www.employmentguide.com

www.job.com

www.employment911.com

www.nationjob.com

www.4jobs.com

www.vault.com

www.net-temps.com

http://www.christiancareercenter.com/

Do you hate to write training programs? Too much work to do and no time to put together your training program? Asked to deliver training or a presentation and have no idea where to start?

Let Summit Training Publications take care of your program design needs with our off the shelf training in a box or one of our presentation modules.

Our off the shelf training solutions provide:

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Instructor Guide & handouts
• Student Guide
• Quiz
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Subject areas include; Communication Skills, Employee Development, Human Resources, Quality, Product Safety, Safety and Supervisor Training.

Titles: Product Safety and Liability, Aftermarket Product Safety,Hazard Analysis, Product Safety Meetings, Warnings, Instructions and Manuals, Product Liability European Union, Obtaining the CE Mark, Risk Assessment, European Union, Product Safety Management Product Safety Audit, Workplace Violence, Substance Abuse, Sexual Harassment, Manager as Coach, Hiring, Firing, Performance Appraisals, Diversity, Americans With Disabilities, Business Etiquette, Security Abroad, International Business Manners, Customer Service, Customer Communication, Terrific Teams, The Manager as Trainer, Coping With Difficult People, Managing Your Boss- Problem Bosses, Malcolm Baldridge Award, Presentations/Public Speaking, Discrimination, Listening Skills, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Total Quality Management, Motivation, High Achievers, Time Management, ISO 9000 Introduction, ISO 9000 Implementation, Quality Audit, Introduction to the Internet, Stress Management, Telecommuting, Flexible Work Schedules, Creativity and Innovation, Benchmarking, Effective Business Writing, Customer Letters, Motivating Self and Others, Project Management, Managing Multiple Projects, Brainstorming, PERT Diagrams, Train the Trainer, Train the Trainer-Delivery, Train the Trainer-Writing Presentations, Train the Trainer-On the Job Training, Train the Trainer-Using Visual Aids, Project Management, Peer to Peer Feedback, Surviving Unemployment, Interview Preparation