Local partners offer “Networking Redesigned 3.0”

GREENVILLE – Members of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Partners group, led by the Pitt Community College Transitional Studies Department, held their third annual Networking Redesigned event virtually on January 13, 2022.

Utilizing an interactive Zoom meeting platform through Rivers East Workforce Development Board, 33 representatives from 13 agencies across the five-county region (Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt) discussed collaboration and virtual collaboration tools. These agencies provide housing, education, transportation, employment, financial and other types of assistance for community members.

“Networking Redesigned” was developed to encourage collaboration and resource sharing within the local community. The August 2019 inaugural event provided opportunities for developing and building interagency and interpersonal relationships. The event was successful, encouraging an annual event. In July 2020, Networking Redesigned was held virtually utilizing a Career Fair Virtual Platform.  The purpose of that event was to promote interaction and partnerships within the Rivers East Workforce Board area, to help reduce duplicated efforts among our partners, to increase awareness of available resources and services for our clientele, and finally, develop a model that other regions and communities can use to promote these same goals.

Attendees received “goody bags” with information about local participating organizations, snacks and a variety of other items. They introduced themselves in 30-second “elevator speeches” which they provided in a variety of ways. Some attendees used virtual tools to create videos while others presented live. Guest Speaker Julie Cary (Director of Strategic Partnerships, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plains) shared the importance of collaborating with partners for successful outcomes. Guest Speaker Laurie Weston (Director of Transitional Studies, Pitt Community College) shared tips for using virtual collaborative tools.  After each presentation, breakout rooms were utilized to foster discussion about how to incorporate collaboration and virtual collaborative tools into the work that is already taking place.

This event was sponsored by Rivers East Workforce Development Board, Pitt Community College Student Stores, NENC Career Pathways, Pitt County Department of Social Services, Perfect Perks & Micki’s Munchies, East Carolina Vocational Center, Pitt Area Transit Service (PATS) and Literacy Volunteers of Beaufort County.

Link to the recording: https://vimeo.com/666099528