- Kristen Hankla Friday, November 13, 2009 Q:
You were just elected chairwoman of the Trident Workforce Investment Board. In
a nutshell, what does the board do? A: The board is responsible for developing the
region's work force through the one-stop career system. staff Jan Cappellini Job: Owner, Alternative Staffing, Inc. Residence: Family: Husband, Danny Nolan; two dogs, a yellow
Lab and a dog we found on Age: 49. Hobbies: Work out, cook, read. Q:
Who is able to use the programs that the board manages? A: Everyone can use the one-stop system. Someone
may need assistance with a resume, with a job search or with skill-gap
training. Business customers also use the one-stop system to assist with their
employee selection Q:
What do you hope to accomplish in your year as chair? A: My goal is to continue to enhance the
collaboration between work-force development and economic development. We want
to ensure that existing industry and new industry moving into the area have the
skilled workers they require. Q:
You've worked in staffing more than 20 years and own Alternative Staffing, Inc.
What's the biggest change you've noticed in the field? A: The industry has become much more sophisticated,
customers are more savvy and expect value-added services. Q:
You've also served as chair of the Trident Youth Advisory Council. Why do you
think youth services are important? A: I think youth services are important because the
young adults we serve are our up-and-coming work force! Our program's mission is to improve the quality,
competitiveness and productivity of our future work force by removing barriers
and developing the skill sets of our young adults. Q:
You mentioned you're a reader. What book is on your nightstand? A: A Dean Koontz book called "Odd
Thomas," but it won't be on my nightstand for long. I read a couple of
books a week. Q:
What do you do to stay in shape? A: The new office we built has a small gym,
allowing me to work out while at the office. I also belong to a gym and run
with my dogs. But, hey, I never said I was in shape ...
Q:
What are the best and worst parts of owning your own business? A: The best part of owning your own business is
having the flexibility to do what it takes to make a customer happy. When you
own your own business, you also can do things like bring your dogs to work. The worst part of owning your own business is knowing that so many people depend upon you for their
income and well-being ... tough especially in these economic times. Q:
What are you most looking forward to about the holiday season? A: Spending time in Q:
And what are you dreading? A: Taking down Christmas decorations. 
We Asked ... Jan Cappellini
About becoming chairwoman of Trident Workforce
Investment Board
Meet
Jan