Workforce Summit
Presented By:
Lunch Sponsor:
- Direct access to local colleges and career academies to build your talent pipeline before graduation
- Practical hiring and interview strategies — no full HR department required
- Retention and culture tools that help small teams compete for talent
- Insights into local workforce trends and data you can actually use
Small business owner? Contact McKenna Kauffmann directly to inquire about a special small business registration rate. A code is available — businesses must reach out to receive it.
March 19th 11am-4:30pm
11:00 – 11:30 AM
Networking & Arrival
Connect with regional employers, educators, and workforce partners.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Building a Talent Pipeline Before Graduation
Panel discussion featuring:
- Heather Pence, President, Chattahoochee Technical College
- Bradley Gilmore, Director of College and Community Engagement, Georgia Highlands College
- Marc Collier, Cartersville College and Career Academy
- Lisa DiPrima, Bartow County CTAE Director
This conversation will highlight collaboration and best practices while giving employers insight into how to engage students early and develop future talent. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the skills and pathways students are preparing for and how to align workforce training and career development strategies with emerging needs.
12:30 – 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Tours of Cartersville College & Career Academy
Explore programs, facilities, and hands-on learning environments preparing the next generation of talent.
2:00 – 2:45 PM
Interviewing & Hiring Training
Presented by: Becki Leonard, Managing Consultant for Landrum
This session covers practical interview strategies and legal considerations for today’s hiring environment, including:
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How turnover impacts organizations
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Differentiating technical and performance skills
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Encouraging applicants to reveal soft skills
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Legal considerations and compliance
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Using peer interviews effectively
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Communicating with non-selected candidates
2:45 – 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 – 3:45 PM
People-Centric Culture: Employee Engagement & Team Development
Presented by: Becki Leonard, Managing Consultant for Landrum
Explore how organizations are shifting toward work-life fit and people-centric cultures to improve productivity, engagement, and retention. Topics include:
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The productivity impact of people-focused organizations
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Leadership strategies that strengthen team effectiveness
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Building a culture that anticipates challenges and supports goals
3:45 – 4:00 PM
Break
4:00 – 4:30 PM
Bartow County Workforce Update
Presented by Matthew Thomas, Deputy Director, Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development
An overview of the latest workforce trends, strategic initiatives, and collaborative partnerships driving economic growth and talent development across Bartow County.
4:30 PM
Adjourn
