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State Representative Kara Rochelle (D — Ansonia, Derby) is partnering with The WorkPlace President and CEO, Joe Carbone, and Vice President of Business Engagement, Mike Morgan, for a Virtual Forum on Employment Resources on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 3 p.m. via Zoom. People can register for the virtual event by visiting https://bit.ly/3CNL7sN.

During the event, attendees will learn about the WorkPlace’s innovative Platform to Employment https://platformtoemployment.com program, which helps unemployed individuals build their skills and connects them to employment opportunities. The program has helped over 80 percent https://www.workplace.org/p2e of participants secure employment.

​“The WorkPlace offers a variety of programs to help people advance their skills and overcome barriers to securing a good-paying job,” Rep. Rochelle said. ​“I am pleased to host this virtual discussion with Joe Carbone and Mike Morgan to highlight the Platform to Employment program and how it can help people who are experiencing long-term unemployment get back to work.“

The program helps prepare long-term unemployed individuals for career opportunities by addressing the skill loss and social and emotional challenges resulting from being out of the workforce.

The Platform to Employment program matches participants with openings at local companies on a trial basis and The WorkPlace funds their salaries. During this period, participating workers can demonstrate their ability to perform the job while the employer evaluates their work.

The Platform to Employment program is offered in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Norwich, and Waterbury.

The WorkPlace serves Southwestern Connecticut and offers a variety of job training and employment support programs for young adults, older workers, veterans, and more.

Residents are encouraged to email their questions in advance of the event to Audrey.Rossignol@cga.ct.gov. For immediate assistance, residents can call Rep. Rochelle’s office at 860−240−8585 or email her at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov

https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/article/virtual_forum_on_employment_resources_on_monday_march_28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24. 2022

Bridgeport, CT [February 24, 2022] – The Alliance for Cannabis Equity, created to be an authoritative and trusted resource for those interested in assuring that the social equity provisions related to adult-use cannabis are fully realized, formed by Community Outreach Revitalization Program (ConnCORP) and The WorkPlace, hosted a press conference on Thursday to announce the release of its Cannabis Manifesto.

“ACE is focusing on social equity and the economic opportunities for Black and Brown entrepreneurs and minority workers in the emerging cannabis industry,” said Joseph Carbone, President and CEO, The WorkPlace. “Our publication of The Cannabis Manifesto for Social Equity is an important step in supporting social equity initiatives across the state and helping people realize what is possible.”

The Manifesto focuses on providing BIPOC entrepreneurs and workers a trusted document and website that can be used to answer questions about the new recreational cannabis industry in Connecticut. It provides an overview of key entry processes – covering cannabis business requirements, the lottery process, and addresses general business questions that may aid Social Equity Applicants in the creation of and future management of their businesses.

“Provisions of the new cannabis law aim to insure that Black and Brown communities that have been adversely impacted by disparate marijuana law enforcement policies not be left behind; but also reap the benefits expected to accrue from this new industry,” said Carlton Highsmith, Board Chair, ConnCORP. “But there is a knowledge gap that needs to be bridged. Linkages to resources need to be made. Sources of financial capital that need to be identified. There is an urgent necessity for reliable and trusted information. This Manifesto is designed to bridge the resource gap and link interested parties to reliable, trusted and authoritative information and resources.”

Along with the Manifesto, which was created by BJM Solutions, ACE will also provide continued support to maintain the accompanying website as the industry evolves, with continued partnership with other organizations who are also committed to the realization of the legislation’s goal of promoting economic and social justice in the cannabis industry.

“The legalization of adult-use recreational cannabis in Connecticut presents a once in a lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs. The Social Equity Council and the legislation are attempting to ensure the opportunity to prosper for marginalized groups that have been disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs,” said Fred McKinney, Ph.D., Founder BJM Solutions. “This Manifesto provides the first vital step towards that goal. We understand in order to make these opportunities a reality for Black and Brown entrepreneurs, ACE and others will need to work tirelessly, otherwise, we will not meet the objectives of equity and inclusion in the wealth generation that will occur.”

The Alliance was created to focus on social equity and the economic opportunities for Black and Brown entrepreneurs and minority workers in the field of cannabis across the state of Connecticut. The emphasis on social equity will create significant economic opportunities for Black and Brown entrepreneurs and minority workers within the state.

About ConnCORP  ConnCORP seeks to drive economic development in the Dixwell and Newhallville sections of New Haven by investing in local commercial and residential real estate. The objective is to deliver well-planned multi-use real estate investment, which can help stabilize the local economy, provide affordable goods and services, and create local jobs. Learn more at Conncorp.org.

About The WorkPlace  The WorkPlace conducts comprehensive planning and coordinates regional workforce development policy and programs to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers. As a national leader in the field, The WorkPlace regularly shares ideas and best practices with lawmakers, foundations, think tanks and other workforce development organizations around the country.