Grant for Marketing
Getting the word out about Literacy Plus and it’s programs is a constant challenge. Renfrew is a big county and advertising can be expensive. Creating and circulating effective print materials takes time and effort.
Literacy Plus was very pleased to receive approval in October for a non-repayable contribution from the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation and FedNor to help us mount a marketing campaign. The campaign is intended to recruit students, recruit tutors, and create more awareness in the community of Literacy Plus and the services it provides.
RCCFDC’s contribution has allowed us to consult with experts in marketing, Alain Pauzé Consulting, to develop a marketing plan. It also allows us to try radio and television advertising for the first time ever, and to have posters and brochures professionally produced.
Though the campaign will officially launch the week of January 22, the radio spots start in December. Listen to Star 96 on the 5th, 16th and 27th of each month, December through March, to hear Literacy Plus’s ad sponsoring the weather at the top of each hour throughout the day. Watch for the TV spots on A-Channel starting in late January, and keep an eye out for our new posters and brochures around the county.
Calendar
December 13 – Open House
December 18 – office closed
January 3 – office reopens
January 8 – classes start
January 17 – Board meeting
January 27 – Family Literacy Day
Labour Market Forum
On November 2, a panel representing five county businesses (AECL, the Pembroke Mall, a Pembroke call centre, the manufacturer KI and the Pembroke Regional Hospital) gave a valuable presentation about the labour market. They reinforced several important messages:
-
Employability skills (time management, reliability, teamwork, etc.) are crucially important at all levels.
-
Many employers in Renfrew County find these skills lacking among job seekers.
-
Renfrew County is facing a labour shortage in several areas, including entry level jobs in retail, call centres and other service areas. These are areas where our learners are finding employment.
These messages show that the training we offer at Literacy Plus serves employers who are seeking capable staff as much as it serves learners who are seeking jobs. Learners can develop these other essential job skills while they work on communications, math, or computer skills. Workready Online teaches such skills as how to manage stress, manage time, and set and meet goals. Workready will be offered again starting in February. Call the office for more information.
Prize Winner
Terrie Watson was pleased to hear from AlphaPlus recently that she had won a $100 gift certificate for filling out a survey about using computers in the classroom. Her certificate is good for purchases at the AlphaPlus Catalogue store till the end of March 2007. She plans to spend her winnings on materials for the computer classes to use. Congratulations Terrie!