For Immediate Release
SUSQUEHANNA WORKFORCE CENTER AT UNIVERSITY CENTER HOLDS
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY & OPEN HOUSE TODAY TO MARK NEW PARTERNSHIP
Local and State Officials, Including Secretary Shulz to Speak at the Ribbon Cutting Event
Aberdeen, MD (October 29, 2015) – Today, the Susquehanna Workforce Network (SWN) and
the University Center (UC), formerly known as the HEAT Center, will hold an Open House and
ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Susquehanna Workforce Center at
University Center from 2:00-4:30 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be held a 2 p.m., followed by an
Open House & Business Expo beginning at 2:30 p.m. State and local officials, including the
State of Maryland’s Secretary of Labor, Kelly M. Schulz, will be in attendance.
SWN entered into a partnership with UC to co-locate in the heart of the I-95/Rte. 40 growth
corridor ensuring valuable resources are available to businesses. This partnership will help to
attract a more technology savvy workforce and assist local residents gain employment and
career opportunities.
“Susquehanna Workforce Network and UC will help bring new and innovative means of hiring
new employees in and around the region, as well as a streamlined approach and unique inroads
for those searching for employment,” said Bruce England, Executive Director of SWN. “This
partnership is a model for other partnerships in Maryland and is an exciting opportunity for the
area and state.”
The Open House will feature some of the unique services and employment readiness programs
offered at the Center. Certified Employment Specialists will conduct demonstrations of Interview
Stream and Prove It. The Center staff is certified in résumé writing, job search assistance,
career advisement, labor market information and human resources. Attendees will have
opportunities to access the center’s job bank, Maryland Workforce Exchange, a nationally
recognized interest inventory Woofound and gain access to the variety of resources available
to help residents discover and achieve their employment goals.
“After months of preparation, we’re eager to have ‘the Center’ up and running,” says Nancy
Spence, Director of UC. “The timing of this partnership couldn’t be better, as we have been busy
bolstering our business resources, including new and enhanced technology, to help better aid
the manufacturers and businesses in our region that need a place to call home when training
their new workforce. Additionally, we feel this partnership will also help better equip career
changers in Northeastern Maryland who need the higher education offerings we provide.”
The Susquehanna Workforce Network is a recipient of Maryland’s Employment Advancement
Right Now (EARN) grant. Funding from this grant is intended for skill enhancement of job
seekers and the growth of the manufacturing industry in the region. Members of the
Manufacturers Coalition were instrumental in the grant being awarded to SWN and will
participate in a business expo during the Open House. Attendees will have the opportunity to
learn about these manufacturing enterprises and the opportunities they create for employment
and in advancing the economic competitiveness of the region.
Spence continues, “The additional services brought about as a result of this partnership make
our campus the epicenter for workforce and business resources in Harford County and all of
Northeastern Maryland.”
SWC-UC has been able to work with businesses and local residents since July 2015. During
that time, they hosted several customized recruitments for businesses seeking to employ
locally. The Susquehanna Workforce Network’s Business Service Representatives have been
able to facilitate customized recruitments and provide the Workforce Center Employment
Specialists and Center customers with specific occupational opportunities that are in demand by
local businesses. This collaborative effort has expedited the re-employment and employment of
job seekers, which has proven to be a successful strategy for both businesses and job seekers.
“The opening of the Workforce Center at UC will leverage assets of the partnership, develop
synergies and afford the opportunity to collaborate and further align services with various
community, workforce and economic development organizations,” continued England. “This will
facilitate career and employment possibilities for residents and help area businesses grow.”
About University Center
University Center (UC) is a convenient, multipurpose, and tech-friendly facility used for business training
and higher education located in the technology and economic growth center of Northeastern Maryland.
UC partners with top universities and colleges including: Notre Dame of MD University, Johns Hopkins
University, Morgan State University, University of MD College Park, UMBC, and Towson University. UC
offers three bachelor degrees, one post bachelor certification, multiple engineering classes, nine master’s
degrees and one Ed.D program. Its tech-friendly facility is a valued resource to many businesses and
government agencies needing to conduct training and hold small conferences in Northeastern Maryland.
University Center is managed by Harford Community College and is housed in a County-owned building
on State of Maryland property. For more information visit: ucmaryland.com.
About The Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc. (SWN)
The Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc., is a non-profit organization that executes workforce
strategies that contributes to the economic competitiveness of the region. SWN is led by the regions
Workforce Investment Board, which oversees, coordinates and plans workforce services in Cecil and
Harford Counties. The Network co-operates three Susquehanna Workforce Center’s in the region,
collaboratively provides workforce attraction, retention and development services to the business
community and facilitates the delivery of specialized workforce services to youth. For more information:
http://www.swnetwork.org.
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Juliette Bogus
Public Relations, Brand3
Cell: 410.980.5687
juliette.bogus@gmail.com