Blogs

Date: April 1st & 2nd, 2024

Location: InterContinental New Orleans (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Monday, April 1st 

Welcome & Introductions  

Steering Committee Co-Chairs Amber Gaither, NLx Director (NASWA) and Shannon Offord, VP Strategic Partnerships (DirectEmployers) welcomed the committee members and guests to New Orleans, Louisiana and invited the group to a round of introductions. 

DirectEmployers Update 

Candee Chambers, Executive Director (DirectEmployers) reviewed DirectEmployers' performance over the past year. Candee shared that DirectEmployers membership is at an all-time high, with a 93% renewal rate in 2024. Ms. Chambers shared that the updated NLx Post-A-Job tool will be released in June, and to expect focus groups for feedback opportunities over the next month. Additionally, it was shared that a new site for federally contracted submarine manufacturers will be created by the DirectEmployers team. She also articulated that DirectEmployers very successful year including positive notes on affiliated multiple brands and are actively working on projects that will lead to tools and resources available to NASWA and DE Members. 

NASWA Update

Scott Sanders, CEO and President, (NASWA) provided an overview of the organization and information on upcoming projects, conferences and NASWA initiatives. He shared interest in forging more relationships with DirectEmployers member employers and bringing more employer representation to the NASWA space.  

Wounded Warrior Project

Georgia Jordan, Sr. Career Transition Specialist at Wounded Warrior Project, discussed free services provided by WWP to veterans, including career counseling, job placement, interview prep, salary negotiation, and goal setting. She shared that they assist employers with effective onboarding, identifying optimal roles for veterans, removing stigmas, and skills matching. Nesha Christian-Hendrickson of the Virgin Islands inquired about the connection between Warriors to Work and DVOPs, with Georgia confirming that collaboration occurs for individualized support. Luz of Canon U.S.A. Inc, asked about job postings from the NLx, and Shannon stated they receive postings through Targeted Job Distribution with a microsite on the way. Luz also inquired about engaging with WWP programs locally, and Georgia confirmed their nationwide presence. Shannon asked about additional ways employers can connect for assistance, and Georgia advised reaching out directly to WWP and offered to follow up with details on how to connect.

NLx Steering Committee Business & End of Day 1

The NLx Steering Committee Business and the end of the first day discussion was led by Amber Gaither and Shannon Offord. Member terms of two years were discussed, with an invitation for members to consider continuing participation in the committee. Roles and responsibilities for the committee include providing feedback, strategic input, and subject matter expertise, as well as alerting staff to emerging issues and communicating NLx priorities. John Whalin of American Heart Association, questioned how to articulate his role beyond job delivery, and Nesha Christian-Hendrickson suggested additional surveys to increase engagement. Richard Woesnner of Texas emphasized the importance of following up and sharing results. Anne Chamberlain of New York City College expressed interest in engaging states on model employer programs and their experiences.

Tuesday, April 2nd

NLx Operations Update

The team provided an update on current NLx operations. Christy Merriman, Operations Manager at DirectEmployers, discussed NLx services such as indexing and microsites and their usage around the country in collaboration with NASWA member states. This led to a conversation about how the services are being utilized and ways to improve value delivery, including topics like pay transparency. Ellen Samoriski, NLx Program Assistant, shared information about the NLx strategic plan for 2024/2025 and future projects. Mike Witt, Community & State Outreach Manager at DirectEmployers, provided updates on VetCentral and VocRehab, emphasizing the rise in in-person and virtual training. Lori Adams, Senior Policy Manager at NASWA, discussed current and future NLx partnerships, including those with Hilton Honors, America’s Warrior Partnership, and Student Veterans of America, as well as upcoming partnerships with Wounded Warrior Project, iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates), and Astrum U. Lori also covered Federal partnerships and concluded the NLx update.

Canon U.S.A Inc. Presentation

Luz Cuevas-Santos, Advisor of Diversity and Inclusion at Canon U.S.A., Inc., presented to the committee on the impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives, talent acquisition, and compliance at Canon. She covered Canon's management of affirmative action plans in compliance and discussed diversity and inclusion programs, such as business resource groups and learning and development initiatives. Luz also talked about how Canon manages employee engagement and culture and addressed talent acquisition in terms of raising awareness, integrating talent, and utilizing resources effectively.

NLx RH Presentation 

Paul Daniels, NLx Research Hub Manager, presented updates to the committee on the activities of the Research Hub, and then led a discussion on future enhancements and activities.  To begin, he informed the committee that the Research Hub recently completed a 2024 survey and hosted a virtual convening, both of which were available to all past and present users of the NLx data.  Feedback from the survey was comprehensive across user types and focused on a need for further data accessibility and data cleaning/content improvement.  Paul explained that both groups of issues are a result of the size of microdata (all individual job postings every day) and the raw, unstructured nature of the data.  However, he explained that in 2024, the Research Hub is working on data standardization/cleaning and a public-facing dashboard that should begin to address these concerns.  Next, Paul informed attendees that the user convening was successful in raising awareness around last year’s enhancements and highlighting use cases via use presentations.  The result has been increased use and excitement around the potential for the NLx data and what the Research Hub can offer.

For the rest of the presentation, Paul detailed the activities planned for 2024 (public facing dashboard, data cleaning/standardization, improved governance processes, improved communications/marketing) and engaged the group in discussion.  There was widespread interest in how the Research Hub may be able to help employers and states “close the loop” with regards to labor supply and demand.  For example, there was discussion around incorporating information such as who applies for a job and if a position is filled, as well as a need for employers to gain insights into if they are reaching/hiring the “right” candidate.  While some issues may be out of the current scope and capacity of the Research Hub, Paul assured the group that this is the type of feedback needed to improve and guide and the future developments of the Research Hub, and that the steering committee will be receiving updates on progress made and additional opportunities to engage.

Member Roundtable & End of Day 2

At the end of day two, Amber and Shannon hosted a round table which covered various topics surrounding the challenges and opportunities within the NLx space and the recruitment space. Richard highlighted new requirements for employers, making recruitment efforts more difficult. Amber raised questions about policies and motivations, particularly around a 72-hour requirement for veterans. The STCO expressed interest in including ATS and other voices in future discussions. Key questions were posed about the purpose and mission of the STCO, as well as the problems they aim to address.

Luz discussed the need for an additional vendor for posting jobs, requiring a login with each state for preferred status and job fair invitations. Amber noted that each state manages NLx jobs differently, and PRM presents administrative challenges for some. There was interest in exploring recognition as a preferred employer through automation, with John requesting more information from the states.

The team concluded the Steering Committee meeting with thanking the members and guests for their attendance. The next meeting is set to take place virtually over the summer and more information will be shared in the coming weeks. 

Meeting Participants

*Attended virtually