When Lindsay Louis from Firestone quit her regular job working for a Boulder neurosurgeon to return to school full time, she found she stil lneeded part-time work to support her child.
“I was not able to find work, it was difficult, had bills to pay and I needed to support my eight-year-old,” said Louis.
Louis, with the help from a social worker, received on-the-job training to learn a new skill at the Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce. Help came through the federal WorkForce and Opportunity Act that provides employment opportunities for people who are unemployed or underemployed and older than 18.
Colorado helps too, paying for training with the chamber. The entire program is funded partially through through two national emergency grant programs, created in response to the economic and employment impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CORespond grant pays the wages for the employee and adds some benefits for the temporary job. It not only helps the employee but also helps the business to recover too. In addition, workers are helped with child care assistance, according to officials.
“As part of the Federal Government’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Weld County partners with local businesses and organizations to find temporary employment for individuals who meet one of their qualifications,” said Cody M. LeBlanc, Executive Director Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce. “Most of the employers and participants are focused on the trade side of the economy, but they often have participants more suited for clerical and administrative roles.”
Louis with her extensive experience will not only expand her skill-set but also help with the success of the chamber.
“Lindsay came on board with extensive background on administrative duties. With these skills, the Chamber can be more responsive to requests and concerns of our members and community, operate more efficiently, and allow the Executive Director the time necessary to develop programs for our members and revitalize our operations after the pandemic,” said Leblanc.
LeBlanc says the chamber will have a new member portal with the help of Louis for members of the chamber to navigate. It will also have a new system with a user-friendly directory for the community with consumer needs to locate Chamber Businesses and Organizations.
“For Lindsay, the hope is that she develops new skills to assist her in finding long-term employment. Through the Chamber, she is building her skillset in accounts receivable, member management software’s, software implementation, and community development,” said Leblanc.
With Louis on board the office is now open to better serve members and the community to walk in or call.
Louis’s hope for the future is to get a full-time job meanwhile not only is she working and she is also going to school at Aims Community College for nursing.
The Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce, 304 Denver Ave., Fort Lupton, CO 80621. Contact ( 303) 857-4474.