With 12 years in leadership roles for local organizations including The Day and Eastern CT Savings Bank, Lisa Sanders brings a wealth of knowledge in Human Resources and a deep understanding of what local employers need. She’s also worked for local manufacturers, seeing first-hand the struggles to find quality talent and the value the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative brings to our region’s manufacturers.
Lisa joined the Chamber this summer in the role of Business Services Representative, where she will be the bridge between employers, employees, and workforce initiatives in the region.
“My position is unique in that I am employed by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut through a partnership with the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) and the American Job Center located in Montville, CT,” explained Lisa. “So, I get to work with three great teams all at the same time. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible talent and we all share a similar passion for the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative.”
In her role, Lisa reaches out to area businesses to understand their needs, connects them to workforce resources, and helps them fill job openings via her talent pool from the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative. Tools to meet these workforce needs include American Job Center resources and events, such as upcoming Virtual Job Fairs for employers to connect with job seekers.
“A highlight of my day is when I get to visit a local manufacturer, tour their shop, and gain a better understanding of what they are looking for in their future employees so that I can assist them in filling those roles. Many will be filled with graduates from the pipeline classes,” said Lisa.
Lisa works closely with all the pipeline candidates serving as their job developer throughout the process. After graduation, Lisa assists in placing them with local manufacturers.
Candidates from all employment backgrounds are encouraged to explore the program that provides all the training they need to get started in well-paying career in manufacturing. The Eastern Connecticut Youth Manufacturing Pipeline shares experiences and opportunities with high school students.
Employers include General Dynamic Electric Boat and the many manufacturers that are in the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance.
Lisa is enjoying the variety of interactions across a typical day: assisting candidates with their resumes, helping employers with their CTHires accounts, assisting with On the Job (OJT) training contracts, or referring a pipeline graduate to a manufacturer.
“I spent 12 years in human resources and worked for some amazing companies. I still get to work alongside some wonderful HR managers, only now I’m helping them find talent,” said Lisa.
Look for Lisa at upcoming Chamber events. She is eager to meet business leaders to see how she can be of service to them in her new role. Reach out to Lisa Sanders at lsanders@ChamberECT.com.