Blackhawk Technical College: Business and Community Development offer fall workshops and seminars for area busiensses

Contact: Gary Kohn (608) 757-7769 or cell (608) 436-9578

gkohn@blackhawk.edu

JANESVILLE, WI – The Business and Community Development Division of Blackhawk Technical College is offering workshops and seminars this fall for area businesses and professionals that will help hone a wide array of skills to make business professionals savvier and smarter in the ever changing business world.

Registration begins July 16 for the BCD programs that range from helping businesses become more environmentally friendly to how to effectively get your message out to the community. There are morning, afternoon, night and all-day workshops scheduled.

The first workshop offered is the Aug. 5 session of “Green Generalist,” a BTC presentation in conjunction with Purdue University that provides an introductory look at the key environmental issues facing organizations today. The session costs $149 and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Three other “green” workshops developed by Purdue University also are scheduled for Aug. 12, Oct. 12 and Oct. 26.

Those interested in registering for a program should connect with http://www.blackhawk.edu/ExplorePrograms/BusinessandCommunityDevelopment.aspx and click the Workshops and Seminars link on the left side of the page.

For more information, contact Amy Berendes, BCD’s Business & Industry Operations Coordinator at (608) 757-7728 or at aberendes@blackhawk.edu. Courses scheduled for the fall program are:

Applying Leadership Skills:Techniques for Effective Leadership
Looking to get ahead in the workplace but not sure where to begin? Good leaders know how to influence, empower and motivate others. This seminar will introduce you to leadership theories and practices to start you on your path to developing these skills. Through activities, role-playing, videos and discussion, you will explore aspects of leadership in an environment that encourages participation and engages active learning methods.
Cost: $69
Dates: 9/21/13
Time: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Dealing with Difficult People: Effectively Approaching Others
Difficult people come in every variety and no workplace is without them. How difficult a person is for you depends on your self-esteem, your self-confidence and your professional courage. Learn to identify and deal with potential conflicts that may arise from working with difficult people and how to mitigate the negative effects.

Cost: $69
Dates: 10/05/13
Time: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Improving the Customer Experience: Taking Your Service from Good to Great
Improve the experience your customers have by learning how to effectively communicate with customers who are angry, confused or just plain having a bad day — all while improving your productivity and reducing stress. Learn how communication mindfulness helps improve what we say and how we say it. This active and fun seminar provides you the knowledge and skills to communicate positively so that angry customers become happy, life-long customers.
Cost: $69
Dates: 11/09/13
Time: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Performance Management: Improving the Performance Appraisal Process
Appraising the performance of staff is an important but often challenging task for many managers. While the parameters, characteristics and standards for evaluation vary by organization, the fundamentals of performance appraisal remain the same. Through hands-on learning and practical application of performance appraisal principles, you will learn the skills to recognize the roles and responsibilities in conducting a performance appraisal; adequately prepare and plan for the appraisal; explain the importance of providing meaningful feedback to employees; and identify the essential elements of an effective performance appraisal.
Cost: $69
Dates: 10/15/13
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Coaching for Performance
Learn how coaching can be used to develop your team and improve individual performance. Coaching is based on a partnership that involves giving both support and challenging opportunities to employees. Knowing when to coach is an essential skill that can benefit both you and your organization. This three-hour workshop will help you become a better coach and leader.

Cost: $69
Dates: 10/07/13
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Stop Wasting Time and Start Getting Things Done: Practical Techniques for Managing Your Time
Imagine a day where you complete everything on your to-do list. Seem like a dream? If so, this seminar is for you. This workshop will provide practical techniques for controlling time and making it a manageable resource. You will learn to clarify objectives and plan for results; conquer procrastination; delegate effectively; set group goals and priorities; and eliminate time wasters.
Cost: $69 Dates: 10/19/13
Time: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Early Childhood: WMELS
This training will provide you with an opportunity to explore the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) so that you will be able to use them to build a foundation for high quality care and education for all children from birth to the beginning of first grade. You will learn how to apply the WMELS Performance Standards to determine what children should know and be able to do; plan learning experiences; provide supportive environments; and collect data to ensure that all children are learning and making progress.
Cost: $75
Dates: 9/7 & 9/14
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Introduction to Project Management
Today’s managers are expected to be task and goal oriented. As a result, many employees are expected to understand project management techniques and apply them to projects of any size. This workshop will give you an overview of the entire project management process as well as key project management tools you can use every day. You will come away with an understanding of what a project is, steps needed to complete projects on time and on budget, and tools and techniques for planning and tracking projects.
Cost: $99
Dates: 9/23 & 9/30
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

An Accounting Crash Course: A Basic Review of Accounting Principles for Non-Accountants
Many of us flinch when we hear terms like depreciation, cash flow, balance sheet and (worst of all!) budgets. However, these are all important concepts to understand if you are going to succeed in today’s business world, particularly as a leader. Join us for this informative workshop to understand the basics of the accounting process, financial statements and the budgeting process as well as why they are all important in the work environment.
Cost: $69
Dates: 11/19
Time: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Business Writing for the 21st Century
Are your writing skills holding you back at work? Effective and professional written communication skills are critical in today’s workplace. This course begins with grammar and business writing essentials to help you communicate professionally. Then, learn how to apply these skills to 21st Century technologies, including writing for email, PowerPoint, social media, and other applicable internet-based technologies.
Cost: $69
Dates: 11/16
Time: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Meeting Management: The Art of Making Meetings Work
Tired of walking away from a meeting you felt was a waste of time? This seminar will focus on how to conduct an effective meeting by utilizing critical planning steps to make meeting time more productive. Learn to use process tools that can help create an open and safe forum for discussion as well as how to handle counterproductive behavior in meetings.
Cost: $69
Dates: 10/28
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Managing People Through Change
Change is a constant. All around us, technologies, processes, people, ideas, and methods often change. Being able to manage people through change effectively requires understanding how people perceive and handle change. Using Real Colors®, this workshop will show you how to identify different personality types and to understand how each approaches change so it is more likely to be accepted and implemented smoothly. Join us for this fun and interactive workshop.
Cost: $99
Dates: 11/2 Time: 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

OSHA 10-Hour Voluntary Compliance for General Industry
This 10-hour OSHA Certification seminar is designed for managers or other personnel responsible for on-the-job safety and implementing work place practices that comply with OSHA standards. Learn what safety training is required, who needs it, and how often it must be done. This course will provide an introduction to the OSHA Act and will cover such topics as walking and working surfaces, exit routes, emergency action plans, fire prevention/protection, electrical safety, PPE and hazard communications. Other topics will be discussed based on class need. Join us for this informative workshop.
Cost: $249
Dates: 9/16, 9/17, 9/23, 9/24
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Streamline Processes & Eliminate Waste: An Introduction to Lean Process Techniques
This two-day course will give you the foundation to implement Lean process improvement tools in your workplace. We will explore the foundations of Lean through the Toyota precepts and the five critical improvement concepts (value, waste, variation, complexity, and continuous improvement) the first day. The second day will give participants tools to perform continuous improvement in their organization, including 5S, 5W-2H, PDSA, DMAIC, Kaizen, Genchi Genbutsu and various Lean data mapping methods. Price includes lunch both days.
Cost: $299
Dates: 9/17 & 9/28
Time: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Emergency Preparedness for Business
The actions taken in the initial minutes of an emergency are critical. A prompt warning to employees to evacuate, shelter or lockdown can save lives. A call for help to public emergency services that provides full and accurate information will help the dispatcher send the right responders and equipment. Action by employees with knowledge of building and process systems can help control a leak and minimize damage to the facility and the environment. This seminar will focus on the critical steps businesses can take to minimize the impact of an emergency.
Cost: $99
Dates: 9/26
Time: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Building Inclusive Teams: A Leader’s Guide to Diversity
In the past 10 years, the workforce has changed dramatically and leaders must understand how to manage diverse team members. More than ever, a workplace is a collection of individuals proud of whom they are: their gender, their sexual orientation, their religion, their ethnic background and all other components that make an individual unique. In order for a business to succeed, employees must be able to appreciate and celebrate those differences — and, most important, work together. Join us for this practical and interactive workshop to learn how to effectively build a team that succeeds together.
Cost: $69
Dates: 11/7
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Emotional Intelligence: Today’s Differentiator in Exceptional Leaders
Emotional Intelligence, also called EQ, is the ability to recognize and manage emotions and relationships. It is a pivotal factor in personal and professional success. IQ will get you in the door, but it is your EQ, your ability to connect with others and manage the emotions of yourself and others, that will determine how successful you are. When you look at the truly extraordinary leaders that inspire and make a difference, you will see that they often do this by connecting with people at a personal and emotional level. What differentiates them is not their IQ but their EQ. Join us for this interactive workshop to gain that EQ edge.

Cost: $69
Dates: 10/21
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

e-Newsletters: Use Microsoft Publisher to Create Impact
Many small businesses and non-profit organizations rely on e-newsletters as a cost-effective way to stay connected to customers. This workshop will provide you with the skills to create professional documents using MS Publisher to reach your target audience. Learn how to easily create e-newsletters that are attractive, interesting and worthwhile to read. Once you understand simple design and layout concepts, you will be able to create stunning newsletters (and other documents) that will save you time and money, while providing value to your customers. If you have a blog or website, easily post these documents as pdf files for quick access. Any skill level is encouraged to participate in this workshop.
Cost: $69
Dates: 9/14 Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Keep the Audience Alive with POWERFUL Presentations
Do you dread PowerPoint presentations because they are so boring? Then this workshop is for you. Avoid “Death by PowerPoint” and learn how to create visually meaningful and effective slides that keeps the audience’s attention, while allowing you to verbally deliver your message with impact. If you want to impress your audience and meet your business goals, join us. This workshop will help you develop a competitive advantage in any presentation without putting your audience to sleep!
Cost: $69
Dates: 9/19
Time: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Green Generalist: A Purdue University Developed Sustainability Workshop
Green Generalist training, developed by Purdue University, provides an introductory look at the green movement, with a focus on education, awareness and methods beneficial to employees at every level of a company or organization. This workshop combines classroom-style learning with an interactive “live” simulation to help you learn green concepts and key environmental issues facing organizations today.
Cost: $149
Dates: 8/5
Time: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Energy Management: A Purdue University Developed Sustainability Workshop
Learn how to manage energy usage and invest in energy efficiency to cut energy costs and reduce your organization’s carbon footprint in this interactive workshop developed by Purdue University. Basic energy use and renewable energy alternatives are discussed.
Cost: $149
Dates: 8/12
Time: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pollution Solutions: A Purdue University Developed Sustainability Workshop
Learn innovative methods to improve emission control, environmental management systems and new technologies to reduce air pollution through this workshop developed by Purdue University. You will also gain an understanding of climate challenges related to air emissions and learn strategies for incorporating effective air emissions management concepts into a green enterprise. Join us for this hands-on workshop.
Cost: $149
Dates: 10/12
Time: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dumpster Dive: A Purdue University Developed Sustainability Workshop
Don’t worry — your hands won’t get dirty during this fun and interactive workshop. Join us to learn the fundamentals of solid waste streams and their sources by focusing on the leading methods of waste reduction, known as the “4 Rs” (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). You will also learn about lifecycle analysis, alternative material selection, by-product reduction, waste exchange, and zero landfill concepts through activities and exercises designed to simulate real life.
Cost: $149
Dates: 10/26
Time: 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

ABOUT BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Blackhawk Technical College is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System. BTC has five campus locations in Monroe, Beloit and Janesville, WI offering more than 50 programs including two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, BTC is a major provider of customized training and technical assistance for the Rock and Green County business community. More than half of all adults living in Wisconsin have accessed the technical colleges for education and training during the last decade.