Bollin: Mature workers a great source of employees

Well, as I speak with area businesses, conversations almost always focus on a shortage of motivated, dedicated, and experienced employees. You know, the people you count on to make your business a success.

I remember one large area retailer lamenting the fact that finding applicants that show up on time for a job interview, dressed appropriately, and with a resume that would stand up to even slight scrutiny, is a rarity.

So, where in the world can area businesses — small or large — find the talent they need to grow? One viable option is right under our noses ... mature workers.

We are fortunate to have many age 50-plus, pre-retirement, semi-retired and retired residents who have the talent, experience, work ethic and motivation to contribute to the success of almost any enterprise.

Do they want to work? Not only do many want to work, but there is a growing a growing number that need to work — like the man I spoke with a couple of months ago.

I received a phone call from him requesting a brief meeting. There, I received a much clearer picture of his dilemma. “I’m flunking retirement, big time.” he said. “I’ve had my fill of golf, and I need to use my brain and experience for something positive - I want to work!” he concluded.

His experience? He owned and operated several large successful manufacturing operations and he was interested in using his talent and experience to help local companies grow.

Our area is overflowing with talent. Thumb through the Green Valley’s community phone directory white pages and you will find former CFOs, chemists, EEs, CEs, AEs, MEs, educators, printers, real estate agents, sales people, shop owners, marketing pros, physicists, nurses, college deans and just about any other occupation and education level you can think of! And, there is more proven talent moving into our area all of the time.

So, how can a business tap into such talent reservoir? Enter the Mature Worker Connection, and Green Valley’s own Mature Worker Program — the first of its kind, anywhere.

It all began about two years ago with a meeting between Roger Forrester (of the Mature Worker Connection), Jim DiGiacomo (executive director of the GV Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce), and myself (then chair of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee).

Roger was looking for a way to identify Mature Worker talent and educate employers regarding the many advantages of hiring Mature Workers. Jim and I were looking for a way to harness the vast array of talent that exists in our communities. Green Valley was the perfect place to start such an innovative program - or as Forrester put it, “If it won’t work in Green Valley, it won’t work anywhere.”

Currently, the MWC has an office at the Green Valley campus of Pima Community College, as well as offices in Tucson. If you are Mature Worker interested in temporary, contract or full-time employment, the process begins by attending a Job Search Skills Workshop conducted by MWC’s Frank Watts (upcoming dates are June 8, 12, 22 and 25 - registration required). Then, job seekers will be ready to connect with the MWC’s offices for an interview and begin the job selection process. There is no cost to this program.

On the employer side of the fence, businesses can register their company and job openings with the MWC quickly and easily. Some forward- thinking companies may even qualify for the Mature Worker Friendly designation which indicates their “age friendly” status, and includes free job postings and logo to be used for their marketing purposes. There is no cost to this program either.

It comes as no surprise that 36 states have been in contact with Roger Forrester regarding the success of the MWC program. As mature talent leaves the workplace, it is difficult to replace their knowledge, experience, work ethic, and mentoring skills.

If you are looking for great employees, look no further than our own Mature Worker Connection.

Contact: The Mature Worker Connection, (520) 623-3304, www.matureworkerconnection.com.

Mark Bollin is a partner in the firm AdHoc Business Resources, LLC, (520) 548-5643, mbollin@adhocbiz.com, www.adhocbiz.com