Regional Employer Support Network - March 5
Vicki Hanson, Coordinator Workplace Drug Analysis Services, MeritCare Health Systems, will share information on how to identify the problem of drug abuse and alcohol misuse in the workplace and how to decrease risk to your organization.  You will learn how to comply with Federal and State laws, and a sample policy for drug and alcohol testing will be provided.  Vicki provides a variety of educational programs to employers, employees and organizations to raise awareness of the use of illegal drugs and mis-use of alcohol in the workplace.  She is a certified professional drug screen collector, certified breath alcohol technician and certified designated employer representative.Join us Thursday, March 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CRI.Advance registration is required. More information is online.
Academy of Lifelong Learning Begins Spring Series 

March 10, 10-11:30 a.m.

Cultural Differences between France and USA
François Fouquerel, Dean of French Year Round Program and Voyageur of Concordia Language Village

Mr. Fouquerel will be providing a French perspective on French-American cultural differences.March 17, 10-11:30 a.m.
Autism
Dr. John Parkin, Pediatrician, Bemidji Merit Care Clinic

In addition to relating autism's causes, medical diagnosis and management, Parkin will discuss the role a grandparent may play in a family unit that includes an autistic child.March 24, 10-11:30 a.m.

Guardian Ad Litem
Traci Seelye, Manager, Ninth Judicial District Guardian ad Litem Program

Ms. Seelye will be leading a discussion and historical underpinnings of the federal mandates that require the court appointment of a guardian ad litem to every abused and neglected child who comes before the court. How Minnesota has complied with the mandate and the duty-role-function of a GAL will also be discussed.

March 31, 10-11:30 a.m.

Red Lake Archives
Kathryn "Jody" Beaulieu, Tribal Council Secretary; formerly Director of the Red Lake Nation Archives & Library We all know that knowledge is power and for far too long tribal nations have been denied access. We have all been denied the knowledge of the plight of "Americas" aboriginal people. Only when and if this comes to light shall there be any healing for the atrocities committed and for which we, to this day, still pay the price.

Hot Careers and the Minnesota Job Market - March 11

Nate Dorr, a regional analyst with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, will refer to data on employment trends, current economic problems, population characteristics, and the possible impact of the stimulus package as the backdrop for the presentation.He feels that looking at quarter-to-quarter changes and comparing similar quarters over a five-year period can help determine which industries might survive the global crisis.Join us March 11 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the CRI for this FREE presentation.Click here for more information. Natural Resources Consortium Session - March 16

Brandy Toft, the air quality specialist with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, will explain the project that addresses burn barrels, open burning and open dumps on the Leech Lake Reservation during a March 16 presentation from 3 to 4 p.m.Due to their harmful effects on people and the environment, burn barrels are illegal on the Leech Lake Reservation and across Minnesota.Backyard burning is the leading source of dioxin emissions, which is second only to toxicity to radioactive waste. Open burning causes 40% of wildfires in Minnesota every year and pollutes air, water and soil. Join us to learn more. Ergonomics in the Workplace: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You - March 18

Dr. Vince Vohnout, associate professor in the BSU Department of Technological Studies, describes ergonomics as the study of the manual work tasks of humans, including the consideration of posture control of sedentary workers.During the program, he will outline the importance of how an understanding of ergonomics in a business, production facility, or office setting can protect employees and benefit an organization's viability. "Any business that has employees risks loss of productivity and increased operating expenses if their employees work environment is not evaluated to identify existing and potential ergonomic problems," said Vohnout. Join us March 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.More information and registration are online. Career Connections - March 25

This event presents a variety of employers from around the region attending to provide more information about their companies and organizations to BSU and NTC students.Career Connections provides students with a free, local career fair to meet and interact with regional recruiters. Career Connections will provide the chance to learn about the regional companies and organizations and interact with their recruiters, possibly leading to a life changing interview. For more information contact Career Services or view on the web at http://www.bemidjistate.edu/students/services/career/ Join us March 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Beaux Arts Ballroom 2009 Safety Conference - March 31

The Minnesota Safety Council, Department of Labor and Industry and the Northern Minnesota Safety Council combine forces to increase safety awareness in Northern Minnesota. Join us for this annual event of great information from experts, visit vendors and network with other safety professionals.The event will be held at Evangelical Covenant Church on March 31.Advance registration is required. Watch the CRI News for more information. POST Certified Computer Forensics Course - Online April 20

In this 4 week online Training Session, individuals will learn the fundamental principles and concepts in computer forensics. The topics include: the differing data file structures, the procedure of discovering and preserving evidence, and methods of searching and retrieving evidence using software tools. Related legal procedures and reports are also discussed briefly. Participants will conduct a minimum of 1 hands-on practice Case during the training session. Once completed, this training session should allow a basic understanding of the process, policies, and software needs to conduct a computer forensics analysis. This course is approved for 45 credits from Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The course will run online April 20 through May 11, 2009. Click here for more information and registration form. Fundraising for Non-profits - April 24

There never seems to be enough money for non-profit institutions. Many find themselves stretched to the limits or find it difficult to meet unforeseen expenditures. This course offers alternatives to selling products in order to raise funds. Helpful strategies as well as specific events and other vehicles for fundraising will be shared with the participants. Join Dr. Charles Alberti present some unique fundraising ideas for implementation. Dr. Alberti was president of the Kansas chapter for the National Society of Fundraising Executives where he became certified with the designation of NSFRE. He served on the National board of this organization and co-authored a book on special events fundraising. The course will be offered Friday, April 24 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Center for Research and Innovation. This course will award .6 CEU's upon completion. More information and registration are online Time Management - May 1

This program will focus on personal time management skills that are essential for effective people to function. Individuals who use the techniques offered in this program will profit by becoming high achievers in all types of workplaces, in fields such as education, business or public service. The techniques presented will help the participants take control of their workload at work as well as at home and will reduce the stress associated with being busy, but not productive. This course will be lead by Dr. Charles Alberti who taught workshops on Time Management for several years at Bemidji State University in Minnesota and other institution in Illinois. Join us Friday, May 1 from 9 am to 3 pm at CRI. This course will award .6 CEU's upon completion. More information and registration. News from Northwest Technical College

Steam Plant Engineering (Low and High Pressure) - March 4

This 36-hour course is designed to prepare the boiler operator or those preparing for employment as a boiler operator to take either the Minnesota Low Pressure (C Level) or Minnesota High Pressure (Levels A & B) Boiler Exam for the following classes:    special engineer, 2nd class engineer, 1st class engineer, or chief engineer.  The contents include the following:  Low pressure - valves, steam traps, pumps, flame safeguards, burners, safety valves, boiler room safety, and hot water boilers.   High pressure - condensers, steam engines, mathematical formulas, boiler room safety, and hot water boilers. Paralegal Program - March 17

This intensive, nationally acclaimed program is designed for beginning as well as advanced legal workers. Students will be trained to assist trial attorneys, interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation. The Paralegal Certificate Course© will also teach you how to work as a full-time or part-time paralegal, or how to open your own freelance business. There are no prerequisites, but students will be expected to complete a significant amount of homework for each weekly session. This program will help students increase their office's efficiency, productivity, and billable hours as well as learn new marketable job skills. CPR Healthcare Provider Refresher (AHA) - March 23

This course will meet the requirements for re-certification for anyone who holds a current American Heart Association CPR Healthcare Provider certification.After completion of this course participants will be able to: identify the heart disease process, importance of prudent heart living and risk factors; recognize new and/or revised standards for basic life support; practice body substance isolation techniques; understand the use of automatic external defibrillation; demonstrate the skills required to provide basic emergency cardiac care; demonstrate their knowledge of basic life support by the successful completion of a written examination. Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act Compliance Training - March 26

MSCTC compliance trainer, Peggy Mastel, will bring your organization into compliance with Red Flags Rules. Upon completion of this 3-hour course, participants will know how to take action regarding:

• Suspicious documents

• Alerts, notifications or warnings from consumer reporting agencies

• Suspicious personally identifying information

• Unusual use of a covered account

• Notices from customers, victims of identity theft, law enforcement authorities or other businesses regarding possible identity theft

See the Red Flags flyer online for more information and registration information. EMT - B Refresher - March 27, 28 & 29

This course reviews all emergency medical care techniques and material currently considered being necessary to refresh the skills of the EMT-Basic provider. The standards and curriculum used in this course are consistent with, or exceed the Emergency Medical Technician Basic Refresher course National Standard Curriculum as published by the US Department of Transportation. Northwest Technical College to offer Residential Energy Auditor Training - Coming soon

This five-day course provides basic training in how to assess the potential for improving home energy efficiency and comfort. The Residential Energy Auditor program is suited for employees or individuals who are performing or interested in utility sponsored residential energy conservation audits and working with the low-income weatherization program. It also provides the technical skills for building contractors to add a residential energy efficiency line of business. A certification examination of the State of Minnesota's minimum qualifications for residential energy auditors will be included with the cost of registration. Offered in partnership with Dunwoody College of Technology, Minnesota Department of Commerce, and U.S. Department of Energy. More information and registration forms for all Northwest Technical College Courses are online. Small Business Development Center Offerings Please email saugustine@bemidjistate.edu or call (218) 755-4255 to register for any of the below classes. Growing America through Entrepreneurship: An Orientation to Starting a Business in Minnesota

This presentation will cover the basic steps to starting a business in the state of Minnesota and will focus on feasibility, business plan basics, legal and registration requirements, and understanding the financial aspects of financing a business.

March 5, 1pm-4pm, Bemidji Workforce Center

March 19, 6pm-9pm, Center for Research & Innovation

March 26, 1pm-4pm, Crookston Workforce Center

Cost: FREE Introduction to Grant Writing I-Finding Grant Opportunities - March 11

Taught by Jeanne Edevold Larson, M.S., this workshop helps participants prepare for grant searching and identifying resources for researching grant opportunities available. Jeanne will provide a methodology for sorting and prioritizing opportunities to maximize the time invested in writing grants. Some basic tools and tips for improving turn-around time are also included.

When: March 11th, 9AM-12PM

Where: Beltrami Electric Community Room, Bemidji

Cost: $30.00 Doing Business with the State of Minnesota - March 12

This workshop will provide an overview and some details about contracting with the state of Minnesota. Topics to be covered include an overview of the states' purchasing practices; where the dollars come from; how the dollars can be spent; how to get registered as a vendor; how to find business opportunities; cooperative purchasing with cities, counties, schools; and state expectations of contractors.

When: March 12, 9AM-12PM

Where: Center for Research & Innovation, Bemidji

Cost: $25.00 Doing Business with the Corps of Engineers - March 12

This workshop is an introduction to doing business with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. You will gain information on the Electronic Bid System, plan holders lists, awards and abstracts, upcoming projects, government registrations and certifications, and general and technical specifications. Also learn about pre-bid conferences, how to prepare cost proposals and negotiations, performance and payment bonds, what takes place in pre-construction/pre-performance meetings and who should attend, quality management, submittals, modifications and who has authority to sign, working with subcontractors, and emergency work.

When: March 12, 1PM-4PM

Where: Center for Research & Innovation, Bemidji

Cost: $25.00 Introduction to Government Contracting - March 13

Introduction to contracting: Are you interested in expanding your market share, increasing revenues, growing your business? Have you considered selling to the government? If not, let Minnesota's Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) show you why you should! Learn what the government buys in the $325+ billion dollar marketplace, who is buying, where they advertise, and how you can become registered, proactive and preferred government supplier. Learn the basic government marketing tips, electronic business techniques and methods and how to locate the "right" people.

When: March 13, 9AM-12PM

Where: Center for Research & Innovation, Bemidji

Cost: $25.00 Central Contracting Registration Process - March 13

This workshop guides you through one of the most important requirements for selling to the Government. Here you will learn the first steps in completing a Central Contract Registration (CCR). You can not receive a government contract or apply for any government websites or certification without this registration being completed. This workshop provides a presentation of the CCR application and a hands-on review/completion of a registration application.

When: March 13, 1PM-3PM

Where: Center for Research & Innovation, Bemidji

Cost: $25.00 Introduction to Grant Writing II-Writing a Grant - March 18

This course provides a broad overview of the components of a basic grant proposal, along with tips and tools for adding competitive features to your approach. Jeanne will walk you through how to make a compelling case, budget effectively, prepare a solid methodology and more. Participants in this workshop will also receive 90 minutes of one-on-one consultation from Jeanne which will be scheduled at a later date.

When: March 18th, 9AM-12PM

Where: Beltrami Electric Community Room, Bemidji

Cost: $75.00