Learn how to use ReferenceUSA - Free with your library card!

ReferenceUSA is an online resource that the library subscribes to that can be of great help to the business community.  It is available free through the library's website with a valid Jefferson County Library card.

 ReferenceUSA is the leading provider in business and consumer research! Offering a full-service platform, ReferenceUSA helps users create marketing plans, conduct competitive analysis, raise funds and locate people. The database selections and real-time access to more than 20 Million Businesses and 222 Million Consumers make research easy and fast! ReferenceUSA’s quality information helps researchers, students and job-seekers...

ReferenceUSA can be accessed through the Jefferson County Library website from your home or office through these steps:

1. Go on the Internet to www.jeffersoncountylibrary.org

2. Click on Find Databases in the left hand navigation menu

3. Click on the General Reference tab

4. Scroll down to the ReferenceUSA icon and click on it

5. Enter your library card number without any spaces
 

ReferenceUSA has made available two free informative webinars in June to make sure you get the most out of the resource.  We hope to also be able to offer these webinars at the library as well.  Check our calendar of events at wwww.jeffersoncountylibrary.org.

Topic:  Uncovering the Hidden Job Market: Career Search Strategies using ReferenceUSA

Day/Dates: Wednesday ( June 1,8,15,22,29)

Time: 2:30 PM CENTRAL

In this hour-long, inter-active session, attendees will learn how to use ReferenceUSA as part of their Career Searching Strategy.  Included will be information on the importance of having accurate information for applications and resumes, creating engaging cover letters, assembling a network of references and referrers, finding key persons at a business to act as mentors, building datasets of potential employers based on skill set, work history and preferences as well as how to prepare for interviews and interactions through thorough research.   Requirements are internet access and a dedicated phone line.  Seating is limited.

To register for any of the five session dates, follow the link below.

http://tiny.cc/UncoverTheHiddenJobMarket

Topic: ReferenceUSA Search Essentials

Day/Dates: Friday (June 3, 10, 17, 24)

Time: 11:00 AM CENTRAL

Designed for the person new to using ReferenceUSA, this hour-long session will cover all the basics ReferenceUSA.  Attendees will only require an internet connection and phone line to participate.  The training will cover the Four Essentials anyone, particularly anyone new to ReferenceUSA, would want to know in order to be successful in using the resource.  Lots of time will be reserved at the end of the session for questions.

To register for any of the four session dates, follow the link below:

http://tiny.cc/ReferenceUSAEssentials

Help Joplin Recover

The City of Arnold has been contacted by Joplin asking for help.  The Meramec/Arnold Elks are sending a truck down on Thursday, May 26 with emergency supplies.  They are looking for blankets, bottled water and monetary donations. The Meramec/Arnold Elks Lodge is located at 1515 Miller Road, Imperial. Phone: 636-464-8960 for more information.

 The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross has opened a shelter in Joplin at Missouri Southern State University, Young Gymn, 3950 East newman Road. Joplin residents are being encouraged to register on the American Red Cross "Safe and Well" web site to let family and friends know how they are. If you wish to check on loved ones who may have registered on this site, log on to the American Red Cross web site at www.redcross.org. Then click on the "List yourself as safe and well" link wnich will provide you with information on how to find someone who has registered on the list.
Donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. You can donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS, mail your donation to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC 20013, or make a secure online donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

Free Marketing Your Business Website Class @ the Arnold Branch

Marketing Your Business Website
(Hands - On in the Computer Lab)
Friday, June 10th
9:30 a. m. to 11:00 a.m.

*The same class will also be offered
Wednesday, June 29th from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.*

Join local Search Engine Optimization expert Will Hanke to learn how to revive a "dead" website in this free seminar.  Topics covered include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), online advertising tips and avenues, along with ways to increase your website traffic and offline marketing ideas. 

Suggested prerequisites include: a business website (currently or planned), knowledge of basic HTML, and basic understanding of internet searching.  Registration is required!  Registration preference given to residents of the Jefferson County Library District.  Call 636-296-5171.

State of the County

I'm live blogging today from The State of the County, presented by the Jefferson County Growth & Development Association.

Please excuse any lapses of grammar, spelling, and so forth.  It's a beautiful (but frosty) morning--the location is the new Antonia  Middle School on St. Luke's Church Road in suburban Barnhart.  This is a beautiful new building; thanks to the Fox School District for hosting the event.  The Fox High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Matt Rice, is providing music while the group is gathering, meeting and greeting. The student council is providing assistance with the event—helping make things run smoothly.

This is the first State of the County event under the Council Council/County Executive system, under the Home Rule Charter of Jefferson County, MO, enacted on Nov. 4, 2008. The gym is full—a lot of people have turned out this morning.  Sponsors of the event include Ameren Missouri, Trumpet Land Services, Chapel Hill Mortuary and Memorial Gardens, Sheet Metal Workers International, Kevin's Car Care, Hovis  Associates, Doe Run, First State Community Bank, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Bayer Garden Shop, Jewel Box Florist, LCSI, Comtrea, Govero Land Services, Fireworks City.  KJFF & JCTV are covering the event. Thanks to Sarah Davis, JCGDA director, for organizing the event.  

Opening ceremonies included Boy Scouts presenting the Colors. Seckman High School Choir sang the National Anthem beautifully-did a great job. The Fox High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Matt Rice, is providing music for the event.

Program today will include a presentation by the JCGDA president, Dan Govero, a speech by Chuck Banks, and by Ken Waller, the first Jefferson County Executive.  Our county council members, Don Bickowski-district 1, and Renee Reuter-district 2, both came over to say hi to the library group.   

Event is well organized; thanks to the Antonia Middle School staff who provided assistance getting me on line – thanks guys!

The student body president and vice president, David Belleville and Caleb Doyle, officially welcomed us. Fox C-6 district administrators and board members are attending this event, which showcases this brand new middle school.

Dan Govero, JCDGA president, in opening remarks, recognized the sponsors of the event.  Encourages membership in the Jefferson County Growth and Development Association, and participating in Shop Jefferson County.  Attendance of  county officials, fire and ambulance district personnel, Jefferson College administrators, and other city elected officials. He noted that due to the change of government both the outgoing person and incoming person will talk about the situation of the county.  Presented a plaque to Chuck Banks from Growth and Development for past services as president of the association.

Chuck Banks thanked the sponsors and school district; discussed the challenges faced by the board of executives during the transition to the county council form of government; challenges with the budget caused by the falling sales tax revenue; problems nationwide with the recession.  The current office holders were overseeing the transition to the new form of government. Included establishing merit system for employees; planning and zoning; balancing budgets. Thanks to county employees for work; noted new responsibilities and powers with charter government.  Fund 4+ million of improvements in county buildings with stimulus funds; transportation stimulus dollars; improvements to I-55 - the port study work- assistance to Jefferson College.

Ken Waller, the first County Executive, was introduced by Chuck Banks, the last county commission and board of executives preparing transition. Ken Waller introduced the new county council members in attendance. Said it has been noted 5 of the new council  members are Republican,  and also noted they have own ideas for serving their districts - have diverse opinions despite shared political party.  Acknowledged and thanked wife, children, parents for their support. Thanked people who had helped him -  Mark Mertens, Darrell Missey, among others.

Speech:  Discussed the transition to new form of government - knows people wondering what's happening. Said change is not going away and must succeed for good of county.  Executive and council completely separate - first year  will involve developing procedures and policies - they are striving for transparency and responsibility to citizens.  Encourages public engagement in political process - wants people to get involved in discussion of the major issues such as county building codes, red light cameras, and county plan. Emphasized that the river port mentioned will affect Herculaneum, Crystal City and all of Jefferson County by providing opportunity for new jobs in Jefferson County. Noted opportunities in strategic metal refining in Jefferson County, since it has a prime location on Mississippi river.  The introduction  of a  merit system for Jefferson County employees will provide  more stability and pay equity.  That commission will have report for the Council to approve by July 1 of this year.  Jobs are essential to stability; job creation/retention is job one for the administration. The recent 9.3 percent unemployment rate in Jefferson County - is now at 10 percent. Which is why the port project is so important, and it is important to work with Doe Run, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, and other county employers. Council will encourage and work with local employers = more jobs in the county. Ken Waller says he is an eternal optimist - sees best days as yet ahead. Recognized we have had four years of tough economy - Noted previous executives did good job - and that better days will come again. Said he felt humbled/honored to serve as county executive, and ended his remarks with a quote from George Washington about the importance of building a good foundation for a government. 

 In closing, students David Belleville and Caleb Doyle thanked  the sponsors;  the Antonia Middle School staff, especially Joe Willis the principal, and the Seckman student council. They invited the guests to attendees to take tours of the new building. 
Blogged by Elizabeth Link, Jefferson County Library-Arnold.

Make Your Business Heard: Free Online Marketing Classes @ Your Library

The Arnold Branch of the Jefferson County Library (1701 Missouri State Rd., at the corner of Astra Way and Hwy. 141) will offer a free informational series of classes in September and October detailing how to use online tools to market your business.  Local web developer Will Hanke will teach classes on leveraging Twitter and Facebook for business and marketing your business website.  

The “Leveraging Twitter and Facebook for Business” class will cover how to set up a Twitter account and Facebook fan page.  Attendees will learn about great tools to grow their fanbase, engage with customers and behind the scenes tricks to get the most out of both accounts.  This class is offered Thursday, September 9^th from 9:30 a.m. to noon or Wednesday, October 20^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The “Marketing Your Business Website” class will teach attendees how to revive a “dead” website and also cover search engine optimization (SEO), online advertising tips, and ways to increase your website traffic.  This class is offered Thursday, September 23^rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 or Friday, October 15^th from 9:30 a.m. to Noon.

        These hands-on seminars will be held in the computer lab at the Arnold Branch so space is limited.  Registration is required to attend this program and priority will be given to Jefferson County Library district residents.  Please call 636-296-5171 or visit the Information Desk at the Arnold Branch as soon as possible to register.   

Mr. Komo discusses tax credits, and jobs created by tax credits, and social issues/services.  Problem with having to protect tax credits, but not having the money to continue the programs. Had about 500 million shortfall to make up; governor still has to cut 200 or 300 million shortfall.  Noted that legislative atmosphere was that the budget cuts were a 'bluff' game; thinks that next year will be the worst year for funding.  Has had estimates that will have about 800 million shortfall next year.  Discusses working together as county; have advisory committee; meet in different areas of the county to keep residents informed.  Rotary and Chambers of commerce are support - with money - the study for the proposed Port for Jefferson County.  Had received information from local school districts - able to support grants for helping schools.  Thanks the group for support.

Mr. Govero asks there any questions for the legislators.  He asks why they have to have amendments to the bills--why the bill can't just get passed as is.  Mr. Komo responds this system has been in place for long long time.  It depends upon the Speaker and his legislative leadership.  The Speaker has most of the power on this issue.  Noted that negotiation is big part of the legislative process.

Mr. Frame discusses mechanics and issues in getting bills to the floor, and getting legislation passed. Noted that there are no contribution limits for political candidates; thinks we need reforms.

Mr. Govero thanks the sponsors of the event: Jefferson College, PC Tech, and KJFF, which is broadcasting the event. Introduces the next speaker, Mr. Sam Komo

Mr. Komo is representative for 90th district.  In last session worked on education support, manufacturing support. Tried to support suppliers of manufactures - hoped to pass legislation supporting jobs in the support businesses. Legislation supported did not pass. Noted that 10 jobs are dependent on 1 auto plant job - multiplier effect is serious.