Finger Lakes Workforce: Challenge or Opportunity Sponsored by Canandaigua Federal Credit Union #16176

A panelist discussion of current workforce needs & solutions.

The Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce has been hearing from its members about challenges finding qualified employees, whether for manufacturing and trades, or tourism and hospitality or professional services. Employers are struggling to fill vacancies and the chamber is holding an educational workforce development panel discussion in response to:

• Assess the current state
• Identify existing solutions being implemented 
• Articulate steps employers, elected and community leaders can take

Dale Hemminger, CEO and Primary Owner, Hemdale Farms and Greenhouses
Dale Hemminger is the 2^nd generation owner of Hemdale Farms and Greenhouses. Hemdale produces milk, with robotic milkers and specialty crops, primarily cabbage on a 3000-acre farm between Canandaigua and Geneva. Hemdale prides itself with being excellent stewards of the land and cattle by utilizing technology to benefit the land, cattle, people and the environment.  Dale and his wife Connie have a combined family of 5 children including a son Clayton that is a key part of the business and its future.

Terry Lafferty, Plant Manager, Pactiv, LLC
Executive with over 20 plus years of diversified experience in different manufacturing environments. Extensive background in plant management, external manufacturing, procurement, production management and quality engineering.   Additional experience in Lean, TPM, Supply Chain, budgeting, P&L and safety systems.  Holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from University Wisconsin Platteville with minors in Electronics and Plastic Processing.  Also holds a certificate in Technology, Operations and Value Chain Management from MIT Sloan Executive Education.  Currently Plant manager at Pactiv in Canandaigua NY since April 2018.   Prior to Pactiv held roles at Zotos International (Subsidiary of Henkel) and SC Johnson. 

Todd Sloane, MS. Ed., Director - Workforce Development, Finger Lakes Community College
Todd has over 10-years experience developing workplace relevant training programs. Collaborating with the public and private sector, higher education and workforce development offices; several of these have become state or national best practices. His focus is always on improving tangible skills that will help learners succeed in their careers and employers succeed in growing their businesses through their people. He currently oversees non-credit programming at Finger Lakes Community College.


Michael Woloson, Business Services Coordinator, Finger Lakes Workforce Development
Michael has been the Business Services Coordinator for the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board (FLWIB) for the past 16 years working closely with partners to ensure services provided in Finger Lakes Works Career Centers are aligned with the needs of the local economy. Duties include scanning regional economy for gaps in workforce development while coordinating solutions to businesses in the area.   Other positions Include:  Business Service Representative, Ontario County Department of Workforce Development;  Director of Employment Services, Training & Education, Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton;  Vocational Services Supervisor, East House Corporation-Rochester; and Vocational Services Coordinator, Learning Disabilities Association-Rochester.

Register with the Canandaigua Chamber by October 18 online or call Elisha Everson at 585-394-4400, ext. 203.   Everyone is welcome to attend--no charge for members and non-members of the chamber but please register.  Light refreshments served.

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