DWD Bulletin - May 17, 2013

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SECRETARY'S COLUMN Dear Colleagues: Some statements bear repeating, and in this case, it cannot be said enough. By proclamation, Governor Walker declared May 8, 2013, State Employee Recognition Day. On his behalf, I want you to know that your hard work, dedication and commitment are appreciated every day. If you havent had a chance to read the proclamation, I would encourage you to do so. While youre at it, be sure to watch his video message on the DWD Media Server. I join him in saying Wisconsin is lucky to have such hard working, dedicated state employees, who lead by example and exude a high level of professionalism. In issuing the proclamation, Governor Walker encouraged all citizens to express their appreciation to state employees. I hope they have. You deserve it. DWD events saluting you are also in order. We are planning employee appreciation events in weeks to come in several areas around the state. Watch for updates and details. I also want to take a moment to offer a special word of thanks to a few colleagues who have been working as a group on our behalf. Good as we have it at DWD, they are working to make it an even better place to work. I am referring, of course, to the Quality Steering Team led by Larry Studesville, Deputy Administrator of the Division of Administrative Services. We gave the QST crew an assignment nearly a year ago, and they tackled it with enthusiasm. In this issue of the Bulletin, you can read about what theyve accomplished. The QST has more activities and events to come. Check out the calendar of events, now available on the WorkWeb. I look forward to seeing you, and thanking you, at employee appreciation events in the works, and I hope to see you as well at QST events in the months ahead. These are great opportunities for all of us to get to know one another, come together and work more effectively as a team. Thanks again! Sincerely,

Reggie Newson Secretary DWD In The News

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www.sheboyganpress.com Lakeshore Technical College celebrates 100-year mark (with video) Vocational schools were established in Manitowoc in 1912, Sheboygan in 1913 www.fox11online.com Lakeshore Technical College Centennial

Deputy Secretary Barry speaking at Tranes Engineering Technology Center in La Crosse.

lacrossetribune.com State officials pitch apprenticeship program

On behalf of Governor Walker, Secretary Newson presents LTC President Mike Lanser a proclamation declaring May 8 Lakeshore Technical College Day

Quality Steering Committee Calendar How about some fun at the ball park? A DWD night at the Mallards "Duck Pond" is in the works. You can learn about these and other DWD sponsored events in Madison and around the state by going to Quality Steering Committee Calendar of Events. These and other events are all part of the QST initiative to promote a positive work environment that helps achieve Strategic Plan goals of empowering and supporting Wisconsin's workforce.

Impressive Inaugural Year for DWD Quality Steering Team As the DWD Quality Steering Team (QST) completes its first year, QST Chair Larry Studesville and committee chairs are tallying up an impressive list of accomplishments and making plans to build on their successes in the year ahead. In one year, I think weve accomplished a great deal, said Studesville, Deputy Administrator in the Division of Administrative Services. Weve Pictured with Secretary Newson are: Theola Carter of Worker's never had a team like this, so Compensation, ASD Deputy Administrator Larry Studesville, Lori LeMahieu of Worker's Compensation, Rosemary Valentine of ASD, Kurtis Bock of we had to develop our own

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game plan and go from there. I ASD, Tiffany Guerrero of ASD Human Resources, ASD Administrator think all involved have done an Kathleen Reed, and Jeanne Benck, ASD Administrator's Office. excellent job. Financially, were in good shape. So kudos to all the committee chairs who made it happen. At a recent meeting of the five committee chairs, Studesville noted a balance of over $1,412 from QST fundraising efforts, primarily bake sales. The bake sale April 18 involving all GEF-1 floors raised an unprecedented $610. Proceeds from the sale were used to treat young visitors to breakfast at the 21st annual Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day on April 25. Studesville said a goal for the coming year is to involve other locations. The QST is currently working with the Secretarys Office on plans for employee recognition events in June. In addition, QST recently posted a calendar of events on the DWD WorkWeb. Among the events scheduled is a trip to the ball park. Staff and family are invited to attend a Mallards Game, July 25, at 7 p.m., Zooperstars-in-Game Entertainment night, at Warner Park in Madison. Tickets are $10, plus $1.50 processing fee. Admission includes a Mallards Hat. As QST Social Committee chair, Lori LeMahieu of Workers Compensation is organizing the DWD Mallards Game event at Warner Park. Her committee has held a number of events throughout the year, such as bowling and pool tournaments. The committee also sponsored the bake sales. In addition to the Daughters And Sons Day breakfast, proceeds will help cover expenses for Length of Service events. As QST Social Committee chair, Id like to say weve had a successful year, our purpose being to enhance the camaraderie for DWD staff, she said. The Social Committee also cosponsors the Community Service events, two food drives, another for school supplies, Cell Phones for Soldiers, Winter Coat donations for Kids and the Homeless, and Toys for Tots. I'm honored to be part of the committee. I've had an opportunity to meet and work with so many new people that I probably would not have met apart from QST. I feel we've accomplish some good things. Other committees, chairs and a summary of their accomplishments are: Health and Safety, chaired by Jeanne Benck, ASD/AO Wellness Day, January 13, followed by Well Wisconsin initiative, including assessments, putting DWD ahead of many agencies; series of Brown Bag events. Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, chaired by Theola Carter, WC. Events celebrating diversity, history and contributions of groups, such African Americans in February, and Asian-Pacific Americans this month. Employee Recognition, chaired by Patti Young, ASD/Human Resources, who recently succeed Tiffany Guerrero Length of Service Award Ceremony and Lean Government Recognition Award Ceremony. Quality Assurance, chaired by Kurtis Bock, ASD April QAC Records Management Month.

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Celebrate Asian-Pacific American Month, Tuesday, May 21

In celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, the DWD Affirmative Action Advisory Committee is sponsoring a luncheon event at GEF-1 Tuesday, May 21. Attorney Yer L. Vang, the featured speaker, will address the audience on Hmong history in Wisconsin. For $5, guests can sample eggrolls and Asian foods at the event in Room 305. Her presentation is scheduled from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attorney Yer Vang will provide an overview of Hmong history and the Hmong community in Wisconsin. After more than 30 years as neighbors and Americans, some Wisconsinites may wonder who are the Hmong and why are they here. Her presentation will cover the history of the Hmong people, their migration and why they were relocated to the United States. Attorney Yer Vang currently practices immigration law in Madison. Upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in 2001, Ms. Vang provided legal representation to immigrant clients as the lead immigration attorney for the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) and Immigrant Project of Wisconsin. Prior to her law practice, Ms. Vang was appointed as the Executive Assistant with the Wisconsin Office of State Employment Relations (OSER). She has extensive training experience with community advocates, attorneys, and law enforcement officers on immigration and poverty issues. She also presents to diverse groups on various subject matters that impact immigrant communities, particularly on the Hmong. Ms. Vang is an active member in several organizations including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Wisconsin State Bar, and was the former co-founder of the Wisconsin Asian Bar Association (WABA). Ms. Vang is also active in other organizations such as the International Professionals Association and the Wisconsin Organization of Asian Americans (WOAA). For more information, contact: Raymond G. Mejia, (608) 267-4411; raymond.mejia@dwd.wisconsin.gov http://asianpacificheritage.gov/index.html Well Wisconsin Financial Incentives! Wellness Assessment Event Coming to GEF-1 DWD is sponsoring a Wellness Assessment event soon in GEF-1, and there are still a few spots left. If youre interested in qualifying for financial rewards from your health insurance provider, sign up for an appointment TODAY! Each appointment only takes about 15 minutes and can be completed during the work day with no loss of pay. (Please talk with your supervisor).

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The Wellness Assessment event will be held on June 3 and 4, 2013, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, in GEF-1, Room F305. The following Dane County insurance providers will be participating: Dean (June 3) Physicians Plus (June 3) Unity (June 4) Group Health Cooperative (June 4)

You can sign up for your appointment online by visiting http://www.wellwisconsin.wi.gov/Home and clicking on our Wellness Assessment on the calendar. You can also email Hannah Zillmer or Jeanne Benck with questions or to request more information about the Well Wisconsin program. DONT WAIT! The few spots we have left are filling up quickly and this is the easiest way to qualify for your financial rewards from your insurance company. Celebrate World Red Cross Day May 8 was World Red Cross Day and the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to celebrate by giving blood. Memorial Day is also approaching. Give blood or platelets to commemorate those who gave their life for our country and support our military members and veterans in need of care. Donate between May 23 and May 31 and you could win a $1000 gift card. For downtown staff, the next State Capitol Blood Drive is May 28 30, 9:30 am 3:30 pm. Presenting donors receive a free Bucky Book while supplies last. For more Red Cross news, watch the DWD E-Board for a monthly newsletter. To schedule an appointment (or for more information) go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1800 RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Madison B-cycle Offers Fun, Easy and Inexpensive Public Transportation Option If you thought Madison B-cycle was just a hip, trendy transportation alternative for downtown Madison residents to get around, think again. B-cycle is that and so much more. Its a practical, inexpensive way to get to work and get a little exercise to boot -- for state workers, whether you live in a Madison suburb or nearby community. Madisons bicycle sharing program was the topic of a recent Brown Bag session at GEF-1 sponsored by the GEF-1 Health, Safety and Wellness Committee and the Office of Employee Development and Training. At the event on Monday, May 6, 2013, Madison Bcycle City Manager Claire Hurley let staff know all that B-cycle has to offer, shared fun facts, and distributed coupons for a free B-cycle ride as an incentive to try it. With an informative PowerPoint presentation, Hurley explained how Madison B-cycle got started in 2011, compared it to other metro bicycle sharing programs, and responded to questions from staff. Madison B-cycle has 225 bikes accessible at 33 stations. The

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automated bike rental system is easy to use. Riders can purchase a 24-hour membership for $5. An annual membership is $65. Membership entitles you to unlimited checkouts of one bike at a time for the membership duration. You can check out a bike at a B-cycle kiosk for a number of quick trips and return the bike to any other B-cycle kiosk. As long as your time on the bike is 30 minutes or less, there is no additional fee. B-cycles are available for rental from late March into early December. As Hurley explained, B -cycle is a great alternative to a bus, cab or car to park somewhere, if you need to run an errand, keep an appointment, or meet a friend for lunch. Its a great way to just get out and explore the city. What few may realize is, its also a great way to get to work. During her presentation, she mentioned one of programs top users, a state employee who lives in Waunakee and rides a B-cycle on the last leg of his commute. He is Torben Harrison, a Department of Justice employee, and when contacted after the Brown Bag, he was more than happy to talk about the program. Nearly every workday, when its not raining, I park close to one of three, near-east side stations, he said. My commute by bike is then only about 1.5 to 2 miles. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes, traveling at a leisurely pace. There is a station right on the square near the entrance to my building. Harrison said he started using B-cycle to get to work in September of 2011. Prior to B-cycle, I usually parked for free on East Main, like a lot of other commuters, about a mile from the Capitol square, he said. Then, I either walked up or biked in on my personal bike that I brought on a bike rack. With B-cycle, theres no need to walk, or load his bike. He simply parks and pedals. I most certainly would recommend the program, but not just for commuting, he said. It's also great to use on a lunch break for running errands, visiting shops, or going to restaurants that I wouldn't otherwise have time for if I had to walk. For me, B-cycle has made the entire downtown area smaller and more accessible. Besides, he said, theres an added plus. The bikes are fun to ride, Harrison said. I don't know what it is, but there is something about riding a B-cycle or seeing people on Bcycles that seems to make people happy. For more information see www.madisonbcycle.com. You can also view the presentation (Adobe PDF) that includes a map of stations, fee information, rider statistics and other interesting facts. You can see it includes many users from nearby communities. Jeanne Benck, the DWD Health and Safety Officer, has a limited number of coupons for a free B-cycle trial ride. Contact her at (608) 2673731 or jeanne.benck@dwd.wisconsin.gov if youd like one. 7th Annual Rock County Spring Job Fair We were just running out of room at the Rock County Job Center! So on April 24th, the Rock County Spring Job Fair was held in a new, bigger venue: the Pontiac Convention Center in Janesville. Job Service sponsored the job fair in partnership with the Southwest Workforce Development Board, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Services and Manpower Government

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Solutions staff. Approximately 1,400 job seekers attended, including 100 Veterans, who were admitted early. We started the day off right by serving employers breakfast, provided by The Disability Employment Initiative. During breakfast, Robin Jones, Project Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center, University of IllinoisChicago, addressed employers and staff. Robin provided instruction on ADA employment issues and answered a multitude of ADA employment-related questions from employers. In all, 70 employers attended the Spring Job Fair with positions available in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, government, hospitality, staffing, entrepreneurial, retail and many other areas. Job seekers had the opportunity to fill out applications on site and return them to the employers immediately. A bank of computers was also available to apply for jobs on-line. Area advertisers made it possible to get the word out more than ever before. The Spring 2013 Job Fair was advertised on television, radio, many local newspapers and area billboards. Over 26,000 job seekers were also sent emails from the Job Center of Wisconsin website to provide the Job Fair location, date and time.
Robin Jones, Project Director of the

Employers and job seekers were very pleased with the event. Great Lakes ADA Center, University of Illinois-Chicago, addressed Over 200 interviews have already taken place and many more employers and staff. have been scheduled. Thirty job seekers have already been put to work! We are already preparing for the Rock County Job Center Fall Job Fair. Well organized event! Staff was great! I have already interviewed 6 people this week! Steve Strait Regal Beloit Already contacted people to set up testing which is the next step! I am very pleased with the event! Mary Haas DuPont

Marcy Hanson, UCA at the Eau Claire UI Benefit Center Retires Marcy Hanson, UCA at the Eau Claire UI Benefit Center, retired 5/3/2013 after 34 years of service with DWD, UI. Family, friends and colleagues gathered for a potluck reception, 'May Day and Memories,' in her honor at the Eau Claire Center on 5/1/2013. Marcy began her career in 1979 as an Unemployment Compensation Employment Security Assistant (Claimstaker) with what was then the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations.

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BITS BYTES HOW TO KEEP YOUR MOBILE DATA SECURE There are more mobile applications for your smart phone on the market than ever due to faster networks and increased processing power. Today, mobile devices can seamlessly move Marcy is shown with the Eau data from safe networks to untrusted, Claire UI Benefit Center Support Staff from left: Gretchen Klink, dangerous ones, often without intervention. A safe environment can Marcy Hanson, Terri ThompsonCovill, Elsa Goodier, Chris Ehlert easily become a dangerous one. and Leadworker, Sandie
Kohlhepp.

Marcy is awarded a recognition plaque for her years of service by UI Benefit Center Manager, Jerre Eckes.

Hackers are more sophisticated than ever when it comes to trying to hijack data from your smart phone or mobile device. Wireless sniffing is a hardware or software system that can intercept data and allow a hacker access to stored data, passwords, cookies and other credentials on mobile devices. This suspicious activity most often occurs on open Wi-Fi networks like hotels, restaurants and coffee shops. Here are potential measures that you can take to help ensure that your data is more secure: Use strong passcodes and implement account lockout features if available. When your mobile browser asks to remember your passwords, ALWAYS say no! Use dedicated mobile applications that use a cryptographic key to identify you as part of Two-factor authentication (the key, plus your password). Avoid storing sensitive data on your device in the first place: Use built-in encryption, if available, to secure your data and settings. To protect your device if stolen: - Install Anti-Theft software that provides remote options for locating and recovering the device or permanently deleting the data. Avoid insecurely transmitting sensitive user data over open Wi-Fi networks. Utilize Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for sensitive applications (https). Disable the 'Unknown sources' option in your security settings that lets you install non-verified, 3rd party applications. Disable Bluetooth when you dont need to use it. The bottom line is to be vigilant with your configuration settings and do some research before installing an application. Although there is no panacea, be proactive and help ensure that your mobile computing experience is as safe as possible.

Jennifer Berg - Adjudicator, Eau Claire Benefit Center Jennifer received a thank you card from a claimant. The claimant said, "I would have sent this card no matter what the outcome. I just wanted to thank you for being kind, understanding and nonjudgemental on the phone with me. I'm sure it's not easy doing what you do, but know that I'm very thankful for your help on the phone." Way to go Jennifer! Submitted by Vicki Proudlock - Adjudication Supervisor, Eau Claire Benefit Center Jeffrey Armstrong - Employment & Training Career Counselor, Job Service OfficeMilwaukee

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Mr. Armstrong, I want to thank you for taking the extended time to listen to me and help me to sort things out. Your approach of letting me speak & letting me see a mirror of my thoughts helped me to better assess my situation and regain some confidence. Social Services and Human Service are awesome! Submitted by Laneice McGee - Leadworker - Employment and Training Specialist, Milwaukee Cindy Ballesteros - Quality Control Investigator, Milwaukee Thanks a lot for your help. It feels good when you meet a person so kind and professional as you are. Submitted by Laurie Boehlke - Quality Control Section Chief, Madison Adam Sellin - Benefit Collections Leadworker , Madison Adam Sellin testified as a department collections witness on six of my levy and DOR cases earlier this week, and he did a great job. Im sure Adam doesnt testify at UI hearings on a regular basis, and Id guess that this was an imposition on his regularly scheduled duties. So, please let both him and his supervisor know that his time and efforts were well spent, and that I am quite grateful to him for his preparedness and professionalism. Submitted by Delores Adams - UI Collections Specialist, Madison Maryann Hilt - UI Claim Specialist, Madison A claimant wanted to send out a special thank you to Maryann. She was very pleased with how helpful and courteous Maryann was to her. Great job Maryann! Submitted by Doug Johnson - Claims Supervisor, Madison Susan Bogen - Employment and Training Specialist, Madison Aberg Office Thank you note from Jane Henze, Adult Services, DeForest Area Public Library. Thank you so much for coming to our library to present your two employment workshops. They were very well done. You covered a lot of material during the presentation. It was impressive to learn how many resources are available to us through Wisconsin Job Service. I hope the people who attended take advantage of those resources. Thank you note from Jane Henze, Adult Services, DeForest Area Public Library. Submitted by Mary Pasholk - Dane county Job Center Director, Madison Therus Collins - ET Specialist Lead, Madison Aberg Office Thank you note from Shanda Herman - Staffing Specialist Diversified Personnel I wanted to follow up with you to thank you for all of your assistance planning and carrying out our recruit yesterday. It was such a pleasure to be there, you were all so helpful and courteous! Anna and I were both impressed by your facility, your professionalism and willingness to help. I just wanted to make sure to thank you and your team. I look forward to many more successful recruits in the future! Submitted by Mary Pasholk - Dane county Job Center Director, Madison

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Pedro Albiter - ET Specialist B, Madison Aberg Office Job seeker thank you note. Thank you also for taking the time to review my resume, offer your wonderful insights, and review the online options offered through Job Service. We are fortunate to have such positive and helpful individuals available to assist us as we try to find our way through this often puzzling and frustrating process. Everyone I've met and interacted with so far at Job Service, including you, has been respectful and kind and knowledgeable. You all need to know that you are appreciated. Submitted by Mary Pasholk - Dane county Job Center Director, Madison Patrick Brennan - UI Claim Specialist in Madison Customer thank you note. A customer spoke with Patrick and said he was just absolutely terrific to work with. He was very professional, understanding, and his high level of service pleasantly surprised her. She had a fantastic experience and wants to thank Patrick for being so helpful. Awesome job, Patrick!! Submitted by Shawn Cuevas - Claims Supervisor, Madison Benefit Center

Editor's Notes
Thank you for taking the time to read the Bulletin. It is our hope that the information found here will be of value to our readers. Most Bulletin stories come from employees, which is how we like it. Please feel free to make a submission in the future. Send a retirement announcement, a thank you note, story and/or photo of something you'd like to share with other employees. Check out the Bulletin story submission guidelines and then be sure to submit a story idea for the Bulletin.

Last Revised: May 17, 2013

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