This past fall, a group of employees from CNA Stores enrolled in a Supervisory Skills course through the Center for Corporate and Community Education (CCCE) at Northern Essex Community College. As the course description states, they expected to explore all different facets of supervisory roles and develop a robust leadership skills toolkit.  But, Scott Winters, Director of Business Development and Community Outreach for CNA Stores says, they gained so much more.

“The 10-week course allowed us to spend quality time together and reach positive understandings of each other’s needs and strengths,” recalls Winters. “It has had a lasting effect on our morale and how we lead our organization.”

It also helped create a new and meaningful community connection. A group of employees from L’Arche Boston North, an organization that serves adults with intellectual disabilities, happened to be in the same course. The L’Arche and CNA Store employees formed a unique bond during those weeks together.

CNA Stores donated $12,000 to L’Arch Boston North after connecting in the Supervisory Skills course

“The course brought out some of the best of CNA and we enjoyed not only getting to spend quality time with our peers, but the lessons learned from both the folks at L’Arche as well as instructor Jeff Davis.”

Not long after the course’s completion, Winters says they were evaluating their philanthropic calendar, and a colleague who was in the course suggested they consider adding L’Arche.

“We all couldn’t have agreed more and immediately put them on the calendar.”

In total, CNA Stores donated more than $12,000 to L’Arche Boston North.

“We had wonderful conversations, met great people, and connected with another local organization we easily supported,” says Winters of the course. “This is a wonderful opportunity for team building and positive directional changes within any organization. It enhances effective communication and understanding of coworkers’ needs and strengths.”

Additional Business Solutions at NECC

In addition to the Supervisory Skills course, the new Business Solutions website showcases the variety of options available for local employers wishing to upskill their workforce, enhance community connections, and recruit and hire new staff. Popular courses include Workplace ESOL which enhances English skills for non-native speakers; Advanced Manufacturing Group Leader which develops future leaders in the manufacturing sector; and Microsoft Office which explores how to best use the suite of products for each business. Custom courses are available as well.

“For most businesses, their people are their most important asset. By partnering with NECC, businesses and community organizations can take advantage of available resources to invest in their employees’ growth and their organization’s success,” says Linda Schildkraut, the director of the Center for Corporate and Community Education.

Schildkraut also points out that she and her staff can help identify grant opportunities for training funds for interested businesses.

To get started, visit the Business Solutions webpage.