Waterloo Region - The Working Centre reports that the Waterloo Region immigrant Loan Program has now serviced over 30 internationally trained individuals

· The YMCA and WRIEN are celebrating the success of the Mentoring Partnership for Waterloo Region, more particularly the involvement and participation of some 70 mentors to date. A recognition dinner is planned for April 23rd at Golf’s Steak House, if you are currently a mentor or interested in mentoring a internationally trained professional please join us. Just let Agueda know you are coming alivera@greaterkwchamber.com.

· Marketing efforts are underway to spread the word both locally and globally about the new immigrant web portal “Newcomers Waterloo Region” www.newwr.ca. What do you think? Please take a look and give us your feedback.

· The finishing touches have been put in place for the newConestoga College delivered Internships for Internationally Trained Professionals Program in Waterloo Region to ensure it operates effectively and efficiently as another great Waterloo region community collaboration.

· The WRIEN Steering Committee met Wednesday to tackle a comprehensive agenda key discussions included, among others, the following:

o WRIEN has accomplished a great deal and we need to enhance how we share these accomplishments with our various publics – it was suggested WRIEN create a report card on the WRIEN website and that the report card be updated on a frequent basis to reflect the significant value to immigrant employment through immigrant and employer engagement. Other vehicles will also be utilized to share WRIEN’s accomplishments

o Work is underway to define 2009/2010 priorities and to develop and fund the work plan budget

o There was discussion about the start up of the Local Immigration Partnership Council (LIPC) process and efforts to make the process as inclusive as possible

o The Steering Committee has committed to supporting and assisting staff efforts to meet and engage as many employers as possible over the next year including participating in some visits.

o With the Mentorship, Immigrant Loan, Immigrant Portal and Internship Programs launched and operating effectively WRIEN’s focus will be primarily on employer engagement with the Community Development Coordinator focusing on the LIPC process and service provider engagement.


Upcoming Meetings and Events:

o April 21 – Diversity in the Workplace Seminar – To attract and retain talent – Delta Hotel Kitchener – 8:00am to 10:00am

o April 29 – Networking and Recruiting Event – 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Cambridge City Hall

o April 23 – Mentor Recognition Event – 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Golf’s Steak House

o May 7 – Employers “Tool Time” Tools and Supports for hiring ITI’s Event – 3:00 – 6:00pm - Launch of the new Resource Guide - Bingemans