Ronda Merritt
Project Manager
Union,New Jersey
Summary
Committed Business Development Representative with over twenty-three years of development of Business Programs and Services offered by NJDOL. Reliable and dependable worker skilled at managing diverse business needs in changing environments, working to resolve NJ employer concerns and addressing NJ job seekers. Friendly, energetic professional with excellent ability to problem solve and prioritize assignments.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Representative 1
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
11.2022 - Current
- Promoted to Business Development Representative covering ten Northern counties representing NJDOL Industry Partnerships Unit assisting business with building partnerships to address employer concerns
- Create business pipelines for employers by working with educational facilities and manufacturing companies
- Host manufacturing conference to initiate, develop and implementation to promote the well-being of businesses throughout the State
- Engage with Business Development Centers, regional organizations such as NJEDA, NJDOL-Business Services, Apprenticeship Unit, WDB's, CBO's, Colleges, High-schools, College Consortiums, NJBAC, NJBIZ, Choose NJ, and more
- Develops bi-weekly reports written to highlight Business penetration, metrix and success stories
- Investigation and research required to effectively assist business community
- Remain abreast of all federal programs, laws and regulations affecting businesses within NJ
- Market Industry Partnerships services and supervise the preparation of required reports
- Initiate and Supervise panel discussion to educate the Manufacturing sector
- Expand business through effective networking strategies growing prospective client base.
Business Representative II
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
12.2017 - 11.2022
- Advanced to Business Services providing Consultative assistance within the assigned territory of Newark/Essex/Union Counties for Small and Mid-sized employers
- Initiate and Engage businesses with exploring business needs and develop and maintain relationships to assist to meet economic development goals
- Market OJT Grants to employers, execute and maintain contracts and ensure payment
- Conduct/Educate: Employment Recruitments, Rapid Response, Lay Off Aversion, UI, Apprenticeship, Customized training
- Work with WIB Directions, One Stop Management, Chamber of Commerce, SBA, CBO's, FBO's, & Educational Institutions.
Interviewer
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
05.2007 - 12.2017
- Interviewed clients to access their needs and made referrals for employment and training
- Conducted weekly Re-Orientation to classes of fifty participants weekly to inform them of Programs and Services
- Developed and Instructed course - Introduction to Computers to assist clients with skills building
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
Employment Specialist II/ OJT Representative
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
09.2005 - 05.2007
- Assisted WFNJ clients by creating job sites to perform Community Work Experience Program training with future opportunity to gain employment
- Monitored clients and maintained progress reports
- Wrote OJT contracts for WFNJ clients as an incentive for hiring and as an incentive to offset cost of training
- Maintained payments to NJ employers for OJT contracts.
Business Resource Center Representative
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
10.2004 - 09.2005
- Effective liaison between customers and internal departments
- Met with small and mid-sized employers to access their business needs
- Assisted employers with navigating through NJDOL to provide assistance with meeting their business needs
- Organized monthly Panel discussions including local Businesses and provided an opportunity for them to meet with State representatives that could offer assistance for business improvement.
UI Claims Examiner
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
08.2002 - 10.2004
- Interviewed and researched claims gathering factual information before administering UI Law and making payments within allotted time frames
- Utilized LOOPS and worked extended hours to avoid late payments.
Business Service Representative
New Jersey Department of Labor And Workforce Development
11.2000 - 01.2002
- Served as a Single Point of contact for businesses with Essex County
- Promoted our Programs and Services and incentives that were instrumental to enticing companies to open their business in New Jersey
- Worked alongside EDA, UI, Rapid Response, Trade Act, OJT, and County Representatives
- Responded to all directives given by Governor's office to assist employers and job seekers
- Provided updates on activities.
Education
Executive Master of Arts - Public Administration
Rutgers The State University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Skills
- Knowledgeable with Federal Programs
- Proven Leadership abilities
- Resolution Specialist
- MS Office
- Program Management
- Team Builder
- Strong Interpersonal skills
- Organizing Virtual events, workshops, panel discussions, and recruitments
- Excellent organizational skills
- Report writing
- Customer Focused
Timeline
Business Development Representative 1
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
11.2022 - Current
Business Representative II
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
12.2017 - 11.2022
Interviewer
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
05.2007 - 12.2017
Employment Specialist II/ OJT Representative
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
09.2005 - 05.2007
Business Resource Center Representative
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
10.2004 - 09.2005
UI Claims Examiner
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
08.2002 - 10.2004
Business Service Representative
New Jersey Department of Labor And Workforce Development
11.2000 - 01.2002
TABE Test Administrator
L.E.A.D. Certificate 2023
Executive Master of Arts - Public Administration
Rutgers The State University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
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