Summit ’14 wrapped up yesterday with a half-day of great programming, including a three-hour alternative staffing intensive.
The session kicked off with an overview of the alternative staffing industry from Alternative Staffing Alliance (ASA) Member Services Coordinator Janet Van Liere. About 60 alternative staffing organizations (ASOs) in the US currently help people with barriers to employment to get jobs, and 80% of these are subsidiaries of nonprofits. Earned revenue is a key part of these organizations, and 63% of ASOs cover at least 95% of their total operating costs with earned staffing revenue.
Panelists representing three approaches to this model shared about their organizations. Amanda Whitmore and JD Wallace of GoodTemps in Muskegon, Michigan, spoke about operating as a subsidiary of Goodwill Industries and how their value-add services for employers, including a retention program, have contributed to their success.
DePaul President & CEO Dave Shaffer took the microphone to discuss why now is truly the time for the alternative staffing model to take off, including the growing concern for corporate social responsibility and the OFCCP 7% rule. He explained how based on this strong demand, DePaul has launched PurposeSTAFF, a national staffing network focused on helping people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to get jobs.
Vanessa Bartram of WorkSquare in Miami, Florida, explained why her organization chose to structure as a for-profit and Certified B Corporation, and how it serves customers in the hospitality industry. Attendees then split into two focus groups on starting up or staffing up, to discuss strategies and approaches that have helped them during these phases.
The Summit wrapped up with a closing lunch, including comments by SEA President & CEO Kevin Lynch and some thoughts from a few attendees on what they learned. Summit ’14 was great from start to finish, and we’re already looking forward to Summit ’15!
View social media posts from the Summit with the hashtag #SEASummit14.
