Pros to Know NTC Workforce Consulting

PROS to KNOW: Robin K. Hall & Michelle James of NTC Workforce Consulting

by Dawn Anderson | photos by Dick Arnspiger

As Co-Owners of NTC Workforce Consulting, Robin K. Hall and Michelle James are passionate about streamlining hiring practices and second-chance employment. Founded in 2007, NTC is a woman-owned, federal, state, and locally certified company with a mission “to provide quality services and uplift communities.” In providing Workforce Consulting, NTC helps businesses and organizations simplify complicated hiring processes and connect with justice-involved individuals seeking to reestablish their work history, provide for their families, and become valued members of society. The workforce consulting services aspect of the business happened organically. Most companies come to them. “The phone rings all week long with other companies seeking second-chance employment advice,” says Hall. “We choose to be forward thinking and not dwell on the past or old ways of doing business, but to see an opportunity to make a positive change for our community, for business, and always move forward. One of the positive changes was not to accept the business problem of today’s shortage of employees but to tap into individuals who are second-chance. This small change has impacted our lives, employees, and community.” Hall began her career in real estate in 1988 and moved into the construction field in 1992. James worked in government for 21 years. Their combined experience and expertise allow them to provide thorough strategies and sound advice with a culture of giving back. Hall and James teach and train other companies how to rebuild their labor workforce through second-chance. “We work with companies to deal with HR and be more hands-on,” says Hall. “There is a lot of paperwork involved, and it’s important to have an open-door policy.” NTC works with several companies in many different industries, making the labor market work smarter for people and businesses. The process also opens doors for second-chance employment candidates who might not have technological access or savvy. They get the opportunity to be fairly interviewed because potential employers are aware of their justice-involved status before they go in and check that box. “We go in with a different lens,” says James, “making sure positions are filled and working with HR departments on flexibility.” According to Hall, “Employers are exhausted from the hiring process. We work through issues to find a path to move forward.” NTC Workforce Consulting and its happy clients enjoy ongoing business consulting relationships. Using the same positive approach, they develop programs on a case-by-case basis to fit each company, with methods that change according to their needs. Not only do companies benefit by resolving labor force shortages through the large second-chance hiring pool, but filling these positions more efficiently is also a cost-saving measure. Second-chance employees tend to be a loyal workforce, resulting in higher retention rates for companies. “Even companies who can’t change their process can change their perspective,” says James. “We teach them how to look at things differently and succeed at that.”

Visit ntctrafficcontrol.com/consulting. Contact Robin K. Hall and Michelle James at info@ntctrafficcontrol.com or call (502)384-2125.

SPONSORED BY BAPTIST HEALTH

Baptist Health/Milestone wellness

Play Hard, Work Hard, SWEAT HARDER.

WHY DO WE PERSPIRE?

Hot summer days are still ahead of us and exercising in hot temperatures alerts our body temperature. Some perspire more than others. Genetics plays a role in some of this, as does the environment. Many feel that perspiring after a workout is a sense of accomplishment, which it most definitely is. Hard work results in sweat. For others, a shower can not come fast enough to help cool their body off and remove perspiration. Did you know that sweat is vitally important for body temperature regulations and overall health? Most of us think of sweat as this unpleasant odor and wetness our body produces. All humans sweat for one reason: to dissipate heat and maintain internal temperature. Sweat is actually a way of cooling off the body. Our normal temperature is around 98 degrees Fahrenheit. On hot summer days, our temperature can rise, resulting in harmful outcomes such as heat exhaustion or even heat stroke (this happens when body temperature reaches over 103 degrees). It can happen quickly. A run in the park, yard work, or riding in an unairconditioned car can put stress on our bodies.

As soon as our body senses “danger,” our hypothalamus in our brain alerts our sweat glands to start cooling our body down by sweating. When you sweat, try your best not to wipe the sweat away with a towel. Temperatures can actually rise. Instead, blot the area, wear a headband, or let sweat do its thing..roll off your body naturally. Women have more sweat glands than men, but men actually produce more sweat than women.

HYDRATE!

You lose water when you sweat. It is imperative to replenish what you have lost. Replenish with water and electrolytes. When you sweat, you not only lose water but also the minerals that help deliver fl uids to the cells in your body. The average person loses 1-2 liters of sweat per hour. To avoid dehydration, fuel your body with water and electrolyte drinks such as coconut water, watermelon water, Pedialyte, Liquid IV, and electrolyte infused waters. These drinks contain potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium which are depleted during a sweat infused workout.

Sweat out your toxins with a healthy workout. Always replenish what is lost in your body. Refuel and recharge. Be careful not to overdo activity in hot environments. Do your best to exercise in cool, well ventilated areas. Hydrate well in advance, consuming 64oz of water a day to keep your body hydrated. Every individual is different, so listen to your body. If you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. This is the main way the body alerts you of dehydration. • Alison Cardoza, B.S. Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a Minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. ACSM Certifi ed Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.

photos by Dick Arnspiger