ARCC Quarterly Classroom- Best Practices for Maintaining a Positive Work Environment to Retain Staff

Description

Join the ARCC as we invite employment experts and business leaders from across the region to share best tips and practices for creating a positive work environment. 

Our panelists will offer guidance and bring clarity to the internal actions that can be undertaken by businesses to address the current labor market challenges and how creating a positive work environment will help to attract and retain quality staff. Attendees will be presented with best methods, tools and good case examples from the region.

Meet our Panelists


Liza Ochsendorf- Director, Warren County Department of Workforce Development 
Liza oversees the county operations of WIOA Title I programs in the Warren County Career Center and works closely with local and regional partners to address barriers to employment such as child care, housing, transportation, skill deficits, etc.  Her work in addressing local industry needs has led to stronger private-public sector partnerships to problem solve collaboratively for short and long-term solutions to workforce challenges.  Her passion for workforce development and economic development is rooted in community collaboration, effective communication, and clear goals and desired outcomes for all stakeholders.  Liza has 14 years of experience working in education in Washington, DC where she oversaw Life Skills programs and was instrumental in implementing Restorative Justice practices to build community and improve student outcomes. Liza is a graduate of Syracuse University and resides in Glens Falls where she also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tri-County United Way, the Executive Board for the Saratoga-North Country Continuum of Care, and the Park Theater Foundation Board.


Patrick Welton- Resort General Manager, Lake George Escape Outdoor Resort- Patrick Welton is the Area Resorts General Manager with Lake George Escape Outdoor Resort & Equity Lifestyle Properties.  His initial passion for tourism was gained when working for Jane & Bill Bush (Canoe Island Lodge, Diamond Point, NY).  He took that passion with him over 30+ years in tourism communities with such notable brands as Intercontinental Hotels, Westgate Resorts, Marriott & Hilton.  Patrick returns to his roots in the Adirondack region after developing teams to create memorable travel experiences in markets such as New Orleans, Washington, DC., Atlanta & southwest Florida & the greater New York City region.
 
With 500+ sites including tent, RV & fully equipped cabins Lake George Escape has received many accolades locally, regionally & nationally being named as one of the “10 Best Campgrounds for Families” by the Travel Channel.  Patrick builds a seasonal summer workforce of 60 – 70 team members to welcome upwards of 10K visitors each year. 


Kathy Flacke Muncil - CEO, Fort William Henry Corporation - Kathy is CEO, Chairwoman of the Board and Corporate Treasurer for the Fort William Henty Corporation and has been with the organization since 1993. She attended College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA , has been a Certified Public Accountant and has been a Board member for many committees across the region including Warren County Tourism & Economic Development Community Committee, French & Indian War Society at Lake George (founding member & President), NYSHTA- New York State Hospitality & Tourism (Director & Past Chair), among others. 


Jim Marco - Vice President of Human Resources, Glens Falls Hospital- Jim has served as the Vice President of Human Resources for GFH since January 2021.  Jim’s career in Human Resources has covered a variety of industries such as manufacturing, not-for-profits, large national retail chains, and healthcare.  Jim also owned his own consulting business – Saratoga Human Resources Solutions, Inc. for 17 years.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Potsdam, and his MBA from SUNY Albany.  He and his wife reside in Wilton.


George Ide - Managing Partner, Burch Bottle & Packaging 
George graduated from Hartwick College, in 1991 with a B.S in Political Science. He has experience in all aspects of corporate management and has spent his working life around packaging with a focus and expertise in food packaging including glass, plastic, metal containers, and closures. 
 George has been a managing partner of Burch Bottle & Packaging for over 20 years. Over that time, he has continued to work with some of the same customers, suppliers, and employees. 
 Building the Burch Bottle brand, its continued service in the packaging industry, and maintaining long-term relationships are the foundation of his business philosophy. George is a married father of three girls and an
avid outdoorsman and climber.