Machine Operator - Shop Assistant (Freeport, IL)

Excellent Furst-to-Hire opportunity for a flexible first shift schedule. Working between 30 and 40 hours per week. Opportunities to advance as a machine operator. Industrial sewer and helping with material cutting/shop assistant. Will cut material and run it through an automated machine to make industrial harnesses.

Location: Freeport, IL

Hours: Hours can be flexible from 7am to 9am start time and 3:30pm to 5:00pm end time. 30-40 hours per week.

Pay: $8.75/hr.

Type of Placement: This is a Furst-to-Hire opportunity.

• Pre-employment Drug Test & Background Check, random DT.
• Must be able to follow directions
• Take initiative.
• Have flexibility to schedule and duties assigned to them
• Ability to stand for duration of shift.
• Good math skills.
• Reliable transportation
  

Please submit your resume to: christine.kempel@furststaff.com or apply on-line @ http://www.furststaff.com/

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FurstStaffing provides comprehensive staffing solutions for industrial, administrative and office support, engineering and technical positions. Furst Staffing provides temporary, Furst-to-Hire and direct hire services, as well as exclusive on-site programs in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin and the Chicagoland area.

We are staffing specialists committed to enhancing the productivity of our customers and improving the employability of our workforce for the benefit of the community. We remain determined to exceed expectations and deliver what we promise.

How to Successfully Prepare & Implement a Reduction in Force or Plant Closing In these harsh economic times, employers face difficult challenges. Maintaining appropriate workforce levels is now more essential than ever. However, reductions in force (RIF) or downsizing provide fertile ground for litigation. Plant closings have enormous legal risks as well. RIFs and Plant Closings may affect one employee or hundreds of employees depending on the size of the business. These decisions and the method of implementation requires careful planning to avoid (or to defend) litigation. Click here to read more.
By: Jeffrey A. Risch, Esq. Wessels Sherman jerisch@wesselssherman.com

4 Stimulus Plan Tax Perks for Business
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (better known as the Stimulus Act) includes a laundry list of tax changes, including four provisions that will be very helpful for many small to medium-sized businesses. Here’s the scoop.
Extension of the Generous “Section 179” First-Year Depreciation Deduction
Under the Section 179 deduction privilege, many small and medium-sized businesses can write off most or all of the cost of qualifying new and used assets in the year when they are first put to use. Click here to read more.
By: The Tax Guy, Bill Bischoff

Minimizing Your Social Security Payroll Tax/Self-Employment Tax Like many people, you might get more back in benefits than you pay in Social Security taxes, but not necessarily. For example, you may never need to use all of the benefits you’re entitled to, or you may be entitled to a greater benefit based on someone else’s earnings record. Jacob Fitzgerald, VP with Ameriprise Advisor Services, offers insight into understanding how Social Security payroll taxes and self-employment taxes finance your benefits, who may & may not benefit from minimizing SS payroll taxes, strategies that may be used to minimize payroll taxes, tax considerations and more. Click here to read more.

Healthcare sees job gains despite losses elsewhere Healthcare continued to add jobs in February while the rest of the American job market remained in a free-fall. Click here to read more. By: Joe Carlson

Study: Few U.S. Hospitals Use Digital Records U.S. hospitals have a long way to go to join the digital age. Fewer than 2 percent have abandoned paper medical charts and completely switched to electronic health records, a new national study found. Click here to read more. By Kay Campbell

Should Employers Use Search Engines to Screen Candidates? You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the Internet. Hiring Managers take great caution when conducting interviews face-to-face to protect themselves and their company by avoiding questions generally related to nationality, religion, age, marital or family status, gender, and health and medical situations. And yet with the click of the mouse, all of that information (digital dirt) is available immediately. Most likely, more information than they care to have accessed. Click here to read more.
By: FurstStaffing

Get the Monozukuri In the 1950s and 60s, the pursuit of quality production in Japan was catalyzed in part by the teachings of W. Edwards Deming and the best practices of American companies. Dr. Deming’s expertise in developing qualitative methods to improve productivity while lowering costs was internalized by many engineers in Japan’s manufacturing sector. Click here to read more. By: Ralph Inforzato is Director, Business Development, Japan External Trade Org

The Power of Cinnamon Smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function & memory. Cinnamon has an anti clotting effect on blood. It can reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. A study at Copenhagen University showed patients given a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with a tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain after one month. It fights e-coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

Exercise & Nutrition Tips Functional Twist - Straddle stand with Medicine ball in hand. Pivot your left foot and bend the knee toward to floor bring the medicine ball down to the outside of your right ankle. Your right foot stays stable on the floor but your knee bends and your hips follow. Now swing the ball up towards your left shoulder pivoting your left foot back straddle stand. Do ten repetition to the right and ten more to the left.

Armando Valerio, CPT, NCSF, & Julia Valerio, MS RD, from Chicago Core Confidence. On-line personal training with Nutritional Counseling and Weight Loss Programs. http://www.chicagocoreconfidence.com/

We hope you enjoyed this edition of FurstWord.If you have any topics that you would like to see in future FurstWord please submit them to heretohelp@furststaff.com.

Please remember to take some time and visit our Resource Center @ http://www.furststaff.com/. It offers information on best practices, HR tips & advice, tools to help you get exceptional results from your staffing partner, information on important employment laws, best-selling book suggestions on HR, leadership & personnel management issues, and much more.

YOU STOPPED LAUGHING: SHE LIVED HER DREAM, WHAT ABOUT YOU?

The world is a flutter about an unsuspecting stand out performer from the television program, Britain’s Got Talent. Basically, the equivalent to the state’s American Idol. This stand out performer is a forty-eight year old Scot named, Susan Boyle. If you haven’t heard of her, where have you been?

Susan Boyle is unemployed, never been kissed, lives with her 10 year old cat Pebbles, cared for her mother until her passing in 2007 at the age of 91. Susan was starved of oxygen at birth which resulted in a learning disability. Attending church every weekend helped her singing develop, aided by her mother’s constant encouragement.

Simon Cowell , a judge on the show, asked “What is the dream?” The response, “To be a professional singer.” Simon responded, “Why hasn’t it worked for you.” “I’ve never been given the chance before. But here’s to hoping it’ll change.” Boy did it! Ms. Boyle sang “I Dream a Dream” from Les Miserables. The title could not be more appropriate for the performer and her life. Ms. Boyle’s performance is being heard and appreciated around the world. The YouTube video has been viewed over 19 million times. Ms. Boyle’s Facebook page has over 200,000 fans and growing…quickly!

There is so much to learn from the story of Susan Boyle.

• Have we all become too cynical? We all know the saying ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. Underneath this rather frumpy exterior lies an incredible person with such a positive outlook. Not to mention a pretty fantastic singing talent. From being abused and teased by her schoolmates to the looks and laughs of the audience as Ms. Boyle came out and declared she would like to be like Elaine Page, the first lady of British musical theatre. Who was laughing in the end? Mostly Susan Boyle. She blew the judges and the audience away. They were too gobsmacked to reacted other than clapping their hands together whilst teary eyed. You never know what amazing talents people have, what hardships they have been through and had to overcome. While we all may not have the talent of signing as beautifully as Susan Boyle, hopefully we can all take a look at how we treat each other and show the same respect we ourselves would like to receive. Have you seen the commercial where one person does a good dead and it becomes contagious with each person having witnessed a good dead then paying it forward. That’s how we should approach every day.
• We all need a chance. We hear this quite often in the employment business. A candidate has had schooling or training and now just needs someone to give them an opportunity to use those skills. It may be hard to find that one person to give you that chance. But don’t give up. Keep networking. Keep putting yourself out there. Nothing happens when you are sitting at home on the couch watching television. It is on you to find that chance.
• What is your dream/passion? In a time when unemployment is so high maybe now is the time to identify and follow your dreams and passions. I had the pleasure of meeting a guy named, Armando Pedroso. After 9/11, he lost his sales job which he had for 18 years. Armando has never painted but decided to teach himself and found something that he is truly passionate about. Fortunately, for Armando he has been able to make a living through his art career. Not everyone will be able to make a career out of their passion, but maybe we need to engage in the passion more often and include it in our life. Take a look at our lives and simplify. Enjoy what we do have.
• Attitude….The Right Attitude. The emotion of Ms. Boyle’s performance caught us all. We knew it was either going to be horrible or wonderful. It was not only wonderful it was unbelievably beautiful. It was a story of following a dream and believing in yourself and that dream. Taking chances and not giving up, going for it! A few weeks ago, we posted a blog on Charles Swindell’s poem ‘Attitude’. Susan Boyle’s story is completely about attitude. The poem says, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” As one of the judges put it, the entire audience was against her. I don’t think anyone told Susan Boyle that bit of information. If we could all have the attitude and outlook Ms. Boyle uses in her approach to life we might see some more magical moments in our own lives. After her performance she said she felt “bloody fantastic”…why wouldn’t she. Susan achieved a goal of singing in front of a large audience, fulfilled a promise to her late mom who encouraged her to sing, and found that person who gave her a chance….now over 19 million of them!

If for some reason you have not seen Susan Boyle’s performance, you must check it out.
http://tiny.cc/Q24lp

Mortgage Loan Processor

Our client is looking for individuals with a minimum of 2 to 5 years experience with mortgage loans....specifically in the closing aspect of mortgage loans.

Location: Rockford, IL

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm

Pay: Based on Experience

Type of Placement: This is a project. Estimated 4 to 6 weeks.

Job Requirements

• Title experience and closing experience is a must!
• Must have 2-5 years mortgage experience.
• Must successfully complete a drug screen and background check.

Please submit resumes to: furst.lsm@furststaff.com

Follow FurstStaffing on Twitter http://twitter.com/FurstStaffing

FurstStaffing provides comprehensive staffing solutions for industrial, administrative and office support, engineering and technical positions. Furst Staffing provides temporary, Furst-to-Hire and direct hire services, as well as exclusive on-site programs in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin and the Chicagoland area.

Maintenance Mechanice - Rockford - Direct Hire

The Maintenance Mechanic will provide cost effective lean manufacturing services to ensure equipment reliability, asset preservation, and safe working conditions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Performs rapid and reliable changeovers using Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) techniques.
• Understands and executes protocols for set-up of packagine equipment, as well as providing updates to ensure accuracy of changeover/setup documentation.
• Provides technical expertise to meet Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) targets for assigned packaging lines.
• Supports Production Line leadrs with running adjustments and repairs on various pieces of packaging equipment.
• General knowledge and experience in precision machining or tool and die is necessary.
• Reviews and executes Preventive, Predictive, and other Maintenance work orders.
• General knowledge and experience with automation and instrumentation and control systems.
• Adherence to all API and cGMP policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager.
  

Education: Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Mathematical:Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as fundamentals of planes and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Physical Demands:The employee frequently is required to stand; walk. The employee is occassionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Type of Placement: Direct Hire

Pay: $19.00 to $32.00 per hour, plus OT. DT for Sundays & Holidays.

Please submit all resumes to: jennifer.furst@furststaff.com

Follow FurstStaffing on Twitter http://twitter.com/FurstStaffing

FurstStaffing provides comprehensive staffing solutions for industrial, administrative and office support, engineering and technical positions. Furst Staffing provides temporary, Furst-to-Hire and direct hire services, as well as exclusive on-site programs in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin and the Chicagoland area.

Truck Detailer (20-40 hrs/wk) in Monroe, WI

Great Furst-to-Hire opportunity in Monroe, WI. 20-40 hours per week, will eventually lead to a f/t position. Auto Detailer to wash and detail trucks, then drive them from the shop to the parking lot. Experience driving a large truck or farming equipment is a plus. Must be able to back a truck into and out of a bay.

Location: Monroe, WI
Pay: $10/hr.
Start Date: ASAP.

Must have valid drivers license & clean MVR. DT/BKGD.

Please apply on-line @ www.furststaff.com
Any questions, call Furst Staffing in Darlington, WI @ 608.776.2600

PT, Bilingual, Central Scheduling Representative

Great Furst-to-Hire, Part Time opportunity in Rockford. Our client is an establish not for profit organization. They are in need of a Central Scheduling Representative. The Central Scheduling Representative will answer incoming calls, schedule patient appointments and perform other general clerical duties. Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Location: Rockford, IL (Northern Illinois)

Hours: Part Time. 8am to 12pm (noon), Monday through Friday. 20 hours per week.

Type of Placement: Furst-to-Hire

Start Date: ASAP

Pay: Based on previous experience.

Minimum Experience Required: Successful candidates will have at least 1 year experience answering phones and scheduling health care appointments.

Job Requirements

• Bilingual, English and Spanish.
• Ability to work 8am to noon, Monday-Friday.
• Excellent Customer Service Skills
• Accurate Data Entry Skills
• Ability to work in a team environment successfully
• Good basic math aptitude
• Must have a HS Dip/GED

If you are Bilingual (English/Spanish), please submit your resume to: furst.lsm@furststaff.com. Or you may call Lori with FurstStaffing in Rockford @ 815.229.7810.

Follow FurstStaffing on Twitter http://twitter.com/FurstStaffing

FurstStaffing provides comprehensive staffing solutions for industrial, administrative and office support, engineering and technical positions. Furst Staffing provides temporary, Furst-to-Hire and direct hire services, as well as exclusive on-site programs in Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin and the Chicagoland area.

We know how to recognize talent. We have been doing it since 1971. Our team's longevity, experience and commitment to personalized attention ensure we will only refer qualified candidates in a timely, efficient manner. We listen. We understand. And we can help

Each year, FurstStaffing helps thousands of people get hired. Top companies come to Furst with their open positions because they know our employees are the best. Shouldn't you be a part of the FurstStaffing team? Temporary or full-time, if you have the right skills, we can offer you excellent employment opportunities.