Phil Castle, The Business Times

Heather Nara has worked with businesses in a variety of roles over her career.

Nara started out as a health inspector and then become a supervisor of inspection programs. She subsequently managed early childhood services programs. Whether working with restaurants or day care centers, she said her priority was to nurture relationships and help businesses and their employees succeed.

Nara said she brings those experiences and priorities to her latest role in working with businesses — director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. “I’m very excited to continue this work.”

Nara oversees what she considers a one-stop of sorts that offers a range of services to businesses looking for employees as well as people looking for employment. That also includes connecting people with other programs and resources to help them overcome whatever barriers they face.

The mission, she said, is to help individuals and families achieve safety, stability and meaningful employment. “We can help people in all those areas.”

Nara joined the Mesa County Workforce Center after working for nearly 18 years with Mesa County Public Health.

She worked more than 13 years with the environmental health program as a health inspector and then supervisor of inspection programs. She worked another four years as manager of early childhood services programs. She holds a degree in environmental science from the University of Denver.

Nara said the roles reinforced the effects of regulations on businesses and the importance of helping businesses comply while also succeeding.

Nara said she loved her work, but the opportunity to serve as director of the Mesa County Workforce Center afforded an opportunity to continue to work with businesses on an even larger scale. “That just really lit a fire in me,” she said. “It was just that next step.”

Nara started the position April 1 and said she’s since been meeting with members of what she said was an “amazing” staff to learn more about operations as well ways to overcome barriers in providing services in the most efficient and effective manner. She said she cares about staff as not only employees, but also individuals, and wants them to succeed. “I really enjoy seeing the potential in people.”

For businesses looking for employees, Nara said the center posts job openings and hosts hiring events. The center also can help write job descriptions and screen applicants.

For those looking for employment, the center offers help with job searches, completing resumes and preparing for interviews. Classes help participants pass the General Educational Development Test. Help also is available in earning commercial drivers licenses. That’s not to mention assistance with child care and other resources.

Additional assistance is available to employers and job seekers with internships and on-the-job training.

Most services are available at no charge.

The center works with Mesa County School District 51, Colorado Mesa University and CMU Tech to help graduates find employment and keep talent in the Grand Valley, she said

In addition, the center works with the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, Business Incubator Center and local chambers of commerce to develop the workforce, bridge gaps in skills and training and meet the needs of businesses.

Nara said it’s important the center offers a place in which people can tell their stories just once, then receive the resources they need. Then it’s matter of matching those needs with the appropriate resources. “We’re always trying to understand what our county needs and use resources to the best of our ability.”

The Mesa County Workforce Center is located at 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. For more information about services and resources for employers and those seeking employment, call (970) 248-7560 or visit the website located at mcwfc.us.