Phil Castle, The Business Times

Lindsay Bullock recalls what her mother once told her about what retailers actually sell, and that’s customer service.

Bullock remains mindful of that maxim in her latest role as director of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction. What she describes as a one-stop shop provides an array of services to customers, including individuals looking for jobs and businesses looking for employees. “We just want the resources we have to be of the most benefit.”

Bullock also promotes collaboration — among the staff at the center, the businesses with which the center works and other organizations involved in workforce and economic development.

While a tight labor market and changing workplace culture challenge employers, she sees opportunities for new approaches. Moreover, the Grand Valley offers other perks, she says. “It’s a wonderful place to live.”

Bullock succeeds Curtis Englehart, who left the center in August to become executive director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. She joins a new generation of leaders that includes Englehart as well as Candace Carnahan at the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce and Dallida Bollig at the Business Incubator Center.

Bullock brings to her duties nearly two years of experience at the center as a career development supervisor. She served the last three months as manager. Before joining the center, she worked as an eligibility specialist and supervisor with the Mesa County Department of Human Services.

She worked with her mother and sister for seven years in operating Bibs to Cribs, a Grand Junction store selling used clothing and furnishings for children as well as other household goods.

Bullock holds a bachelor’s of business administration degree from Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.

Bullock says she’s excited to start her new job, further develop partnerships and build on what’s already been accomplished. “I love what we do here.”

Her new job involves “a little bit of everything,” she says.

She oversees a staff of 65 at the workforce center who in turn administer a variety of programs and provide a range of services. “We have a great team here.”

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

For businesses looking for employees, Bullock says the center posts job openings and hosts hiring events. The center also can help write job descriptions and screen applicants. Additional assistance is available with internships and on-the-job training.

The goal, Bullock says, is to offer in one place the resources people and businesses need. Regardless of their positions, staff members are committed to helping people and businesses, she says. “Everything we do for our customers falls within your job description.”

Bullock says she values collaboration both as an administrator at the center and partner with other Grand Valley organizations.

The center works with Mesa County School District 51, CMU and Western Colorado Community College to help graduates find employment and keep talent in the Grand Valley, she says.

The center also 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, she says.

The Mesa County labor market remains tight, Bullock says. The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.4 percent in September, the latest month for which estimates are available.

Most industry sectors have struggled with labor shortages, she says. The situation has been especially challenging for the health care sector and what’s one of the biggest employers in the Grand Valley

People are relocating to the Grand Valley, she says, many of them from the Front Range of Colorado. But a lot of them work remotely. They live in the Grand Valley, but still work for employers in Denver and elsewhere.

New and different approaches could be needed to address labor shortages, Bullock says. That could include dividing full-time positions into part-time positions allowing more flexibility for those who fill them — high school and college students, for example, or parents of young children in school.

Her advice to business owners and managers? “It’s just a matter of keeping an open mind.”

And keeping in mind the Mesa County Workforce Center offers programs that could help — along with a continued commitment to customer service.

The Mesa County Workforce Center is located at 512 29 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. For more information about programs and services, log on to https://mcwfc.us.