Newsroom

VOS Sapphire AI Recognized as an Honoree for the Tampa Bay Inno Awards

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:28:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions’ award-winning VOS Sapphire AI received another accolade during the 2024 Tampa Bay Inno Awards ceremony on November 14.

VOS Sapphire AI was recognized as an honoree in the Artificial Intelligence category for its innovative use of AI to aid employers in recruiting talent and helping job seekers stand out as the best-suited candidates. The award also highlighted the software’s robust security protocols and safeguarding to protect our users’ sensitive data and information.

In addition to celebrating our technological innovation, the award spotlighted Geographic Solutions’ commitment to innovate through integrity and community involvement. This includes hosting regular tech meetups and supporting students through a scholarship program.

The 2024 Tampa Bay Inno awards are presented by the Tampa Bay Business Journal to celebrate outstanding individuals, innovative companies, and groundbreaking projects within the vibrant Tampa Bay tech community.

Click here to learn more.

CALPIA’s Entry to Employment Network Paves the Way to Employment for Incarcerated Individuals

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:12:00 GMT

For the first time, incarcerated individuals are able to connect with employers and secure job offers before leaving prison through the Entry to Employment (E2E) network. The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA), in partnership with the California Employment Development Department (EDD), is offering the web-based employment network through contract provider Geographic Solutions.

“The Entry to Employment network is a game changer when it comes to successful reentry for incarcerated individuals,” said CALPIA’s General Manager Bill Davidson. “CALPIA wants individuals to have a career before they return to their communities and this first-of-its-kind network is definitely helping in the process.”

The E2E network opens the door for incarcerated individuals to access EDD’s second-chance employer list and job offerings through CalJOBS, in addition to other popular employment websites. The E2E Network also allows the private business sector to access a more qualified and trained workforce in a market that frequently struggles to find qualified employees.

“It all starts with a meaningful job!” emphasized Rusty Bechtold, CALPIA’s Assistant General Manager over Workforce Development. “Current and future employers use technology and web-based recruitment tools to hire new employees. Individuals who leave prison find it difficult to get a job with limited exposure to job search technology. The E2E Network provides that valuable guidance on how to get a job in the modern world and allows incarcerated individuals to take that experience with them.”

CALPIA’s Workforce Development Coordinators help incarcerated individuals at California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) prisons with their résumé and pre-employment preparations. Once an individual is on the network, they can search for jobs that match their skills and qualifications. E2E displays positive employer matches and provides the functionality for incarcerated individuals to apply for available opportunities.

Douglas Woodall was the first applicant who was hired using the E2E network while incarcerated at California State Prison, Solano. Mr. Woodall was hired by a leading manufacturing company in mid-April and is extremely grateful.

“The E2E system helped me land a job,” said Woodall. “I was able to build a professional résumé and get an early start applying for jobs in prison which was beneficial in the job hunt.”

Individuals who have approximately 180 days left on their sentence and who are part of CALPIA’s job training programs can participate in the secure job-seeking network.

“EDD is excited to be part of this collaborative program to help those soon-to-be released adjust successfully to reentry with the help of a good job,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “We are committed to improving California's economic growth while meeting the evolving needs of employers, workers, and job seekers.”

The E2E network started at California State Prison, Solano and has now expanded to Central California Women’s Facility, Valley State Prison, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and Avenal State Prison. The goal is to have the E2E network available at every prison in California.

“We are honored to partner with CALPIA to help close the skills gap and increase job placement for those leaving prison,” said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. “Our E2E software solution will provide incarcerated individuals with the necessary tools and resources needed to help them find employment and thrive outside of prison, from one integrated online platform.”

It is expected that 600-800 individuals will go through the E2E program per year.

“I am thrilled to see how the E2E network secures career opportunities for people about to leave prison,” added Davidson. “CALPIA is all about second chances and now we are seeing individuals in our programs find true success with employment before returning home.”

You can also read the complete press release here - which has been syndicated to Yahoo Finance, Benzinga, Seeking Alpha, and 364 additional publications.

Geographic Solutions Partners With World Employment Confederation

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:25:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions is excited to announce it has officially partnered with the World Employment Confederation (WEC), the global authority of the private employment services industry.

Through this partnership, Geographic Solutions will join a worldwide network of employment and recruitment experts who are committed to driving innovation, sharing best practices, and making a positive impact on the employment sector. Geographic Solutions’ ability to meld concepts and experiences with diverse employment agencies will help WEC members highlight relevant labor market trends across countries as well as compliance needs – further reinforcing the company’s stance as a knowledge hub on all things labor market.

“Our mission to help individuals and families find meaningful employment and thereby drive economic development across geographies perfectly aligns with WEC’s vision and international scope,” explains Paul Toomey, Founder and CEO of Geographic Solutions. “The World Employment Confederation offers a sophisticated, policy-oriented and technology-forward environment. A software service provider like our company can share a unique vantage point from the public employment sector, as well as from the higher education space.”

The WEC is the global voice of the private employment services industry, representing national federations and workforce solutions companies from around the world. The WEC plays a crucial role in shaping policies, regulations, and best practices for the industry. By collaborating with the WEC, Geographic Solutions aims to contribute to the collective effort of improving access to quality employment services and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors.

For more information on the partnership, visit the link here.

Geographic Solutions Launches VOScast Podcast Series

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:29:30 GMT

Palm Harbor, FL – January 19, 2024 – Geographic Solutions, in partnership with Workforce180, is excited to announce the launch of VOScast, a 12-episode podcast series that delves into the world of workforce development, unemployment insurance, and creative ways to reach hard-to-serve demographics.

Hosted by Geographic Solutions’ Digital Content Specialist, Evan Brenner, the VOScast series tackles a range of timely workforce-related topics, as well as thought-provoking discussions with industry experts, workforce development professionals, and policymakers. Each episode will explore the latest developments and challenges in the industry, as well as delve into ancillary aspects of workforce development, including innovative software that secures employment for the justice-involved prior to parole and aligning collegiate programs with local hiring needs in order to feed talent pipelines.

"We are excited to launch the VOScast series and provide a platform to discuss the critical issues, trends, and news facing the workforce development industry," said Paul Toomey, President of Geographic Solutions. "Our goal is to hit the airwaves, foster meaningful conversations and share insights that will empower and inspire organizations as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of workforce development."

The podcast series is part of Geographic Solutions’ ongoing commitment to supporting workforce development efforts and providing innovative solutions that support and drive those in the workforce industry. In partnering with Workforce180, an established and well-respected industry professional, the two entities hope to cast a broader listener net in an effort to bring together a community of workforce development professionals to offer a sounding board, share knowledge, best practices, and valuable insights.

The first episode features the Executive Director of WorkSource East Central Georgia, La Tunya Goodwin as a guest. The VOScast is now available on the Geographic Solutions website and on popular podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.