NewsroomPress releases from Geographic Solutions and news about our clients' siteshttps://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/NewsroomGeographic Solutions Named as Finalist for Digiday Media’s 2023 Greater Good Awardshttps://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/Newsroom/PostId/373/geographic-solutions-named-as-finalist-for-digiday-medias-2023-greater-good-awardsAwards,Disaster Recovery,Geographic SolutionsWed, 11 Oct 2023 12:56:03 GMT<p>We’re excited to announce Geographic Solutions has been named a finalist in the Employment category for <a href="https://digiday.com/announcement/awards/bmw-soylent-nbcuniversal-and-pinterest-are-finalists-for-this-years-greater-good-awards/">Digiday Media's 2023 Greater Good Awards</a>!</p> <p>This year’s award recognized Geographic Solutions’ rapid deployment of a Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal to help Floridians find employment and aid local businesses following Hurricane Ian in 2022. The Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal played a significant role in the state’s reemployment effort after many businesses were temporarily, and in some cases, permanently closed.</p> <p>The Greater Good Awards showcases the work being done around social causes, its impact, and ultimately those working toward the greater good. From racial equality to the environment to solving employment issues, the award recognizes the companies and their work that’s helping to create a positive impact on the world.</p> 373Geographic Solutions Partners with Hawaii DLIR to Launch Disaster Recovery Jobs Portalhttps://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/Newsroom/PostId/365/geographic-solutions-partners-with-hawaii-dlir-to-launch-disaster-recovery-jobs-portalClient News,Company News,Custom Portals,Disaster RecoveryMon, 28 Aug 2023 18:20:28 GMT<p>Articles first appeared at <a href="https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/dlir-news-release-state-activates-disaster-recovery-jobs-portal/">governor.hawaii.gov</a> and <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/recovery-center-opens-maui-offers-213200542.html">news.yahoo.com</a></p> <p>The Hawaii State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) today announced the availability of a disaster recovery jobs portal for Maui to help workers and businesses impacted by the wildfires. The portal, located at <a href="http://disasterrecovery.hirenethawaii.com">disasterrecovery.hirenethawaii.com</a>, provides access to all currently available jobs on Maui as maintained by the DLIR.</p> <p>Staff members are providing in-person services at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the University of Hawaii Maui College. Workforce services are also available at the American Job Center at 110 Alaihi St., Suite 209, in Kahului.</p> <p>"Activating the Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal is part of our effort to connect job seekers and employers as Maui recovers from this tragic event," said Jade T. Butay, DLIR Director. "Connecting workers and employers is critical to supporting our local economy and speeding recovery to alleviate the suffering of our people right now.</p> <p> </p> 365Governor Ron DeSantis Issues Disaster Recovery Updates on Hurricane Ianhttps://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/Newsroom/PostId/318/governor-ron-desantis-issues-disaster-recovery-updates-on-hurricane-ianDisaster RecoveryWed, 12 Oct 2022 20:38:37 GMT<div>Today, Governor Ron DeSantis gave updates on recovery efforts, financial assistance, and numerous resources available to those going through various stages and levels of disaster recovery. The update included information on search and rescue, emergency management, utilities, health and human services, infrastructure, and private sector support, amongst others.</div> <div> </div> <div>As part of his update, Governor DeSantis highlighted the Department of Economic Opportunity and CareerSource Florida's efforts to mobilize resources from Local Workforce Development Boards and their mission to connect businesses and people impacted by Hurricane Ian with workforce programs. As a way to look for employment opportunities and post disaster-related jobs that can rebuild Florida's communities impacted by Hurricane Ian, Floridians are urged to visit and utilize Florida's Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal at <a href="https://disasterrecovery.employflorida.com">disasterrecovery.employflorida.com</a>.</div> <div> </div> <div>To read more about the update and the portal's numerous resources, visit: <a href="https://www.flgov.com/2022/10/11/governor-ron-desantis-issues-updates-on-hurricane-ian-recovery-7/">https://www.flgov.com/2022/10/11/governor-ron-desantis-issues-updates-on-hurricane-ian-recovery-7/</a>.</div> <p> </p> 318Governor Ron DeSantis Highlights Workforce Recovery Resources for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ianhttps://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/Newsroom/PostId/316/governor-ron-desantis-highlights-workforce-recovery-resources-for-floridians-impacted-by-hurricane-ianDisaster RecoveryMon, 10 Oct 2022 14:11:01 GMT<p>Article first appeared at <a href="https://www.flgov.com/2022/10/07/governor-ron-desantis-urges-debris-removal-companies-to-hire-locally-highlights-economic-recovery-resources-available-for-floridians/">flgov.com</a></p> <p>Recognizing the monumental effort that debris removal will be in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is urging all companies who support debris removal, including those involved in debris hauling, monitoring, and solid-waste management, to hire displaced and employment-seeking Floridians, locally. Many Floridians in Southwest Florida have had their businesses and livelihoods impacted by the storm and are looking for work -- the private sector can help them get back on their feet by hiring locally for the length of recovery, which will support the local economy for at least the next six months.</p> <p>Read the entire article by visiting <a href="https://www.flgov.com/2022/10/07/governor-ron-desantis-urges-debris-removal-companies-to-hire-locally-highlights-economic-recovery-resources-available-for-floridians/">flgov.com</a>.</p> 316Governor Ron DeSantis Announces $5 Million In Dislocated Worker Grant Available For Floridians Impacted By Hurricane Sallyhttps://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/Newsroom/PostId/216/governor-ron-desantis-announces-5-million-in-dislocated-worker-grant-available-for-floridians-impacted-by-hurricane-sallyClient News,Custom Portals,Disaster RecoveryMon, 09 Nov 2020 20:50:00 GMT<p>Read the article at <a href="https://www.mysuncoast.com/2020/11/06/governor-ron-desantis-announces-million-dislocated-worker-grant-available-floridians-impacted-by-hurricane-sally/">www.mysuncoast.com</a>.</p> <p>TALLAHASEE, Fla. (WWSB) - Governor Ron DeSantis announces that Florida has been awarded $5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant program in response to Hurricane Sally.</p> <p>The grant is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and primarily provides disaster relief employment in the form of temporary jobs to Floridians who were impacted by Hurricane Sally.</p> <p>“My administration is committed to securing all resources available for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Sally,” said Governor DeSantis. “I appreciate Secretary Scalia and USDOL’s swift approval of our application so that we can help Floridians quickly. These grants will provide Floridians temporary employment opportunities that will allow them to not only support their families but also help support recovery efforts for their communities.”</p> <p>Disaster relief employment includes cleanup activities and humanitarian assistance. These activities may involve:</p> <ul> <li>Restoration and repair of public buildings and lands, including tree removal, stump grinding, beach cleanup, replanting, traffic sign replacement and sidewalk repair;</li> <li>Humanitarian assistance, including staffing of food bank, distribution centers and agencies providing clothing and other supplies;</li> <li>Assisting individuals affected by the storm with accessing resources; or</li> <li>Assisting businesses access resources.</li> </ul> <p>Individuals who qualify for disaster relief employment are workers who are temporarily or permanently laid off as a consequence of the disaster, dislocated workers, self-employed individuals who became unemployed or lost work due to the disaster, and individuals who have been unemployed long-term.</p> <p>To look for employment opportunities to help rebuild Florida’s communities impacted by Hurricane Sally or to post disaster-related jobs where a labor force is needed, visit Florida’s Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal at https://disasterrecovery.employflorida.com.</p> <p>For information regarding Disaster Recover National Dislocated Worker Grants, Floridians should contact their local career center. To find a local career center, visithttp://www.careersourceflorida.com/your-local-team.</p> <p>In addition to the Dislocated Worker Grant, the Department has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey.</p> <p>Businesses who were affected by Hurricane Sally can complete a damage assessment survey by visiting https://floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments and selecting “Hurricane Sally.”</p> 216Geographic Solutions' PUA Software Offers Relief States Managing Pandemic Unemployment Assistancehttps://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/Newsroom/PostId/74/geographic-solutions-pua-software-offers-relief-states-managing-pandemic-unemployment-assistanceCustom Portals,Disaster Recovery,ReemploymentFri, 17 Apr 2020 19:33:00 GMT<p><strong>PALM HARBOR, FL (April 17, 2020)</strong> – As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, our economy is experiencing an unprecedented crisis as a record number of Americans are filing first-time jobless claims.  As a result, states across the country struggle to alleviate website traffic bottlenecks, the intake of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims, and the distribution of benefits in a timely manner. Traditional unemployment systems are not equipped to collect and process claims for pandemic assistance, nor do they take special consideration for those not usually covered under traditional unemployment insurance parameters, such as self-employed or season workers.</p> <p>Software development firm Geographic Solutions, draws on extensive experience providing unemployment insurance solutions and disaster assistance to states such as Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee during disaster relief efforts that include the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Oil Spill, hurricane loss, wildfires, and widespread flooding. The company quickly modified its Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) solution to process PUA claim filings.</p> <p>The company’s PUA solution includes functionality to process new PUA declarations, declaration amendments, and abides by parameters governing PUA benefits. The system also generates data utilized in FEMA's Disaster Automated Reporting and Information System (DARIS) report. The U.S. Department of Labor requests the DARIS report weekly during a pandemic and its accuracy is pivotal to adequately funding the state.</p> <p>For individuals who have lost employment as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PUA solution allows users to file a claim and receive digital documentation of assistance eligibility. It also fully supports a configurable weekly certification. UI staff have the option to access the claim and adjudicate it manually, or the system will automatically adjudicate and resolve any pending issues. Payments can be output to a payment file for the Treasury or as a bank transfer.</p> <p>All of Geographic Solutions’ client sites have seen an influx in user count, site visits, and page views. Tennessee experienced over 46,000 concurrent users and noted 326,295 users as a single-day record—an approximate 1,800% increase in year-over-year statistics. With the support of Geographic Solutions, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development was able to handle the upswing in traffic to the JOBS4TN website, highlighting the systems’ flexibility, resilience, and reliability.</p> <p>Because of the system’s Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) configuration, PUA functionality can be rapidly implemented for any state, either as a standalone application or integrated with an existing Virtual OneStop or Geographic Solutions Unemployment System. It can be hosted on premises by Geographic Solutions or in a cloud configuration. For more information on the PUA solution, please contact Deane Toler, Director of Sales and Marketing at 727-786-7955 or DToler@geosolinc.com.<br />  </p> 74Governor Crist Launches Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs Web Sitehttps://www.geographicsolutions.com/News-Events/Newsroom/PostId/100/governor-crist-launches-florida-gulf-recovery-jobs-web-siteClient News,Custom Portals,Disaster Recovery,Product and Site LaunchesThu, 17 Jun 2010 12:29:00 GMT<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Governor Charlie Crist today unveiled Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs, a Web site that allows job seekers to locate and apply for positions created in response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs, found at <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160509040529/http:/www.floridagulfrecoveryjobs.com/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.floridagulfrecoveryjobs.com</a>, is a dedicated portal through Florida's official online job bank, the Employ Florida Marketplace, currently listing more than 3,500 positions related to response and recovery efforts, with additional positions posted regularly.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Immediate access to recovery-related job openings provides Floridians the opportunity to help our state while supporting their families and communities," said Governor Crist. "Our beautiful Sunshine State remains open for business, and Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs is the latest example of our coordinated efforts to ensure preparedness and strengthen our economy." Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs is a joint venture of the Agency for Workforce Innovation and Workforce Florida Inc., in partnership with the state's 24 Regional Workforce Boards. Designed as an online "one-stop shop" for job seekers and employers, the Web site allows job seekers to access available positions, which are verified by the local Regional Workforce Boards, as employers post them. Floridians can also call 1-877-362-5034 to learn more about available jobs related to response and recovery efforts.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Under Governor Crist's leadership, we are pursuing all options for maximizing assistance to the people and businesses of Florida who have been affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico," said Agency for Workforce Innovation Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo.  “Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs is a great resource for employers and job seekers with the skills and desire to help minimize the spill's impact and ensure a complete recovery."</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">"Our top priority is getting Floridians back to work and ensuring Florida's business climate continues to flourish," said Chris Hart IV, president/CEO of Workforce Florida Inc. and interim director of the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.  “Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs is a key component of the state's response to the oil spill, providing Florida's job seekers access to a wide array of employment opportunities and its businesses with a ready and willing talent pool."</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Some response and recovery jobs will require special training, for which job seekers may receive a stipend. More than 2,400 workers have already been trained and are eligible to begin filling these positions, including 302 who are already participating in Florida's recovery efforts. Information about required training is also available at <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160509040529/http:/www.floridagulfrecoveryjobs.com/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.floridagulfrecoveryjobs.com</a>. Additionally, job seekers are encouraged to visit one of the 93 local One-Stop Career Centers for information about these and other employment opportunities in their communities. Job seekers can locate their nearest One-Stop Center by visiting <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160509040529/http:/www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdir/index.htm" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdir/index.htm</a>.</span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Launched in 2005, the Employ Florida Marketplace, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160509040529/http:/www.employflorida.com/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.employflorida.com</a>, connects Florida businesses and job seekers, from entry-level to executive-level talent. More than four million jobs have been listed on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160509040529/http:/www.employflorida.com/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.employflorida.com</a> since the website's inception, and more than 30,000 visitors use the site daily to search for jobs, screen applicant resumes and research the latest labor market statistics.</span></span></span></p> 100