Client Success Stories
The Corporate Center has significant contacts with industry recognized experts and through its network of world-class consultants can design a tailored program that meets your specific need. Here is a sampling of The Corporate Center's customized programs and client success stories.
The Client: Naval Surface Warfare Center - Indian Head Division
The Naval Surface Warfare Center – Indian Head Division (NSWC-IHD) is Charles County's largest employer and is a leader in the Navy’s Energetics Enterprise. Its mission is to ensure operational readiness of U.S. and allied forces by providing the full spectrum technical capabilities necessary to rapidly move any “energetics” product from concept through production, to operational deployment.
When NSWC-IHD develops its annual workforce training plan, Workforce Development Director Jeanie Woods utilizes its partnership with CSM to fulfill workforce development needs. "Our goal is to consistently provide the workforce with high quality, efficient, and cost effective training to meet current and future needs."
The Corporate Center annually trains hundreds of NSWC-IHD employees in technical skills, computer applications, leadership, management, and supervision.
The Challenge:
In 2004, in accordance with a mandate from the U.S. government, the U.S. Navy started an initiative to achieve operational excellence utilizing tools such as Lean and Six Sigma (LSS). LSS concepts were relatively new to the DoD; however, contractors and manufacturing had been successfully using these initiatives for decades. It was pertinent that NSWC-IHD not only absorb the LSS principles and lessons learned from industry, but also be able to tailor LSS to their unique environment.
The Solution:
The Corporate Center introduced NSWC-IHD to Greg Fields, founder of Bridgewright Management Consultants. Greg Fields has an impressive track record in the deployment of LSS and after a number of on-site consultations, The Corporate Center was selected to deliver a tailored LSS program utilizing Bridgewright Management Consultants.
The Results:
The LSS deployment program integrated classroom training with on-the-ground project mentoring to develop a cadre of skilled Green and Black Belt teams. A survey from one of the training events reflects a high level of participant satisfaction: 85% rated the instructor's knowledge as extensive and complete while 100% agreed that the [Champion] course met their learning objectives. The right consultant combined with The Corporate Center’s flexible delivery model helped NSWC-IHD achieve positive results.
Read more to learn how a collaboration among local agencies and The Corporate Center resulted in two highly customized programs that equip students with marketable job-ready skills.
The Client: The Division of Rehabilitation Services
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers programs and services that help individuals with disabilities reach employment and independence. To assist those who need higher education to reach their goals, DORS collaborates with educational institutions to provide training and education. DORS is part of the Maryland State Department of Education.
The Challenge:
DORS was seeking training opportunities that would equip their clients with the skills to obtain and maintain employment in the local job market. It was also important that the training be delivered in locations that were convenient and accessible for the DORS clients.
The Solution:
The Corporate Center at CSM designed two programs to provide marketable job-ready skills that met the needs of the DORS clients – Microsoft Office Specialist training and a Culinary Arts Program. Both programs were conveniently delivered in Lexington Park, Maryland at a location that was easily accessible to the DORS clients. The Microsoft Office Specialist training prepared students with basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. The training concluded with a workshop focused on career planning and job search. The Culinary Arts Program prepared students for a career in the Food Service Industry. By the end of this program, participants had the skills necessary to assume entry-level positions in industrial and school cafeteria settings, restaurants, hospitals, and other similar operations where food is served.
The Results:
Ben Bryan, Supervisor of DORS tri-county area, had this to say about the programs: "The Microsoft Office Specialist training gives participants the basic computer skills needed to work in an office environment. As a result, we have found that the individuals who complete this training are able to quickly obtain well-paying jobs.
The Culinary Arts training was the collaborative effort of several local agencies--Three Oaks Center, DORS, St. Mary's County Community Development Corporation's Jobs Connection Program, and the Corporate Center at CSM. The end result was a successful program that will truly be a benefit to the local community!"
The Client: St. Mary's County Government
St. Mary's County is situated on a peninsula in Southern Maryland with over 400 miles of shoreline on the Patuxent River, Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Home to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, and over 200 high-tech defense contractors, the county has emerged as a world-class center for maritime aviation research, development and testing. Due mainly to the influx of technical jobs resulting from the consolidation of several Navy activities, the county had one of the largest increases in its median household income in the state during the past decade. Source: Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, 2005-2006.
The Challenge:
St. Mary's County Government needed to equip their staff with Microsoft Office computer skills to help them be more effective in their positions.
The Solution:
The Corporate Center designed a hands-on, interactive program to enhance employee skills related to the various levels of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Conveniently delivered in a computer lab at CSM's Leonardtown Campus, 217 staff members, approximately one-third of their entire workforce, participated in the training.
The Results:
Robert Kelly, Director of Information Technology for St. Mary's County Government had this to say: "The progressive training curriculum established a solid foundation for beginners and provided skills enhancement knowledge to our more experienced users which have improved the work quality and efficiency of all County Departments. Attendees of this training have returned to the workplace with a better understanding of the software applications and the ability to apply this knowledge to daily operations.
Overall this training has allowed us to improve our responses to citizen inquiries and citizen requests for services. The staff response to the training has been overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to doing business with the Corporate and Community Training Institute in the future."
The Client: DCS Corporation
DCS Corporation has a long year history celebrating employee ingenuity supporting the defense of our nation.
The Challenge:
In 2005, DCS needed to find the right person to help them set the tone for their strategic planning.
The Solution:
DCS partnered with The Corporate Center to find the right person. The Corporate Center selected John Kennedy, a highly successful national speaker, trainer, and business consultant for the job.
The Results:
Mr. Carl H. Dubac, Chairman of the Board, had this to say: "John Kennedy did an outstanding job in providing the expertise required to achieve our objectives. His presentations were right on target demonstrating his real understanding of our organization."
The Clients: NAVAIR and NSWC-IHD GrassRoots Leadership Program
NAVAIR at Patuxent Naval Air Station is the largest employer in the Southern Maryland region and NSWC-Indian Head Division is the largest employer in Charles County.
The Challenge:
The Corporate Center has a history of providing world-class executive leadership seminars to the region. Program costs were escalating and the challenge was to develop a new seminar format that would deliver high quality at an affordable price.
The Solution:
The Corporate Center collaborated with Doug Krug, an internationally recognized leadership consultant, NAVAIR, and NSWC-IHD to deliver the GrassRoots Leadership Program. This Program is based on the best-selling book It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy. NAVAIR and NSWC-IHD were enthusiastic about the program and agreed to a joint cost-sharing for delivery at the CSM Leonardtown Campus.
The Results:
The 3-day GrassRoots Leadership Seminar was a great success and will become The Corporate Center's annual Leadership Program. Here are some of the participant's comments:
"Resource guide is excellent...Location is very good...Content is spot-on."
"Great class! Plan to utilize many of the tools in my professional and personal life."
"Needs to be mandatory for all newly appointed managers. I thought it was a great course."
"This would be nice to do with employees I work directly with."
"Good to bring different organizations to the training. A project team would gain value also."
"Offer this course more frequently and to more people...excellent course that would benefit everyone."
"Great course. We need more training like this for our management."
"All senior management should take this course."
"Great training!! ...I now have better tools for getting more productive work out of my team."
"This course was quite possibly one of the most useful and enjoyable I have taken."
"Fantastic course! A different view of developing leadership than any other course I've taken."
Click here for more information about the next GrassRoots Leadership seminar.
The Client: Swales Aerospace
Swales Aerospace, established in 1978, is an employee-owned company that offers a full range of engineering services to the aerospace industry. Swales provides services for study, design, development, fabrication, integration, testing, verification, and operation of spaceflight as well as ground system hardware and software. Swales is the world leader in development and manufacture of two-phase thermal control technology for space applications. The company reported revenues of $193 million in 2005 and employs more than 900 aerospace professionals at its Beltsville, Maryland headquarters and its branch offices in California and Virginia.
The Challenge:
Swales Aerospace needed an Earned Value Class for a small group of employees.
The Solution:
The Corporate Center customized the convenient delivery for Swales utilizing one of its highly qualified instructors.
The Results:
Rebecca Quigley, Program Support Manager, had this to say: "I again just wanted to take an opportunity to thank you for the coordination of this class. The attendees were very pleased with the content of the class and the material they walked away with. The class was very informative and enjoyable. In addition, Mr. Dennis Chapman was a great instructor not only because of his knowledge and experience but his creative energy."
The Client: Burger King
KBJN is a local, independent franchisee of Burger King Corporation, currently managing seven restaurants located in Southern Maryland.
The Challenge:
In addition to providing hot meals and rapid service KBJN is also very interested n the professional development of their employees. Restaurant managers use a wide range of skills when managing staff and running a food service operation. In addition, they are responsible for the success of their individual business. Understanding the challenge faced by their restaurant managers, KBJN wanted to empower their staff and provide them with the necessary tools to develop an action plan that will meet the needs of their specific restaurant and as a result be more successful. To do this, it would be necessary to identify an industry expert who would be able to develop and implement this highly customized training and serve as a consultant throughout the six month process.
The Solution:
The Corporate Center at CSM partnered with KBJN to design a training program that would provide the general managers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively balance the multitude of roles and responsibilities that are tied to their position. The Corporate Center identified a highly-qualified instructor with significant experience in the food service industry, a background in business, and the flexibility to accommodate the busy work schedules of the KBJN staff. The instructor spent time individually with each of the restaurant managers and executive team, as well as quality time with the group to help them to master the necessary skills to be successful in their positions.
The Results:
Tom Saia, Vice President of Operations for KBJN, Inc. had this to say: " The training provided by The Corporate Center at CSM exceeded my expectations and contributed to the current growth and success of KBJN. I was extremely pleased with how we approached this process and developed the curriculum. The instructor for this course was a great match for the staff. He was fully engaged in the process, providing on-going open and honest guidance and feedback throughout the six month process."
The Client: St. Mary's Nursing Center
Located in St. Mary's County, the St. Mary's Nursing Center is a long-term care and rehabilitation facility. The 212-bed center offers a full range of high-quality healthcare to promote personal independence, safety and dignity of the resident and family.
The Challenge:
St. Mary's Nursing Center has many highly-skilled healthcare professionals entering into management and supervisor positions. In order to be successful in their new roles, these professionals needed to develop strong leadership skills. To equip these professionals with the needed skills, St. Mary's Nursing Center sought the expertise of the Corporate Center at CSM to design and deliver a leadership program.
The Solution:
The Corporate Center at CSM partnered with the St. Mary's Nursing Center to design a leadership development program that would prepare its supervisors to more effectively engage their staff. The training included strategies to increase employee retention and satisfy customers so that the organization would be more productive and profitable. The training employed a number of different learning methods, including lecture, group discussions and activities. Twenty supervisors benefited from this program that was delivered at CSM's Leonardtown campus.
The Results:
Kelly Keller, Director of Human Resources at St. Mary's Nursing Center had this to say: "The Corporate Center team did a wonderful job of meeting our specialized and individualized needs in management development and educating our leaders on engaging their staff. They customized their leadership training program in a way that could relate to the issues of our industry as well as the issues and personality clashes we face in our specific culture in our own facility. Our participants came away from the program very enlightened, and very excited about utilizing the skills they learned in the program. This was the most useful and productive tool I've ever been able to offer our managers.
Testimonials
The Wills Group
"Several years ago our corporate employee development committee committed to provide our management employees with more training opportunities. The plan was, and is, to give employees a list of 6 seminar choices scheduled throughout the fiscal calendar year. Partnering with The Corporate Center at CSM to determine appropriate topic areas and selecting from their menu of offerings has proven to be an effective way to elevate the management skills of our supervisory group. We look forward to a continuing, mutually advantageous relationship with CCTI well into the future." Stephen J. Niven, Vice President of Human Resources, The Wills Group
Civista Medical Center
"...the CSM business development staff has worked with us for several years and continue to design work-related courses that our managers can readily transfer into the workplace. They continue to appropriately match course content and instructors with our development needs. We find this partnership to be more cost effective than trying to maintain a management development program on our own." Margaret Fisher, Vice President, Human Resources
SMECO
"Facing the attrition of the "baby boomers" as well as the technological changes within the electrical industry, the Corporate Center at CSM has been a true partner to SMECO in advancing the value of continued education. It is our resource for leadership training.” Frank Mudd, Vice President, Human Resources
SMECO Finds True Partner in CSM's Corporate Center