Fast-growth companies to get help with work-force issues
Business First of Louisville - April 7, 2006

Bryce Johnson, president and CEO of Peptides International Inc., is pleased that the Louisville biotech firm is growing, with a facility expansion under way and the addition of employees.

But at the same time, there are some challenges that accompany fast growth.

His company already has brought additional staff members on board, and it plans to add another three to five workers in two years.

When trying to find scientists and other key personnel, it's very important that the new individuals not only have the necessary skill set but that they also "fit" within the company's culture, Johnson said.

But as a small company fewer than 20 employees, Peptides International does not have a human resources department that it can pull from to assist with that process.

Johnson's story is one that Lisa Bajorinas, director of the High Impact Portfolio for Greater Louisville Inc., hears frequently.

She interacts every day with fast-growth companies that are part of the High Impact Program, a private-public partnership that was launched in 2004 to assist businesses that make a significant impact on the region's economy through wealth and job creation.

The initiative is funded by Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government and administered by GLI, the metro chamber of commerce.

Work-force program set for April 11

To address the need, Bajorinas has organized a workshop to provide resources on attraction and retention of top talent as well as information on profiling tools and behavioral assessments used to ensure a good fit between an employer and job candidate.

Although educational events are held for High Impact companies on a quarterly basis, Bajorinas said, the upcoming session is the first one to focus on work-force challenges.

Speakers will include Steven Kraus, president of Human Resource Advantage; Jennifer Mackin, president of The Oliver Group; and Jeff Rausch, president and CEO of Risk Management Services Corp.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, with breakfast and networking. The program will run from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

One of the members of the High Impact Program, Blendex Co., will host the event at its offices at 11208 Electron Drive.

Cost for the session is $20, and it is open only to High Impact companies. For more information about the event or the High Impact Program, contact Bajorinas via email, lbajorinas@GreaterLouisville.com.

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