Farm Bureau Offers Ag-Tailored WHEEL Program

The Sonoma County Farm Bureau has signed on to the WHEEL (Worksite Held Employee English Learning) program as a partner organization and will be offering classes tailored to the unique needs of the agriculture industry in 2013. Ag industry businesses are invited to participate in the program at no-cost for up to five employees, which will be held at the Farm Bureau offices.

With a focus on programs that have both short and long term business benefits, the basics of the WHEEL program are English language classes, a financial literacy component and an extended family literacy class to increase the participation of parents in the education of their young children. Each program implementation can be customized to the needs of a particular business or industry.

"Farm employees are essential to the success of any farm. The WHEEL program offers amazing opportunities for families and employees of farm businesses," said Lex McCorvey, executive director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. "The needs and challenges of ag businesses are different than those of a local hotel or manufacturer. We’re excited to work with the Farm Bureau and local farmers on customizing WHEEL to fit their needs," said Kelly Bass Seibel, Director of Workforce Development at the Chamber.

Classes will take place at the Farm Bureau on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4:00 – 6:00 pm starting in January and running through March. For ag businesses interested in participating, contact the Chamber at (707) 545-1414.

For more information on the WHEEL program, visit SantaRosaChamber.com/WHEEL.