Strong Showing for WHEEL Spanish and English Classes

On June 22nd, the conference room at Rodney Strong Wine Estates was filled with positive energy and camaraderie. For 26 employees, it was graduation day from the company’s first round of WHEEL program English and Spanish classes.

Every participant received a certificate of outstanding attendance, demonstrating their collective drive to communicate better. For Rodney Strong Wine Estates, this is an effort that extends beyond vocabulary to creating a culture of understanding in which everyone participates.

Carmen Castaldi, the company’s president, was there to congratulate the graduates. He spoke about each individual’s value to the company and the importance of communication before inviting them to participate in a second level of WHEEL classes that will take place after harvest.

The WHEEL program now offers both Spanish and English language classes with a custom designed curriculum that includes industry specific language. In addition to language classes, WHEEL offers customizable components to support a business and its employees through the WHEEL Plus program. Some examples of the WHEEL Plus program include financial literacy for employees, Earned Income Tax Credit and free tax preparation information, resources to help support parents find high-quality child care and more to help you create a family-friendly workplace.

The WHEEL program is partially funded by First 5 Sonoma County. For more information on the WHEEL program, visit the WHEEL pages on the Chamber’s website or contact Ananda Sweet at (707) 636-3662.