Every year I give thanks to my wonderful clients by making a contribution to a Nevada charity.

This year, since the economy and high unemployment rate are still front and center on all of our minds, I decided to give to ProNet, a non-profit organization that prepares unemployed professionals to re-enter the workforce.

I know several terrific, capable people who found themselves without a job these past couple of years. They have shared their personal stories about the challenges of keeping their spirits up as they hunt for opportunities - often below their level of knowledge and expertise. They also spoke very highly about the support that they received from ProNet.

ProNet, an office of JOIN, Inc., is a TREMENDOUS community resource. The amazing part is that it is member-run with very little support staff. All unemployed professionals in Northern Nevada are welcome to join. Members take classes in areas such as interview skills, personal branding, job searching and compensation negotiation that are given by other unemployed professionals. They have a computer resource center to facilitate job searches. Networking opportunities abound.

And the best news is when ProNet loses a member, they have in fact succeeded - because someone has found a job!

Thank-you ProNet for matching skills to job opportunities and for your contribution to our community.

Happy New Year!