Media Relations Office:
Workforce Development Staff pull together during tough times
August 11, 2005 - The Arizona Correctional Industries/Workforce Development (ACI) building in southwest Phoenix was hit with a deluge of rain and high winds on the night of August 2. But when the security alarm sounded around 11 p.m., no one would have guessed at the extent of the problem. Several large portions of ACI's roof caved in under the weight created by the sudden downpour. "The main beam caved in, breaking a water main on it's way down. That caused approximately 100,000 gallons per hour of water to pour into the building for about three hours, not to mention all the rain from the roof," Charles Flanagan, Workforce Development Administrator, said. Indeed the damage was extensive, somewhere between $500,000 and $750,000 worth. Several areas of the roof collapsed including the computer room where the servers are housed and two separate areas of the warehouse. Also, several side beams had collapsed into the general business area. "Bill Branson is one of the first people notified when the alarm goes off. By the time he arrived at the building the water was nine inches deep," Flanagan said.
Despite being stunned and understandably upset, Workforce Development staff swung into action without missing a beat. According to Mr. Flanagan, thanks to the efforts of WFD staff and ADC employees from around the state, phone service was restored and office space was found for 50 employees within 24 hours. See Mr. Flanagan's email thanking staff. Alex Benlein, Executive Staff Assistant, explained that staff have been relocated as follows; 29 team members to 1110 W. Washington, two people to 1601 W. Jefferson, 8 people to 1831 W. Jefferson and two staff members to Perryville. "Our staff has been really great. They're sharing cubicles and have papers hanging over their cubes drying," Mr. Flanagan said. "Upon first seeing the building on August 3rd, we weren't sure we would be able to return at all. But demolition work has already been completed and we've already begun rebuilding. We are hoping to be back in our building by early to mid- September." |
