WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission are sponsoring a free informational seminar on assimilating volunteers into the work place to benefit businesses and nonprofit organizations.
 
"Volunteers: An Important Part of the Business Culture" with keynote speaker James Canavan, executive director of Northern Berkshire United Way, will take place from 5:30  to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6,  at Williamstown Commons.
 
"In Berkshire County, in particular, there are so many nonprofit organizations that must rely on volunteers to fulfill their missions," said Williamstown Commons Administrator Joyce Brewer. "From volunteer board members, to those who use a wide range of skills and talent on behalf of the organization, learning to utilize that talent effectively for the benefit of everyone can be a challenge. We hope this presentation will serve as a great educational tool for our entire community."
 
Prior to his current position, Canavan was vice president of housing development from 2005 to 2008 for United Veterans of America Inc., for which he coordinated the development of affordable housing solutions for formerly homeless veterans.

From 1992 to 2002, he was executive director of Community Teamwork Inc., a nonprofit organization in the greater Lowell area. This regional housing agency operates with a budget of more than $60 million and employs approximately 500 people.
 
Canavan earned a certificate in executive leadership from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in 2006. He received a master of science in public affairs from the University of Massachusetts at Boston in 1986, and his bachelor's degree from UMass at Dartmouth in 1975.
 
Light refreshments will be served at this free event. Call 413-458-2111 to RSVP.