E.U.P.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Preliminary
Minutes
The E.U.P. Workforce Development Board meeting was
held at Studebaker’s Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie.
Workforce Development Board President Jill Hazel called the meeting to
order at
Workforce Development Board Members
Present:
Gary Deuman
Shirley Farnquist
David Goldthorpe
Joe
Halvorsen
Jill Hazel
Jeff
Holt
Aaron Hopper
Karen Olsen
Jen Prpich
Sandee Raappana
Dave Ramsay
Pat Shimmens
John Ufer
Barbara Weber
David Weber
Workforce Development Board Members
Absent:
Tony Bosbous
Kathy Langhals
Ernie Maas
Ken Smith
Aaron Tadgerson
Vicky Wagner
Bold names denote private sector.
Guests Present:
Rick Conklin
Ed DeTour
Megan Jack
Victor Preli
Staff Present:
Gwen Worley
Kim Wilcox
There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.
The minutes of the
This month’s spotlight was focused on Workforce Development Board Members Pat Shimmens and Aaron Hopper. Pat and Aaron each provided a brief summary of their occupations. Pat Shimmens, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Commission, has been with the agency for over 23 years. She mentioned that there are currently 264 housing units that provide affordable housing to income-eligible city residents. Aaron Hopper has held positions in the private sector as well as working for the community. He has operated a logging business as well as served on the Strongs and Brimley School Boards and also was a Chippewa County Commissioner. He represents economic development on the Workforce Development Board as he is a Chippewa County EDC Board Member.
Director Worley described the Employment Service Plan for Program Year 2006. The total allocation for PY 2006 totals $91,942. It is anticipated that approximately $20,000 will be carried in from PY 2005. Consolidated Community Schools is the current contractor of this program. Aaron Hopper moved to approve the Employment Service Plan as presented. Gary Deuman supported. Motion passed.
It was noted that the contracts for Employment Services and the WIA Programs expire this year. Requests for Proposals will be sent out for competitive bid and proposals will be presented at the June Workforce Development Board Meeting.
Rick Conklin, Transition Coordinator at Northern Transitions, provided a presentation of the transitional services offered to students. The main focus of his position is to assist special education students in the transition from school to the workforce. He noted that there are currently over 1000 special education students in the E.U.P. and that most of these students stay in the area. He also partners with the Intermediate Schools Services and Michigan Rehabilitation to provide services to students. The Transitional Program and his enthusiasm of his position were well received by Workforce Development Board Members.
Director Worley updated WDB members of a Customer
Service Training to be held on Thursday, May 4.
There will be two, ½ day trainings offered to job seekers regarding the
need to deliver outstanding customer service.
Staff is currently providing outreach to potential participants.
The possibility of additional customer service workshops and job
shadowing are being considered to follow this training.
Participants completing the training and workshops would then receive a
certificate to present to potential employers.
A
Several informational items were reviewed.
Board Members Jen Prpich and David Goldthorpe agreed to speak at the next WDB meeting.
As there was no new or old business, Workforce
Development Board President Jill Hazel adjourned the meeting at
Jill Hazel,
President
Date Approved
E.U.P. Workforce Development
Board
Prepared by Kim Wilcox
