E.U.P. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Preliminary Minutes

August 9, 2007

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 4:10 p.m.

Workforce Development Board Members Present:

Kevin Ayotte
Tony Bosbous
Gary Deuman
Jill Hazel
Jeff Holt
Jennifer Storey (Alt)
Carmen Pittenger
Valerie Povey
Sandee Raappana
Dave Ramsay
Pat Shimmens
Susan Sliger
Ken Smith
John Ufer

Workforce Development Board Members Absent:

Lynn Beard
Carol Boger
Shirley Farnquist
Henry Guzzo
Aaron Hopper
Barbara Weber

Bold names denote Private Sector.

Guests Present:

Nance Karst
Bill Sutter
Colin Van

Staff Present:

Gwen Worley
Kim Wilcox

There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.

The minutes of the July 12, 2007 , Workforce Development Board Meeting were approved as submitted following a motion by Tony Bosbous and support by Pat Shimmens.

Colin Van from Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) described a mentoring program of connecting ex-offenders with employers in the Upper Peninsula .  The main goal of the program is to get jobs for ex-offenders.   This program assists the ex-offender in overcoming whatever obstacles he/she may have in obtaining employment.  Obstacles range from learning work ethics to substance abuse issues.  He also works directly with employers in order to help the ex-offender obtain employment.  Mentoring is ongoing.  This program will be a useful tool with the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative.

Director Worley provided an update of the No Worker Left Behind Program.   This program started August 1 and is the Governor’s new initiative to invest in up to two years of training for unemployed or underemployed individuals, with the goal of improving the skills of Michigan ’s workforce.  This program basically maintains most of the features of the EUP Michigan Works!’s current WIA classroom training program.  Although the Governor is seeking $40 million in state funding, there is no new money for this program at this time.  Activities will be funded with current WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker funds.  The State has not issued an official policy yet.  Under the draft policy, there are questions and concerns as to how the program will accommodate the current WIA performance requirements and extend funds for supportive services.  It was noted that some policies may have to be changed in order to manage this program.  Recommendations to change our supportive service guidelines will not be made until an official policy is received.  To incorporate No Worker Left Behind Guidelines, action was requested to change the threshold of self-sufficiency to a family income of $40,000 or more.  The approval of the demand occupations list was also requested.    Gary Deuman moved to approve the changes of the self-sufficiency definition and the demand occupation list.  Ken Smith seconded.  The motion passed with opposition voiced by Dave Ramsay, John Ufer, and Tony Bosbous.

Director Worley will update the Workforce Development Board as additional information of the No Worker Left Behind program is received.

The Michigan Works! Service Center Operation Grant was described.  This grant totals $60,000, which is an increase of $5,000 over last year.  This grant will provide funding to cover a portion of the overall service center expenses including salaries.  Tony Bosbous moved to approve the Service Center Operation Grant.  John Ufer supported.  Motion passed.

Director Worley provided an update of the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative.

Several informational items were reviewed.

Under new business, it was mentioned that the Michigan Department of Corrections has scheduled a job fair for correction officers at Lake Superior State University on August 23 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

As there was no old business, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. following a motion by Ken Smith and support by John Ufer.

                      Signed                                               9/13/07

                Jill Hazel, President                                            Date Approved

    E.U.P. Workforce Development Board

Prepared by Kim Wilcox