E.U.P. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Preliminary Minutes

October 20, 2005

The E.U.P. Workforce Development Board meeting was held at Kewadin Hotel and Convention Center in Sault Ste. Marie.  Workforce Development Board President Jill Hazel called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m.

Workforce Development Board Members Present:

Tony Bosbous
Gary Deuman
David Goldthorpe
Jill Hazel
Jeff Holt
Jennifer Storey (Alt)
Joe Halvorsen (Alt)
Jen Prpich
Sandee Raappana
Pat Shimmens
Ken Smith
John Ufer
David Weber

Workforce Development Board Members Absent:

Ernie Maas
Carmen McLaren
Karen Olsen
Dave Ramsay
Aaron Tadgerson
Vicky Wagner
Barbara Weber

Bold names denote private sector.

Guests Present:

Carol Boger
Victor Preli

Staff Present:

Gwen Worley
Kim Wilcox

There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.

The minutes of the September 15, 2005 , Workforce Development Board meeting were approved as submitted following a motion by Jeff Holt and support by Gary Deuman.

The Regional Leadership Session held on October 3 in Gaylord was described.  Workforce Development Board Members Pat Shimmens, Jill Hazel, Jen Prpich, and John Ufer attended this meeting with Director Worley.  Overall, this meeting was very informative in learning the needs and issues of other Workforce Development Boards in Northern Michigan .  Possible adjustments to the WDB meetings were discussed; such as grouping all action items together under one motion, updating the strategic plan more frequently, assign committees to bring information to the Board, and have presentations from various speakers, either current WDB members or area agency representatives, regarding their agencies for additional information to members.  Possible presenters could include directors from the local Economic Development Corporations, MDLEG representatives, and local employers.

Workforce Development Board members reviewed revisions to the procurement policy.  Director Worley indicated that there were not many changes needed to keep this policy updated to the State’s requirements. 

The Trade Act Budget for FY 2006 was reviewed.  Funding totals $12,000 for this program and is contracted through Consolidated Community School Services.  The Trade Act plan provides funding for former employees of Wohlert Special Products.

Tony Bosbous moved to approve the procurement policy revisions and the trade act budget for FY 2006.  Gary Deuman supported.  Motion passed.

The Regional Skill Alliances (RSAs) currently being promoted in Michigan were discussed.  RSAs are used to address worker and skill shortages in the region.  At this time, two RSAs that cover the Upper Peninsula are healthcare and electrical lineman training.  A new round of funding has been allocated for additional RSAs.  Director Worley indicated that letters of support have been submitted for the U.P. for industrial manufacturing, wood and timber products, and construction trades.  Workforce Development Board members will be updated when additional information is received.

The promotion and progress of the revised goals of the Strategic Plan was provided.  A list of workshops which staff will be presenting was reviewed.  It was mentioned that area employers may be interested in registering current employees to attend these workshops.

Several informational items were reviewed.

Director Worley was pleased to note that several members were registered to attend the Economic Summit scheduled for the following day.  Michigan Works! is a sponsor of this event, contributing the $500 that was offered but not needed for the initial summit last February.  A host of speakers from as far away as Okemos will present various topics of local interest.  The theme is Education X Environment X Economy = Community (E3=C).

Under new business, the next Workforce Development Board Meeting was scheduled for Thursday, December 1 at 4:00 p.m. in Sault Ste. Marie.

Also under new business, Jennifer Storey from the Department of Human Services distributed information regarding a Health Care Listening Tour to be held on October 26 at Lake Superior State University at 4:00 p.m.   This meeting would allow local residents to express their concerns about health insurance and the community.

As there was no old business, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. following a motion by John Ufer and support by Tony Bosbous.

 

                            Signed                                                                                  12/1/05

                                                                                                                                                        

 Jill Hazel, President                                                                Date Approved

E.U.P. Workforce Development Board

 

Prepared by Kim Wilcox