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:
Lynn Beard
Carol Boger
Tony Bosbous
Gary Deuman
Jill Hazel
Jennifer Storey (Alt)
Sandee Raappana Dave
Ramsay
Susan Sliger
Ken Smith
John Ufer
Barbara Weber
Workforce
Development Board Members Absent:
Kevin
Ayotte
Shirley Farnquist
Henry Guzzo
Jeff Holt
Aaron Hopper
Carmen Pittenger
David Scott
Pat Shimmens
Bold names denote Private Sector.
Guests Present:
Susan
Blansett
Ed DeTour
Tim Hatfield
Nance Karst
Staff
Present:
Kim
Wilcox
Gwen Worley
There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.
The
minutes of the
The proposal from Northern Transitions for the FY 2008 Work First Program was reviewed. This was the only proposal received. Northern Transitions is the current provider of this program. The funds requested total $315,000. Director Worley indicated that as there has not been an official allocation received from the State, this may have to be negotiated after the proposal is approved. Ed DeTour, Director of Northern Transitions, answered questions regarding the general operation and performance benchmarks of the Work First Program. Carol Boger moved to award the Work First contract to Northern Transitions. John Ufer supported. Motion passed.
As the official policy to the No Worker Left Behind program has been received, it has been determined that our supportive services policy needs to be revised. Director Worley indicated that the current supportive services policy for WIA is rarely used. After a complete assessment with the participant, staff will determine if any supportive services are needed. It is the staff’s intention that all known options will be considered prior to utilizing the supportive services offered in the policy. Supportive services offered include transportation costs, required training equipment, child care, and tutoring. It was noted that this policy is a starting point and can be modified if necessary. Gary Deuman moved to approve the supportive service policy as presented. Ken Smith supported. Motion passed.
Workforce Development Board Members reviewed a spending plan for additional WIA Dislocated Worker funds to be used for No Worker Left Behind training services. Funds total $24,587 and must be reported separately from the current WIA Dislocated Worker allocation. John Ufer moved to approve the additional WIA Dislocated Worker allocation. Barb Weber supported. Motion passed.
Tony
Bosbous introduced Susan Blansett from R & M Resource Development, LLC.
This firm was hired by Sault Ste. Marie to create a plan of economic
visioning and strengthening economic development in the area.
After hosting focus groups in Sault Ste. Marie, a draft economic
development strategy plan was created. This
plan is a divided into three sections — (1) Primary Job Growth, (2) Community
Improvement, and (3) Emerging Opportunities.
In order for this plan to succeed, it would require collaboration with
representatives from both private and public sector.
Susan described how this program would be beneficial to the entire
Director Worley provided an updated to the Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative. As the official start date of this program is set for October 1, the Consortium is currently beginning hiring procedures for additional staff. The office is still waiting for approval from the State for the MPRI plan and the total allocation. Director Worley will continue to provide updates as they are received.
Several informational items were reviewed.
Under
new business, Director Worley provided information regarding the 2007 Upper Great Lakes
Economic and Workforce Development Summit.
The summit will be held on September 27 in
As
there was no old business, the meeting adjourned at
Jill Hazel, President
Date Approved
E.U.P. Workforce Development Board
Prepared by Kim Wilcox
