Return to: Meeting Minutes
November 9, 1999
Call to Order: Chair John N. called the meeting to order at 7:05 a.m. The Chair welcomed guests from the Governor’s Workforce Development Council and asked that all present introduce themselves and give their reason for being at these meetings.
In Attendance:
Presentation From Mora School-To-Work Committee: Present to give the report were: Kathy Ferrin, STW-TP Coordinator, Karen Rasmussen, STW Committee, Judy Salmonson, STW Committee and Jack L’Heureaux, Villa Health Care Center. Kathy F. and presenters reported on and shared the following information. The Mora STW Partnership brochure was distributed, as were 1999-00 STW goals. The Career Center was explained and it was pointed out that it was for all learners, including those who came after school hours. Specific items covered were the transcript project (55 businesses pledged to participate), career fair for primary and intermediate schools, 7th grade student interviews, occupational and mock interviews, job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships. The presenters told of the entrepreneurial effort at Paradise Theatre where students manage the concession stand. They also explained the Teacher in the Workplace/Business in the Classroom program and told of recently held Connecting Community Celebration. A question and answer session followed the presentation. Chairman John N. thanked and commended the committee on their work and presentation.
Virtual Reality Presentation: Robert M. gave a presentation on virtual reality. He defined virtual reality, identified general capabilities, application to training and future in education. The product that will be available at Pine Technical College is a PC-based training program for machining. He set the stage for Virtual Reality Development Center that will be housed at Pine Technical College and expansion to new applications.
Minutes: Partnership meeting minutes of October 12, 1999 were approved upon motion by Ginger G. seconded by Ted D. Motion carried.
Presentation by Job Retention Specialist: Marty H. introduced Dennis Tollefson, job retention specialist, who is evaluating the transition people are making as they move from welfare to work. Dennis told of number of persons surveyed is at 200. Preliminary results are that 82% continue to be employed and that those making the transition are sharing their success stories at Job Club. Average wage is $9.37 per hour with a average workweek of 37 hours. He has seen individuals who have taken advantage of advancement opportunities and has helped with resumes and referral to appropriate agencies in several instances. He also recommended following-up on retention study, as it not scheduled to be done once present funding source is removed.
Allied Health Careers Committee: Dennis A. informed group of November 10th meeting with Kaylene Weiser to discuss supervisory training.
Web-Site Development: Ted D. reported on discussion at Executive Committee meeting. He outlined options discussed and told of committee focus that will center on developing a basic web-site for the partnership. Joe H. reminded group of potential web-site developer Don Lund of Pine City and that he had recently done web-site for cable cooperative.
School-To-Work Report: Ray H. reported that a Year 3 implementation grant has been approved for East Central Schools. The grant helps complete funding for the student run/owned business Eagle Printing. He also mentioned sharing session with statewide partnership directors that was held at Hutchinson in late October.
Governor’s Workforce Development Council: Representatives of the Governor’s Workforce Development Council were present at this meeting to learn more about the East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership. John N. welcomed the representatives and asked if they would describe effort, mission and make-up of the council. A short synopsis of the council’s make-up, goals and committee structure was outlined. The council has five committees that are tied to the five state departments involved. They are to give recommendations on best use of the $800 million spent on workforce training in the state and to identify gaps in skills and training. They are looking at best practices as a beginning. A general question and answer session was held in an effort for the council representatives to gain a better understanding of the ECMWF Partnership. The issue of replicating the partnership was discussed at length.
Information Sharing and Other Reports: A report from the MnSCU Chancellor regarding impending changes at Anoka-Hennepin Technical College was circulated and discussed. Members gave feedback to Chair John N. and asked that he respond to the proposal as to how it might impact workforce availability and skill levels in East Central Minnesota. Marty H. reminded the group of the upcoming mentoring workshop to be conducted by Kaylene Weiser.
Adjournment: Chairman John N. adjourned the meeting at 9:05 a.m.
Minutes by Ray Hoheisel