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Call to Order: Chairman John N. called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Apologies: John N. gave apologies for Executive Director, Ray Hoheisel and explained that he had surgery and was likely to be inactive for about a month.

In Attendance: Noel Harness, Pine Technical College, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft, Nancy Mach, Pine Technical College, Dennis Adams, Cambridge Community College, Terry Dalbey, Mora/Cambridge Workforce Centers, Cathy Lund-Ziebarth, Cambridge Community College, Randy Zieske, Schlagel Inc., Ken Runberg, Cambridge-Isanti School District, John Schlagel, Retired, Dick Young, Oak Land Vocational, Natalie Kuehl, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College, Lance Olson, Grandview Christian Ministries, Ted Dimberio, East Central Energy, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Marty Harding, Communities Investing in Families, Russ Johnson, Braham Public Schools, Denise Olson, Northern Solutions, Dennis McCarty, Cambridge Metals & Plastics, Scott Wadeson, East Central RDC, Gene Banks, Industries Inc., Senator Dan Stevens and Representative Jim Rostberg.

Chairman, John N. welcomed everyone and, in particular, those present for the first time, namely: Denny McCarty and Denise Olson.

Allied Health Care Report: Dennis A. commented that he had obtained a commitment from Lance O. to be a representative from the health care providers to the board of the partnership. Cathy L-Z. provided an explanation on status of grant application and its contents. This being followed by a general discussion on process

Retail Committee: In the absence of Skip Strandberg, Dick Young explained that there was to be a meeting this afternoon to review the first pilot delivery. Also saying that the curriculum had been developed and delivered by retail business people. A general discussion ensued on the merits of the program and in extending to other communities.

Web Site Report: Ted D. reported that it was now up on the Internet and urged members to visit the site @ ecmnworkforce.org. Ted D. explained that there had been 230 hits on the site so far and that the next step is to get partnership links.

Employer Conference: Marty H. said that she believed the conference to be a success with a total of some 230 people in attendance, including Onamia and Isle High School students. Marty produced an evaluation summary and explained the greatest request from those present being to have it as a full day event. A general discussion ensued as to whether there should be a 3^rd annual conference in 2001 and who should organize it. Marty H. explained that perhaps the ECMWF Partnership should be the organizing body, also explaining that CIF had lost money on the event overall. Noel H. asked if the ECMWF Partnership could not share in the loss so that it was not all being borne by CIF. It was agreed that Marty H. would do a cost analysis and present at the next Executive Committee meeting. (To be an Executive Committee agenda item)

Focus on Training/Future of Partnership: Chairman John N. provided an explanation on the intent to run a ‘pilot’ project, whereby a ‘bank’ of teachers be identified to deliver ‘short’ modular programs in order to meet business/industry specific needs, but that there had been some difficulty in identifying a suitable person. John N. said that Joe H. had agreed to develop a plan as suggested by Ted D. and to present at the next Executive Committee meeting. Both Marty H. and Nancy M. said they knew of someone who might be interested in the pilot.

John S. commented that it was also meant to identify and train in-company personnel.

In respect of the ‘Future of Partnership’, Chairman John N., explained he had sent a letter, together with a pledge form, to those organizations who had previously pledged, and another slightly varied letter to those members who hadn’t previously made a payment, requesting voluntary payments to cover the operational costs of the partnership. He also said he had sent copies of letters to Greg Carlson &emdash; Health Group, and Skip Strandberg &emdash; Retail Group, asking that they put similar requests to their respective membership.

School-To-Work Report: Chairman John N. said that an application for $8,000 had been received from Hinckley/Finlayson Schools, which had been approved subject to confirmation by Nancy M. and Ray H. on some minor points/queries.

Nancy M. commented that a request for funding will be coming from the Rush City Schools.

Executive Committee Recommendations: Chairman John N. provided an explanation on the development of the make-up of the current Executive Committee and its representation to cover STW criteria, and subsequently under 501© 3 status and now the need for additional representation and elections. Further explaining the nominations of ‘health’ and ‘retail’ group representation, but that this bringing about a preponderance of representation from the Cambridge area.

A general discussion ensued as to the correct balance in both occupational and geographical representation. Noel H. commented that it seemed appropriate to have ‘willing’ representation and asked if the by-laws restricted how many could be on the board. In consideration of there being no restriction it was agreed to accept the nominations and for it to be an Executive Committee agenda item to determine how best to enlist representation from other communities. (To be an Executive Committee agenda item)

July Meeting: Following discussion it was agreed that there would not be a meeting of either the Executive Committee or Partnership during the month of July.

Information Sharing & Other Reports: Cathy L-Z. explained that on May 23, 24, 25 and 31 she was planning a series of lunchtime focus groups with businesses to determine educational needs. Saying that lunch would be provided and would be from 12:00 mid-day to 1:30 p.m. on each of the days.

Marty H. provided a handout and explained a ‘fund-raiser’ and computer purchase opportunity, requesting support from members.

Adjournment: There being no further business the chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:40 a.m.

Minutes by Noel Harness