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Call to Order: Chair John N. called the meeting to order at 7:05 a.m.

In Attendance: Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College, Randy Zieske, Schlagel Inc., Dick Young, Oak Land Vocational, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Kathy Krenik Minkler, Isanti County Public Health, John Schlagel, Darwin Bostic, Pine City Public Schools, Jason J. Spaeth, Pine Technical College, Travis Marttila, Braham Area Schools, Richard Williams, Isanti County Family Services, Dennis Adams, Cambridge Community College, Terry Dalbey, Mora/Cambridge Workforce Center, Cathy Lund-Ziebarth, Cambridge Community College, Nick Waldoch, Braham School District #314, Stan Sjodahl, Hinckley/Finlayson Schools, Nancy Mach, Pine Technical College, Al Lindholm, Merit Enterprises Inc., Jean Novak, Isle School-To-Work, Vicky Wills, Crystal Cabinet Works, JoAnn Faust, Crystal Cabinet Works, Marty Harding, Communities Investing in Families, Kathy Burski, Lakes & Pines CAC, Inc., Ted Dimberio, East Central Energy, Denise Olson, Northern Solutions and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

Minutes: Partnership meeting minutes of September 12, 2000 were approved upon motion by John S. seconded by Terry D. Motion carried. Executive Committee minutes of October 3, 2000 were received.

Isle School-To-Work Report:

Chair John N. welcomed Jean Novak and Al Lindholm from the Isle School-To-Work committee. Jean Novak distributed a packet of information that showed their accomplishments. She spoke of their involvement with Mille Lacs Tourism group and the hospitality internship program in partnership with Central Lakes College. She presented the contents of an informational packet that included a student portfolio folder, senior follow-up study, course to career resource guide, health career interest survey, articulated courses, workbased business partners and a number of newspaper articles centering on student learning in the workplace.

Al Lindholm spoke about business involvement with students in Isle. He told how mock interviews are conducted and about plant tours. He stated that business people are feeling that this is something that really works. Goals for their community are to do a regular employee training program, work with Right-to-Know training, and expand recycling efforts with student participation. He mentioned the value his company gained from the Employer Conference. Following their presentations Jean and Al responded to questions. Partner members complimented them on a very excellent presentation.

Allied Health Committee: Dennis A. reported that the committee had two meetings and has another scheduled. The subject of the meetings has been to follow-up on issues raised other than the leadership training provided for by the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership grant. Committee discussion included looking at strategies to help reduce workforce shortages in health care. Specifics being discussed are a "grow your own" program involving businesses and schools, career path planning and career ladder potential for aspiring and current health care workers. Also discussed was the critical component of informational technology and its impact on the health care field.

Retail Committee: Jason S. gave a brief update on next steps for retail grant. Members also discussed potential ways to introduce the entry-level retail-training course to students in Pine City, Rush City, Princeton, Mora and potentially to Isle. Use of interactive TV was posed as a time efficient way to accomplish this.

Focus on Training/Future of Partnership Report/Discussion: Robert M. distributed copies of the Training Needs Survey Summary Report, Training Needs Survey Matrix and minutes of the last committee meeting. Robert M. led discussion as to next steps in the pilot study to develop training packages to address incumbent workers training needs as identified by the survey. The committee will meet on October 16^th to plan a course of action to develop training packets, obtain teachers and test the training packets. Joe H. has submitted a proposal to do the work and pilot test the first packets. Robert M. also discussed budget needs and the possibility of seeking an Initiative Foundation grant to develop additional training packets.

Employer Conference: Terry D. and Marty H. reported on conference planning committee efforts to date. Dates have been narrowed to April 20 or 27, one of the keynote speakers, Roger Hale, has committed to the dates. They reported that the committee is in process of viewing the "Fish" videos and trying to determine how they or similar content might be used at the conference. Considerable discussion took place regarding the format of the conference. Members gave feedback on conference content, the length of the sessions and breakout schedules. The committee was scheduled to meet following the Partnership meeting.

School-To-Work Report: Ray H. said that he and Nancy M. had met with the School-To-Work Coordinators to lay groundwork for years activities. He also shared a copy of a report on School-To-Work projects funded by implementation grants in individual school districts that he had presented at a regional school counselors workshop Nancy M. had organized.

Executive Committee Report: The discussion on potential for developing a Rideshare program at the Executive Committee was covered. Valerie Peterson of Communities Investing in Families attended the Executive Committee meeting to get feedback and support for getting this started in our part of the state. Marty H. took suggestions and noted companies that were interested in surveying employees as to their interest in pooled transportation and further exploring the feasibility of vanpools.

Information Sharing & Other Reports: Cathy Lund-Ziebarth distributed Management Seminar flyers on several legal topics affecting businesses.

Adjournment: Chair John N. adjourned the meeting at 8:45 a.m. Minutes by Ray H.