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

In Attendance: Randy Zieske, Schlagel Inc., Dick Young, Oak Land Vocational, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Kathy Krenik Minkler, Isanti County Public Health, John Schlagel, Lyndon Hagestuen, Pine City Public Schools, Jason J. Spaeth, Pine Technical College, Cathy Lund-Ziebarth, Cambridge Community College, Nick Waldoch, Braham School District #314, Merrie Ann Hesselroth, Braham Schools, Patrick Conn, Braham Schools, Vicky Wills, Crystal Cabinet Works, JoAnn Faust, Crystal Cabinet Works, Marty Harding, Communities Investing in Families, Kathy Burski, Lakes & Pines CAC, Inc., Joe Hobson, M & J Consulting, Kathi Schaff, Cambridge Chamber, Phil Drown, Mora Chamber, Keith Lester, Mora Schools, Skip Strandberg, Cambridge NAPA, Ken Runberg, Cambridge-Isanti Schools, Natalie Kuehl, Central MN Jobs&Training, Marilee Larson, Industries, Inc., Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

Minutes: Partnership meeting minutes of October 10, 2000 were approved upon motion by Joe H. seconded by John S. Motion carried. Executive Committee minutes of November 7, 2000 were received.

Braham School-To-Work Report:

Chair John N. welcomed Merrie Ann Hesselroth and Patrick Conn from the Braham School-To-Work committee. Merrie Ann Hesselroth distributed a packet of information that showed their accomplishments. She presented the contents of an informational packet that included a Career Exploration Portfolio, course to career resource guide, summary of employers' questionnaires and job shadowing guidelines. Career education is incorporated in Social Studies and English classes at Braham at the high school level. They use Career Winds in grades 5-8 and have the MCIS system available via networked computer labs in addition to counseling office.

Patrick Conn, high school principal spoke about portfolio development in the Social Studies and English classes and mentioned that other curriculum areas are going include career development activities in their lessons. He mentioned the creation of a biographical brochure for each student that could serve as a resume. Development efforts have been slowed due to staff turnover and budget cuts. He praised Braham businesses and their willingness to afford students opportunities to learn at off school sites.

Allied Health Committee: Ken R. reported that the committee is planning to meet, but is having difficulty scheduling a meeting. The goal of the committee is to identify next steps. Cathy L-Z. told of the grant award ceremony and responded to questions about potential for other groups to use the curriculum developed via the grant. She also explained the various components of the grant.

Retail Committee: Skip S. reported on a meeting in Pine City to transport teaching entry level retail skills to students in that community and discussed ways to make this possible for other communities as well. He told of the second phase of the grant implementation. It involves evaluating businesses for training needs of current employees. Evaluation will be done in four training areas. Employees that meet skill levels will be given credit and will not be required to take the classes. The evaluation will be conducted using the secret shopper method. Motivation for employees to participate is to earn college credits and an associate degree in management. The Cambridge Chamber will lead this effort in Cambridge.

Employer Conference: Marty H. reported on conference planning committee efforts to date. The conference date is set for April 27, 2000 and will again be at Izaty's. The two main speakers, Roger Hale and Carr Haggerman have been secured. The theme of the conference was reviewed and it was emphasized that the home grown flavor of the conference is important to retain.

National School-To-Work Conference: Joe H. reported on the conference and distributed materials he got at the conference. He mentioned that in his opinion Minnesota could accomplish more in this area if strong policy guidelines were in place to drive a comprehensive workforce development effort including K-12 students, as states like Oregon, Tennessee and New Hampshire demonstrated at the conference. He mentioned that in those states it is easy to move from one level of schooling to another, articulation between schools is in place. It is still a barrier in Minnesota. He mentioned that partnerships developed between schools and businesses are most effective. Partner members discussed ways we might express our opinions in order to influence state policy in this area. The Executive Committee was asked to explore having a meeting with area legislators to discuss workforce development issues.

Future of Partnership: John N. reviewed discussion from Executive Committee regarding East Central Energy's continued membership and financial support of the Partnership. He reviewed the discussion as presented in the November Executive Committee minutes and mentioned a future meeting with East Central Energy representatives to talk about this.

Focus on Training: Joe H. presented the committee report in the absence of Robert M. He told of committee action and distributed and discussed a very complete set of materials to be used in the next steps of the pilot study. They included documents titled: Preparation for Instruction Structuring the Activities, Conversion Table of English Units, Using Rules, Review of Fractions, Objective Recording Documents and A Guide for Business and Industry Instructors.

Following discussion Atscott Mfg., Cambridge NAPA, Glenn Metalcraft and Schlagel Inc. agreed to be pilot sites for testing the Use of Rules and Fraction units. Ray H. and Joe H. asked for recommendations on potential instructors. When instructors are secured the units will be tested.

School-To-Work Report: Ray H. said that he and Nancy M. had met with the School-To-Work Coordinators for the second time this year on November 8, 2000. He told of the need to write the Year 5 grant and the criteria for a recently announced supplemental grant. The supplemental grant will need to include all area learning center students as well as adult basic education programs. He mentioned that the supplemental grant must tie to industry standards and said it seemed like a natural fit and way to transport the entry-level training effort started by retail grant.

Executive Committee Report: John N. reviewed the Executive Committee minutes.

Information Sharing & Other Reports: Ginger G. reported that representatives from their Living and Learning (School-To-Work) committee will present to the Princeton School Board. She also told of their efforts to get 40-50 Princeton business persons to the high school to speak about the importance of regular attendance in school. Marty H. reported that Communities Investing in Families had just received a $400,000 grant called "Building Assets." It will focus on increasing work skills for entry level employees and help people move beyond entry-level jobs and compensation.

Adjournment: Chair John N. adjourned the meeting at 9:00 a.m. Minutes by Ray H.