Present

Randy Zieske, Schlagel, Inc., Dick Young, Oak Land Vocational, Terry Dalbey, WorkForce Center Mora/Cambridge, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Jason Spaeth, Pine Technical College, Joe Hobson, Hobson Landscape, Nick Waldoch, Braham Schools, Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director, ECMWF Partnership.

Call to Order

Chair John N. called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.

Minutes

Minutes of the April 3, 2001 Executive Committee meeting were approved upon motion by Joe H., seconded by Randy Z. Motion carried.

Financial Report

A financial statement through April 30, 2001 was distributed. Treasurer Randy Z. reported a balance of $43,712.41. Interest earned was the only receipt.

Disbursements for April were for executive director and printing of brochures. School-To-Work funds for Year V including Year IV carry-over were reported as $125,532.28 with no expenditures and a balance of $125,532.28. Upon motion by Terry D., seconded by Joe H. the report was accepted and filed. Motion carried.

McKnight Grant Application

Robert M. shared a letter he had received from The McKnight Foundation regarding a potential grant to help low-wage parents get better jobs with potential benefit for further advancement by upgrading their skills to meet the needs of their employers. He highlighted grant criteria and felt that Partnership members fit the grant criteria and encouraged submitting an initial letter of interest. The letter of interest is due on May 9, 2001 for grants ranging from $50,000-250,000. Final proposals will be solicited and are due on June 15, 2001.

Discussion followed and it was pointed out that the grant does not require a match. Board members encouraged involving business members early on and noted that the grant specifically mentioned "career ladders." Business representatives agreed that the sector to be designated as a target group would be manufacturers, with existing partners included as well as newly recruited businesses. One example of need was to find employees with aptitude for training in machining and then offer them the training. It was suggested that Cambridge Community College be included as a partner. Moved by Terry D., seconded by Joe H. to authorize submitting letter of intent on behalf of Partnership. The letter is to be sent under several signatures. Motion carried.

Web-Site Development

Membership information has been added.

Allied Health Care

Dennis A. called John N. expressing regrets regarding his recent meeting attendance due to conflicts with other duties and meetings.

Retail Committee

The Pine City retail sales associate training class had a successful conclusion. Seventeen students received certificates. Cambridge-Isanti classes are being scheduled, 90+ students have signed-up. Classes will be held in May and throughout the summer. Development of the retail associates training guide and videos is underway.

Employer Conference Evaluation

John N. distributed tabulated copies of the evaluation results. Evaluations were quite positive. Verbal feedback as well was positive. Terry D. discussed a potential main speaker for next year's conference and said he was sharing and comparing ideas with the WorkForce Center staff in South West Minnesota who have just held a similar conference. John N. will share evaluation results at Partnership meeting.

School-To-Work

Ray H. told of approval received on Supplementary School-To-Work grant and plans to implement each of the three components of the grant. He also mentioned the final School-To- Work Coordinator meeting to be held on May 16th.

Input on Employability Skills Standards Development

Board members focused on two main points, inviting more and pertinent participants to Partnership meeting and outlining steps and content of discussion. Potential participants were identified and members were asked to make contacts and extend invitations. The steps and content of the discussion were listed as covering background and history, sharing copies of existing certificates and the employability skills checklist developed by Partnership and having employers share what they consider basic skills in this area and essential for a quality employee. Employers will be asked to identify the kind of evidence and how they would judge whether prospective employees possess these skills. The board asked Ray H. to contact Ginger G. about presenting the history and facilitating the discussion since she chaired the original employability skills committee of the Partnership.

Focus on Training

John N. mentioned that Roger K. had contacted him regarding resuming the pilot test training. The group discussed the information Ted D. had gotten from NetLearning, Inc. Joe H. explained that this group is an offshoot of NovaNet and focuses on a career ladder concept. Board members asked that this be placed on the agenda in June so Ted D. could be part of discussion.

Payment for Services of Executive Director

Terry D. moved and Randy Z. seconded the payment for services provided by Executive Director in April for 6 days. Motion carried.

Director and Partnership Member Reports

No reports given.

Agenda for Membership Meeting

The agenda for the partnership meeting was set as follows: 1. Brief STW, Allied Health Care and Retail Committee Reports, 2. Employability Skills Discussion, 3. Executive Committee Report, and 4. Employer Conference Evaluation.

Adjournment and Minutes

Moved by Terry D., seconded by Joe H. to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 a.m. Motion carried.

Minutes by Ray H.