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

In Attendance: Nick Waldoch, Braham School District #314, Terry Dalbey, Mora/Cambridge WorkForce Center, JoAnn Faust, Crystal Cabinets, Vicky Wills, Crystal Cabinets, Susan Merritt, Communities Investing in Families/Pine Technical College, Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College, Sharon Prahl, Team Industries Inc., Ken Runberg, Cambridge-Isanti Schools, John Schlagel, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft, Keith Lester, Mora Public Schools, Natalie Kuehl, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Dick Young, Oak Land Vocational, Douglas Allen, Anoka-Ramsey Community College &endash; Cambridge, Jason Spaeth, Pine Technical College, Angie Lightner, Rise Inc., Marty Harding, Communities Investing in Families and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

Introductions: Chair John N. welcomed Douglas Allen who was introduced to members.

Minutes: Partnership meeting minutes of April 9, 2002 were approved upon motion by Ginger G. seconded by John S. Motion carried. Minutes of the May 7, 2002 Executive Committee meeting were distributed.

Meeting Calendar for Remainder of 2002: A calendar listing Executive Committee and Partnership meeting dates was distributed. Thanks to John S. for preparing the calendar.

Employer Conference: Marty H. distributed copies and reviewed the 2002 Employer Conference evaluation summary and revenue and expense sheets. She reported that 123 persons attended, including 13 presenters. In addition there were 6 students from Isle Schools present. She said the conference evaluations were quite good and that she received great feedback on the breakout sessions. Feedback on major presenters was moderate. Of the approximately 100 attendees, 50 represented businesses with the other 50 representing organizations that serve businesses.

During discussion it was stated that members had gotten mixed reviews on main presenters, probably not enough time to do what they typically present. It was felt that breakout sessions needed to be longer, which would allow for idea exchange and discussion between audience members. There should be more chance for round table like discussions. Future conferences should focus on local nature of breakout sessions, as they are most important and have the speaker conclude the lunch hour. However, members also felt a kick-off session was necessary. It was also suggested that the conference begin at 9:00 a.m. and allow time to visit booths.

In response to the question, "Is this an activity that you want to continue?" members agreed to sponsor the conference for another year. Group was told that Dennis Tollefson and Sarah Lund would like to assist in planning and informing businesses they contact about the conference and encourage them to attend. Marketing for next year should include calling and sending postcards as was done a year ago. The conference should continue to have a local flavor and offer networking opportunities. It was suggested that the breakout sessions be evaluated and consider carrying over the top 2 sessions as not everyone was able to get to all the sessions. It was decided that planning for the 2003 conference begin at the June 2002 Partnership meeting.

After reviewing the revenue and expenses and discussing the remaining shortfall in the amount of $859.15, John S. moved, seconded by Robert M. to approve Partnership payment in that amount. Motion carried.

Cooperative Training Effort in Princeton: Ginger G. reported on the success of the first cooperative learning session involving local experts that was hosted by Crystal Cabinets in Princeton. The session was held as part of the regular HR meeting, 16 businesses were invited and 18 people attended. The topic was office and shop ergonomics taught by experts from Crystal Cabinets. Ginger G. shared comments from some of the completed evaluations.

They were most positive saying they especially appreciated the networking, sharing documents and sharing failures. Topics suggested for future sessions included, environment, problem employees, insurance, incentive plans and 403b plans. She said another session is being planned and that with e-mail there is almost no work involved in scheduling the training. Most people merely have to walk across the street to attend. She also used the example of an individual who needed forklift training and was able to get it at a neighboring company. Members discussed attempting to clone the Princeton model in other communities. Several members expressed interest in and a willingness to work on bringing the idea to other communities. Ginger G. reminded the group that in order to maintain the HR cooperative you have to mix in some fun.

Career and Technical Education: A large portion of the meeting was devoted to drafting documents outlining and defining limiting factors for schools to offer career and technical education classes. Approximately half of the members worked on this while another group (mostly business representatives) addressed business needs for employees with skills learned in career and technical education classes. The work of these two groups will be documented in an informational paper, separate from the minutes.

Work will continue on the informational paper at the June Partnership meeting. It was suggested that each committee present their information to the members of the other committee for feedback at the June meeting. A recommendation was made to present the information to individual school boards at board work sessions and that local legislators and media be invited to the presentations.

Letter of Support: John S. moved, seconded by Terry D. to send letter supporting Rise, Inc. grant request to expand services to Pine, Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties. Carried.

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