Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting


September 10, 2002

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

In Attendance: Nick Waldoch, Braham School District #314, Susan Merritt, Communities Investing in Families/Pine Technical College, Jason Spaeth, Pine Technical College, Sharon Prahl, Ken Runberg, Cambridge-Isanti Schools, John Schlagel, Jill Johnston, Rise Inc., Marty Harding, Communities Investing in Families, Nancy Mach, Pine Technical College, Kathi Schaff, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Terry Dalbey, Cambridge and Mora WorkForce Center, Bridget Petersen, Greater Minnesota Credit Union, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft Inc., Kathy Burski, Lakes and Pines, Sara Treiber, ECRDC, Chris O. Miller, Oak Land Vocational, Ken Janc, Summit Technical Solutions, Kathy Ferrin, Mora High School, Natalie Kuehl, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Service, Sarah Lund, WorkForce Center, Mary Ann Straley, Princeton Public Schools, John Norris, Atscott Mfg. and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

Introductions: Chair John N. asked members to introduce Mary Ann Straley, a first time member and Bridget Petersen and Ken Janc who attended a meeting that he had missed. Others in attendance introduced themselves and welcomed Mary Ann S.

Minutes: Partnership meeting minutes of August 13, 2002 were approved upon motion by Terry D. seconded by John S. Motion carried.

Career and Technical Education Power Point Presentation at Cambridge-Isanti Board Meeting: Nancy M. briefed members on the presentation. Other members who attended the presentation complimented Nancy M. on her presentation. Tentative plans were made to give the presentation to the Oak Land Vocational board, the I-35 superintendents on September 26th, the Braham board on October 21st and a statewide meeting of WorkForce Center managers on October 3rd. Chris M. mentioned that the state vocational association has inquired about a presentation at their statewide meeting on October 3rd. If it is given Chris M., Ginger G. and Nancy M. will present.

Minnesota WorkForce Center Resource Guide Presentation: Sarah Lund, Minnesota Job Service Employment Consultant, distributed and discussed the contents of the guide. She presented a thorough picture of the materials and programs available from the state and called particular attention to an employer guide, Employment Laws Issues in Minnesota that can be gotten by calling 1-800-657-3858. Several employers attested to the usefulness of the guide. Sarah L. responded to several questions about the resource guide packet and received suggestions for state program improvement. It was also suggested that this presentation be part of a breakout session at the Employers Conference.


Partnership Presentation at WorkForce Center Managers Conference: Ray H. shared an e-mail request from former member Dale Ketchum asking that representatives of the Partnership present information about the work of the Partnership at a statewide conference of WorkForce Center managers on October 3, 2002. Following discussion it was decided to include the power point presentation on career and technical education and accomplishments of School-To-Work programs in the presentation. John N., Nick W. and Ray H. agreed to represent the Partnership at the meeting.

Building Talent For Minnesota’s New Economy Project: Ray H. shared the goals of the project in response to “workforce challenges raised by business/education leaders.” He distributed copies of the group’s goals and potential solutions along with an agenda from a September 5, 2002 meeting he attended as a representative of the Partnership. The project goals correspond to Partnership efforts and goals.

Families Forward Grant Request to McKnight Foundation: Marty H. reported that the Communities Investing in Families submitted grant application to the McKnight Foundation has been funded. The grant covers a two-year period and totals $250,000. It will be used to fund training and give support to employed family members with low income who have potential for advancement. Criteria and guidelines will be developed and brought to the Partnership for input at the October board meeting.

Employer Conference 2003: April 18, 2003 was given as a suggested date for the conference. The preferred site for the conference is Izatys if arrangements can be made to fit in budget. Marketing the conference was discussed and it was concluded that a “direct marketing” approach involving WorkForce Center Employment Consultants, Human Resource groups and Partnership members would be an improvement and less costly. A general theme entitled “Learning in the Workplace” was discussed. John Schumacher of New Prague was identified as a potential main speaker. A conference planning committee will meet following the October board meeting.

Information Sharing: Ginger G. representing the Princeton Learning and Living Committee distributed flyers and extended invitations to attend a half-day Understanding Learning and Working Styles workshop with application to workplaces and schools. The workshop is set for December 3, 2002 and would take the place of the December Executive Committee meeting. -- John N. agreed to look in his records for a listing of grant involvement by the Partnership over the last 5-6 years.
Adjournment: Chair John N. adjourned the meeting. Minutes by Ray H.