Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

January 14, 2003

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, Sharon Prahl, Consultant, Ken Runberg, Cambridge-Isanti Schools, John Schlagel, Marty Harding, Communities Investing in Families, Kathi Schaff, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft Inc., Chris O. Miller, Oak Land Vocational, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Dick Young, Natalie Kuehl, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College, Terry Dalbey, WorkForce Centers, Jason Spaeth, Pine Technical College, Lois Munsterteiger, RISE Innovations, Kathy Ferrin, Mora Public Schools, Sara Treiber, ECRDC, Deidra Peaslee, Cambridge Campus – Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Steve Hallan, ECMECC and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

Introductions: Chair John N. welcomed Steve Hallan, thanked him for coming and asked members to introduce themselves.

Minutes: Partnership meeting minutes of December 10, 2002 were approved upon motion by Nick W., seconded by Robert M. Motion carried.

Video Conferencing Capabilities in East Central Minnesota: Steve Hallan, Director of East Central Minnesota Education Cable Cooperative (ECMECC) demonstrated new video conferencing capabilities in region’s schools and available for public use. He began his presentation from a historical perspective and the beginning of two-way TV. The effort began during the budget shortfalls and cuts of the early 1980s. The intent was to save and/or add curriculum opportunities for students in area high schools. The system used in the beginning was a microwave system used by the Cable Company to transmit signals between communities. Eight years ago the switch was made to fiber optics, with a complete upgrade done three years ago.

Today 26 classes are offered to 500+ students with locations at all area schools and main hubs at Pine Technical College and St. Cloud State University. Today’s system is completely technically driven and computer controlled and can achieve worldwide video conferencing, albeit with cost. If users stay within the IP network there is no additional cost.

Steve H. demonstrated the ease and clarity of the video conferencing due to the new equipment. The new equipment is being installed in every community and he stated that they are looking for these to be community assets. He encouraged businesses to use the video conferencing capabilities and gave examples of what is being done in the schools. One example was video conferencing with NASA scientists with students able to view and discuss the work of the scientists.

Career and Technical Education Legislative Follow-up: John N. reviewed the legislative meeting and asked for feedback from members. Members mentioned that they appreciated the opportunity to meet with legislators and wondered what could be done to follow-up on the meeting. During discussion it was mentioned that the Princeton School Board will hear the presentation on January 28, 2003 and that on March 25, 2003 a statewide business/chamber meeting will be held with legislators.

It was decided that the first step in a follow-up should be letters written by members (especially business members) to remind legislators of our meeting and ask them what they are thinking about in order to further career and technical education opportunities for students. John N. agreed to draft a sample letter that will be distributed to members so they can drop a note to legislators. Also discussed was possibility of presenting information to precision machining association, Chamber of Commerce input sessions and have school districts monitor and inform members of specific bills that should be supported.

Regional Planning Meetings, Funding and Plans: Natalie K. informed the group that our 11 county area has received a $32,000.00 planning grant from School-To-Work funds. Because of deadlines the dual plan suggested by the Governor’s Workforce Council was not feasible. All grant activities must be completed by February 28, 2003. Natalie K. informed the group of the upcoming Regional Planning Conference at the Kelly Inn in St. Cloud on February 19, 2003. She distributed a sign-up sheet to determine which members could attend. The purpose, agenda and hoped for outcomes of the conference were discussed. Robert M. also told of a discussion he had with a representative of the Governor’s Workforce Council that clarified the confusion that exists regarding the grant process.

Employer Conference: Committee members updated members on the conference. The main speaker, Dr. Dale Anderson is set and he will also do a general breakout session in early afternoon. His materials and books were distributed. Marketing was discussed and committee members were reminded of their meeting following the Partnership meeting.

Regional Meeting with Senator Mark Dayton: Sara T., Robert M. and Ray H. summarized regional meeting with Senator Dayton that was held in Mora on December 30, 2002. Approximately 35 people from the region were at the meeting.

Act on Final School-To-Work Budget Revision and Conclusion of Grant: A budget revision dated January 15, 2003 was distributed and explained. Ray H. also informed members of the steps that have been taken and reports submitted to close out the final School-To-Work grant. Robert M. moved, seconded by Ginger G. to approve the budget revision as submitted. Motion carried.

Information Sharing: Ginger G. and Kathi S. discussed and distributed a flyer and registration form for a workshop scheduled for February 7, 2003 entitled Marketing Tools for Manufacturing Companies. Ray H. briefly commented on Minnesota Future Work Scan paper he distributed giving Top Ten Forecasts from Outlook 2003. Deidra P. invited members to a meeting with Congressman Oberstar at Cambridge Campus – Anoka-Ramsey Community from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on February 17, 2003.

Adjournment: John N. adjourned the meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Minutes by Ray Hoheisel