Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

March 11, 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, Jason Spaeth, Pine Technical College, Sharon Prahl, People Focus, John Schlagel, Kathi Schaff, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft Inc., Chris O. Miller, Oak Land Vocational, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Natalie Kuehl, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Terry Dalbey, WorkForce Centers, Keith Lester, Mora Public Schools, Bridget Petersen, Greater Minnesota Credit Union, Vicki Elliott, People Focus, Marty Harding, Communities Investing in Families, Deidra Peaslee, Cambridge Campus – ARCC, and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

Introductions: Chair John N. welcomed everyone and asked members to introduce themselves.

Minutes: Partnership meeting minutes of February 11, 2003 were approved upon motion by John S, seconded by Nick W. Motion carried.

Career and Technical Education Legislative Bills and Contacts: Chris M. reported that bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to continue the Career and Technical Education Levy and remove the sunset date of 2003. Funding would be the greater of $10,000 or the 2001 entitlement for aid. Members discussed legislative contacts and agreed to contact legislators and encourage them to support House File 82 and Senate File 205.

Central Minnesota Population, Demographic, and Economic Profile: Natalie K. distributed copies of the report Michelle Ostrom presented at the February 19, 2003 Regional Planning Conference in St. Cloud. Natalie K. and members who attended the conference walked the group through the statistical laden document. Discussion centered on points and information pertaining to our region and that was relevant to the work of the Partnership.

Also distributed were copies of the Regional Planning Summary. The summary document included not only the statistical information, but also the results and recommendations from the small group discussions that were held at the planning conference. Natalie K. explained the results and summarized by having members focus on the evaluation survey that is in the process of being completed. Members who attended shared their opinions and observations about the content and results of the day. The board of Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services will use survey results to follow-up on the planning effort began at the regional conference. Natalie K. was thanked for her efforts and for sharing the statistical information and materials.

Employer Conference: Marty H. distributed Employer Conference brochures and encouraged members to solicit attendance. She mentioned that the brochures have been mailed to anyone who has attended in the past. Newspaper articles and radio spots were cited as part of the marketing effort. Members suggested using radio stations in Pine City and Princeton to get the word out in addition to the Mora station. Marty H. told the group that East Central Energy is sponsoring the keynote speaker. A big thanks to East Central Energy for sponsoring Dr. Dale Anderson, keynote and general breakout session speaker.

Progress on Implementing Families Forward Grant: Marty H. distributed Need Training informational poster being used to recruit eligible participants for available training help and dollars. She explained that the grant is to provide training or education that will enable participants to advance in their current job or move into another position that pays a higher wage. Awards will be on an individual basis and between $300.00 and $1,000.00.

Marty H. was also asked to explain car donation program involving United Way and car donor 3M. She spoke about the 10 recent model cars that have been donated by 3M and the natural fit with Communities Investing in Families program that has been in existence for a number of years.

Toyota Foundation Grant: Ray H. briefed members about preliminary steps taken to determine if the Partnership should take the lead in drafting and submitting a grant application to the Toyota Foundation. The grant would involve means and methods to improve teaching and learning of science and mathematics via a “real world” connection. It will be discussed at the coordinators meeting to determine need and interest in participating.

April Partnership Meeting Date and Location Change: April 1, 2003 at 7:30 a.m. at Pine Technical College to join in Grand Opening Week Celebration.

Information Sharing: Deidra P. informed the group that the postponed (snowstorm in Washington DC) Home Town Values Forum will be held on March 31, 2003 at Cambridge Campus of ARCC. Representative Oberstar will be one of the participants who will address the issue of “creating healthy lifestyles in local communities.” Ray H. distributed research report summary showing benefits to teens who work and The Minnesota Future Work Scan entitled Where the Jobs are, Part 1 and 2.

Adjournment: John N. adjourned the meeting at 8:35 a.m.

Minutes by Ray Hoheisel