Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

 

February 8, 2005

 

Call to Order: Vice Chair Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 7:05 a.m.

 

In Attendance: Sharon Prahl, CIC, Angie Sanders, Braham, Cambridge-Isanti, Mora, Princeton ABE Consortium, Barry Kirchoff, AARC-Cambridge Campus, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft Inc., John Schlagel, Mary Ann Straley, Princeton Schools, Brian Wille, Pine Technical College, Terry Dalbey, DEED, Chris Miller, Oak Land Vocational, Angie Theisen, Central MN Jobs & Training Services, Marty Harding, CIF, Brenda Boesen, Greater Minnesota Credit Union, Bridget Petersen, Greater Minnesota Credit Union and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

 

Welcome and Introductions: Chris M. welcomed Brenda Boesen, Greater Minnesota Credit Union to the meeting. Members introduced themselves.

 

Minutes: Partnership meeting minutes of January 11, 2005 were approved upon motion by John S., seconded by Terry D. Motion carried.

 

Financial Report: Treasurer John S. reported a balance of $33,289.39. Revenue was from interest. Expenditure was for Executive Director service. Moved by Bridget P., seconded by Sharon P. to approve financial report. Motion carried.

 

Executive Director Payment for Services: Upon motion by Ginger G., seconded by Mary Ann Straley, members approved payment for one day for director services in January 2005. Motion carried.

 

Employer Conference: Marty H. outlined components of panel that will keynote Employer Conference. The panel will focus on benefits of corporate giving. One part will focus on Wilder Foundation business survey which asked 500-600 Minnesota businesses, how do you invest in your community?

 

Another part of the panel will be a speaker from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. One of their priorities and programs for this year relates to business giving and corporate responsibility. Matt Killian, Initiative Foundation will moderate the panel that will include videos and presentations from two local award winning companies Glenn Metalcraft, Inc. and Nemadji Corporation.

 

Members discussed the afternoon session on Battlebots and how to make sure the presentation fits in with the conference theme and overall objectives. They recommended that a portion of the Battlebots video be shown. if possible a live demonstration be given and that attendees receive a brochure. The concepts of planning, budgeting and teamwork incorporated in the Battlebots project need to be stressed. It was mentioned that the overall conference theme could be; “teamwork is timeless” illustrated by the team of horses and jumping all the way to Battlebots.

 

Marty H. reviewed the seven breakout sessions. Members who had made contact with presenters added new information and several changes were made to improve the breakout sessions. She also summarized marketing strategies and answered questions about the brochure and its electronic availability.

 

Adult Basic Education Consortium’s Workforce Education Plan: Angie S. summarized progress made since her presentation to members last fall. They have decided not to do an employer survey. She requested that members submit ideas to her if they see a need for particular workforce training. Ginger G. mentioned that the training Don Gylling provides for apprentices is excellent and really makes a difference. His week long course covers blueprint reading and mathematics and it would be great to make sure it continues.

 

Manufacturing Alliance Update and Battlebots Recap: The Manufacturing Alliance committee is meeting later this week. They will be planning the upcoming Career Fairs that will be held in April 2005.

 

Members did a quick recap of the Battlebots presentation. Members felt the Partnership should assist in the implementation in the region and this is a golden opportunity to excite kids about learning. The Manufacturing Alliance committee is scheduled to hear the Battlebots presentation. Support from manufacturers would greatly assist the implementation effort. Pine Technical College’s interest and support was seen as very important. Suggestions were made to consider tying Battlebots to any one of the following existing programs: apprenticeship, venturing, Kid U and Alternative Learning Centers.

 

It was suggested the Partnership provide funds for two day teacher training stipends. This will be discussed at the March meeting.

 

Information Sharing and Reports: Barry K. told of Cambridge Medical Center, other medical providers, the Workforce Center and the community college joining together to sponsor open houses and medical career academies for persons interested in pursuing medical careers. Some activities included are “true colors” assessment, college entrance exams and computer skills. For some individuals funds are available for training. – Marty H. told of preliminary report on Families Forward project. She will give full report at March meeting. – Sharon P. told of upcoming Congregations in Community 2005 Conference on February 26, 2005 and extended invitations to members.

           

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m. Minutes by Ray Hoheisel