Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

April 8, 2008

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

Welcome and Introductions: John N. welcomed everyone to the meeting. Members introduced themselves.

In Attendance: Tony Thomann, Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Beth Nelson, DEED, Craig Bakken, Anoka- Ramsey Community College – Campus, Jordan Zeller, ECRDC, Laurie Larson, DEED, Angie Sanders, Braham, Cambridge-Isanti, Mora, Princeton ABE Consortium, Sarah Anderson, Schlagel Inc., Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College, Char Gatewood, Crystal Cabinet Works, Bruce Novak, Cambridge-Isanti ISD 911, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Matt Mathiasen, Communities Investing in Families, Christy Flaspeter, Isanti Tool Co. Inc. and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

Minutes: Robert M. moved, seconded by Tony T. to approve the March 11, 2008 minutes. Motion carried.

Financial Report: Ray H. gave the Treasurer’s report. The balance through March 31, 2008 was $17,607.05. Revenue was from interest and expenditure was for Executive Director payment. It was moved by Robert M., seconded by Jordan Z. to approve report. Motion carried.

Executive Director Payment for Services: Upon motion by Robert M., seconded by Jordan Z. payment for 1 day in March was made to the Executive Director. Motion approved.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Advisory Committee Presentation: Jordan Z. used a power point supplemented by printed material to provide background and data helpful in the creation of the new 5-Year CEDS. He reviewed historical, current and projected demographic data, projects proposed by local units of government and the work elements from the previous 5-Year plan. During the course of his presentation he shared the impact of JOBZ in the region. For the region 363 new jobs with an average wage of $17.31 per hour are in place in businesses participating in JOBZ. He also presented an update on current East Central Regional Development Commission involvement in promoting economic development throughout the region. Discussion followed his presentation.

April 29 & 30 Business and Development Conference “Putting High Tech to Work For You”: Beth N. distributed conference registration brochures and told of folders and posters that will be used at the conference. Members were asked to encourage attendance at the conference. She shared an article from BUSINESSWEEK April 14, 2008 that featured speaker Jack Uldrich. Also shared was a StarTribune article from March 14, 2008 that featured one of his books, Green Investing.

Laurie L. will be distributing registration materials and promoting the conference as she meets with regional businesses. Also electronic versions of the registration brochure have been sent and are available for members to send out.

Members were asked to respond to Dan Conroy’s request as to what content he should include in his presentation at the conference. Most members felt that what Dan has included in presentations they have heard would be very appropriate, that he is right on target. Especially appreciated are his analogies, low skill, high skill, tech ed., changing job skills and educational needs. These comments will be passed on to Dan.

Action Required to Maintain IRS Non-Profit Status: Ray H. reported that the IRS has not responded to the Partnership letter sent to them on December 11, 2007 (Handout) and recommended moving forward on the action proposed in the letter. A donation/membership form was distributed and the plan to reach compliance, especially regarding the number of contributors was discussed. Several members completed the form at the meeting, others will send it back when completed. The goal for 2007-08 is to have two contributors at $350 and twenty at $20.

DEED FIRST Grant Community Meetings in May: Robert M. explained that one component of the FIRST grant is to gather ideas and suggestions from people in each of the 4 counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec and Pine. Initiative Foundation staff will facilitate the community meetings; and will center on the eventual development of a regional economic development plan. The input will dovetail with and correspond to development of the new 5-Year CEDS plan of the ECRDC. The Isanti County community meeting is set for May 6, 2008 from 7:30-9:30 at the MINNCO Community Room in Cambridge. Members who reside in Isanti County were encouraged to attend the community meeting.

Reports and Information: Ray H. reported no response to the Partnership’s invitation, via Rep. Eastlund, to have the Governor join Partnership members to discuss career and technical education needs. Robert M. shared results of the Grantsburg faculty in-service, that focused on skills needed in the manufacturing industry. The survey results were excellent. The intent is to conduct similar K-12 faculty in-service days involving other school districts in the region. Tony T. handed out information on an upcoming Virtual Job Fair and invited participation. He also told of a joint grant project between CMJTS and Adult Basic Education to provide entry level retail training customer service training. Initial training will involve 36 participants with the curriculum coming from a national retailing association. Laurie L. informed members that copies of the new MN Workforce Facts are available.

Adjournment and Minutes: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30. Minutes by Ray Hoheisel