Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

June 6, 2008

Call to Order: Chair John N. called the meeting to order at 7:05 a.m. Our able director Ray Hoheisel is out on medical leave and minutes to be taken by John N.

Welcome and Introductions: John N. welcomed everyone to the meeting. Members introduced themselves. Special welcome to new member, Anne Klein from Fairview.

In Attendance: Tony Thomann, Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Beth Nelson, DEED, Jordan Zeller, ECRDC, Laurie Larson, DEED, Char Gatewood, Crystal Cabinet Works, Bruce Novak, Cambridge-Isanti ISD 911, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., Matt Mathiasen, Communities Investing in Families, John Schlagel, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft, Mary Everett, Lales & Pines CAC, & Anne Klein, Fairview.

Minutes: Bruce N. moved, seconded by John S. to approve the April 8, 2008 minutes. Motion carried.

Financial Report: John S. gave the Treasurer’s report. The balance through May 7, 2008 was $17,875.72. John S reported that the 501C 3 status is now acceptable due to the contributions made by members to retain status. John reported that approximately $400 of checks are waiting for deposit. The financial report approval was moved by Jordan Z, seconded by Tony T. Motion carried.

Executive Director Payment for Services: No invoices open due to Ray’s absence. Payments will be deferred to the next meeting.

April 29 & 30 Business and Development Conference “Putting High Tech to Work For You”: Reviewed the evaluations supplied by Beth Nelson and Laurie Larson. Although some of the shared groups liked the increase in attendance from the combined groups, the evaluations show that the Workforce Partnership lost attendance. John S asked about the low scores for employers and this was due to the low attendance. Beth noted some said they would not be back next year. Some suggestions include: Sponsor our group only, hold to one day, some of the topics are repeats, sessions were too long, better to have more but shorter sessions, Conroy’s talk was rated outstanding. Beth had some remaining funding and paid $2689 from DEED toward the cost of the conference. ECMWP did not have to pay for funding. Thanks, Beth & Laurie for all your work

Laurie and Beth were contemplating an employment law course for next year or possibly this fall. Topics could include hiring process, wage, safety, comp, etc. Discussed a one day course or a morning session and was left undecided. Nancy Forsman was suggested as a possible speaker for this course. More to follow as Beth and Laurie look further.

Action Required to Maintain IRS Non-Profit Status: The necessary contributions have been made to the workforce and we now comply with IRS regulations.

DEED FIRST Grant Community Meetings in May: Jordan reported on the positive meetings held for the Initiative Fund community meetings. Pine City, Mora, & Cambridge were full. Other town meetings were lighter but still valuable input was gathered. The objective was to work on economic development in the 5 county regions. The groups were mixed and diverse. Input was gathered from discussions and surveys. The group is now compiling the results and will follow up with the findings and possible actions. Results will be returned for more input from the community. Jordan suggested members make a stop at www.ifound.org

Reports and Information Adjournment and Minutes: Beth Nelson mentioned the seminar on “prevention of Foreclosures” that will occur in Cambridge following this meeting. A long discussion followed on the desperate situation due to the increase of gas and food prices. Many employees are finding it difficult to keep homes, find places to sleep, obtain food and pay off bills. This was not confined to the poor but regular working employees. It was noted this is putting a lot of stress on HR depts. And employers too who are facing situations with employees that extend beyond work. Beth will bring back some of the ideas presented in “Preventing Foreclosure” seminar to this group and additional discussion will follow on our next agenda to see what can be done as a group to help. For now, aid can be obtained by Catholic Charities, Lakes & Pines, Lutheran Social Services, and check out www.hocmm.org The key to mortgage problems is to catch and negotiate early, as many loans are not carried by local banks and are sold off. This makes negotiation more difficult. The Surveys seem to indicate that this region is in the top ten for foreclosures in MN.

After a brief survey of members it was decided to suspend our July meeting. See everyone in August.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00. Minutes by John Norris