Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

 

April 10, 2007

 

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

 

Welcome and Introductions: John S. welcomed members and had members introduce themselves.

 

In Attendance: Angie Sanders, Braham, Cambridge-Isanti, Mora, Princeton ABE Consortium, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft, Inc., John Schlagel, Rita Borchert, Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Terry Dalbey, MN DEED, Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College, Jordan Zeller, ECRDC, Bruce Novak, Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools, Steve Allen, Oak Land Cooperative, Craig Schultz, Braham Schools, Christy Flaspeter, Grandview Christian Ministries, Tony Thomann, Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Darwin Bostic, Pine City Schools and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

 

Minutes: John S.. moved, seconded by Terry D. to approve minutes of March 13, 2007 Partnership meeting. Motion approved.

 

Financial Report: John S. gave the Treasurer’s report. The balance through March 31, 2007 was $22,903.90. Revenue was from interest and expenditures were for Executive Director services. Moved by Darwin B., seconded by Robert M. to approve report. Motion carried.

 

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

 

Approve Grant Application to ECM Publishers Inc. Community Affairs Council: The grant to help fund the annual 2008 Women in Technology Conference sponsored by Pine Technical College was discussed. Robert M. and Ray H. gave conference goals and accomplishments. The 2007 conference was attended by 240 sixth grade girls who learned about potential career opportunities for females in science, mathematics and technology. Female business leaders from various science, mathematics and technology related businesses were the presenters. Robert M. mentioned that the first group of conference attendees will be graduating from high school this year. Ginger G. told of her connection and association with the conference. Ginger G. moved, seconded by Terry D. to authorize submitting the grant. Motion approved.

 

May 8th “Celebration of Success” Event: Due to unforeseen circumstances the May 8^th “Celebration of Success” event was cancelled. Christy F. explained that she could reschedule, either in June or September, but preferred September. The next “Celebration of Success” event will be on September 11, 2007. Terry D. mentioned that a new event center will be opening north of Milaca in the event that we want to explore meeting at that location.

 

With the May 8^th cancellation and the close proximity of the Employer Conference members were encouraged to attend the Employer Conference. There will not be a Partnership meeting on May 8, 2007.

 

Members briefly discussed potential topics for future meetings or “Celebration of Success” events. Ray H. mentioned that the group had expressed an interest in meeting with area high school counselors, but up to this point that has not been done. John N. said his company was beginning to see results of wellness program instituted at Atscott Mfg. Inc. He told of reduced health insurance costs, personal benefits to participants and potentially serious health problems uncovered and dealt with in early stages of disease. Members felt this was an important success story to share in the region and John N. agreed to share the information at a future “Celebration of Success” event.

 

Legislative Affairs Focus on Technical Education in K-12: Copies of e-mails from Sen. Olseen and Chris M. of Oak Land Vocational were distributed and used to update members of status of career and technical education bills. Robert M. and Ray H. identified pertinent information from correspondence and explained language that has been included in Senate and House Omnibus Education Bills. The House language is closest to the original bill and will best meet needs identified to improve opportunities for students in career and technical education. An important component is that state aid is added to the formula, although not at the original level requested.

 

Members continue to support this legislative effort and agreed to rely on Chris M. for updates from MACTA representatives. Several members, including business representatives, agreed to contact education conference committee members and once again emphasize the need for career and technical education in the K-12 schools. It was also mentioned that the Governor’s call for high levels of rigor and relevancy can be met in quality career and technical education classes.

 

Employer Conference Attendance and Healthcare Roundtable Promotion: Conference brochures were made available, although most members had received the brochure. Ray H. gave a quick review of the content of the Healthcare Roundtable that will be moderated by Susan Speetzen, DEED. Members were encouraged to attend and promote attendance by others.

 

Reports and Information:

1. John N. congratulated Pine City robotics team for taking 1^st place in recent competition at Mall of America. Darwin B. explained that team has a good mix of physics, mechanical and technology students that include 12 students, both boys and girls.

 

2. Steve A. said that the Mall of America meet was the first for the Oak Land Cambridge ALC team and that they finished 8^th out of 20 teams. He attended the competition and told of the excitement of both students and their families.

 

3. Robert M. said that the Robotics Camp will again be offered this summer and that registration materials have just gone out.

 

4. Jordan Z. told of the upcoming NTI Financial Resource Summit that will be held on Tuesday morning, May 22, 2007 at the Grand Event Center in Mora. The purpose of the summit is to inform small business owners about financial services and help available in the region.

 

5. Jordan Z. told of the ECRDC organizations revised governance strategy. After explaining the changes, especially the formation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Study advisory committee he asked if the Partnership would be interested in serving as the advisory committee. Consensus among members was that this made sense. ECRDC staff will present more information on this at the June Partnership meeting.

 

Adjournment and Minutes: The meeting adjourned at 8:15 a.m. Minutes by Ray Hoheisel