Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

 

June 12, 2007

 

Call to Order: Executive Director Ray H. called the meeting to order at 7:05 a.m.

 

Welcome and Introductions: Ruth Hagfors from Lakes & Pines CAC Inc. was welcomed to the meeting and members introduced themselves.

 

In Attendance: Angie Sanders, Braham, Cambridge-Isanti, Mora, Princeton ABE Consortium, Rita Borchert, Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Terry Dalbey, MN DEED, Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College, Jordan Zeller, ECRDC, Christy Flaspeter, Isanti Tool Inc., Tony Thomann, Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Ruth Hagfors, Lakes & Pines CAC Inc., Laurie Larson, DEED, Sarah Anderson, Schlagel Inc., Beth Nelson, DEED, Bob Voss, ECRDC, Bridget Petersen, Greater MNCU and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

 

Minutes: Robert M. moved, seconded by Terry D. to approve minutes of April 10, 2007 Partnership meeting. Motion approved.

 

Financial Report: Ray H. gave the Treasurer’s report. The balance through May 31, 2007 was $22,652.00. Revenue was from interest and expenditures were for Executive Director services. Moved by Robert M., seconded by Terry D. to approve report. Motion carried.

 

Executive Director Payment for Services: Upon motion by Robert M., seconded by Terry D. payment for 2 days in April and May was made to Executive Director. Motion approved.

 

Legislatives Affairs Focus on Technical Education: Robert M. gave legislative report. He briefly recapped legislative and lobby effort on behalf of Career and Technical Education authored by Representative Faust, Representative Eastlund and Senator Olseen. While the bill advanced it was not included in the omnibus education bill. He recommended we try again and reintroduce the bill. We also need to keep local legislators involved and mobilize for direct lobbying once the bill is in the process of being considered.

 

“Celebration of Success” Event for September 11th: Christy F. agreed to be the presenter for the next “Celebration of Success” event. Laurie L. will coordinate effort and check with MINNCO in Cambridge to host the breakfast presentation. Christy F., Laurie L. and Ray H. will work on details and present them at August 14^th meeting.

 

ECRDC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Study Advisory Committee Development: Jordan Z. and Robert V. presented background information on the new governance structure for the region’s federally sponsored Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, called Comprehensive Economic Development Study (CEDS). This new governance structure calls for a governance board and a grassroots advisory committee. The purpose of the presentation was to give consideration to having the Partnership serve as the advisory committee. The grant requirements spell out the recommended make-up of the advisory committee and Partnership membership mirrors the requirements.

 

Jordan Z. walked members through a series of slides telling about CEDS. The need is to develop a three year grant proposal to generate economic development in the region. Jordan Z. is the primary staff person, although Robert V. also puts in staff time on the grant. The responsibility of the advisory committee is to: give grass root feedback on the plan, review strategy, keep on target and prioritize regional projects.

 

Four of the five counties in the region are defined as distressed by the federal government. This adds to the likelihood that the requested grant is funded. Also, the support of Congressman Oberstar increases the likelihood that the request will get careful consideration.

 

Following discussion Robert M. moved, seconded by Christy F. for the Partnership to serve as the CEDS advisory committee. Motion carried with Robert V. and Jordan Z. abstaining.

 

Employer Conference Review: Beth N. reviewed conference financials indicating that a carry over of $4,139.98 exists. She presented financial details and will e-mail Partnership members when they are finalized. She mentioned that immediately following the conference she received calls giving suggestions for next year’s conference. Several attendees visited the main speaker’s business and plan to have him work with their businesses to implement some of the practices he shared.

 

A part of the conference review dealt with the venue for next year. Feedback was that given the space needs and requirement for break-out rooms the Grand Casino Hinckley venue was the best place to hold the conference. Members recommended that the 2008 Employer Conference be held at Grand Casino Hinckley. It was moved by Bridget P., seconded by Christy F. to hold the 2008 Employer Conference at Grand Casino Hinckley. Motion carried.

 

The topic of doing a joint effort conference with Northern Technology Institute (NTI) and/or potentially the Mille Lacs Band’s Economic Summit was discussed. Several members volunteered to join the planning committee to study this issue. Joining the committee will be Robert M., Jordan Z., Bridget P. and potentially Sarah Treiber representing the Mille Lacs Band. The committee will bring recommendations to the membership.

 

Laurie L. reviewed the 2007 Employer Conference Survey. The conference evaluation results were very positive and also included suggestions for next year’s conference. Members were asked to start thinking about and communicate topics of importance to be explored for the 2008 conference. Briefly mentioned were succession planning (leadership development), CISCO video, Healthcare Roundtable with insurance representatives covering various topics and new plans.

 

Reports and Information:

1. Robert M. highlighted the Manufacturing Alliance meeting summary minutes from April 30, 2007. He noted that activities already set for next year include the Gold Collar Career Day and the Robotics League. Committee members brainstormed a list of potential activities and are in the process of paring the list to two activities. Most likely candidates are a workshop for K-12 faculty and a career camp.

 

Adjournment and Minutes: The meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m. Minutes by Ray Hoheisel