Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

 

August 14, 2007

 

Call to Order: Vice-Chair Ginger G. called the meeting to order at 7:05 a.m.

 

Welcome and Introductions: Craig Bakken, Anoka Ramsey Community College – Cambridge Campus 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, Beth Nelson, DEED, Bob Voss, ECRDC, Craig Bakken, Anoka- Ramsey Community College – Campus, John Schlagel, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

 

Minutes: Robert M. moved, seconded by John S. to approve minutes of June 12, 2007 Partnership meeting. Motion approved.

 

Financial Report: John S. gave the Treasurer’s report. The balance through July 31, 2007 was $22,098.41. 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 Terry D., seconded by Robert M. payment for 1 day in June and July was made to Executive Director. Motion approved.

 

“Celebration of Success” Event for September 11th: Laurie Larson distributed invitations for the “Celebration of Success” event to be held at MINNCO board room in Cambridge on September 11, 2007. The breakfast presentation is scheduled from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Because of room size, registration will be limited to 40 people, first come first served. An RSVP is required.

 

The breakfast presentation will feature the successful Injury Management Program of Grandview Christian Ministries. Christy Flaspeter, former Director of Human Resources who worked closely with Administration to design and implement the program, along with CEO Greg Carlson will share their process, design and cost-saving results.

 

Ray H. explained the financing dilemma for this event. John S. moved, seconded by Robert M. for the Partnership to pay the cost of the breakfast, estimated to be around $380. Members also discussed next quarter’s breakfast presentation. Suggested location was Fur Post at Pine City with the presentation given by John Norris/Atscott Mfg. detailing their successful wellness program designed to reduce health costs and improve health of employees. Laurie L. and Ray H. will explore potential dates.

 

ECRDC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Advisory Committee – Report and Input on Plan: Jordan Z. distributed information as part of his report and to serve as a reference. He began his presentation by giving a quick recap of expectations of ECRDC and subsequently the Partnership in managing the Federal economic development grant for the five county region. Basically the Partnership is to give input and advice to the nine member CEDS board.

 

In his report he called attention to a recent letter updating community leaders on help available for small business assistance from the ECRDC. He then reviewed a one page summary of accomplishments. Topics covered were: Economic Development Administration, CEDS, Community Planning, Revolving Loan Fund, Job Opportunity Building Zones, Small Business Development Commission and miscellaneous information. He and Bob V. also highlighted information from a power point used at a state level Economic Development Administration update session.

 

Discussion following the report covered topics discussed at the DEED sponsored listening sessions held throughout the state which focused on Minnesota’s critical workforce and economic development issues. It was mentioned that one of the issues brought up time and again was the State strategy for economic development. Members discussed the feasibility of including the career and technical education proposed legislation in the strategy.

 

Members suggested that we consider having a meeting or two each year focusing on economic development activity in the region so the Partnership could responsibly carry out advisory duties. Meetings for either October or November were suggested. Jordan Z. and Ray H. will discuss meeting content and schedule.

 

Joint Conference Planning Committee Report: Beth N. reported on the joint conference committee meeting. She reviewed events and suggestions made at past Partnership meetings which caused the committee to be formed. Her report included brief backgrounds on the three conferences involved, Employer Conference, Mille Lacs Band Economic Summit and Northern Technology Institute Conference. While the goals of the three conferences differ slightly all can be placed under the umbrella of regional economic development.

 

Committee members suggested that it appears feasible to join the three conferences into one if it operates under a general theme with potential for conference within a conference strands. The consensus was that since it is important to finalize dates, conference site and speakers, the committee should meet again to work on details with the intention of having a single conference in April 2008. Partnership members were asked to suggest potential themes, speakers and topics. Ray H. will e-mail Partnership members soliciting suggestions.

Reports and Information:

1. Robert M. briefed members on upcoming Manufacturing Alliance activities, including need to plan for the proposed K-12 In-Service. The purpose of the in-service is to inform K-12 teachers of the career and educational opportunities in manufacturing.
2. Tony T. said that the Workforce Investment Board is looking for a business person from either Kanabec or Pine County to serve on the board. Suggestions from members would be appreciated.
3. Ruth H. told of plans for this fall’s Community Connect program that are scheduled for nearly all the counties in the region. Community Connect is an attempt to assist homeless people and bring resources which will help them with housing and jobs.

 

Adjournment and Minutes: Upon motion by Christy F., seconded by Terry D the meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m. Minutes by Ray Hoheisel