Minutes of East Central Minnesota Workforce Partnership Meeting

December 11, 2007

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

Welcome and Introductions: John N. welcomed Valerie Dosland, Ewald Consulting to the meeting and members introduced themselves.

In Attendance: Angie Sanders, Braham, Cambridge-Isanti, Mora, Princeton ABE Consortium, Tony Thomann, Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services, Beth Nelson, DEED, Bob Voss, ECRDC, Craig Bakken, Anoka- Ramsey Community College – Campus, Ginger Glenn, Glenn Metalcraft, Craig Schultz, Braham Schools, Bruce Novak, Cambridge-Isanti Schools, John Norris, Atscott Mfg., John Schlagel, Jordan Zeller, ECRDC, Jason Spaeth, Pine Technical College, Christy Flaspeter, Isanti Tool Co., Valerie Dosland, Ewald Consulting, Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College and Ray Hoheisel, Executive Director.

Minutes: Bruce N. moved, seconded by Craig S. to approve minutes of November 13, 2007 Partnership meeting. Motion approved.

Financial Report: John S. gave the Treasurer’s report. The balance through November 30, 2007 was $20,582.12. Revenue was from interest and expenditures were for Executive Director payment and State of Minnesota filing fee. Moved by Ginger G., seconded by Tony T. to approve report. Motion carried.

Executive Director Payment for Services: Upon motion by Ginger G., seconded by Tony T. payment for 2 days for November and mileage reimbursement for December, 2006 through November, 2007 of 1161 miles was made to Executive Director. Motion approved.

Career and Technical Education Legislation Discussion with Valerie Dosland, Lobbyist for Minnesota Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators. Valerie D. began the discussion with a brief review of her background and gave the history of career and technical education funding. Her next remarks centered on how the Partnership can help to pass the career and technical education bill that was authored by Representative Faust. Most important is to change the perception of legislators on the importance of and need for career and technical education.

The Legislator convenes on February 12, 2008 in a session that is usually devoted to bonding bills. However, the November economic forecast showed a $370 million deficit. This will need to be resolved. She outlined several scenarios for resolution and listed political ramifications of each. Because of issues facing legislators it is very difficult to be asking for funding of career and technical education during this session. However, she did outline several avenues to give life to the bill that was introduced last year.

She next outlined the role the Partnership might play:

1. Grassroots play an important role. Legislators want to hear from their constituents.

2. Legislators rely on constituents to tell them what is happening in their districts, especially districts a distance from the capitol.

3. Businesses telling legislators what highly trained career and technical people mean to their success is an important message.

4. Invite legislators to businesses, manufacturing companies and schools to see need firsthand.

5. Involve local chambers of commerce for support.

Valerie D. distributed Basics of Lobbying booklets and a handout entitled Legislative Toolbox. Now is the time to talk to your legislators, even if you think they disagree with you. Building relationships with legislators is important. You bring a great and different voice to the legislators. She suggested that 3-4 business leaders invite legislators to visit career and technical education classrooms to let them know that the equipment in the schools is not what they use. Legislators who are in favor of improving career and technical education funding have an understanding of the product from these classes. She said no one is really opposed, but career and technical education is not a high priority, especially for legislators who don’t understand need.

Following discussion members set a course of action including the following three steps:

First, will be to meet with Rep. Faust and House K-12 Education Chair, Rep Greiling at a local manufacturing business to tell and show the importance Career and Technical Education for their business’ continued success. This might also include a school tour. Robert M. agreed to contact Rep. Faust to arrange the meeting. If scheduled the meeting will replace the January Partnership meeting.

Second, business leaders will meet at the Capitol with House and Senate leaders and pertinent committee chairs. The reason for the meeting is to tell them of the importance of career and technical education for their respective businesses.

Third, continue dialogue with local legislators about the changing school needs for students in this high tech world.

ECRDC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Advisory Committee Report: Jordan Z. distributed an update handout. Robert V. told of a meeting with Christy James affiliated with the Northwest Foundation to learn about the role she might play in the development of the ECRDC’s five year plan. Robert M. encouraged a joint planning effort should the Northern Technology Initiative be awarded the FIRST grant. The joint effort would eliminate duplication of effort. Comprehensive Economic Development will be the agenda for the February Partnership meeting.

Joint Conference Planning Committee Report: Beth N. gave a brief report and said that planning is coming along quite well.

Partnership Status with IRS: Ray H. distributed copies of a letter to the IRS prepared by accountant firm, Peffer and Wallce, LTD asking to retain non-profit status. Robert M. moved, seconded by Christy F. to submit the letter to the IRS. Motion carried.

Website Status: Ray H. informed members that Cathy Finnerty, administrative assistant for East Central Minnesota Educational Cable Consortium has agreed to manage the web site.

Reports and Information:

1. Gold Collar Career Day: Members who attended and participated in the 4^th annual Gold Collar Career Day reported that the day was successful. For the first time more students wanted to attend (180) than could be accommodated (130). This year’s attendees appeared to be more attentive and interested than in the past. Consideration will be given to adding a second day next year if interest continues to expand.

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