Minutes of the April 10, 2008 Workforce Investment Board Meeting
Welcome/Call to Order
Vice Chairperson Michelle Capone called the meeting to order at 8:13 a.m., and welcomed new member Joe Todora, and “almost” member Warren Rosenthal to the meeting. She also welcomed guest Vicki Quigley from Jefferson Community College.
See attached attendance listing
Privilege of the floor was extended to those in attendance. No attendees chose to address the Board at this time.
The minutes of the February 14th WIB meeting were approved unanimously, on a motion by Ron Monnat, second by Arleigh Rice.
Members reviewed two pieces of information, provided in the materials mailed to members The response from NYSDOL relative to the local area’s performance improvement plan was noted, as was the report on the teenage job market (a report completed by Northeastern University). Additionally, Marty reported on summer TANF funding for youth employment contained as part of the approved New York State budget. It is expected that similar funding to 2007 will be provided to the local area. Last year 179 summer jobs were created by the funding received.
Vice Chairperson Michelle Capone provided this report in Chairperson Karen Roden’s absence. Michelle reported on the need to complete a slate of officers for 2008-09, which will require a Board resolution at the June meeting. WIB members reappointments were also referenced, and members were provided a listing of members whose terms expire June 30, 2008. Marty indicated he would reach out to each member, and encourage their continued participation for another term. Member Bob Hagemann updated the Board on the search for Marty’s replacement. He indicated that 28 applicants had applied, and that the review of qualifications had begun. It is expected that 4-5 candidates would be interviewed in the near future, and selection would occur thereafter.
The Board acted on the following resolutions, as noted:
Resolution #07-12: Membership Renewal – Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce
Motion: Don Alexander
Second: Bob Hagemann
Approved: Unanimously
Resolution #07-13: Support for Emerge-NNY Conference
Motion: Jerry Haenlin
Second: Arleigh Rice
Approved: Aye –18
Nay – 0
Abstain – 2 (Michelle Capone, Leslie O’Hara)
Vicki Quigley, Dean for Business at Jefferson Community College, discussed the plans at the college for the establishment of a center for entrepreneurial studies, creating not only a physical location, but a “state of mind”. She spoke about the opportunity for linkage to the Continuing Education Division and JCC students (the Hospitality & Tourism program was specifically referenced). The center could also provide for practicum experience for business students, and the center would promote a broader focus for Business Division offerings.
WIB Member Doug Schelleng updated the membership on a training consortium being developed to address training needs related to the call center business. The partnership includes the Western, Mohawk Valley, and North Country areas, as the group seeks to secure input from employers with common employee training needs, define the level of need, identify curriculum to “plug into” the needs, and build the talent pipeline with workers with the requisite skill sets.
The membership reviewed and discussed the effort to update the local State of the Workforce Report, and identify the next generation of workforce issues that the WIB should be involved in. The members reviewed the handout material relating to the current “report card” of accomplishments on the initial five strategic issues, a summary of potential steps for the next project, and a summary of potential concepts and themes to be addressed in the future. There was a motion form the floor to acknowledge the plan, and endorsement to move forward, as follows:
Resolution #07-14: WIB Approval to move forward with the workforce report concept as presented and discussed.
Motion: Don Alexander
Second: Jerry Haenlin
Approved: Unanimously
Don Alexander reported that NEW Corporation training had started at the One-Stop center, and that the company may be looking for additional United States sites. There is interest in replicating the Watertown model in St. Lawrence and Lewis Counties
Michelle Capone reported that the Young professionals Day will be held on May 15th, with John Johnson III the guest speaker at the luncheon and award ceremony.
There will be a CEO luncheon at Fort Drum in June 2008 to bring corporate executive together to learn more about the available workforce related to Fort Drum, and better communicate/link businesses to this workforce.
The WIB thanked Kate Fenlon, Doug Schelleng, and Jim Picunas for their service to the WIB. Kate and Jim will be retiring, and Doug will be re-locating to the Albany area.
The next meeting of the Board will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2008.
On a motion by Jerry Haenlin, second by Ron Monnat, and approved unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine Fenlon
WIB Secretary
WIB MEMBERSHIP ATTENDANCE ROSTER
APRIL 10, 2008
Don Alexander George Anderson
Steve Binion Michelle Capone
Kate Fenlon Linda Graham
Jerry Haenlin Bob Hagemann
George Instchert Marybeth LaVallee
Scott Mathys Ron Monnat
Dave Moran Leslie O’Hara
Jim Picunas Arleigh Rice
Doug Schelleng Joe Todora
Claudia Whitmire Martin DelSignore
Warren Rosenthal Vicki Quigley
Joe Sorbello