E.U.P. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

  Preliminary Minutes

  December 2, 2004

The E.U.P. Workforce Development Board meeting was held at the Big Boy Restaurant in St. Ignace.  Workforce Development Board Treasurer, Jill Hazel, called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m.  As a quorum was not present, the Workforce Development Board met as a Committee of the Whole.  The Workforce Development Board Chair, Jim Wagner, proceeded to chair the meeting at 4:40 p.m. upon his arrival.

Workforce Development Board Members Present:

David Goldthorpe
Jill Hazel
Jeff Holt
Jennifer Storey (Alt)
Joe Halvorsen (Alt)
Sandee Raappana
Dave Ramsay
John Ufer
Jim Wagner

Workforce Development Board Members Absent:

Tony Bosbous
Jim Feil
D J Hoffman
Ernie Maas
Carmen McLaren
Tom Mize
Jen Prpich
Pat Shimmens
Ken Smith
Barbara Weber

Bold names denote private sector.

Guest Present:

Jay Caldwell

Staff Present:

Gwen Worley
Kim Wilcox

There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.

Workforce Development Board Members reviewed the goals of the current Strategic Plan.  At the time this Plan was adopted, the main goals were to increase workplace readiness, improve academic performance in the region, and attract more high tech/high skill jobs to the region.  It was suggested that a committee be created to review the goals to determine if they should be modified or kept the same.  John Ufer, Jim Wagner, and Dave Ramsay agreed to be on this committee.  It was suggested to ask members not in attendance for their input on this committee.

It was determined to table the approval of the October 21, 2004, Workforce Development Board Minutes until a quorum is obtained.

Director Worley described a partnership between the Sault Area Career Center and Korah Collegiate.  This partnership created a high school international robotics team which would compete with other schools.  This program would provide a hands-on competitive experience to students while stimulating their interests in math, science and engineering.  It promotes statewide initiatives which target innovation, technology and manufacturing. The local team is currently working on fundraising to attend competitions.  Director Worley has recommended that the WDB approve contributing $500 strategic planning funds to this effort.  Jeff Holt moved to donate $500 to this partnership.  John Ufer supported.  Motion passed.

Several informational items were reviewed.

As there was no new or old business, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. following a motion by Dave Ramsay and support by Jeff Holt.

                                Signed                                                                         1/20/05

                        Jim Wagner, President                                                       Date Approved

                E.U.P. Workforce Development Board

Prepared by Kim Wilcox.