E.U.P. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

  Preliminary Minutes

  March 17, 2005

The E.U.P. Workforce Development Board meeting was held at Studebaker’s Restaurant in Sault Ste. Marie.  Workforce Development Board Vice President Tony Bosbous called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m.

Workforce Development Board Members Present:

Tony Bosbous
Jim Feil
David Goldthorpe
Jill Hazel
Jeff Holt
Jennifer Storey (Alt)
Karen Olsen
Joe Halvorsen (Alt)
Sandee Raappana
Ken Smith
Aaron Tadgerson
John Ufer

Workforce Development Board Members Absent:

Ernie Maas
Carmen McLaren
Jen Prpich
Dave Ramsay
Pat Shimmens
Jim Wagner
Barbara Weber
David Weber

Bold names denote private sector.

Guest Present:

Ed DeTour

Staff Present:

Gwen Worley
Kim Wilcox

There was no public comment addressed at this meeting.

The minutes of the January 20, 2005 , Workforce Development Board meeting were approved as submitted following a motion by Jill Hazel and support by Jim Feil.

The Trade Act Plan Modification was reviewed.  This modification is a result of a $31,488 increase in Trade Act funds to provide services to employees laid off from Wohlert’s.  Director Worley indicated that some of the Trade Act funds may have to be returned as these funds cannot be carried forward.  Jim Feil moved to approve the Trade Act modification.  John Ufer supported.  Motion passed.

Director Worley mentioned that the Luce County EDC and the 1st Step Business Counseling have both expressed an interest in providing services in the Luce County area.  She requested that each agency submit a proposal describing how small business counseling will be performed in this county.  Both agencies are requesting $1,500, which is what the Consortium has contributed to the Mackinac & Chippewa 1st Step Programs.  The 1st Step Business Counseling’s proposal requested $1,500 to continue services by scheduling six sessions in the next nine months.  The Luce County EDC decided to not submit a proposal but indicated that they would be willing to work with 1st Step as well as provide basic services to customers.  Jim Feil moved to approve 1st Step Business Counseling’s proposal to continue services in Luce County for $1,500.  Jeff Holt supported.  Motion passed.

The Distance Learning Pilot Program was described.  This project is being sponsored by the Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the E.U.P. is one of four locations invited to participate in this program.  This project targets individuals who have dropped out of school and receive public assistance.  It is designed to assist the participant in overcoming primary barriers to obtain the education necessary to retain employment.  The total amount of this contract is $65,000 and does not require matching funds.  Jim Feil moved to move forward with the Distance Learning Pilot Program.  Ken Smith supported.  Motion passed.

Workforce Development Board members provided positive comments regarding the E.U.P. Economic Summit held in February.  This Summit allowed information regarding economic issues to be collected by economic representatives of all three counties.  Overall, the attendees of the Summit were pleased with the information received and would like to meet on an annual basis.  It was noted that Bay Mills Community College has already formed new partnerships with War Memorial Hospital and the Sault Area Career Center as direct results of the summit.

Workforce Development Board members also discussed the Airbus proposal.  Chippewa County is one of the top three in Michigan being considered at this time.

Director Worley provided information regarding the Governor’s MI Opportunity Partnership plan described in the State of the State Address.  The Governor has set a goal of matching 30,000 unemployed people with employers.  Michigan Works! will provide services to assist in this outcome.

Several informational items were reviewed.

A brief update of the Strategic Planning Review committee report was discussed.  John Ufer provided a handout for WDB members to review and they were asked to provide comments at next month’s meeting.

As there was no new or old business, the meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. following a motion by Ken Smith and support by John Ufer.

             Jim Wagner                                                April 21, 2005

                                                                                                       

    Jim Wagner, President                                          Date Approved

E.U.P. Workforce Development Board

 

Prepared by Kim Wilcox