12-17-08  YC Planning Committee Meeting  
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1. Welcome and Introductions
   With a quorum of the YC Planning Committee present, Chair Alves opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
   
   
2. Review of Draft Minutes of May 15 Meeting. It was noted that Mr. Alves was, in fact, present at the May meeting but is noted as absent on the draft minutes. No vote taken, pending additional review.
   
   
3. Discussion Relative to Use of Set-Aside Funds for a New Procurement
   The Committee agreed earlier in the year to set some funds aside for a pilot program that offers diversified training opportunities. Youth Council Chair Fernandes, with consensus from the Council, has identified green initiatives as being of particular interest. The Weatherization Program, funded through SEEAL and NStar, represents an excellent example of a WIB-led partnership providing training in green jobs. Other grant opportunities are currently underway to build on the Weatherization Program and the state’s commitment to energy efficiency and conservation as well as alternative energy options in a “green economy.”
   
   The Planning Committee also discussed the need to incorporate 21st century skills (creative thinking, problem solving, team building, technological skills, financial literacy, flexibility, to name a few) into the request for proposals. The Committee seeks a “bold” approach to youth training and skill development.
   
   The Committee was assured by Jean Fox that the RFP will be produced with their stated preferences included.
   
   
4. Updates
   Jean Fox informed the Committee that the “Green Jobs Network Exchange: Setting the Agenda” Conference event is scheduled for Feb. 12, 2009. This conference is being planned and coordinated by the Green Jobs Network, with broad-based membership that includes the WIB, education, higher education, the City of New Bedford, community-based organizations, and others. Representatives from Labor have indicated a strong interest in participating, as have several employers. The Committee was asked to save the date.
   
   Ms. Fox also noted that Commonwealth Corporation is doing some initial planning in connection with anticipated stimulus funding for Youth Works. In a recent discussion, Ms. Fox was asked what would be needed to double youth participation this summer. The response: whatever needs to be done to make it possible.
   
   Gloria Williams has informed the WIB that Youth Build is submitting a proposal in response to a Dept. of Labor procurement for Youth Build programming. The WIB is providing a letter of support.
   
   Ms. Fox informed the Committee that Youth Build is also working with the WIB and an expanded green jobs network in a proposal effort that seeks to provide training and job opportunities for youth and others living below 300% of the poverty level. The RFP specifically requires companies involved in clean energy be at the table and it targeted to the 11 Gateway Cities. The WIB has invited Fall River to join in the discussion. There will be discussion at next week’s meeting to determine whether or not to submit a single proposal for the two cities – both Gateway Cities. Preliminary discussions with several appropriate firms have begun, and there is excellent enthusiasm.
   
   The Stay-In-School Initiative will be presented to the New Bedford School Committee sometime in January. Nelson Hockert-Lotz and Nancy Feeney are expected to attend. They are working on some marketing and “branding” materials as well.
   
   Finally, Jean Fox is now on the Tech Prep Advisory Board and working to introduce the program into more schools. Tech Prep aligns high school and BCC curriculum, permitting students the opportunity to earn some college credits. Most of the area technical-vocational high schools currently participate. While other schools may not receive Perkins or Ch. 74 funds, there are opportunities to develop favorable articulation agreements that benefit the students. It is important to note that “Some College” is a widely used demographic measure. In addition, having some credits tends to motivate students to continue their studies. Many conventional high schools have business and technical courses that can align with BCC course options.
   
   BCC also offers the SMART program, which is an engineering certification program funded through the National Science Foundation. Free courses are offered regularly for high school students. Participating schools are offered free professional development and access to an expansive lending laboratory for equipment. Ms. Fox will be talking to area schools about this program as well.
   
   
5. Adjournment
   The Committee agreed to reconvene after the holiday. Being no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned (Alves, Wallquist).
   
   Respectfully submitted,
   
   
   Jean C. Fox
   Youth Council Director

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   12-09-08  Business Development Committee
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   Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
   Business Development Committee
   Meeting Minutes
   12/09/08
   GNB WIB Office - Conference Room 207
   
   Committee members in attendance: Christopher J. O'Neil, Chair; Paul Correia, Lisa M. Lemieux, Michael R. Shea, Jeffrey F. Travers
   Committee members absent: James Butler, David Cabral, Thomas G. Davis, Dennis Galvam (called), Andrew T. Guilbeault, Michelle Hantman, Roy Nascimento, Derek Santos, Charles N. Sisson
   
   Workforce Development System staff attending: Bridget Alexander
   
   Meeting called to order 7:37AM
   
   Consent Agenda:
   11/12/08 BD Committee Meeting Minutes
   Motion to approve by Mike Shea
   Second by Chris O’Neil
   Approved
   
   The committee reviewed September meeting. At the September meeting (which took place shortly after the Board’s passage of our strategic plan) the committee prioritized four objectives to focus on. The four objectives were chosen and prioritized as follows (Bridget read them for the group):
   1. Objective 3b: Develop a Comprehensive Fundraising Plan;
   2. Objective 3a: Refine the Current Marketing Plan & Make it Actionable;
   3. Objective 2c: Develop Greater Coordination & Collaboration with Local Economic Development Entities; and
   4. Objective 1c: Develop & Implement Workforce Initiatives Specifically Targeting Selected Population of Workers & Job Seekers.
   Committee agreed that the above order is fluid.
   
   Discussion switched to event planning for economic development representatives from the city and towns in GNBWIB region. Group agreed that this event is an opportunity to develop relationships with towns in our region. We have not sufficiently worked with towns and businesses within the towns. We need to let whole region know what the WIB provides.
   
   By developing these relationships we will be lining up new potential board members from these towns…the Executive Committee needs to know who to consider in these towns for Board membership.
   
   Bridget: Need volunteers to develop event. Chris volunteered.
   Plan for holding event was agreed upon as follows: Get Executive Committee to reach out to this economic development contact list, pitch taking some of the burden off of them and work with their businesses. Make the event a Breakfast – in the morning/8 AM – 4th week in March - need a venue (choose a location in Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, Lakeville). Bridget will hand deliver packets to contact list and we will ask Executive Committee or those with personal connections to follow up.
   
   Recommendation to Executive Committee to hold Economic Development Event.
   
   Committee then reviewed a proposal by Medium Studio to design a new logo and apply the new logo to the website. The cost would be $2K (flat fee). The BDC recommends the Board move forward with this marketing effort (Objective 3a) and will bring this recommendation before the Executive Committee at its next meeting.
   
   Assuming approval for logo and website changes, committee will put together a working group once it receives first drafts from Medium Studio.
   
   Announcements:
   Christopher J. O’Neil has been appointed Business Development Committee’s new Chair, and Paul Correia will stay on as Vice Chair.
   
   All committees should have vice chairs to assist succession, something to consider, feeding the pipeline. Committee agreed that having vice chairs for Executive Committee and Finance and Performance Committee was an official recommendation to be brought before the Executive Committee at its next meeting.
   
   8:40 AM Adjourned on a motion by Christopher O’Neil.
   
   Respectfully submitted,
   
   
   Bridget Alexander, Esq.
   Director of Development

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   12-03-08  Executive Committee Meeting  
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   Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
   Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
   12/03/08
   Southcoast Hospitals Group – Fairhaven
   
   Members present: Chair, David DeJesus, Jr.; John Fernandes, David J. Ferreira, Richard F. Mello, Bruce Morell, David A. Pelletier, Ronald F. Rheaume
   Members absent: Roger W. Masson (called), Maria O. Pinarreta (called), Charles R. Simpson, Jr. (called)
   
   Guest: Norm Audette
   
   Workforce Development System Staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Bridget Alexander, Edward Dennehy, Jean C. Fox, Steve Grant, Joseph Notini, Jason Wentworth
   
   Chairman DeJesus called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
   
   Consent Agenda:
   A motion was made by Bruce Morell and seconded by David J. Ferreira to approve the draft minutes of the 10/22/08 Executive Committee meetings and WIB Treasurer’s Report. The vote to approve was unanimous.
   
   Discussion Regarding Board Membership
   Chairman DeJesus addressed the requirement that Board get down to 45 by FY 2010. There are currently 55 members on the Board. Chairman DeJesus pointed out that attendance and general engagement are not where they should be. Executive Director, Len Coriaty, then passed out an alphabetical list of members and criteria on voting/membership standards for review and to be revisited next month. A list of members required by industry sector will be e-mailed to the Executive Committee as a supplement to current member list.
   
   Chairman DeJesus then charged the committee with recommending current members who should be removed from the Board due to being unengaged, disinterested in serving on the Board, or (in the committee member’s opinion) simply should not be on the Board. The deadline for cut recommendations is “by April,” as these recommendations will go to Mayor Lang to be carried out at his discretion.
   
   Mr. Coriaty provided the directive that as the Board adds new members it should keep an eye to having representation from emerging industries, such as the environmental/green industry; and critical existing industries, such as healthcare. Mr. Coriaty also left the committee with the question: “What should the board look like in 2010?”
   
   COMMITTEE UPDATES
   
   Finance and Performance Measurement Committee – Bruce Morell
   Mr. Morell informed the committee that the Finance and Performance Measurement Committee (“FinPMC”) voted to transfer $62k to ABE/ESOL (adult basic education/English for speakers of other languages) from Adult ITA (individual training account) funds. Ed Dennehy, President of New Directions Southcoast, Inc. (operator of Greater New Bedford and Wareham Career Centers) had informed FinPMC that ABE/ESOL was funded at 50%, and this will bring the fund back up to status quo. Mr. Dennehy had also explained that customers are not ready for training and need the ABE/ESOL as a first step.
   
   Mr. Morell further informed the committee that FinPMC voted to submitting a second high performing board application for the March 2nd deadline.
   
   John Fernandes motioned to approve both recommendations and Dave Ferreira seconded the motion. The vote to approve was unanimous.
   
   Business Development committee – Bridget Alexander
   Mrs. Alexander reported that there were no recommendations to the Executive Committee at this time. However Committee is working on green jobs initiatives, revising the WIB’s logo, revamping the WIB’s website, and an economic development event.
   
   Youth Council – John Fernandes, Jean Fox
   John Fernandes, Youth Council Chair, reported that at the November Youth Council meeting a new component had been added: Youth Speaks. A group of youth from the Mayor’s Youth Council attended the November Youth Council meeting and shared their thoughts. Mr. Fernandes went on to share that the Youth Council intends to make this a regular feature. Mr. Fernandes also announced the upcoming request for proposals for approximately $29k in funding, which will be focused on 21st century skills.
   
   Chairman DeJesus then posed the question: “How is time split between short-term investment and long-term investment? For example, how much between summer jobs and long-term training?” Jean Fox, the Youth Council’s Director, responded to the question. She explained that it depends on our [the WIB’s] funding streams. For example, In-School youth receive funding through programs like Pathways and CS2; while Out-of-School youth are getting their training through other programs like GED prep and career development (career development not a separate part of the agenda but interwoven).
   
   Project Manager – Len Coriaty
   Mr. Coriaty reported that Mike Longo started two weeks ago. Mr. Coriaty went on to share that Mr. Longo has expressed his happiness to be on board and has met with many of the staff. Mr. Longo has more meetings scheduled, has done a site visit or two and is participating in the high performing board group. Mr. Coriaty reiterated Mr. Longo’s plans to be at subsequent meetings and that he is keeping a log of his activities.
   
   Service Provider Update: New Directions Southcoast (Career Centers) – Ed Dennehy
   Mr. Dennehy reported a significant increase in unemployed customers at the career centers. He stated that: “We are serving 350 a week, averaging 100 to 175 on Mondays.” Mr. Dennehy further explained that the wait is an hour and 45 minutes at the beginning of the week and about 30 minutes towards the end of the week. Mr. Dennehy added that the recently extended unemployment benefits and call-hours has the effect of increasing stress on the staff.
   
   Mr. Dennehy disseminated a handout on the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Educational & Skills Program. The contract for this program is between DTA and WIB, with New Directions as subcontractor to run program.
   
   The Career Center is paid for each enrollment and each employment. This payout comes to $186k a year. Mr. Dennehy explained that there is also a retention aspect to this program, as the WIB receives an additional $500 for those participants in the program who stayed employed for 6 months and a $1000 for those who stayed employed for a year+. These incentive dollars have added up to about $14k a year over the last few years.
   
   Mr. Dennehy pointed out that participants who are put through some kind of skills training have the best track record for staying employed. Mr. Dennehy considers this program to be a very good one. The Career Center has one staff person who does nothing but work with this population. That staff person provides support services to help them stay on the job. This particular group is probably one of the hardest to serve and they need a lot of support services – child care, transportation – “so when we have a win it’s a good win,” said Mr. Dennehy.
   
   Chairman DeJesus asked if there was any new business.
   
   Len Coriaty gave an update on Advocacy Efforts
   Mr. Coriaty explained that there is an effort across the state to ask the governor to reverse the cuts in the 9c training fund. He indicated that there is a good chance that this might happen. Mr. Coriaty shared an opportunity he had to ask the governor about reversing these cuts when he recently visited the city. The Governor said he’s got it. Due to the cuts, there will be no Workforce Training Fund applications taken in January and will resume in March. Mr. Coriaty pointed out that the Board’s Chair wrote a letter in support of reversing the cuts, along with Associated Industries of Mass (AIM) and the Boston Chamber of Commerce, and the Mass Tax Payers Association. Roy Nascimento of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce also submitted a Letter of Support.
   
   Len Coriaty then shared notes from National Workforce Association Annual Conference
   Mr. Coriaty noted that this group is different then the National Association of Workforce Boards – “This group focuses on working with Congress and the Executive Branch.” Mr. Coriaty reported that this conference provided the opportunity to hear from members of Congress and international economic experts, who presented analysis of the November election and what it means for workforce. Other topics covered included the deficit, the bailout and new job creation under the incoming administration. “Our focus is getting the Workforce Investment Act reauthorized,” stated Mr. Coriaty. It has never been reauthorized, but extended under continuing resolutions for five years.
   
   The meeting was adjourned at 5:54pm.
   
   Next meeting: 01/28/09 – 4:30pm – Fairhaven Home Care Conference Room (Southcoast Hospitals Group) in Fairhaven
   Respectfully submitted,
   
   
   Bridget Alexander, Esq.
   Director of Development

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   12-03-08  Finance and Performance Measurement Committee Meeting  
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   Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
   Finance and Performance Measurement Committee
   12/03/08
   Fairhaven Homecare Conference Room
   
   Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members present: Bruce Morell, Chair; David DeJesus, Jr., Edward J. Dennehy, John Fernandes, Peter J. Muise, Joseph Notini, David A. Pelletier, Maria O. Pinarreta, James F. Snow
   Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members absent: Roger W. Masson (called), James C. Nichols, Susan B Peterson (called), Charles R. Simpson, Jr. (called)
   
   Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Bridget Alexander, Craig Baker, Steve Grant, Jason Wentworth
   
   Guests in attendance: Normand Audette, Richard Mello (WIB member)
   
   Chair Bruce Morell called the meeting to order at 3:08pm.
   
   Consent Agenda:
   David DeJesus moved to approve the 10/22/08 Finance and Performance Measurement Committee Minutes. James Snow seconded. Maria Pinarreta moved to accept the WIB Treasurer’s Report through 10/31/08. Dave Pelletier seconded.
   
   Reports:
   Steve Grant presented the Report on Financials for October 31, 2008. He noted that not much had changed from the September report. The ITA situation was the same – low demand for Adult population, high demand for Dislocated Workers. He noted this should support a recommendation to transfer Adult ITA funding to supplementing the ABE, ESOL budget. Included with the regular financials which show spending in more general categories was a line item report for total spending to date. Variances were highlighted for the committee.
   
   Dave DeJesus asked Ed Dennehy if he knew why there was low demand for ITA’s in the Adult population. Ed gave the opinion that the Adults coming to the CC do not have the basic ABE or ESOL skills to continue on to occupational training.
   
   Dave DeJesus asked if we have contingency plans if the State makes further 9C cuts. Bruce Morell and Norm Audette added that they felt additional cuts were inevitable based on information they have heard. Norm cited the State's projection of very low capital gains tax revenue.
   
   Joe Notini asked about the amount of State funding still at risk. Steve said there was probably not much exposure at this point, maybe some DOE funding. Bruce reiterated that there was still plenty of risk so we should look at contingencies.
   
   Craig Baker noted that a few years back we looked at zero based budgeting where we would add tiers of service based on funding. Len Coriaty offered that the staff would update a zero based model for the next meeting. Bruce Morell also asked that State funding should be identified for next meeting.
   
   John Fernandes motioned to accept the Financial Report. Maria Pinaretta seconded.
   
   Ed Dennehy presented the Career Center Operations Report. He noted the Career Center has been slammed by an average of 350 visits per week for U.I. claims or other U.I. services. He noted that only 2.5 staff work on U.I. He said the DCS personnel moves tied in to the JSJR reduction resulted in relocating 2 employees from the DTA office to the Brockton call center. This might help with some of the U.I. volume going forward, however, it could also result in more of the DTA population coming to the Career Center. Ed noted Mondays are particularly bad at the Career Center with a wait of up to 1¾ hour for U.I service.
   
   Len Coriaty asked Joe Notini about the need to absorb any costs from the JSJR cuts with local funds since he understood other areas had pushed back and were able to get DUA to pick up additional costs. Joe said he was not aware of that but that the personnel situation is changing constantly and he would get together with Steve to go over the staffing again.
   
   Ed noted that employer contacts are ongoing with 54 employers contacted for the month. This resulted in 15 job orders.
   
   Ed made a formal request to approve transfer of $61K from Adult ITA’s to ABE / ESOL programs. Peter Muise made the motion to transfer the funds. Maria Pinarreta seconded and it passed unanimously. Ed noted that DCS will start their Quality Assurance Review on Feb. 2nd and will include program and fiscal.
   
   John Fernandes moved to accept the Career Center Operations Report. Dave DeJesus seconded.
   
   Project Manager
   Mike Longo left word he had to miss the meeting due to a family matter, but Len said Mike started work a couple of weeks ago, has attended various meetings including the working group for the HPB application. Len reported that Mike is logging his activities and would provide a written report for future meetings.
   
   Orientation Material
   Steve handed out an overview of the Finance and Performance Measurement committee’s role and responsibilities based on a request from Dave Pelletier. It was offered that the committee members review it and offer any suggestions to improve it based on their experiences. Steve said it could serve as a first look at what the committee does for board members seeking committee assignments in the future.
   
   Craig Baker talked about the Strategic Plan and HPB application. It was noted that the process is taking longer than anticipated with each of the objectives taking up an hour or more of working group discussion. With 12 objectives to be reviewed he wanted to get the board’s feeling on continuing to shoot for the March submission date or just aim for the final submission date in September. Craig said 8 to 10 new board policies would have to be developed, reviewed, and voted on. It was also mentioned that we need to develop a track record for some of the objectives since the State has said that evidence is important.
   
   There was discussion about the perception of the Mayor’s expectations vs. the board’s expectations regarding the State’s approval. Len said he would communicate with Mike Longo to express the board’s view and expectations for the upcoming application.
   
   Bruce noted that the committee has already demonstrated a track record at this meeting by responding to the need for ABE / ESOL funding. Len added that we already have many strong indicators and it is just a matter of presenting them in the application.
   
   The consensus opinion of the committee was to continue to aim for the March application submission not with the expectation of getting the certification, but at least to get additional feedback.
   
   Craig also touched on the Return on Investment calculation. He is trying to extract a few ‘social metrics’ from a group in California that has had success working in this area. He said we may be able to apply these social metrics to some of our programs.
   
   Craig mentioned that the Charter Review should be up for consideration on the next agenda and that was agreed to.
   
   Craig brought up the Workforce Training Fund and offered that our area is generating VERY little use of the fund. He said it might be a good idea to allocate $15,000 from next year’s WTF allocation to better market and assist with applications to the fund.
   
   Ed said we are making an effort to connect companies to Rob Vitello but thinks companies are not following through because of the 50% match requirement.
   
   Len said he thought this was a lost opportunity for economic development and we need to get a handle on why there are such a low number of local applications.
   
   Updates:
   Bruce congratulated Bridget for the successful application for the weatherization training grant. It was noted that this grant is funded by both a private foundation and a corporation. (SEEAL and NSTAR).
   
   John Fernandes motioned to adjourn. David DeJesus seconded.
   
   Meeting adjourned 4:34pm.
   
   Next meeting: Wednesday, 01/28/09 – 4:30pm – Fairhaven Home Care Conference Room (Southcoast Hospitals Group) in Fairhaven
   Respectfully submitted,
   
   
   Steven Grant
   Chief Financial Officer

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