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Archive: January 2007 Minutes

01-18-07  Executive Committee Meeting  
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
01/18/07
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth

Members present: Charles R. Simpson Jr.; Chair, Tony Sapienza, Richard Mello, Dave Ferreira, Susan Peterson, Kathleen Del Sordo, Mike Kramer
Members absent: John Fernandes (called), Bruce Morell, Charlie Winterhalter

WIB Members present: Peter Kavanaugh

Workforce Development System staff attending: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Jean C. Fox, Brian J. Hannon, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim

Chair, Charles R. Simpson, called the meeting to order at 4:34 pm.

Susan Peterson made a motion to accept the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Richard Mello. Len Coriaty announced two revisions to the minutes:
  1. Charlie Winterhalter attended; the minutes reflected him as absent. The minutes also have Craig giving the Marketing Committee report; C. Winterhalter gave this report.
  2. Carl Waal was also in attendance.
The minutes, with said revisions, carried unanimously.

Susan Peterson gave the Finance Committee report. S. Peterson reported that everything was on budget and there were no issues. Mike Kramer motioned to accept the report; this motion was seconded by Richard Mello and carried unanimously.

Richard Mello gave the Resource Development and Planning Committee report. R. Mello provided a handout that summarized his report. R. Mello reported that WorkCert participants had been surveyed in order to rate the program as well as instructors - both scored very high. R. Mello suggested the development of a more long-term monitoring of participants to gauge the future impact of training. Ed Dennehy voiced a concern about additional resources needed to do such an evaluation. A discussion on WorkCert followed in which the percentage of participants who gain employment was highlighted. The overall target number of graduates was discussed as very ambitious - two times the national average. The group also discussed, and agreed, that the obvious increase in self-confidence in graduates was exceptionally important. S. Peterson suggested putting aside some funds in order to, in the future, mail all past participants a survey that would collect all the information we would like. Once this survey was returned, participants would be eligible for some small stipend. R. Mello also discussed LiteracyWorks and introduced Jean Fox, the LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur. J. Fox introduced herself and the group welcomed her. P. Kavanaugh inquired as to the number of WorkCert graduates year-to-date, E. Dennehy reported the number to be 66. P. Kavanaugh asked if this would be a final number, to which E. Dennehy reported there is a current session which has 20 participants, and another session scheduled before the contract ends. A discussion on sustainability followed. L. Coriaty mentioned that the original budget of $350,000 include front-heavy start-up costs and the Town’s management expenses.

Chair Simpson reported that Dave Mackley had resigned due to his employment relocation to the Boston area. Chair Simpson read the resignation letter and called this a “tough loss”. L. Coriaty reported that D. Mackley’s health is fine.

Mike Kramer gave the Performance Measurement Report. M. Kramer handed out, and explained, the business survey summary. The summary validated that the One-Stop CC is doing a good job. S. Peterson responded that size seemed to be the determining factor in regard to companies making use of the One-Stop CC.

L. Coriaty gave the Marketing and Publicity Committee report. L. Coriaty reported that both Charlie Winterhalter and Craig Baker regretted not being able to attend the meeting. L. Coriaty reported the committee is developing a strategy to collaborate with Economic Development and creative ways to go after businesses. One way to collaborate with Economic Development, and others, would be to coordinate yearly calendars, link websites, and to solidify a 30 second WIB/One-Stop CC speech.

Brian Hannon provided the Youth Council Report. B. Hannon reported that a $60k proposal was submitted to the Commonwealth Corporation. This proposal outlines a program that would link the local DYS Community Re-entry Center with the One-Stop CC and New Directions Southcoast. B. Hannon also reported that a DRAFT summer jobs program outline was provided to the Mayor. The plan was developed in response to the Mayor publicly committing to increasing the number of youth summer jobs. B. Hannon also reported on a New Bedford Public School System professional development session held at the One-Stop CC.

L. Coriaty handed out the CEO/WIB Agreement with relevant changes per the recent WIB Certification, related to the following:
  • Employer of record, hiring authority
  • Who negotiates performance measures with the state
  • Basis for the WIB’s Diversity Goal
  • Oversight of the WIB’s Procurement Policy and Fiscal Agent
L. Coriaty stated the GNB WIB is now fully certified.

L. Coriaty handed out a draft WIB drug and alcohol policy required by a grantor. S. Peterson inquired as to prescription drugs. M. Kramer explained that in his company a worker would be obligated to tell their supervisor that they are taking prescription medication. R. Mello suggested that we have a lawyer look at the policy. Chair Simpson instructed L. Coriaty to establish a Working Group including human resource expertise to look at a drug and alcohol policy for the WIB, which would be in compliance with State and Federal personnel requirements.

T. Sapienza reported that his company would be featured in a NPR radio show in response to the Boston Globe article.

Chair Simpson, citing no other business, adjourned the meeting at 5:41 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


Brian J. Hannon
Youth Council Director

01-18-07  Finance Committee Meeting  
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance Committee
01/18/07
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth

Finance Committee members present: Susan Peterson, Chair; David Pelletier, Maria Pinarreta, Chuck Simpson
Finance Committee members absent: Bruce Morell, (called)

Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Annie Massicotte

Chair Susan Peterson called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

  1. Consent Agenda:
    The Minutes of the 12/07/06 Finance Committee meeting, and the Treasurer’s Report for the period 12/01/06 through 01/06/07 were approved on a motion by David Pelletier. The motion was seconded by Maria Pinarreta carried unanimously.

  2. Fiscal Reports / Updates:
    1. DWDA - Ed Dennehy reported for Steve Grant on spending through 12/31/06. Ed stated that he combined two jobs when the MIS Manager left for DCS. He plans to use the extra salary to hire two additional Career Center staff.

      ITA’s look a little better than predicted last month due to some people that obtained jobs and no longer required training funds.

    A motion to accept the DWDA Fiscal Report was made by Chuck Simpson, seconded by David Pelletier and carried unanimously.

    1. DCS - Carl Waal was not able to attend the meeting – so this topic was tabled until the next meeting.

    1. WIB - Annie Massicotte presented the WIB Expenditure Report through 12/31/06. DWDA invoicing is caught up through October. Spending is on track.

    A motion to accept the WIB Fiscal Report was made by Chuck Simpson, seconded by Maria Pinarreta and carried unanimously.

  3. New Directions / DWDA Updates:
    Quest Center / RFP / Lease Agreement – Ed stated that he doesn’t expect to have to pay any back rent because he expects to be charged as of the date the lease is signed. Ed stated that the Mayor had asked him to guarantee the Career Center would serve 75% of New Bedford residents. Chuck stated that he explained to the Mayor that it’s not possible with the way funding is received. Ed was told that New Directions Southcoast would be offered a 1 year lease – with 2 years extra at their discretion. Ed will look into having the lease date match the 3 year Charter signed by the Mayor on 11/01/06. New Directions was Incorporated in October ’06. The RFP response is due by 02/09/07.

    WIB / DWDA Consolidation – Len provided an update that the WIB needs to submit several required documents to the DCS by 3/30/07. Once their review is completed, DCS will issue a letter agreeing in principle to the certification of the WIB as Fiscal Agent by 5/18/07. DCS will follow-up with an on-site audit in September, 2007.

  4. Other Business
    Reserve Interest Earning - Ongoing – Chuck asked if Steve had been able to get out the request for analysis? Ed replied that he had and now Sovereign has issued a bill for about $7K for 2006 for not maintaining a required balance. Steve indicated that Sovereign had waived these fees in the past and never mentioned they would be charging the fee until he received the bill. Steve will contest the invoice.

    WIB FY ’06 Financial Review and Report (info only – no findings) – Annie provided copies of the FY ’06 Review that had been conducted by Douglas R. Leatham, CPA.

    Office for Carl Waal – Ed announced the State wants Carl Waal to have an office at the GNB Career Center, so Ed said the State can build him one. How will it be paid? By $13K in DCS salary lag.

  5. Adjourn
    The meeting adjourned at 4:22 pm on a motion made by David Pelletier, and seconded by Maria Pinarreta.
Next meeting: 02/15/07 – 3:30 PM – Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Respectfully submitted,


Annie Massicotte
Business Office Manager

01-18-07  Resource Development and Planning Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Resource Development and Planning Committee
Meeting Minutes
01/18/07
GNB WIB Conference Room 207

Members present: Richard Mello, Chair; Paul Correia, Edward Dennehy, Lisa Jochim, Eddie Johnson, Jeff Travers

Members absent: Deborah Britton-Flores, David DeJesus, James Snow, Dean Robert Ward, Marilyn Whalley

Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Craig Baker, Jean Fox, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim

Richard Mello opened the meeting saying that David Mackley had resigned from the WIB and that he really added a lot with his vision and strategic thinking. He will be greatly missed.

Consent Agenda
Minutes of the 12/07/06 meeting were approved, with changes, on a motion by Ed Dennehy, seconded by Eddie Johnson, and carried unanimously.

Work Certified:
Sheila Sullivan-Jardim updated the group on Work Certified stating we are behind on meeting the goal of the overall number of individuals in the program. However 56 individuals have completed the program to date with 15 more currently enrolled in a class. A conference call with the Treasure Coast and other Work Certified providers throughout the United States yielded good information. Many locations are focusing on 55 plus as a targeted age. Many locations keep their classes smaller than 15 with a preference toward 5-7 individuals. To sustain the program, locations are taking WIA monies and requiring that WIA individuals go through the Work Certified program before getting additional services. New sites going online include KY and MI. RI is also being looked at.

Marilyn Whalley is looking at a legislative earmark and fee-for service options are being looked at. Bristol Community College began the process of looking at the program as a credited course, however they may choose to start out with it being non-credit. We’re also looking at licensing renewal and the cost for the program being offered outside of our current geographic area.

Jeff Travers asked if BCC takes over the program if it would exclude non-BCC students. Sheila said they would have to be matriculated but that it’s an open enrollment institution. Len Coriaty added that it is only one option for the region and we are still looking to target voc schools, DTA populations, Wareham and others. Jeff agreed that DTA folks should just have to go through the program. Paul Correia added that there is a model of intense orientation working now and that money could be added to the supported work program. Can LifeStream buy in? It would depend on what the governor is looking to do with welfare. Still we continue to hear from the private sector that these are skills desired. Paul said he’ll look at ways to help support this. Jeff added that institutionalizing Work Certified is a good way to keep it going.

Sheila said we are implementing Work Certified into a variety of grant proposals citing the latest Community Foundation proposal with the Life Long Learning Group. We also plan to see if we can include it into the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund.

Richard Mello said the program is running in seven states and that we may be able to partner with other states to get some larger funding from something like the Gates Foundation. Lisa Jochim suggested that we (those partners who stand to gain from this) could each factor in a couple thousand.

LiteracyWorks:
Jean Fox, the new LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur, introduced herself and gave a brief update on the few days she’s been on board saying her priorities now are to establish the advisory board and the mission. Len Coriaty added that she has an impressive resume, positive referrals, and the energy and skill to do well. A strong focus will be to better enable providers to prove their services. She’s also a member of the Freetown school committee. Len added that there is no Champion identified yet but that we’re close and that we do not want to duplicate, but instead compliment, the efforts that are already in place throughout the community.

Apprenticeship:
Richard Mello said Celina Dias-Pendexter stepped down from her role as Working Group Chair. Craig Baker is filling in until a new Chair is identified. Len Coriaty said the focus of the group is to not only open the door for apprenticeships but to do it with a focus on higher tier/higher skilled jobs and that we (the WIB) are a neutral broker in this process. Richard added that there are also apprenticeship opportunities in medical, home care, and culinary fields. Eddie Johnson said the group is planning to put together a white paper that can direct discussions toward a unified, statewide effort. He said Gary Kaplan will be approaching the governor on this as well. Getting approval from the governor will help resolve the non-union/union labor issues.

Planned Initiatives:
Eddie Johnson said we’ve missed many opportunities, for example the EPA, HUD, and instead of asking Carl Alves to write grants, we should be more on top of this and bring it in-house. These agencies offer consistent funding for job training. HE suggested talking with Scott Alfonso/Pat Sullivan to secure long term funding. Paul Correia agreed saying that it would be good if there was a way to have the City’s planning eyes be a conduit to the WIB. Len Coriaty said we have limited resources and should not be the central grant applicant for all of these programs. Our obligation is to develop capacity so other people can develop these grants. We should be more supportive. Regarding the EPA grant that recently was applied for, but not funded, we had already received a grant for it in the ‘90s and the EPA wanted to fund a new initiative in Lawrence.

Regarding the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Len Coriaty said it’s a priority and we need to be in the mix. Primary recipients will be WIBs. Eddie Johnson recommended we still go after such grants as Brownfields grants as New Bedford is a brownfields area. Len Coriaty agreed, but that we should support it with the City’s capacity to be the applicant. It’s our opportunity to bridge.

Richard Mello said we need to really focus on how we’re going to sustain our two primary programs right now – LiteracyWorks and Work Certified.

Paul Correia said we stand the risk of having the City look at the WIB as the primary mover of these funds. Ed Dennehy said we could help facilitate getting this information to the Mayor to look at it if the city departments are not informing him. Next steps should be to develop the city department relationships we need to improve communications around this information.

The group agreed to extend the next RD&P meeting to two-hours, with the second hour scheduled to discuss the upcoming business plan.

Adjourned at 9:15 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Craig Baker

01-08-07  Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Performance Measurement Committee
Meeting Minutes
01/08/07
GNB Career Center

Members in attendance: Mike Kramer, Chair; John Fernandes
Members absent: Roger Masson, Jeanne Vulgaris, Lawrence Weldon, Carl Waal

Workforce Development System staff attending: Ed Dennehy, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim

Chair Mike Kramer called the meeting to order at 1:05pm.

Minutes of the December 4, 2006 meeting were accepted. Motion to approve minutes made by J. Fernandes, Seconded by M. Kramer.

Operations Report
The Executive Director reported on the CC operations and distributed the Performance report. He reported the following:
  • Management is currently looking at the reports that are being compiled to make sure that the numbers are valid. They are also working with DCS to determine if any of these are duplicative.
  • Numbers for the EAS population are not specified in the Plan because of the changes in the method of reporting.
  • The application process for the Veteran’s position has been closed. There were 21 individuals who met the criteria for being interviewed; having veteran status, and the interviews will be conducted in the coming weeks.
  • Youth Services is currently down one caseworker & staffing at the Career Center as a whole is being reviewed.
  • The Fish grant has been completed and the REA grant was funded through the state until December 06.
  • The number of job orders is down from last year & it’s presumed that it is due to the fact that manufacturing is not hiring during the same time as last year.
  • The Work Cert program is moving along & we will be requesting an extension.
  • There is approximately $25,000 left for ITA’s.
  • The Career Center is pursuing the Skill Center in Wareham and will be meeting with Wareham Economic Development to discuss space available in the Wareham Industrial Park.
  • The application for non-profit status is in the hands of the IRS and could take another 2-3 months.
  • The RFP has been issued for the Quest building. There are three stipulations; 75% of the individuals served need to be New Bedford residents, the cost ids $10 square foot and there will be a one-year limit to the agreement. Responses are due Feb 9th.
PMC member John Fernandes volunteered to assist the Career Center in providing workshops at the CC. He will meet with the Executive Director to determine need.

Charter Review
Discussion ensued regarding the future process for the Charter review. It was suggested that we might want to try a web-based survey as a possibility to better reach businesses. Additionally, it should be targeted to HR Directors. Other suggestions included using the Chamber to attract smaller businesses to participate. The Marketing Committee is currently working on a WIB awareness campaign that will include billboards. This awareness could help the Charter review in the future, as many of the businesses contacted were not aware of the CC or their services.

Other
The Planning Committee has asked the PMC to collaborate on developing qualitative measures. The PMC will wait to hear from the Planning Committee on the details of this plan.

There will be an orientation for new PMC members at the next meeting, which will include the history of the PMC, information on the Charter Review and the Performance Measures used by the Career Center.

Motion to adjourn: Made by J. Fernandes, Seconded by M. Kramer. Approved.

The next PMC meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2007, at the GNBCC

Respectfully submitted,


Sheila Sullivan-Jardim

01-08-07  Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting  
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting Minutes
01/08/07
Regency Building in New Bedford

Members present: Charlie Winterhalter, Chair; Andrew Guilbeault, Michelle Hantman, Roy Nascimento, Charles Ryan
Members absent: James Butler, Thomas Davis, Anthony Folco, Fernando Garcia, James Mathis

Workforce Development System staff attending: Craig Baker, Ed Dennehy, Diann Haynes

Roy motioned to approve the December 11, 2006 minutes. Michelle seconded and carried unanimously.

Creative ideas were presented to the group by Craig and Charlie Winterhalter. Ed emphasized the importance of targeting businesses with any new creative and that a Career Center phone number should be present. Andrew said he get good mileage from billboards and added that it should include a web site. Diann said if we do a business billboard, job seekers will follow.

The group reviewed a first draft of the marketing calendar and discussed hosting an HR event for businesses at the career center. Charlie Winterhalter said it can be sponsored by the WIB. Ed said we need an intriguing subject and that we should talk with Matt Morrisey, perhaps to co-sponsor with the EDC. Diann added that CORI training also brings in people.

Ed suggested we look at ways to better link to other organizations web sites. Charlie Winterhalter added that we are also looking at linking to media. The Compass is creating a web page and we are in a position to also do something in Jim’s paper like a workforce development page. We need to create what that will look like.

Charlie Ryan said that the Compass doesn’t reach his market and that he’d be more apt to look at the Business Bulletin and the Acushnet weekly to do advertising. Roy suggested looking at the Chambers newsletter to also run a free editorial. Charlie Winterhalter said the challenge will be to find the right venues and perhaps co-advertise with other businesses.

Michelle asked that when businesses call the Career Center, are they asked what brought them there. Ed said it doesn’t happen as often as he’d like because resources are limited. We need to be able to serve those who come to the Career Center. Charlie Winterhalter added that as he was doing the Performance Measurement surveys, he could see how many people did not know about the services at the Career Center.

Ed said he expects to make more connections talking one on one with businesses. The 30 second ‘elevator speech’ will be a nice addition. Craig said he can look to have something printed on the backs of business cards.

Next steps:
  • Forward HR Business Event information as it develops.
  • Further develop business creative.
  • Creative for a workforce development page
  • 30 second ‘elevator speech’.
  • List of web-site links we may be able to tap.
Meeting adjourned @ 9:20am.

Next Meeting: Feb 26, 2007 8:15am – Regency Bldg.

Respectfully submitted,


Craig Baker
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