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Archive: January 2009 Minutes
01-28-09 Executive Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
01/28/09
Southcoast Hospitals Group – Fairhaven
Members present: Chair, David DeJesus, Jr.; John Fernandes, David J. Ferreira, Richard F. Mello, David A. Pelletier, Ronald F. Rheaume, Maria Pinarreta, Charles R. Simpson, Jr.
Members absent: Roger W. Masson (called), Bruce Morell, Christopher J. O’Neil (called)
Other WIB Members in attendance: Joseph Notini
Workforce Development System Staff in attendance: Bridget Alexander, Len Coriaty, Edward Dennehy, Steve Grant
Chair DeJesus called the meeting to order at 4:55 p.m.
Consent Agenda:
A motion was made by John Fernandes and seconded by David J. Ferreira to approve the draft minutes of the 12/03/08 and 01/13/09 Executive Committee meetings, as well as the WIB Treasurer’s Report through 12/31/08. The vote to approve was unanimous and carried.
Discussion Regarding Board Membership
Chair DeJesus addressed the requirement that Board membership get down to 45 by FY 2010. There are currently 55 members on the Board. Executive Director, Len Coriaty, then passed criteria on voting /membership standards and an attendance record of all members from 9/19/07 through 12/17/08, for quarterly and special meetings. Len also referred members to the WIB Membership Composition Worksheet showing membership numbers required by industry sector as well as required Career Center partners.
Chair DeJesus asked the committee to forward, to the Executive Director/CEO, recommendations of 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.
Richard Mello and John Fernandes said that lack of attendance was certainly a good reason for a member to be removed.
Chair DeJesus brought up the issue of Executive Committee membership and voting privileges for vice-chairs of standing committees. Len said this would apply currently to Roger Mason, who elected to be a vice-chair rather than a co-chair of the Finance and Performance Measurement Committee. Chair DeJesus said he favored a change to allow vice-chairs to vote. John Fernandes said he was somewhat opposed to allowing a vice chair to vote but could probably be swayed to change his opinion. Bridget Alexander asked if a vice-chair had the option of being on the Exec Committee or not. Len described the Executive Committee composition per the bylaws and since there was no reference to committee vice-chairs, we were playing catch-up with the WIB reorganization. He said our aim should be to have a chair and vice-chair on all committees since it would help in assuring smoother succession.
Legislative Priorities
Chair DeJesus told the committee that it has been decided to postpone the Legislative Breakfast scheduled for Feb 5th. He said Mike Longo gave some input on how the legislative outreach could be more effective through a more focused meeting with legislators and the Mayor.
Len touched on legislative activity in Washington and referred to new information coming in on additional 9C cuts. He said there should be no more significant cuts to our system. We might see small cuts in School to Career, ECCLI, and Adult Basic Ed, but the state OneStop money has been spared. He said the Economic Stimulus Bill should provide $3.9 Billion for Workforce Development and the Massachusetts share could be about $67 Million. Based on those figures our local area could receive $5 -$6 Million over the next two years. Len pointed out that our recent work of looking at our systems and Career Center operations has been very timely. He said we need to look beyond the Career Center and WIB and reach out to our training provider partners in order to develop needed training programs quickly. It was discussed that we need to get funding more flexible than WIA money.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee – Dave Pelletier
Dave noted that most all were present for the Finance and Performance Measurement Committee meeting and the remaining members were updated. Chair DeJesus accepted that everyone was updated and closed the discussion.
Business Development Committee – Bridget Alexander
Bridget Alexander Reported that staff was finalizing the Green Jobs grant due on Jan.29th. She said the proposal would be for about $325K and we would be teaming with the Bristol WIB in Fall River. She said that several partners in the grant have been very cooperative and supportive. There will be 45 participants going through the program in 3 separate 6 month training sessions. Bridget said the programs would be worth 6 college credits and participants are expected to make $14 to $16 per hour upon completion. John Fernandes asked if we would be tracking the outcomes from this grant and Bridget said yes. She said participants could be on career tracks to earn up to $24 per hour.
Bridget mentioned that staff is working on two additional grants – Boomers and Beyond Computer Boot Camp and a federal Older Workers grant worth up to $1million.
Bridget said the committee was also focusing on marketing with the main objectives being a logo change and revamping the website. She stated they had a bid from a New Bedford company called Medium Studio of $2000 for the logo design. Dave Ferreira asked if she thought that was a good price and she responded that the committee thought it was a good deal with variations involved for business cards, stationary, and envelopes. She said they have pulled back a little on marketing plan to better align with New Directions Southcoast and the Career Center with the possibility of one marketing plan for all.
Bridget also said the committee has looked at the idea of a community feedback meeting and using the September quarterly meeting with an evening starting time as the potential venue. They will develop details based on feedback. Richard Mello asked if we should consider using cable TV to broadcast a meeting. All agreed that was a possibility to look into. Dave Ferreira and John Fernandes expressed concern about our use of jargon that could leave average people scratching their heads. Chair DeJesus asked for additional focus on this and comment at future meetings.
Youth Council – John Fernandes
John referred to Bridget’s report and noted that the Youth Council is partnering with the Green Jobs program. He stated that they are ready to start the RFP for FY 2010 youth programs with the hope of getting more applicants this year. He said they have talked with local schools about “Tech Prep” credit and there has been a good deal of interest in this.
Steve Grant asked if there is anything new on a youth pilot program. John said they are still looking at best use for the money and possibly partnering with other funds. Len asked John to think about the possibility of using the funds as an opportunity to link with the mayor’s priorities, such as counseling at the schools. John said his preference right now is to look at regionalizing the money and not just to focus on New Bedford.
Chair DeJesus noted the late time and deferred discussion on the Operations Review.
Len mentioned the Charter Review but said since the Finance and Performance Measurement Committee did not get to discuss it earlier we should table the subject. All agreed.
Ed Dennehy brought up an article, in the previous day’s Standard-Times, about a new company coming to the city. He noted there had been no contact from Economic Development in spite of recent assurances that there would be more communication between Economic Development and the workforce development system. He said this was a classic example of how our system is kept out of the loop. Ed said he had called Matt Morrissey to complain about the lack of inclusion. Chair DeJesus said he would have it on his agenda to meet with Tony Sapienza for further discussion.
Maria Pinarreta made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by David Pelletier and approved unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 PM.
Next meeting: 3/04/09 – 4:30PM Fairhaven Home Care Conference Room
(Southcoast Hospitals Group) in Fairhaven
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Grant
Chief Financial Officer
01-28-09 Finance and Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee
01/28/09
Fairhaven Homecare Conference Room
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members present: Edward J. Dennehy, John Fernandes, Peter J. Muise, Joseph Notini, David A. Pelletier, Maria O. Pinarreta, Charles R. Simpson, Jr., James F. Snow, WIB Chair David DeJesus, Jr.
Finance and Performance Measurement Committee members absent: Chair Bruce Morell (called), Vice Chair Roger W. Masson (called), James C. Nichols (called)
Others in attendance: Craig Baker, Len Coriaty, Steven Grant, Richard Mello
Assistant Treasurer David A. Pelletier began the meeting at 3:10pm.
Consent Agenda: A motion to approve the 12/03/08 meeting minutes was made by Peter Muise and seconded by David DeJesus. All were in favor.
A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report through 12/31/08 was made by Maria Pinarreta and seconded by Ed Dennehy. All were in favor.
Steve Grant updated the group on the Finance Report, and noted we would be working on finalizing the modified budget in February since we have received approval on the Re-entry grant. He referred the committee to the “Integrated Budget Funding Changes” to view changes from the original budget. Steve went over current lag funds and noted that a first payment was made in support of the tuition reduction program for ABE. He noted that Adult Individual Training Account (ITA) funds were being used at a very slow pace and we would consider moving some of the Adult funding to Dislocated Workers in the upcoming modification.
Len Coriaty presented the latest news on Economic Stimulus appropriations saying the state could receive up to $67M and that 10% of that could come to Greater New Bedford.
Ed Dennehy updated the group on the Operations Report. In discussing the latest numbers for Unemployment Insurance, David DeJesus stressed the importance of making sure that the short wait times of 3-4 weeks to receive UI checks was made known to the Mayor, and that these were good numbers. Ed also noted that there is a lot of manual work that needs to be done to keep accurate numbers. For instance, state reports only show those people served that are entered into that system. The real numbers of those coming in to just collect unemployment is much higher.
When asked how far out of the service delivery area we look for employers with job openings, Ed Dennehy said we primarily stay within our area but do work with other Career Centers.
Len Coriaty presented the Program Manager’s Quarterly Report in the absence of the Program Manager (PM) stating that he did not receive any comments/concerns on the report from the committee, from when it was sent out earlier in the week.
Peter Muise noted the report was simply an activities report and asked if there will be a report with real recommendations and actions for what is to come. John Fernandes agreed. David DeJesus that this is still an information gathering stage and that it needs time. Chuck Simpson asked that the Mayor’s expectations for the PM be articulated so the committee can know what to look for. Len Coriaty explained that the PM does not have a problem with the job description or metrics that were presented and that he has been instrumental in improving communications with the Mayor. There also exists mutual appreciation among him and the staff. He is on the WIB staff.
Peter Muise recommended that more be done with the PM to identify recommendations for improvements at the Career Center and to lay out what the expectations are for him upon his return at 22 weeks of employment. Len said, “The Operations Review is up to me and carried out by my staff. Mike [the PM] is not going to put together his own separate report.” He added that we already have the Mayor’s expectations for the PM as discussed earlier at a meeting at City Hall.
David DeJesus stressed that a key focus was to target waitlists, language, GED etc. and that the Mayor wants recommendations to cut through these things. Peter Muise added that education was a big item back in November that he was hoping to see more of in this PM report. John Fernandes asked what the substantive deliverable to this community is, that Mike can deliver. He added that not everyone in the past has favored Mike in positions he’s had. We are under scrutiny and we don’t want to be in the position that he is just apolitical appointment for a year.
Chuck Simpson added that Mike is a consultant that costs the equivalent of 7 individuals that will not receive training (from individual training accounts (ITAs)). The Mayor said tie together loose ends. We need findings and what we should do about them. Len Coriaty said Mike will suggest that $8K from his [Mike’s] grant be used to help pay for recertification of individuals that went through some of Buddy Andrade’s training. Although this would reduce Mike’s duration with the WIB, it will help 16 individuals get their certifications in 45 different skill areas.
Craig Baker updated the committee on the progress to date with the Operations Review, stating that the direction has been shifted from one of “what staff and resources do we need if there is more money”, to “doing more with the same.” In a discussion around how a bare bones operation could run, Chuck Simpson commented that the work was important but that there are political ramifications to the results. He asked for findings and beliefs that would support going further with the exercise.
Peter Muise motioned to adjourn. David DeJesus seconded. All were in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 4:50pm.
Next meeting: Wednesday, 03/04/09 – 3:00pm – Fairhaven Home Care Conference Room
(Southcoast Hospitals Group) in Fairhaven
Respectfully submitted,
Craig Baker
Chief Operating Officer
01-14-09 Business Development Committee
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Business Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
01/14/09
GNB WIB Office - Conference Room 207
Committee members in attendance: Christopher J. O'Neil, Chair; David Cabral, Paul Correia, Dennis Galvam, Andrew T. Guilbeault, Derek Santos, Michael R. Shea, Jeffrey F. Travers
Committee members absent: James Butler, Thomas G. Davis, Michelle Hantman (called), Lisa M. Lemieux, Roy Nascimento (called), Charles N. Sisson (called)
Workforce Development System staff attending: Bridget Alexander
Guest attending: Norm Audette
Meeting called to order 7:35AM
Consent Agenda:
12/09/08 Business Development Committee Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve by David Cabral
Seconded by Paul Correia
Approved unanimously
Community Meeting/Co-Branding & Marketing:
The committee engaged in a discussion regarding a community meeting. Bridget recommended the WIB promote one quarterly meeting a year to the GNBWIB region and hold that meeting at 5:30 pm. One idea was to hold these community quarterly meetings in the different towns, or a different town each year. Derek pointed out that such a meeting would be 100% more outreach than the WIB is doing now.
Chris asked if the WIB attends and sets up a booth at trade shows and business conferences – this would raise awareness about the WIB and what the WIB has to offer. Chris asked about the Annual Business Expo? Paul noted that the Career Center/New Directions has a booth, but the WIB does not.
The above discussion raised the issue of the risk of redundancy of message when the WIB and the Career Centers/New Directions market each organization individually despite the fact both organizations share the same mission, vision and goals. That point led to the discussion of the WIB/Career Centers/New Directions co-branding and co-marketing the organizations as a group.
It was recommended that the WIB augment or alter its budget as necessary to get a booth together and start buying booth space at business expos, trade shows and events like Bioneers. Such a plan would be implemented on an annual basis and become part of the marketing plan. The committee agreed that the WIB, Career Centers and New Directions should have one booth with coordinated promotional materials. The question was raised whether the Career Centers/New Directions would collaborate with us [the WIB] on a marketing subcommittee and work on co-branding. Chris, Dave and Andy volunteered to serve on this marketing subcommittee.
The discussion veered back to the community quarterly meeting. The committee agreed that the first committee meeting should be built into 1 quarterly meeting a year - like a WIB after hours. The recommendation to the Executive Committee will be to hold it during the September 2009 quarterly meeting and promote it to the public in the City and other towns in the WIB’s catchment area.
Economic Development Event:
An ongoing discussion of holding an economic development event with economic development contacts from the City and towns in the WIB’s catchment area continued. We need to makes sure the WIB is inviting the right people. The WIB does not want to be seen as just a New Bedford entity. The WIB should vary its meeting locations. The committee should reach out to Susan Peterson, Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) Chair. The original plan was to hold this event during the last week in March. Bridget pointed out that the committee could wait until the logo and re-branding changes have occurred. Also, the shift from a strategic planning mode to an operations mode may warrant such a change of plans. The committee agreed, but marked the importance in continuing the development of the list of the “right people” for the invite list. It was agreed that the economic development event should take place within 60 days after the re-branding has occurred.
New Business:
Chris then gave the committee an update on the Executive Committee’s update on a meeting with the Mayor. Mayor Lang requested that the WIB shift its focus from strategic planning efforts and pursuing high performing board status to an operations focus. Stemming from this direction was a request for an operational review of the Career Centers.
Adjourned at 8:32 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Bridget Alexander, Esq.
Director of Development
01-13-09 Executive Committee Special Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Special Meeting Minutes
01/13/09
Southcoast Hospitals Group – Fairhaven
Members present: David DeJesus, Jr., Chair; John Fernandes, Roger W. Masson, Bruce Morell, Christopher J. O'Neil, David A. Pelletier, Maria Pinarreta, Ronald F. Rheaume, Charles R. Simpson, Jr.
Members absent: David J. Ferreira (called), Richard F. Mello (called)
Other WIB Members in attendance: Peter Muise, Joseph Notini
Workforce Development System Staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Edward Dennehy, Jean Fox, Steve Grant, Mike Longo
- Chair’s Welcome
Chair DeJesus called the meeting to order. He noted that the unique format of the agenda before the committee was designed to capture the primary focus of this meeting.
- Briefing and Discussion re: Meeting with Mayor Langir’s Welcome
The Chair then relayed how he had received notification over the holidays that the Mayor wished to meet with him, Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, and Brenda Francis in separate meetings. Notes from the Chair and from Len regarding the January 6 meeting were provided to the Committee, with the Chair then summarizing from his notes.
Mayor Lang has often expressed a strong interest in moving as many people as possible through the Career Center and into the job market. Given the current economic crisis, and given his strong relationships with Secretary Bump, the Director of Workforce Development, and others in Boston, the Mayor would like to position the New Bedford Career Center as a demonstration project and perhaps secure funding for developing a pilot that could be replicated throughout the state. To begin this process, the Mayor requested an Operational Review of the Career Center, due in his office by Friday, January 9, to include a comprehensive review of each of the stops, and what it would take in terms of resources to move people through those stops as quickly as possible. The Mayor stressed the need to be prepared for the anticipated Economic Stimulus dollars by having a prepared workforce ready to take those jobs.
The Mayor also expressed concern about the time lags people are experiencing in receiving unemployment checks, noting that 5 – 7 weeks is not acceptable. Part of an extensive system review should include an analysis of what changes should be implemented to improve services, including strategies for identifying individual needs, skills, and job readiness.
Mayor Lang suggested 3 or 4 projects for the city, including a placement counselor program at the high schools, as well as placement counselors at BCC and UMass. In addition, he noted that there is a need to improve identification of the unemployed. Discussion at the meeting with the Mayor then focused on outreach; specifically, what outreach methods will be most successful at securing information on people for a database? Possibly an 800 number? Multiple locations? Others.
The Chair concluded his remarks on the meeting by recognizing Mr. Coriaty’s contributions and expertise. He further noted that the High Performing Board (HPB) effort is to be postponed for now. “This in no time for long-term strategy,” said Mr. DeJesus. The Operational Review will reveal how resources are being utilized as well as offer suggestions for supplemental and additional resources, which, in turn, will become the foundation of a high performing board. Mr. Coriaty emphasized that the HPB application process is not being abandoned and will be revisited in May. In addition, the present effort supports the Board’s high performance status by addressing immediate workforce concerns.
Mr. Coriaty added that the Mayor’s message was clear, and that there is a greater sense of urgency to break the logjams confronted by Career Center staff and the bureaucratic delays customers face. Most of these customers are seeking unemployment checks, not jobs. Some 600 people are seeking this assistance weekly, up from 130 per week last July, far more than the Career Center’s organization and staffing can adequately accommodate.
Mr. Dennehy stated that the Unemployment Claims issue should be separated from the other services provided by the Career Center, and that there is very little Career Center control over the Unemployment Claims process. Nevertheless, the Career Center has been able to allocate some resources to assist in addressing the overburdened claims processing effort. The Mayor’s desire to prepare people for jobs falls within the purview of the Career Center services.
Chair DeJesus observed that while New Directions may consider the unemployment claims issue as separate, the Mayor does not, noting the Mayor’s recent reference to 10,000 people using the Career Center. Mr. Dennehy stated that the 10,000 refer to the number of people seeking Career Center services; however, the number seeking unemployment claims assistance is a different number.
Mr. Morell added that the WIB’s ability to impact a state system is likely to be minimal, after which additional discussion ensued relative to private versus public sector approaches to economic impacts and bureaucratic constraints.
Mr. Masson suggested setting up an unemployment satellite facility. Mr. Morell observed that the state’s telephone lines are not able to handle the volume of calls coming in, resulting in long lines at the Career Center. However, Mr. Masson noted that there is, in fact, some level of local control over local Career Centers, and he suggested hiring a consultant to conduct Value Stream Mapping or a “Green Office” consultant, which would empower Career Center staff with decision making capabilities and system design contributions. He further suggested that perhaps some WIB staff could assist in the Value Stream Mapping.
Mr. Dennehy indicated that the Career Center has undergone a number of internal changes, including Value Stream Mapping, for which a manufacturing consultant was retained. However, there are only a few staff available to work on unemployment claims.
Mr. Muise then recalled that the Career Center lost three positions in the 9C round of cuts and inquired about the length of time it takes to train someone to handle unemployment claims. Mr. Notini said that two weeks of training is sufficient to handle simple claims; however, only state employees handle claims. Career Center staff do perform some level of triage. He further noted that a proposal has been generated that will bring additional resources to move people through the building more quickly. Mr. Dennehy stated that, given the regulatory constraints, the Career Center has done all it can do and now requires additional resources.
Mr. Notini reminded the Committee that all areas of the state face similar problems, which are structural and the direct result of legislation. Career Centers were not designed to handle large numbers of unemployed people.
Mr. Fernandes concluded that there are essentially two Career Center issues: (1) unemployment; and (2) those looking for work. Since the Mayor is confident that he has influence at the state level, this opens up an opportunity to leverage that influence.
Mr. Morell then noted that no one can change the unemployment situation. The State sets up the system. In addition, the Mayor is talking about many topics, including a physical move of the WIB, a plan he has not shared with the Board. Others indicated that the topic of moving the WIB has been raised on several occasions, but the discussion has not been in depth. It was usually discussed in connection with a vision of consolidating the higher education and workforce development systems, and included a substantial BCC presence downtown. It would require a bond bill.
Mr. Coriaty then returned to the Interim Operational Review, noting that Craig Baker crafted it, with input from Mr. Dennehy, Ms. Francis, and himself and with the current economic climate in mind. The Review includes some charts, and identifies challenges. It also contains some recommended solutions. The immobility and regulation of funds remains an issue, but it also creates an opportunity to inform the Mayor so that he can discuss these challenges with the state. Another example is the ability to do assessments. About 12,000 people walked through the Career Center doors last year, but only about 2,000 were assessed. There are now some ideas about how to capture this information from the remaining customers.
Chair DeJesus encouraged the Executive Committee membership to submit suggestions for the Review by close of business tomorrow. With high activity anticipated within the next 60 – 90 days, the report and its recommendations are critical. Mr. Coriaty informed the Committee that the final draft report will be sent to the Mayor by January 26th, and will go before the Committee on January 28th.
Mr. Muise asked about the high school placement counselors, requesting clarification on where they would be recruited. Chair DeJesus noted that these counselors would not be Career Center staff, but he added that it was not clear where they would come from.
Chair DeJesus asked Mr. Longo for his opinions on the present discussion. Mr. Longo stated that the Mayor wants to “stop the bleeding,” referring to the high numbers of exiting high school students that are immediately on unemployment. The Distribution of Graduates report, produced every June, summarizes the status of all out-going students. Those not going on to work, higher education, or the military should be immediately connected to the Career Center. Mr. Longo indicated that he has regular dialogue with the Mayor on WIB activities and Career Center efforts. Mr. Longo further noted that the Mayor is concerned that “unemployment will turn into a 37-week vacation,” so putting people in jobs quickly is essential.
Mr. DeJesus observed that the focus is to be more operational than strategic. Each committee should report out the aspects of the report that are relevant to them. Mr. Coriaty indicated that the present work is to capture what is being done now and to produce projections for a month or two down the road. This is a zero-based analysis, which includes details on required basic services, recommendations on additional and/or augmented services, and some concept of funding sources.
Mr. Coriaty then noted that states may be able to apply for waivers, which would provide greater latitude in fund utilization.
Emphasizing the need to ensure that Career Center staff be available to assist job seekers, Mr. O'Neil shared his experiences with a Fall River customer who operates call centers. With the huge numbers of people seeking unemployment assistance, and with the long waits, it would be prudent to move unemployment services off-site to a state-of-the-art call center. Mr. Notini pointed to a lack of resources as the reason for not moving in that direction. Both Mr. Morell and Mr. Masson supported a new telephone system that is capable of handling the volume.
Mr. Coriaty noted that unemployment claims must be filed either telephonically or in person; there is no on-line option for filing claims at this time. However, the idea is under development and about 18 months away from implementation. Mr. Notini encouraged the Committee to share their ideas with Michael Taylor and Secretary Bump. Mr. Masson suggested that informing Mr. Taylor and Secretary Bump is within the Mayor’s purview.
Mr. Simpson observed that his recent work in the Lowell and Lawrence areas would suggest that unemployment claims will double shortly in this region. He recalled a study conducted for the Mayor a couple of years ago that addressed the issue of assessments and how they could be improved. Nothing came of that effort, which focused on “what I want, and what can be.” At this point, the need is to quantify what it will take in dollars and resources to accomplish what the Mayor envisions. Once quantified, the WIB should engage the Mayor in pursuing those resources. If the state continues to target its efforts only on today’s issues, “it is not thinking about tomorrow,” he added.
Mr. Muise noted that the Mayor’s questions are appropriate, and he inquired about the other individuals present at the meeting, Matt Morrissey and Tony Sapienza. Mr. DeJesus stated that Economic Development was there because of the impending economic stimulus package. In anticipation of those funds, employers must be in place, and the permitting process must be ready. Mr. Sapienza was vocal about the need to “grow jobs,” and the need to shift to operational thinking. He also reported on his frustrations with the state’s apparent lack of understanding and inadequate handling of the current situation, noting the state WIB is still completely engaged in the HPB effort. In addition, Mr. DeJesus indicated that Tony stated he plans to guide the EDC away from an EDC Workforce Development Task Force. Rather, EDC will work directly with the WIB to address policy issues.
Mr. Muise then asked about the rest of the catchment area and wondered if Southcoast Economic Development had been approached. Mr. DeJesus noted that they have been a part of this process.
- Other Thoughts
Mr. DeJesus closed the meeting by requesting that all feedback be directed to Mr. Baker. In addition, WIB staff will be contacting their committees to discuss ways to align with the operational focus. That will be the agenda for the next meeting.
Being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean C. Fox
YC Director
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