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Archive: November 2006 Minutes

11-16-06  Executive Committee Meeting  
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
11/16/06
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth

Members present: Kathleen Del Sordo, Vice-Chair; John Fernandes, Michael Kramer, Richard Mello, Bruce Morell, Charles R. Simpson, Charlie Winterhalter
Members absent: Joseph Michaud, Chair (called); David J. Ferreira (called), Susan Peterson (called), Anthony Sapienza (called)

WIB Members present: Peter Kavanaugh

Workforce Development System staff attending: Len Coriaty, Craig Baker, Ed Dennehy, Brian Hannon, Norman Audette

WIB Vice-Chair, Kathleen Del Sordo, called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m.

Vice-Chair Del Sordo announced she was in possession of written proxies from Board members: Chair Joseph Michaud, Susan Peterson, David J. Ferreira, and Anthony Sapienza.

Vice-Chair, Kathleen Del Sordo introduced and welcomed Peter Kavanaugh as a new member to the WIB who will also serve as a liaison to the Mayor’s Office.

Consent Agenda
Move to approve the Consent Agenda for September 14, 2006 and October 19, 2006. Motion made by C. Simpson, and seconded by R. Mello. Approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report
Assistant Treasurer Chuck Simpson noted that we are on track for this year’s budget. He also discussed the identification of additional revenue that can be created through interest earned on the reserve account. There will be a survey conducted with local banks to see how much revenue can be generated and then action steps will be identified. The Vice-Chair recognized C. Simpson in his resourcefulness in identifying this opportunity.

Move to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion made by B. Morell and seconded by C. Simpson. Approved unanimously.

Committee Reports

Resource Development and Planning
The Chair of the RD &P Committee reviewed the following items;
  1. Grant Snapshot- High Growth Initiatives was not funded for this year; we are waiting to hear feedback from DOL.
  2. An Apprenticeship Working Group has been formed, and will be working with Celina Dias Pendexter, MA Division of Apprenticeship Training Compliance officer.
  3. Interviews have begun for a LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur this week and we are working on identifying a LiteracyWorks Champion to chair the Advisory Board. We have been notified that funding from CommCorp for LiteracyWorks have been frozen due to the Govenor’s 9C cuts.
  4. The calling campaign for Work Certified was highly successful, yielding over 100 individuals agreeing to attend an orientation.
  5. The Committee is focused on identifying what the biggest pressing issue will be two years from now and go after money now for it with a goal of either showing improvement with these monies or new dollars from it. Co-Chair D. Mackley recommended that RD&P should be working to create ideas with draft measures and give them to the Performance Measurement Committee.
Performance Measurement
Chair M. Kramer provided the committee with the Performance Measurement report. M. Kramer reported the committee would be focusing on the Business Service component of the Charter Review for FY 07. The Chair thanked New Directions and CC staff for the presentation that they gave to the Committee, stating that it gave us a good foundation of understanding their work. For Business Services we will look at the 7,500 businesses in our region and contact approximately 125 of them to obtain a statistically valid sample of how businesses view CC services. The PMC is seeking volunteers to help with the survey, which will entail calling 5-7 businesses via phone and ask them a series of questions, which will take approximately 5 minutes. Scripts and information on the businesses will be provided to callers. The survey will need to be done between November 22nd and December 8th. This new tact is being taken due to the lack of response from previous year’s charter review.

The Director of Strategy & Policy made a presentation on the MassExcellence process and recommended that there be training for all ExCom members on Baldrige. We did not apply for the award this year based on the transition that the WIB is undergoing and the need for education prior to the application, stating that the leadership should drive the process. The Committee agreed that 1-day (6 hour training) should be scheduled for January/February. M. Kramer stated that it could be held at the Acushnet Company and they would provide lunch.

Marketing and Publicity
The Chair spoke about the new members of the committee and will be conducting an orientation for the new members. They have set three goals for the upcoming year; 1) to review and modify marketing plan, 2) To meet with other interested parties (i.e.: Chamber, NBEDC) to develop a region alignment for marketing and 3) to develop a calendar of events in conjunction with the CC to further align marketing efforts and define message.

Youth Council
The next meeting is November 29th; incoming DA Sam Sutter has been invited to attend.

P 21 proposal was submitted to CommCorp on 10/13. We were one of two submissions that were accepted without any “areas of refinement” - fully funded at $60,000. These funds will be leveraged with the $13,000 we secured via the Shannon Gang Grant. Interviews for the P 21 staff person will begin later this week. P 21 staff Coordinator, will be housed at OSCC and serve older out-of-school and unemployed youth, $13K from Shannon grant will also be used of this staff position.

Youth Council/WIB has made an initial recommendation to the Mayor in regard to Summer Employment for 2007- we recommend that he lead a collaborative outreach effort to businesses that includes the NB Economic Development Office, Local Legislative Delegation, Chamber of Commerce, Police Chief, WIB - Youth Council- New Directions. These outreach efforts would include: mass mailing in March, press conference – 2 weeks after mailing, Phone-a-thon- representatives from collaborating agencies spend one day at the Career Center making phone calls to area businesses asking for job pledges and/or financial sponsorship.

Executive
Board member P. Kavanaugh spoke about the relationship between the Board and the Mayor’s Office. As the Mayor’s representative, he will have the authority to make recommendations and direct implementation of projects. He stated that the Mayor respected the organization and hopes to make it even better through the collaboration of community organizations and that he has sent a Thank You note to J. Michaud for his past service and as Chair of the Board. P. Kavanaugh said that he was honored to be part of the Board and he was looking forward to working with the members.

Vice-Chair K. Del Sordo read a letter from J. Michaud nominating C. Simpson as the next Chair of the Board.

Move to nominate C. Simpson as Chair of the GNBWIB, made by K. Del Sordo, seconded by B. Morell, approved unanimously.

C. Simpson spoke about his commitment to the Board and will accept the nomination and Chair position for six months (if elected) to give the Board time to transition. He stated that it is his belief that the Chair should reside in the region, and as he does not, he will limit his term to six months.

Motion made by B. Morell regarding the bylaw revision was made and withdrawn following discussion. The Committee asked the Executive Director to clarify the terms of the Board, including the difference in terms for appointed members and CC Partners. C. Simpson recommended that a cap be established and the matter be discussed with the Mayor.

Executive Director’s Report

The staff has conducted two orientations to date for WIB members, with 18 new members attending.

The Governor has made a number of cuts from the budget that effect the WIB/CC, among them $1.5 million for the ECCLI, and $30K from CommCorp for the Literacy Works Initiative.

The WIB Certification was submitted on time to the DCS.

It is expected that the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund Request for Proposals will be issued in December with an application due in March. There are $11 million dollars for the state in this fund.

The Mayor has made the decision to integrate DWDA with the WIB with an expected implementation date of July 1, 2007.

The MA WIB Association will be holding their next meeting on Tuesday, Dec 12th, hosted by the Boston PIC.

Other
The next Barn-Raising event will be held on November 30th at 4:00 at BankFive in New Bedford.

Motion to adjourn, made by R. Mello, seconded by J. Fernandes.

Respectfully submitted,


Sheila Sullivan-Jardim
Director of Strategy & Policy

11-16-06  Finance Committee Meeting  
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Finance Committee
11/16/06
Brandon Woods of Dartmouth

Finance Committee members present: Susan Peterson, Chair; Bruce Morell, David Pelletier, Maria Pinarreta, Chuck Simpson
Finance Committee members absent: Corinn Williams

Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Norm Audette, Len Coriaty, Ed Dennehy, Steven Grant, Annie Massicotte

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

  1. Chair’s Welcome
    Susan Peterson thanked everyone for attending the meeting.

  2. Consent Agenda:
    The Minutes of the 10/19/06 Finance Committee meeting, and the Treasurer’s Report for the period 10/01/06 through 10/31/06 were approved on a motion by Bruce Morell. The motion was seconded by David Pelletier and carried unanimously.

  3. Fiscal Reports / Updates:
    1. DWDA - Steve Grant reviewed FY ‘07 spending through 10/31/06. Steve noted that MRC cut $35K from the budget. Susan asked how does the WIB follow-up with MRC to see if this cut was made to every WIB or just GNB. Len stated he would research the matter. The topic was tabled until the next meeting. Ed Dennehy estimates ITA funding will run out of money by February.

    2. WIB - Annie Massicotte presented the WIB Expenditure Report through 10/31/06. Spending is on track.

    A motion to accept the WIB Fiscal Reports was made by Chuck Simpson, seconded by Bruce Morell and carried unanimously.

  4. New Directions / DWDA Updates:
    501(c)(3) Incorporation – Ed stated that Sheila Jardim reviewed his paperwork. He has a few things to correct. His goal is to get the application submitted prior to Thanksgiving.

    Quest Center / ND License Agreement – Ed hopes to have all the paperwork completed before Thanksgiving. He will then notify the Mayor for purposes of putting out the RFP for the space in the Quest Center.

    WIB / DWDA Consolidation – Len will be working with Norm regarding the letter that needs to be sent to the State in order to re-designate the Fiscal Agent from DWDA to GNBWIB.

  5. Other Business
    Reserve Interest Earning Survey – Chuck suggested Steve Grant send 3-6 months of figures to different Financial Institutions. Chuck offered the help of his Sales Manager, Frank Almeida, to Steve Grant.

    Performance Award – Ed announced that New Directions received a Performance Award.

    WIB Budget – Len informed the committee that CommCorp has put a freeze on the expected $30K (up to a possible $40K), for LiteracyWorks due to budget cuts from the state. Until the WIB can come up with additional funds, Len will not be filling the LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur position.

  6. Adjourn
    The meeting adjourned at 4:25 PM on a motion made by Chuck Simpson, and seconded by Bruce Morell.
Next meeting: 12/07/06 – 3:30 PM – Brandon Woods of Dartmouth
Respectfully submitted,


Annie Massicotte
Business Office Manager

11-16-06  Resource Development and Planning Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Resource Development and Planning Committee
Meeting Minutes
11/16/06
GNB WIB Conference Room 207

Members present: Co Chairs, Richard Mello & David Mackley; Paul Correia, Ed Dennehy, Eddie Johnson

Members absent: Debora Britton-Flores, Marilyn Whalley, Dean Robert Ward, Lisa Jochim, Jeffrey Travers, David DeJesus Jr., James Snow

Workforce Development System staff in attendance: Len Coriaty, Craig Baker, Celina Diaz-Pendexter

Chairman Richard Mello called the meeting at 8:06am and introduces new attendees.

Consent Agenda
Minutes of the 10/19/06 meeting were approved on a motion by Paul Correia, seconded by Ed Dennehy, and carried unanimously.

Snapshot Updates
Craig Baker reviewed the snapshot highlighting that we did not get the Advanced Manufacturing grant, but that we should continue to use the proposal as a framework for other opportunities. We will get comments on the proposal from DOL in 2-3 weeks. Len Coriaty clarified that there were only 11 of 186 selected for funding. Craig added that we did not get Snug Harbor funding either.

David Mackley emphasized the importance of having failed attempts in the snapshot. It shows we are taking a risk. He asked where the quarterly timeline for funding is. Craig presented a loose draft of where the development of that piece is stating it will support projections out 3 years when completed.

Grant Algorithm
Co Chair David Mackley said we are missing alignment with the overall goals of the WIB and suggested deciding how much money to go after in each category and determine attack to conversion ratios. He added we should establish what dollars we will claim for next quarter and year. Len Coriaty said the variable is often linked to the funding opportunity where sometime it’s directed toward the WIB and other times it’s farther out there with foundations. David Mackley cited a 3:1 qualified lead to close ratio in business. Paul Correia added a 5:3:1, where 5 sources identified would likely yield 3 submissions and 1 award. He added that the fluidity of funding streams and opportunities makes it difficult to fix goals and objectives around them.

The committee agreed that the form the staff is using now is a great start and that it should include “What is the performance-based outcome?” and “Is this something we can do?”.

Work Certified
Ed Dennehy said there have been 35 graduates and 25 have now found jobs. The next class is December 4th. The calling campaign was a success, having gone through 1,000 names, the Career Center staff was able to get commitments from 103 individuals to attend a Work Certified orientation.

David Mackley led the group in a discussion on qualitative data, saying it is the most important stuff we can get. Why can’t we measure how folks feel? He added, if we are not capturing it throughout the whole process, it implies we are only working with the cream of the crop. Eddie Johnson added that the client plays a major role. What are their desires, needs, and wants? David said we need to also determine what the threshold is that we are measuring and have a tactic for those below it. Craig described a beginning methodology to approach qualitative measurement suggesting we bring it to Performance Measurement for further development. David said that whatever we do must be embedded into the system. Len cautioned that resources are tight. Eddie suggested reallocating them to address this issue if it’s the priority we want to go after. David Mackley said it will take 3-5 years to get it into the system and that we should be developing a system of building value, not delivering services. We should include teachers, superintendents, and dropouts in the value building process and measurement. This committee does not yet know what the WIB wants in the next 1, 3, 5, and 10 years. And what it wants, we need the evidence to support it y the experiences people have with the system. Ed Dennehy said they can pull case files on individuals for a start. Many individuals have been interviewed and a lot of the notes are hand-written. He added that we measure work ethics by those who show up and commit to assignments and participate.

Literacy Works
Craig said we are still in process of finding an entrepreneur and champion. Len added $425M in state funding has been frozen of which CommCorp funds were a part and we’re just addressing it now.

Apprenticeship
Celina Diaz-Pendexter gave a brief history of how the Division of Apprenticeship Training (DAT) came to partner with the One-Stop Career Center and working with the Veterans. The DAT coverage spans Worcester to Provincetown and there are only 4 staff in the field. The DAT sets up training programs in companies and there is a big push to bring employers to the Career Centers. They are currently set up in 2 out of the 33 Career Centers in the state. Celina added that the partnership works in part because of the excellent job Brenda Francis does, and in part how the system works.

Eddie said it takes about 5 years to develop an apprentice and that when Deval Patrick is in, there will be more reinforcements. Organized labor must be on board at the beginning. Len said we have an Apprenticeship Working Group that has just started meeting. The Mayor is on board and John Rich has trained folks at the Career Center. The Working group has identified three main issues around 1) ordinances are not currently upheld 2) there are only a few apprenticeships in the area 3) there are only a few companies that have apprentice programs in the area. Actions and focus was determined for subsequent meetings. There are now some long and short term action items already discussed. The group is now tethered to the RD&P Committee of the WIB.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:15 am.

Next Meeting Date
December 7, 2006 @ 8:00am

Respectfully submitted,

Craig Baker

11-13-06  Performance Measurement Committee Meeting
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Performance Measurement Committee
Meeting Minutes
11/13/06
GNB Career Center

Members in attendance: Mike Kramer, Chair; John Fernandes, Roger Masson, Jeanne Vulgaris, Carl Waal
Members absent: Larry Weldon (called)

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

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

Introductions
Roger Masson, from Teledyne, new WIB and PMC member was introduced. The Chair will hold an orientation for all new committee members once the general WIB orientations are completed. Mike Travers, who is the new MIS manager for New Directions was also introduced.

Minutes of the October 16, 2006 meeting were accepted. Motion to approve minutes made by C. Waal, Seconded by J. Vulgaris.

Operations Report
The Executive Director reported on the CC operations and distributed the Performance report. The data listed on the Performance report that comes from MOSES will be updated once per month and the pie chart for businesses will be updated quarterly. The GNBCC has met or exceeded all 17 measures for WIA performance. They have qualified for a $20,000 incentive award and will go before the Finance Committee with their recommendations for spending. They expect some of those dollars to go into the ITA fund as they expect the ITA fund to be depleted earlier than previous years.

Charter Review
M. Kramer distributed the second draft of the questions to be asked during the interview. It was agreed that the survey should be done by phone. In order to complete the interviews, we will need about 15 individuals to assist. We will ask all new members to participate along with a number of inactive members, in hopes of getting them more involved in WIB activities. There will be a Survey Prep meeting on November 20th at 8:30 and again at 4:00 at the CC in New Bedford. Training should last 30-45 minutes. For those unable to make the survey prep, instructions will be sent via email. The interviewing for the Charter review will take place November 27th-December 8th. R. Masson has agreed to take the total list and randomize it for a statistically valid sample.

MassExcellence
The Director of Strategy & Policy spoke about the MassExcellence Award process. Due to the transitions the WIB is currently undergoing (DWDA to WIB, New Board Chair, ND to nonprofit), and the need for additional education regarding Baldrige for the Board, we will not be applying for the Award and a different strategy will be employed this year. Training will continue for the CC staff and there will be a proposal submitted to the ExComm this week for Board training.

Committee Goals
The Director of Strategy & Policy distributed the goals for the PMC that were drawn from the Business Plan for review. This will be discussed at the next PMC meeting.

Motion to adjourn: Made by J. Vulgaris, Seconded by C. Waal. Approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila Sullivan-Jardim

11-13-06  Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting  
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Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Marketing and Publicity Committee Meeting Minutes
11/13/06
Regency Building in New Bedford

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

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

James Butler motioned to approve the 10/13/06 minutes. Tony Folco seconded and the vote was carried unanimously.

Charlie Winterhalter reminded that the next meeting is Dec 11th at 8:30am at this same location. We should look at goals from last year and work toward creating a working document. Ed Dennehy said New Directions can put together an annual calendar of events with what they know. We should be aware that 5-10% of customers do go to the Wareham Career Center for these events.

Charlie suggested combining what little funding the WIB has with other folks to boost advertising. Ed said that each program has typically done their own marketing. Now Dianne Haynes will be the point person for New Directions. Dianne said employers need more of the WIB view while jobseekers need more of the Career Center view.

James Butler said we need to change the perception of the workforce and get the community to buy into a community-wide, regional effort to highlight employers. Craig Baker asked if we are trying to do as SouthCoast Development Partnership with their piece, and should we leverage other local efforts to align the message. Charlie said we may need to tweek the plan. Dianne suggested employers as a first good target.

James Butler said he’d be willing to dedicate a whole edition to a particular focus. Charlie said billboards also could carry that message, but we need to identify what that is going to be. Michelle Hantman asked how we’ve reached employers in the past. Ed Dennehy said through the Chamber and that the Career Center primarily focuses on larger employers and those existing relationships. They also use email and do a little advertising through mailing, phone calls, etc. Ed Dennehy clarified that he meets once each month with the local HR association.

Charlie said we need to target the message and identify what really works. We must completely define our goals and get some things done before January. Ed said a new committee for marketing has just been formed for New Directions & Career Center. In evaluating what has been working, Ed said the Youth commercial has created the most calls. Charlie said all things combined will really make it work and that he’d be willing to give up a billboard for awhile for promotion. He said we need to get input from Matt Morrisey and Paul Vigeant on their plans as well.

James Butler suggested cable access as the next generation to get the message out there. He asked what testimonials do we have from employers to promote the system. Charlie said we should get some from the WIB. Ed said employers are reluctant to give statements. Craig said we only have a few.

Ed said we should make a statement and go on record saying we are going to do something. James asked what is the employers’ vested interest. Ed suggested “no cost”, however many employers think we are competing with their own HR departments when in fact we are trying to help them. He added that they are working on a small business seminar series to help point businesses in the right direction. Charlie added that it must be practical and that it’s worked great for him, making it easy to hire 40 people right as he opened. Craig Baker asked if Charlie could translate that into cost saving and include it in a testimony.

James Butler said when he ran an employment agency, he would tell employers they didn’t need to advertise, just come through the agency and find motivated, screened, ready to work individuals. Ed said sometimes, however, the employer cannot find the individual they are looking for at the career center.

Charlie suggested three action items for the next meeting:
  1. Develop an annual calendar (operational) that supports monthly themes, activities and action steps.
  2. Define message in conjunction with what Lee Blake/Paul Vigeant/Matt Morrisey/Career Center is doing
  3. Modify the plan with input.
James said in the meantime, he’s setting up his website to be able to link to other important initiatives. He invited all to the Weekly Compass Gala at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from 5:00pm until 8:30pm – Dec. 6, 2006.

Meeting adjourned @9:25am.

Respectfully submitted,


Craig Baker
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