Meeting Minutes from November 20, 2008
Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board
Minutes
Thursday, November 20, 2008
7:30 a.m.
CareerLink Annex
Present:
Gilbert Abney, Dr. Brian Barnhart, James Black, Jacqueline Burch, Mark Esterbrook, Dr. Robert Frick, Steve Fries, Stephen Grosh, Sharon Leese, John Levitski, Maureen Lewandowski, Mary Miskey, Judy Naylor, Robert Rhoads, Todd Shultz, Michelle Snavely, Mark Sprunger, Aimee Urban, Tom Woronko,
Not Present:
Tom Baldrige, John Biemiller, Barry Brandt, Barry David, Jerry Eshleman, Jim Germak, Carlos Graupera, Christine Hertneky, Eric Horn, Donald F. Johnson Jr., Linda Kreider, Craig Lehman, Jean Martin, Matt Ohlinger, Marysol Ortiz, Mike Sturla, Jill Welch, Jim Zimmerman
Guests:
Timothy Bianchi, KayLynn Hamilton, Cheryl Hiester, Sandra Strunk, Tim Shenk, Yanni Serrano
Staff:
Joyce Lenox, Scott Sheely, Rod Kopp, Lori Rank, Kim Sullenberger
Call to Order
Jim Black, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:39 am, welcomed everyone. and asked attendees to introduce themselves. He welcomed new members to the Board.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes - September 18, 2008
Minutes were approved unanimously on motion from Steve Fries and second from Mark Sprunger
Order of the Day
Education and English as Second Language Activities in Lancaster County Funded by Title II of the Workforce investment Act
Sandy Strunk reviewed the 1998 WIA Act and introduced the adult basic education and literacy components and funding streams. An annual report of services and how they integrate with the PA CareerLink services was presented along with statistics and success stories. Dr. Brian Barnhart introduced the team from Lancaster Lebanon IU 13 that works with education and dislocated workers. Emphasis is helping people improve their literacy and getting employment. GED study and testing is a major part of their program with the PA CareerLink. ESL or English as a second language is another area that the IU 13 addresses. Cheryl Heister representing the Literacy Council of Lancaster County spoke on how that organization is helping the clients of PA CareerLink with comprehension of information using reading materials from the workplace. KayLynn Hamilton a representative of Penn State introduced the Workforce Education Research Center and the program that organization developed to work with people in the workforce area on training and technical assistance. They are partners with LL IU 13 in Lancaster County. Packets were handed out with all the information included along with the statistics and class schedules and so forth.
Items for Discussion
Update on Mechatronics Initiative
Scott Sheely updated the Board on the 2+2+2 program in Mechatronics. At the request of employers for a more multi skilled person, the Mechantronics program now has now multiple levels of training available. Training is available at the basic technician level with a 350 hour program available online through LCCTC and RACC. Associate Degrees are available through RACC and HACC while a Bachelor degree is now available through Purdue University. Students in their senior year of high school can start this training as can incumbent workers. Credit can be given for skills already acquired. Through the RIG grant, skills standards have been set with the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers' Institute (PMMI) endorsement of the skills and curriculum. An articulate agreement has been signed by Purdue and RACC to take credits earned. This program is expected to be picked up by the USDOL and PA DLI.
Budget Update
Rod Kopp presented a budget update on new funds received. Alcoa Foundation grant for $46,000 will cover outreach into the community and part of the next step in the Latino Study. Thaddeus Stevens received a green technology grant and will be working with the WIB. LGH and Lancaster County CTC both received grants for nursing simulators and instructors for which that the WIB will be fiscal agent.
Engaging Employers in Business-Education Partnerships
Scott Sheely reviewed the Latino Study objectives for the drop-out Issue and asked for employers to partner with SDOL and LaAcademia to bring into the classrooms, people and skills to educate students on jobs and skills needed in the workforce. A few employers are needed to partner with each school. Getting students interested in learning and what is available should start the process of kids getting interested in staying in school and better educating themselves for the future workforce.
Staff Reports
Fiscal Officer
Rod Kopp presented the October 2008 Financial Report. The WIB is off to a great start with 80% obligated. The state is urging spending the funds and having little carryover to the next year. WIA is 23% above spending over last year with ITAs up 59%.
Youth Coordinator
Kim Sullenberger reported for Andrew Garner. The Youth Summit will be held on January 29, 2009 at the Eden Resort Inn. Education and business organizations are welcome to attend as communication is needed between the two for better preparation of students for the workforce.
Executive Director
Scott Sheely reported...
- On December 4, 2008, the annual Workforce Summit will be held at the Eden with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as the program theme. There are two speakers from the Commonwealth. STEM has become a priority at the State level. A panel is being assembled of educators and businesspeople to discuss this initiative.
- Pathways to Gold Collar Careers nights were held at three sites with approximately 750 parents and kids attending. Attendance was a little disappointing and more business representation is needed. Both Sharon Leese and Robert Rhoades attended from their businesses and were amazed at the interest of the students.
- The WIB was honored at the CTC Hall of Fame dinner as was Mike Curley on his retirement. The WIB presented him with a plaque.
- Ready 2 Work graduation is being held today with 88 students receiving their certificates. Employers were encouraged to attend.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 a.m. with Jim Black thanking everyone for coming.
