EAG Board Meeting 09.29.2008

Co-Chairs Dr. Dick Shaink and Mr. Tim Herman called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.

1. Introductions/Welcome

Welcome and introductions were made.

2. Vision for the EAG

Dr. Shaink introduced Alicia Booker, President, Career Alliance, Inc. He commented that he, Alicia, Tim Herman and Fred Stanley met to discuss the role of the EAG as an advisory group to Career Alliance and the Workforce Development Board.

Alicia presented by PowerPoint the accomplishments and goals she envisions as partners continue to collaborate in addressing the needs of Genesee County. Items included the workforce development system and structure, opportunities, workforce and economic development strategies, and the expanded role of the EAG. Workforce development tasks would include identifying new training methodology; supporting changing/emerging employment opportunities; supporting small business development; and seeking out funding opportunities.

Workforce and economic development strategies would include asset mapping; supporting vocational training opportunities; aligning training with business needs; identifying/supporting emerging industry; supporting existing skill development; supporting economic development; developing regional alliances and strategies (coordinated effort to support employers); regional resource/asset mapping; and identifying and leveraging human, physical and financial capital.

The expanded role of the EAG would include redefining the mission; determining funding stability; aligning membership with goals; actively pursue training opportunities within emerging industries; aligning training areas around the needs of business and industry; seeking out sector training opportunities; engaging in joint WDB/EAG strategic planning processes; identifying investment/reinvestment/divestment areas; increasing WDB/EAG engagements; and identifying green sector training areas/credentials.

Alicia also informed the EAG that an invitation will be forthcoming to invite the EAG to participate in subcommittees of the Workforce Development Board.

Much discussion was held regarding the role of the EAG. In response to a statement regarding the accomplishments of the EAG, consensus was that the defined task of the EAG, acting as an educational advisory reporting group to the WFDB/Career Alliance over the past years, has been on target. Consensus also showed that additional employer engagement is critical. It was suggested that the EAG meetings be held at various business and industry locations around the county enabling employers to communicate their greatest needs. The Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce has been actively working with the business/services unit in identifying employer needs. Retooling of the manufacturing sector in identifying different areas to expand and retrain was also discussed. The Greater Flint Health Care Coalition is also a potential partner in tying into the manufacturing sector. The need to engage the Workforce Development Board is also crucial. The message of advocating for resources to educate K-12 needs to be addressed at the national level. Comments were made regarding the early childhood programs and the phenomenal results that are being experienced in this area. Career Alliance has two RFPs currently being drafted to address the area of summer and youth employment.

Alicia stated that this body is key in identifying the many needs that need to addressed. Discussion was held on bringing business leaders to speaker at the EAG meetings to identify priority sectors. A suggestion was presented to contract with the Genesee Regional Chamber to approach their membership, business-to-business, as opposed to educators. Funding sources for this idea were a concern. Jenean Kleinedler stated she could provide a speaker at one of our meetings who could address bio-gas and energy issues.

Dr. Shaink thanked Alicia for her presentation. He also thanked all EAG members from both Genesee and Shiawassee counties for their awesome support.

3. Tech Prep/Perkins – Grant Awards

Cindy Thurlow informed the EAG that the Career Initiative Grant for 2008-09 was submitted to the state and approval has been received. The Perkins grant awarded $1.3 million. The Tech Prep award was $195,000. Each local district has prepared and submitted plans to GISD for 2008-09. Perkins allocations have been determined and forwarded to local districts in Genesee and Shiawassee Counties. Tech Prep funding will be utilized to provide professional development for instructors and also assist in the articulation process.

Cindy also reported that all districts in Genesee and Shiawassee Counties have completed their CIP Self-Reviews, GAP Analysis, and TRAC evidence tasks. Districts are currently working on segmenting requirements.

Brian Pyles reported that three Career Pathway Days have been scheduled. Two have been held so far at Mott Community College – one on September 19 (Arts & Communications, Health Sciences, and Human Services) and one on September 26 (Business Management, Marketing & Technology). The third is planned for October 10 (Engineering Manufacturing & Industrial Technology) and will be held at Mott CC as well. Career Pathway Day objectives include introducing/reviewing tech prep; defining Perkins/Tech Prep terms, including “program of study” and “articulation”; developing/updating annual articulation agreements; developing strategies for connecting secondary and postsecondary CTE programs in the region; providing resources to make regional CTE programs Tech Prep.

Brian also reported that an environmental/energy symposium is scheduled for October 15 at Macomb Community College. The Design and Manufacturing Alliance Fall 2008 Conference will focus on Michigan’s direction in renewable energy.

Many other professional development activities have been planned for 2008-09 for Genesee and Shiawassee counties. We will report on them as they arise.

4. Academics in CTE

Cindy Thurlow reported that CDX software upgrades have been purchased for the automotive programs in Genesee County as well as Mott Community College. A two-day Autodesk Training Workshop for Business, Management and Technology instructors was held August 13-14 at the GASC Technology Center.

5. New Program Applications

Cindy Thurlow reported that in Genesee County, Carman-Ainsworth, Davison, Fenton, Grand Blanc, Lake Fenton, Linden, and the GASC Technology Center are working on new program applications at this time.

Brian Pyles reported that in Shiawassee County new programs are being supported by leadership of the superintendents. New programs include machine tool trades, construction trades in woodworking, teacher cadet, and building/maintenance (Habitat for Humanity is also partnering in this initiative).

6. Round-table Discussion

Brian Pyles expressed appreciation to Alicia Booker for her presentation on the vision of the EAG.

7. Next Meeting:

Monday, December 8, 2008, 8:00 a.m. Location to be determined.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

NOTE: If you are interested in receiving any of the handouts from this meeting, please contact Cindy Thurlow at www.cthurlow@geneseeisd.org or 810-591-4437.

Approval of Minutes:

October 6, 2008

Dr. M. Richard Shaink, Co-Chair, EAG (Date)

Tim Herman

October 2, 2008

Mr. Tim Herman, Co-Chair, EAG (Date)

MRS/TH/FS:ct

Meeting Summary

September 29, 2008

Sylvester Broome Center