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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WDB)

Of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties

Meeting Minutes

Broome Center

4119 N. Saginaw Street

Flint, MI 48505

Friday, January 26, 2007

8:00 a.m.

PRESENT: Michael Zelley, Marilyn Allor, Harry Blecker, Edward Donovan, Lewis Driskell, Erik Eastman, Cheryl Gifford, Robert Hardy, Alan Hartter, Don Dees, Kevin Keane, David Miller, Jimmy King, Ron Frybort, Willie Middlebrooks, Vera Perry, Khalil Saab, Verona Terry, Mary Sumpter, and Randy Rauch

ABSENT: Margaret Gulick (excused), Lawrence Moon (excused), Cheryl Peterson (excused), Jerry Ragsdale (excused), Gary Smith (excused), and Katie Wolf (excused)

STAFF PRESENT: Pamela Loving, Marilyn Manning, Nichole Taylor, John Howell, Martres Brown, David White, Helen Brown, Bill Hetchler, Tammy Irving, Richard Curtis, Kim Etheridge, James Robinson, Peggy Kendrick, QB Pittman, Carol Piesko, Nancy Osipo-Peera, Ashley Latchinson, Debbie Rose, Eunita Mixon-Wingfield, Craig Coney, Tanesha Malone, Lila Lipscomb, Michelle Buckner, Sharon Bowen, Scott Remenec, Daphne Epps, and Angela Work

OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Tanner, Gary Tower, Peter Goodstein and Bruce Griffith

I. Meeting called to order at 8:10 a.m.

Mr. Zelley stated that the JET Supportive Services Policy needed to be added to the agenda along with the Healthcare Professional for Michigan’s Future Retreat update. Mr. Harry Blecker made a motion to add those items and it was supported by Mr. Kevin Keane.

MOTION PASSED

II. PUBLIC COMMENT: NONE

III. ACTION ITEMS:

A. Approval of WDB Minutes of November 21, 2006: A motion to approve the minutes of November 21, 2006, was made by Mr. David Miller and supported by Mr. Jimmy King

MOTION PASSED

B. JET Supportive Services Policy: Ms. Peggy Kendrick outlined the JET Supportive Services Policy which was distributed to each board member. Mr. King made a motion to approve the policy and it was supported by Mr. Blecker.

MOTION PASSED

IV. PRESENTATIONS:

A. WDB Strategic Actioning: Mr. Zelley outlined how the Strategic Actioning was initiated and that Mr. Blecker was asked to guide the WDB through the next steps. Ms. Loving stated that the sharing has gone beyond the board and into the community. Mr. Blecker gave an update on the progress of the committee and asked that the board complete a one page survey to be emailed on approximately February 5^th.

B. Disability Program Navigator Update: Ms. Nancy Osipo-Peera, CAI, gave an overview and an update on the Navigator Grant. She stated that she will be working with the business community.

C. The Middle Passage: Mr. John Rhymes stated that in collaboration with the McCree Flint Youth Theatre, there will be a play depicting a slave trade route from Africa to America going on throughout the city starting February 13^th through the 22^nd. There will be a dinner on February 15^th at the Flint Public Library at 6:00 p.m. Invitations have been given to the Board members.

D. Healthcare Professionals for Michigan’s Future Retreat Update: Ms. Nichole Taylor gave an update on the collaboration with the Greater Flint Health Coalition. She stated that to-date there are 64 participants and explained the range of medical fields in which they are training. She stated that Mr. Randy Rauch from DHS (alternate for Sheryl Thompson) attended the training. There are four participants graduating as a part of the project. Mr. Rauch stated that it was enjoyable and that the staff is to be applauded.

Mr. Zelley asked Ms. Taylor to give an update on YouthBuild at the next Board meeting. He acknowledged Verona Terry, alternate for Cunesha Sanders, Job Corps Director.

V. PARTNER UPDATES:

A. GISD Transistion Center: Mr. Gary Tower introduced Mr. Michael Moorman, GISD Deputy Director of Human Resources and Operations. Mr. Moorman outlined who GISD is, who they serve as well as their budget. He outlined their primary role in the county. He stated that GISD purchased the old Office Max building in Flint Township and is presently renovating it.

B. Department of Human Services Update: Mr. Rauch reported for Ms. Sheryl Thompson stated that they are planning to start JET as of January 29^th and they have identified case managers and new case loads. He stated that there will be training on February 12^th – 16^th . They are in the process of hiring 21 new staff.

C. Shiawassee Subcommittee Update: Ms. Mary Sumpter stated the meeting was held in Owosso on December 12^th at the new Baker College Welcome Center. She gave an overview of the meeting.

D. MDLEG Rehabilitation Services Update: Mr. Dees reported for Ms. Sue Howell. He discussed the MRS involvement in the JET Program. He stated that he is looking forward to working with Ms. Carol Piesko and Ms. Osipo-Peera. They are also looking to do some expansion.

VI. PRESIDENT’S UPDATE: Ms. Loving stated that Ms. Lisa Nichols will be on the Oprah show discussing, The Secret. She discussed vision boards given to each staff member of CAI and one for each department. She discussed the Bio Refinery Initiative in which 15 people were sent to Illinois. Eight people from Genesee County and 2 from Shiawassee County will be coming back on Sunday. A media event has been scheduled. She mentioned the partnership with Channel 25 WNEM. She discussed the Microsoft Grant award.

Mr. QB Pittman presented staff member, Mr. Scott Remenec, with a five year service award.

VII. CHAIR’S UPDATE: Mr. Zelley stated that he will miss the February Board meeting because he is scheduled to be in Washington at the National Association of Workforce Board meeting representing Genesee County. He stated that topics could include the reauthorization of the workforce system and soft skill training. He emphasized the WDB Strategic Planning Initiative in March.

VIII. NEXT MEETING DATE: February 23, 2007

IX. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 9:23 a.m.

Katie Wolf

__________________________________

Ms. Katie Wolf

Secretary, Workforce Development Board

Date: 4/27/07