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Governor's Workforce Development Council

GOVERNOR’S WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Chair’s Report
July 12, 2002

Highlights from April through June 2002

Activity in support of developing workforce development vision and direction

1.      After extensive discussion at the 2002 Spring Leadership Institute, work has continued on recommendations from the WorkForce Center Strategic Plan under the guidance of the GWDC Systems Excellence Committee.  Focus has been primarily on developing a long-term credentialing process for the WorkForce Center system that serves as a foundation for understanding and instilling confidence in the quality Minnesota’s workforce efforts.

2.      The Executive Committee has helped to connect the GWDC’s Preeminence Minnesota vision to work undertaken by the MN Job Skills Partnership Board (MJSPB) to identify performance measures for state-funded training programs. GWDC Staff have worked closely with MDES Policy, Planning, and Measures Unit and DTED/Job Skills Partnership staff to help guide efforts per the Preeminence vision.

3.      Under the guidance of the MDES Policy, Planning, and Measures Office, work continued on a substantial revision to the “Gunther Report” intended to clarify the picture of Minnesota’s “workforce portfolio”.  This has been a broad-based effort with participation by stakeholders from across several state agencies and including feedback from program providers. 

4.      Following discussion at the April Council meeting, the GWDC submitted comments to federal leaders regarding the intersection of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) legislation.  GWDC staff have also participated in national discussions through the National Governors Association and The Workforce Alliance on these and other issues of concern in shaping workforce policy at the federal level.

Strengthening Local Workforce Councils and other stakeholders as strategic community leaders

5.      The 2002 Spring Leadership Institute attracted about 200 people including representatives from nearly every workforce area in the state, private nonprofit training partners, state officials, and other stakeholders in the workforce development arena.  Responses indicated that the agenda was well-received and the material covered was useful to participants.

6.      Progress was made on the regional scan demonstrations initiated by the GWDC in Saint Cloud and the Twin Cities metro area.  Saint Cloud work was completed in June and reported out to community leaders in that area.  Metro area work continues, with a first “convening” of regional stakeholders to take place in July 2002.  GWDC staff and leadership have also encouraged a connection between this work and continuing discussion at the state level about a broader regional planning effort as was envisioned by the DTED/MDES Agency Transition Team.

7.      At the encouragement of Local Workforce Council Chairs, the GWDC Chair has continued discussion among Local Workforce Council leadership (Chairs, Vice-Chairs) about issues of concern to local leaders.

8.      Families Forward, the partnership between the McKnight Foundation, the GWDC, and several service providers throughout Minnesota continued to develop.  Relationships among partners have grown as a result of one-on-one and group meetings among program partners.  GWDC staff have also begun facilitating one-on-one connections among partners and between partners and outside “resource people”.

9.      Council staff and members supported capacity-building efforts among community leaders through submission of proposals to the US Department of Labor for funding to support Faith-Based Partnerships in workforce development.  Council staff and members have also been involved in supporting the implementation of H-1B grant-funded training activities throughout the state serving the health care industry.

Other Items

10.  The Executive Committee has reviewed and moved for adoption a Workplan for the GWDC covering July 2002 through June 2003.  The Executive Committee has also reviewed the financial status of the Council through April 2002.  A final accounting of the GWDC’s finances will be completed by the end of July.