GWDC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
April 1, 2004
1:30 to 3:00 pm

390 N. Robert Street, Saint Paul
Fifth Floor Conference Room 

PROPOSED AGENDA

Welcome 

1. Review 3/9/04meeting summary 

2. Follow-up on skill development focus

• Review draft discussion document and proposed timeline
• Update on Minnesota submission to NASWA/NAWB federal “High Growth Job Training Initiative” request
• Update on WIA incentive grant award process

ACTION REQUESTED: Changes and additions to draft discussion document and concurrence to advance to full Council on April 16, 2004.

3. Follow-up on requests for financial support

• Stearns-Benton Employment & Training Council request
• Duluth Workforce Council request
• New request from Ramsey County for support to participate in national
  ”Workforce Innovators Network”

ACTION REQUESTED: Approval of grants for these requests.

4. Other business

• Update on federal TANF legislation
• April 5 “Manufacturing Tomorrow” event
• Update on DEED regional planning pilots
• GWDC/DEED representation at NGA meeting on system performance management
• Upcoming inter-city leadership visit by Allegheny Conference

Adjourn

PREEMINENCE MINNESOTA FRAMEWORK

Revised June 23, 2003 

Challenges to be met

a)       Keep Minnesota’s economy competitive in the global market by working to meet the need for more workers with more skills in Minnesota’s economy, while still addressing the short-term labor surplus; 

b)       Ensure Minnesota workers have access to job opportunities and educational choices that allow them to improve their earning potential and advance their careers; and, 

c)        Continue to support a workforce development system that efficiently and effectively serves both employers and jobseekers.

Solutions to pursue

a)       Encourage a workforce with the skills to succeed in Minnesota’s economy, which can be done by:

i) identifying industries and occupations that are “critical” to Minnesota’s economic growth;
ii) developing a long-term statewide economic strategy that builds on state assets; and,
iii) focusing efforts to strengthen competitiveness of Minnesota businesses by facilitating better employer-employee matches. 

b)    Find additional people to enter the labor market from among new Minnesotans, people with disabilities, individuals transitioning from welfare and others; and,  

c)     Explore policy opportunities to address worker mobility barriers in the labor market (e.g., benefits and pension portability, etc.)