THUMB AREA
Workforce Investment Development Board
June 11, 2010 Meeting Highlights

The purpose of this special “Highlights” newspiece is to recap for attendees and those who were not able to attend, a quick summary of the most important issues addressed during the June 11, 2010 Thumb Area Workforce Investment Development Board meeting.

1. USDOL Gold Standard Evaluation

 ThumbWorks! has been selected by USDOL to be part of a Gold Standard  Evaluation study.  I let everyone know that this is an honor and that we are just  one of thirty nationally selected for the research.  I also highlighted my telephone  conversation with U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Jane Oates and my  attempts to remind her that ThumbWorks! may not fit their regular research  mode.  More to come.

2. Special MEDC & MDELEG Presentation

 Stefanie Ridenour, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Workforce  Development Analyst, and Beth Sommers, MDELEG Green Jobs Specialist  provided a detailed presentation on State-wide development initiatives and  strategies.  Their PowerPoint presentation can be viewed by clicking on this link.

3. New Private Staffing Organization Shared Membership

 Update information was provided on Board member vacancies (i.e. 2 private  sector business vacancies in Tuscola County), those members whose terms  were expiring in September and seeking reappointment, and the newly created  Private Staffing Organization – Shared Voting Slot on the Board.  This means  that at a minimum the following private staffing organizations that operate in the  Thumb Area will join us at Board meetings and cooperatively share a vote:

• CornerStone Staffing Solutions
• Kelly Services
• Trillium Staffing Solutions
• Reliable Staffing
• Qualified Staffing Services
• Adecco Employment Services
• Employment Plus, Inc.
• S & A Solutions, Inc.

4. Funding Reductions

 As projected the Thumb Area will receive about four hundred thousand  ($400,000) fewer training dollars next Program Year (7/1/10-6/30/11).  This  reduction will have a huge impact on future training enrollees and how much can  be authorized per person.  On the positive dollar side, the Thumb Area was  projected to receive an increase in Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) dollars for the  upcoming year.

5. Thumb Area Research & Innovation Center NETWORK

 Development of the NETWORK continues.  The NETWORK’s KICK-OFF event  on May 3rd was a success.  Fifteen (15) inventors/entrepreneurs were in  attendance and left even more hopeful.  One entrepreneur, Rod Swartzendruber  and his “Pitching Buddy” displayed at the Mid-Michigan Innovation Center’s  “Heading For The Big Leagues” Entrepreneurial Showcase at Dow Diamond in  Midland on May 27th.  At the event I (we) received an Innovator of the Year  Award for our NETWORK initiative.

6. ThumbWorks! Transferable Skills Initiative (TSI)

 Jody Kerbyson, ThumbWorks! Systems Manager led a live simulation of the  Agency’s new Transferable Skills Initiative service delivery process for both job  seekers and employers.  Board members were able to view online the skill  assessment process and the eventual match to LIVE JOBS.

 Remember OPEN HOUSES for businesses and those seeking to hire the best  qualified candidates are scheduled in each Thumb Area county June 28- July 1.   Check out www.thumbworks.org for specific details, times and locations.

7. “JUST JOBS OUTLETS”

 In partnership with the Human Development Commission, plans are underway to  establish special “job-shop” locations called JUST JOBS OUTLETS in each  county.  The target service population would be those receiving public assistance  and who must participate in documentable/countable employment development  activities for a set number of hours each week.  More details will follow at the  next meeting.

The next meeting is Friday, September 10 beginning at 9:30 a.m.  WE JUST BARELY HAD A QUORUM FOR THIS MEETING…SO PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND IN SEPTEMBER.