Welcome and Introductions
Chair Bill Robertson called the meeting to order at 3:40pm. He introduced new Board members: Martin G. Knott, Jr., Knott Mechanical, Inc; Edward M. Rudnic, Ph.D., MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Ingrid M. Turner, Council Member - District 4, Prince George's County Council. Mr. Robertson noted the reappointment to the Board of Robert L. Caret, Ph.D., Towson University, and Murray "Ray" Hoy, Ed.D., Esq., Wor-Wic Community College. An updated list of Board members was distributed at the
meeting, and can be downloaded from the GWIB website.
December 12, 2007
Minutes
The Board approved a motion to accept the September 12, 2007 meeting minutes as presented. A copy of the minutes and reports can be downloaded from the
GWIB website.
GWIB's Education Symposium
Robert L. Caret, Ph.D. reported that the Education Steering Committee had successfully conducted an Education Industry Initiative Symposium at Anne Arundel Community College on November 1, 2007. The event attracted nearly 150 key education leaders and stakeholders from across the state. The symposium focused on critical issues facing education institutions as employers: attracting, recruiting and retaining faculty. Dr. Caret reported that an issues whitepaper was distributed for review to education leaders and stakeholders prior to the Symposium. Those attending the summit met in two workgroups, K-12 and Higher Education, and were tasked to develop a range of strategies and recommendations for the committee. Ideas from the symposium will be evaluated and developed into a post-summit monograph.
Dr. Caret noted that the steering committee completed its work in less than a year. They plan to quickly review the summit results and develop a plan of action. The committee wants to focus its time and energies in 2008 on implementing the industry recommendations. Dr. Caret thanked the GWIB staff, in particular Sallie
Hays-Sarelas, for their assistance and contributions to the committee's work.
During a brief question period, Dr. Caret was asked if the symposium workgroups had discussed reinstating scholarship incentive programs, like the HOPE Scholarship. Dr. Caret stated that he had not seen the complete notes from the symposium, but would follow-up with the steering committee.
A written report about the Education Industry Initiative Symposium was included in the Board meeting packets. The Board approved a motion to accept the Education Steering Committee report.
Overview - MD Business Roundtable for Education
June Streckfus, executive director of the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education
(MBRT) presented an overview of the organization's mission and programs. MBRT was founded in 1992 and is today a coalition of more than 100 leading employers that work with state partners such as
MHEC, MSDE, and GWIB as well local school systems to increase the number high school students ready for the world of work.
The MBRT programs and services are designed to demonstrate the connection between achievement in school and the success in the workplace. Programs and services are student focused, and relay on the participation of Maryland's businesses and leaders.
The oldest MBRT program is the Speakers
Bureau. Started in 1999 with just a few dozen industry speakers, today more than 2,600 volunteers have made presentations to over 200,000 students in 8th and 9th grade in 140 high schools in 24 school districts. Ms. Streckfus noted that the Speakers Bureau is the easiest way for GWIB board and steering committee members to support the mission of the
MBRT.
In partnership with the Daily Record, MBRT created the
Be What I Want To Be magazine. It is a career exploration publication delivered to students in classroom across Maryland. In 2006, 100,000 magazine copies were distributed. A copy of the 2007 magazine was included in the Board packet.
Be What I Want To Be. com is an interactive teen website that reaches over 66,000 students of many ages, and moves them from interest in careers to action. The site bolsters student motivation by highlighting exciting careers, demonstrating what a student will need to accomplish in school to qualify for a great job, and providing examples of outstanding student and employee work.
Career content for both the magazine and website are built upon the MSDE career cluster and GWIB industry initiative sector framework. The website and career cluster content are supported by industry partners. At present, MBRT is looking for sponsors to develop web-based career awareness campaigns for retail, and hospitality and tourism.
Mr. Robertson thanks Ms. Streckfus for her presentation and noted that GWIB and industry steering committees need to leverage a valuable workforce development resource like the
MBRT. Eric Seleznow noted that every initiative has stated that industry image and the need to reach high school students as critical to their industry. He continued, this makes MBRT a natural strategic partner for each initiative.
GWIB-LWIB Annual Meeting
Bill Robertson reported on that the annual meeting for the state and local boards held October 31, 2007. Mr. Robertson noted that though each local board faces its own special challenges, they were able to agree on areas of collaboration: increasing funding; better marketing; and emerging workforce (youth). Mr. Robertson reported that Karen Sitnick volunteered to work with GWIB on youth policies and issues.
The Board approved a motion to form a Youth Committee. George Littrell volunteered to serve as a co-chair, with Ms.
Sitnick, on the new committee. Andrew Larson volunteered to serve on the committee.
DLLR Updates
Thomas E. Perez, Secretary, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, provided an update on DLLR activities. In his report he reviewed the guiding principles developed for the department's "workforce creation strategy"; collaborative efforts undertaken with DHR and
DBED; efforts to create programs and find funding for behind the fences workforce training; the development of an immigration demographics and trends analysis with the Urban Institute;
BRAC; and the alignment of workforce development system in the area of adult education. Several Board members asked questions and made comments about adult education suggesting that funds should be increased, that opportunities in apprenticeship programs be expanded, and that community colleges should play a larger role in adult education programs.
Untapped Workforce Committee
Marge Thomas reported that the Untapped Workforce Committee, formerly the Challenged Populations committee, has a new chair, Lillian
Kilroy, Provident Bank. The committee will focus on education and marketing. The committee will meet January 22, 2007 to develop a one year campaign to educate and market to Maryland's business leaders about untapped populations. The committee is seeking business members from the Board and steering committees to serve.
Industry Initiative Updates - Construction
Martin Knott and Gino Gemignani reported that after a series of planning meetings with GWIB staff, a steering committee was formed. The committee will use the Education Initiative model to accelerate the development of the research,
whitepaper, summit and plan of action. Mr. Knott and Mr. Gemignani also noted that they are working on a Construction Industry Roundtable that will bring together union and non-union businesses to find common ground in workforce development.
Governor's Workforce Summit
Eric Seleznow reported that the Governor wants to convene a GWIB Workforce Summit in early 2008. GWIB staff has begun drafting ideas for speakers and program design. More information will be made available in January.
Perspectives on Workforce Development
Bill Robertson asked Secretary Maynard, Public Safety and Correctional Services, and Secretary
DeVore, Juvenile Services, for their department perspectives on workforce development. Secretary Maynard noted that 7,000 people are released from Maryland's correctional facilities each year. Most need skill training and education if they are to find work. He noted that funding cuts are having a negative impact on behind the fence training programs. Nonetheless, his department is working to continue current programs and develop new ones. Secretary DeVore noted that his department was working on new, innovative workforce development programs, most notably a pilot program in Western Maryland to help youth earn college credits.
GWIB Policy/Advocacy Strategies
Bill Robertson stated that he and Eric Seleznow want to begin an on-going discussion with and among the Board about its goals, priorities and long-term agenda. Mr. Robertson noted that his presentation (a copy is in the Board packet) contains preliminary ideas, most of which are reflected in the earlier reports and discussions. Mr. Robertson outlined goals for aligning education and workforce development and increasing supply among untapped populations. He listed priorities in education and expanding workforce opportunities. He suggested that the Board needs to focus on advocacy, developing strategic partnership, alternative funding of programs, and taking action on workforce development recommendations.
A brief discussion followed Mr. Robertson's presentation. Secretary Perez stated that he encourages members of the Board and the Board to assume a more active role in advocacy. Dr. Caret strongly endorsed that GWIB focus taking action and implementing industry initiative strategies and recommendations. Secretary Edgerley stated that based on his meetings around the state GWIB needs to focus on increasing the workforce supply and developing policies that encourage keeping Maryland residents working in the state and closer to home.
Mr. Robertson thanked all members for their contribution to the discussion and pledged to continue the dialogue at future meetings.
New Business
One-Stop Recertifications
Eric Seleznow reported that the Governor is required to recertify Maryland's local One-Stop Centers once every two years. In June and July, 2007, all local One Stop Centers were evaluated and it was determine each met the compliance requirements of the Workforce Investment Act. A summary of the recertification policy and actions taken is in the Board packet.
The Board approved the following motion: "The GWIB approves the recommendation that the Governor recertify all of Maryland's local One-Stop Centers for a period of two years effective July 1, 2007. With regards to Prince George's County, the Division of Workforce Development should continue to closely monitor compliance/fiscal issues, and receive documentation that progress has continued."
Apprenticeship and Training
Eric Seleznow reported that a summary about Maryland Registered Apprenticeship programs and WIA eligibility is in the Board packet. The Board approved the following motion: "The GWIB approves the recommendation to add all Maryland registered apprenticeship programs to the State-approved Training Provider and Program List, without having to undergo the standard State agency review process."
Anne Arundel WIB Recertification
Eric Seleznow reported that at the September 12, 2007 meeting the Board approved the recommendation that the Anne Arundel Workforce Investment Board be granted a Level II
Recertification, pending appointment of a new board chair. The Anne Arundel WIB has Workforce Investment Board has recently appointed a new board chair and is now in full compliance with all recertification criteria. The Board approved the following motion: "The Anne Arundel Workforce Investment Board has satisfactorily met all recertification criteria and is recommended for Level I Recertification for a period of two years effective July 1, 2007."
The meeting adjourned at 5:40pm.
March 13, 2008: These minutes were approved at the March 12, 2008 GWIB meeting.
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