Center News: November 2002
Activities to Watch
Florida State Chamber Execs Make the Job Corps Connection
At Florida’s Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference in Orlando, CWP offered a session on building workforce partnerships with Job Corps. Lee Bohlmann, president of the Melbourne/ Palm Area Chamber, gave an insightful presentation on Florida’s workforce outlook. Job Corps’ Atlanta Regional Director Don Scott provided a serious look at today’s Job Corps. Gloria Anthony, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, described the successful events her chamber and Job Corps have accomplished through this project.
A panel of successful Job Corps graduates and employers conveyed their personal experiences, while directors from the Miami, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Homestead Job Corps Centers answered questions about career curriculum and schedule tours for chamber members.
October Leadership Course Receives High Marks
“This course provided unprecedented access to those people we need to know and communicate with to affect meaningful change.”
“The exchange of ideas with other chamber executives is worth its weight in gold.”
These were just some of the candid comments about the October 28-30, 2002, CWP Workforce Development Leadership Course. This was the third course offered this year, all funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Thirty-two chamber participants from 19 states came together for two and a half days to learn about integrated strategies for workforce development from some of the top experts in the field, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training Mason Bishop; Ron Haskins, senior white house counsel on TANF; the executive director of the Welfare to Work Partnership, Rodney Carroll; and former Mayor of Indianapolis, the Honorable Stephen Goldsmith.
Chamber participants left informed, energized, and prepared to implement a plan of action developed as part of the course to assist their chambers’ workforce efforts.
Shulman Addresses Economic Development Audience
The Ventura County Economic Development Association and the Workforce Investment Board recently sponsored a conference at which CWP Senior Program Manager Bobbi Shulman spoke about critical national workforce issues and the key forces shaping tomorrow’s workforce. Several hundred participants attended the event at which the Ventura State of the Workforce Report was released.
Magill Keynotes Workforce Summit
Demonstrating a true collaboration of business and education, the MetroWest Chamber and MassINC. in Framingham, Mass., gathered representatives from their newly formed federation of over 30 chambers, along with chamber members, educators, and public officials to learn the value and role of lifelong learning in the 21st century economy. CWP’s Magill gave the keynote address. Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift and a panel of leading business and education representatives validated the economic benefit of a highly skilled workforce for the entire region.
CWP Announces Employer Survey
Take advantage of this opportunity to collaborate with the CWP to inform policymakers about employers’ workforce development needs. CWP believes it is critical that the businesses you represent -- especially small and mid-sized businesses -- are heard regarding the challenges and successes of the government-funded workforce development system. The survey is scheduled to be taken in January 2003, and each participating chamber will receive a customized benchmark report. Sign up online at http://www.uschamber.com/cwp/survey.
E-Sources to Check Out
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
This Web site contains useful information and resources for youth with disabilities and their families, service providers and other front line workers, administrators, policymakers, and employers: www.ncwd-youth.info
Letter to State School Chiefs on Implementing No Child Left Behind Act
U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige released a letter to chief state school officers, praising the progress states have made in implementing the No Child Left Behind Act and expressing his concern over any attempts to lower the bar of expectations for schools and students: www.ed.gov
Hansen Releases New Guide to Federal Education Funding
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Bill Hansen released a new guide to education funding, Resources + Reforms = Results: President Bush’s Commitment to Our Nation’s School Children, to help better explain the Bush administration’s financial commitment to the nation’s schools and students: www.nochildleftbehind.gov
|
Share This Page