The goal of the Human Services Summit is to provide a forum for the leaders of the CMT's organizations to gain a broader understanding of the services, successes, and challenges each face as well as provide an opportunity to enhance partnerships and future collaboration while moving organizations forward in an ever-changing and challenging economy.
Friday, November 21, 2009
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
St Patrick's Hospital Conference Center #1
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Meeting Updates!
Our next planning meeting will be on Friday, October 10th at 10:00 am at Job Service. At this meeting, we will be planning our next CMT meeting for our Managers/Decision Makers group.
Wolf checked availability on a conference room for our first Leadership Group meeting, and was able to book a conference room at St. Patrick Hospital on Thursday, November 20th from 10:00-2:00, so mark your calendars! That will be our first official Leadership Group Human Services Summit, the first of our meetings for human services managers in the community.
Wolf checked availability on a conference room for our first Leadership Group meeting, and was able to book a conference room at St. Patrick Hospital on Thursday, November 20th from 10:00-2:00, so mark your calendars! That will be our first official Leadership Group Human Services Summit, the first of our meetings for human services managers in the community.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
CMT Minutes September 22, 2008
CMT September 22, 2008 Meeting
Missoula Job Service
Members Present: Jodie Rasmussen~The Lifelong Learning Center, Megan Westover~WORD-Futures, Maggie Driscoll~District XI HRC, Saundra Long~Job Service, Mark Cumming~Voc Reab, Chris Mitchell~OPA, Kelly Deniger~Missoula Job Service Palmer Street, Diana Reetz-Stacey~UM COT, Brenda Warner~ExperienceWorks, Sundee Carr~Missoula Prerelease, Tamara Missoula Housing Authority
What’s new this year at the CMT?
We tried guest speakers last year, it is time to try something new-
1. Perhaps have two groups, a leadership group that consists of the decision makers that could collaborate on grants, focus on issues and legislation. A second group that would allow the staff to share, do the roundtable and allow staff to network and interact. A forum for sharing, learning, building professional networking.
2. Time-not Monday’s, Thursday mornings 10-noon, Frequency-every six months for staff meetings, quarterly for leadership group, Format for Delivery-need more discussion for staff meetings.
3. Postpone first meeting of the Leadership Team to November 6, 10 am to noon. Not ready for line staff meeting yet. Would like the leadership to take on big issues like the next step for welfare reform to discuss and take to the next level. A planning meeting October 2nd from 10 am to noon was already set and will continue the dialog to plan for the staff and leadership meetings.
4. Need something to pitch at the first leadership meeting, need the governor, county commissioners or representatives. E-mail Saundra or Jodie the list of people that we should invite.
Lets catch up on the summer’s activities
Missoula Job Service
Members Present: Jodie Rasmussen~The Lifelong Learning Center, Megan Westover~WORD-Futures, Maggie Driscoll~District XI HRC, Saundra Long~Job Service, Mark Cumming~Voc Reab, Chris Mitchell~OPA, Kelly Deniger~Missoula Job Service Palmer Street, Diana Reetz-Stacey~UM COT, Brenda Warner~ExperienceWorks, Sundee Carr~Missoula Prerelease, Tamara Missoula Housing Authority
What’s new this year at the CMT?
We tried guest speakers last year, it is time to try something new-
1. Perhaps have two groups, a leadership group that consists of the decision makers that could collaborate on grants, focus on issues and legislation. A second group that would allow the staff to share, do the roundtable and allow staff to network and interact. A forum for sharing, learning, building professional networking.
2. Time-not Monday’s, Thursday mornings 10-noon, Frequency-every six months for staff meetings, quarterly for leadership group, Format for Delivery-need more discussion for staff meetings.
3. Postpone first meeting of the Leadership Team to November 6, 10 am to noon. Not ready for line staff meeting yet. Would like the leadership to take on big issues like the next step for welfare reform to discuss and take to the next level. A planning meeting October 2nd from 10 am to noon was already set and will continue the dialog to plan for the staff and leadership meetings.
4. Need something to pitch at the first leadership meeting, need the governor, county commissioners or representatives. E-mail Saundra or Jodie the list of people that we should invite.
Lets catch up on the summer’s activities
- Maggie-Human Resource Council, Summer Lunch Program, new people in Food and Nutrition Office at MCPS School district took it over, but still doing it in Mineral County.
- Bonnie Buckingham new Director at WORD, New Development Director Also
- ExperienceWorks, moving office by Dec 1. Don’t quite know where yet. Very busy, economic slowdown is increasing enrollment.
- Diana-COT more switch to Online courses from face to face courses. Worked with The Lifelong Learning Center with Stimson layoffs. Number of enrollments are up, exploring new areas, new grant staff member to look at additional ways to bring programs and funding to the community. Also working on proposal for new building on golf course. Working on Engineering Tech two year program and Pharmacy Tech Program two year programs. Veterans upward bound program is available, it is a free programs to help prepare veterans to help transition to college.
- Sundee at Prerelease, Department of Corrections wants a new Prerelease Center in Kalispell. Several agencies put in bids to run the new facility, decision will be made toward the end of October. After decision they will have a public meeting in Kalispell. Sundee attended a CMT meeting in Kalispell, they have probation and parole attend and have do soft skills training.
- Job Service at Palmer, very busy, short staffed but hired recently so trying to get caught up. Successful with RFP, but lost some programs, still trying to do them under regular funding. With downturn in economy they are seeing increased numbers.
- OPA-co-located with the Worc program. Oct 1 Food Stamps will have a new name SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. No change in benefits or application process. Trying to inform people of name change.
- Housing Authority, Waiting list is growing exponentially last year. In April the waiting list was 2 years now at 3 to 3.5 years. IDC off of Russell, has tax credits available but it is not enough to build the 37 unit complex due to fluctuations in the market, was planning on breaking ground in October but that may not happen. Realtors are saying that vacancy rate is less than 1%, allowance is not going up but rental prices are. Can not provide emergency housing, Salvation Army used to have FEMA vouchers for emergencies but they are also maxed out. Selling off 20 of the public housing units in South Hills, they are not handicap accessible, they are older and harder to maintain 4-5 bedroom single family homes, the income will go into the IDC site. Don’t know if it is in the best interest of Missoula to put an additional 20 houses in an already overstocked market. Applying for other grants to try to expand resources, can not make working mandatory for getting housing assistance.
- Voc Rehab is focusing on kids in high school transitioning to school or work. Counselor will be in the three high schools during the week to better connect and assist with the transition. Montana Association for Rehabilitation is having a conference soon. Social Security Disability has recently changed its rules, if a person who is on disability finds employment for 90 or more days, Voc Rehab can now get reimbursed more easily and other people/agencies that provided services may also be able to get reimbursed.
- Job Service-very busy, resource area is packed, every computer is being used, real increase with employer testing wanting testing certificate with a score turned in with an application. Giving up the annex building, REO lost its staff and may be pulling out of Missoula because focus is really on the rural areas. The Job Service had been subsidizing the building and can no longer afford to do so. Running workshops with Police Department, but open to the public, interviewing workshops 90 minutes on how to present yourself and interview. First workshop is tomorrow then Oct 13, 3 or 6 pm. Working with the School of Business on Resume and Job Interview skills, Job Fair April 23, 2009.
Monday, September 22, 2008
CMT Sept 22 Meeting Agenda
What’s new this year at the CMT?
The Council want your thoughts. We know that sharing, networking and developing relationships with others is a vital piece of the CMT. The Council is trying to find what will work for everyone at the table.
We tried guest speakers last year, it is time to try something new.
Lets figure out how keep it fresh and exciting for all members.
Lets share our thoughts and ideas with the group.
Lets catch up on the summer’s activities
We look forward to seeing everyone in couple of weeks. Check out the blog for past minutes and upcoming events. Please join us on September 22, at 1:30, at the Job Service.
The Council want your thoughts. We know that sharing, networking and developing relationships with others is a vital piece of the CMT. The Council is trying to find what will work for everyone at the table.
We tried guest speakers last year, it is time to try something new.
Lets figure out how keep it fresh and exciting for all members.
Lets share our thoughts and ideas with the group.
Lets catch up on the summer’s activities
We look forward to seeing everyone in couple of weeks. Check out the blog for past minutes and upcoming events. Please join us on September 22, at 1:30, at the Job Service.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Missoula Workforce Council Sept 8 meeting
Missoula Workforce Council-September 8th, 2008
Update from Wolf on membership.
Members are happy with the regular CMT meetings to share information and network. Members willing to have decision makers at the table, but haven’t seen a need to have them there yet.
Suggestions for future of CMT and the Missoula Workforce Council:
Drop Workforce from the title, make it Missoula Community Management Advisory or Leadership Council, quarterly meetings with decision makers to get a bigger more global perspective. October 2, January 8, April 2, August 6, first Thursdays of every quarter 10 to noon.
Community Management Team, would be a sharing networking from other organizations. Program Specific, designed for line staff about eligibility requirements, openings etc. 10 am to noon with food. Mondays are not good for staff, Thursdays better. Wolf will try to get the Mayor as a guest speaker for the first meeting and then will do a survey of best times. Human Resources Appreciation-building relationships between staff. November , February, May, August.
At the September 22nd CMT meeting we will ask for ideas and see what people think about the proposed new organization and do a round table.
WorkKeys and workforce accreditation, The Chamber of Commerce Business Affairs Committee is working on it right now so we can assist but let them take the lead.
Future Meetings:
CMT -September 22 at 1:30 at the Missoula Job Service
Leadership team-October 2 at 10 am-noon at the Missoula Job Service
Update from Wolf on membership.
Members are happy with the regular CMT meetings to share information and network. Members willing to have decision makers at the table, but haven’t seen a need to have them there yet.
Suggestions for future of CMT and the Missoula Workforce Council:
Drop Workforce from the title, make it Missoula Community Management Advisory or Leadership Council, quarterly meetings with decision makers to get a bigger more global perspective. October 2, January 8, April 2, August 6, first Thursdays of every quarter 10 to noon.
Community Management Team, would be a sharing networking from other organizations. Program Specific, designed for line staff about eligibility requirements, openings etc. 10 am to noon with food. Mondays are not good for staff, Thursdays better. Wolf will try to get the Mayor as a guest speaker for the first meeting and then will do a survey of best times. Human Resources Appreciation-building relationships between staff. November , February, May, August.
At the September 22nd CMT meeting we will ask for ideas and see what people think about the proposed new organization and do a round table.
WorkKeys and workforce accreditation, The Chamber of Commerce Business Affairs Committee is working on it right now so we can assist but let them take the lead.
Future Meetings:
CMT -September 22 at 1:30 at the Missoula Job Service
Leadership team-October 2 at 10 am-noon at the Missoula Job Service
Thursday, August 7, 2008
September Meetings
In September we will have a Workforce Council Meeting on September 8th at 10:00.
We will have a full CMT meeting on September 22nd at 1:30 at Job Service.
See you there!
We will have a full CMT meeting on September 22nd at 1:30 at Job Service.
See you there!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Links to Workforce Credentialing Information
Here are a few resources to help you learn about the National Work Readiness Credential.
US Chamber of Commerce Article 1
US Chamber of Commerce Article 2
WorkKeys Website
US Chamber of Commerce Article 1
US Chamber of Commerce Article 2
WorkKeys Website
Thursday, June 26, 2008
CMT June 23, 2008 Minutes
Community Management Team Minutes, June 23, 2008
Members Present:
Michelle Parks Child Care Resources, Saundra Long Missoula Job Service, Sundee Carr Missoula Prerelease, Janet Van Dyke Voc Rehab, Brenda Warning Experience Works, Lynn Stocking UM College of Technology, Jim Morton Human Resources Council, Ron Liszak WORD, Wolf Missoula Job Service, Jodie Rasmussen The Lifelong Learning Center, Tamara Kindred MHA
Michelle called the meeting to order. Agenda approved, minutes from the last meeting approved.
New Business:
One Stop Renewal: Saundra has been working on putting the one stop renewal paperwork together. Renewal includes an outline of how the one-stop has been functioning. We met all the goals in the original One-stop application, we established bylaws, additional business oriented services, new collocated partners, and supported BEAR.
New Short-Term goals, look at the function and goals of the CMT, redefine the mission and find out ways to bring new people. We tried to bring in new people with guest speakers, at first there was strong interest but then interest and attendance started to drop off. How do we make this a more effective? The round table is valuable. The guest speakers were good but once per month turned out to be too much. Another barrier with collaboration is that the people at the meetings are not always the decision makers and therefore can not commit. In Kalispell the CMT does group projects like the job fair to work on. The group could find projects to work toward and commit resources. Thirty states use the WorkKeys program because you can document your skills instead of just listing on your resume. Employers also need to buy into it to be valid and meaningful.
Do we really need to be the Missoula Mineral Council? Mineral is rarely represented and is more often served by Sanders County. We could change the name to the Missoula Area Workforce Council. The workforce council functions fairly well with smaller numbers but doesn’t always communicate back the larger group. It may be a better model to have a smaller group then have a large annual meeting to keep everyone informed.
There is no Workforce Development council, that is a gap that we could fill. We could pick topics within that to develop projects to bring skills up and to document that they have the skills. Identify from the employers what skills are missing and how to document that they have them. Maybe have the Billings WorkKeys group come and speak to us in August. We could also look for grants.
Next Meeting: September 22nd 1:30 pm at Job Service.
Members Present:
Michelle Parks Child Care Resources, Saundra Long Missoula Job Service, Sundee Carr Missoula Prerelease, Janet Van Dyke Voc Rehab, Brenda Warning Experience Works, Lynn Stocking UM College of Technology, Jim Morton Human Resources Council, Ron Liszak WORD, Wolf Missoula Job Service, Jodie Rasmussen The Lifelong Learning Center, Tamara Kindred MHA
Michelle called the meeting to order. Agenda approved, minutes from the last meeting approved.
New Business:
One Stop Renewal: Saundra has been working on putting the one stop renewal paperwork together. Renewal includes an outline of how the one-stop has been functioning. We met all the goals in the original One-stop application, we established bylaws, additional business oriented services, new collocated partners, and supported BEAR.
New Short-Term goals, look at the function and goals of the CMT, redefine the mission and find out ways to bring new people. We tried to bring in new people with guest speakers, at first there was strong interest but then interest and attendance started to drop off. How do we make this a more effective? The round table is valuable. The guest speakers were good but once per month turned out to be too much. Another barrier with collaboration is that the people at the meetings are not always the decision makers and therefore can not commit. In Kalispell the CMT does group projects like the job fair to work on. The group could find projects to work toward and commit resources. Thirty states use the WorkKeys program because you can document your skills instead of just listing on your resume. Employers also need to buy into it to be valid and meaningful.
Do we really need to be the Missoula Mineral Council? Mineral is rarely represented and is more often served by Sanders County. We could change the name to the Missoula Area Workforce Council. The workforce council functions fairly well with smaller numbers but doesn’t always communicate back the larger group. It may be a better model to have a smaller group then have a large annual meeting to keep everyone informed.
There is no Workforce Development council, that is a gap that we could fill. We could pick topics within that to develop projects to bring skills up and to document that they have the skills. Identify from the employers what skills are missing and how to document that they have them. Maybe have the Billings WorkKeys group come and speak to us in August. We could also look for grants.
Next Meeting: September 22nd 1:30 pm at Job Service.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Next CMT Meeting
Our next CMT Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 23 at 1:30 at the Lifelong Learning Center.
Monday, April 28, 2008
April 28, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Saundra called the meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. and initiated a round table introduction.
Meeting minutes from the March 17, 2008 CMT meeting at the Lifelong Learning Center were approved with one change.
Mayor John Engen showed a movie about housing issues in Missoula called “Housing in Missoula: A Community Conversation.” His call to action involves the community coming together to answer the following questions:
Who needs affordable housing in Missoula?
Where is the housing appropriate?
What should the housing look like?
How do we help pay for affordable housing?
Mayor Engen said that all City Council members acknowledge that this is an issue. He provided a copy of this packet about housing affordability in Missoula. The video can be viewed on MCAT. Mayor Engen also offered show the video at any of our organizations and answer questions. Contact his office for more information.
Charlie Wright from the Department of Commerce discussed “Workforce Housing.” If you would like a copy of Charlie's presentation, please email Saundra at SLong@mt.gov to request a copy.
The next CMT meeting will be on Monday, June 23, at 1:30 pm, location to be arranged.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm.
Meeting minutes from the March 17, 2008 CMT meeting at the Lifelong Learning Center were approved with one change.
Mayor John Engen showed a movie about housing issues in Missoula called “Housing in Missoula: A Community Conversation.” His call to action involves the community coming together to answer the following questions:
Who needs affordable housing in Missoula?
Where is the housing appropriate?
What should the housing look like?
How do we help pay for affordable housing?
Mayor Engen said that all City Council members acknowledge that this is an issue. He provided a copy of this packet about housing affordability in Missoula. The video can be viewed on MCAT. Mayor Engen also offered show the video at any of our organizations and answer questions. Contact his office for more information.
Charlie Wright from the Department of Commerce discussed “Workforce Housing.” If you would like a copy of Charlie's presentation, please email Saundra at SLong@mt.gov to request a copy.
The next CMT meeting will be on Monday, June 23, at 1:30 pm, location to be arranged.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm.
Monday, March 17, 2008
March 17, 2008 CMT meeting
Community Management Team Meeting
March 17, 2008 Minutes
The Lifelong Learning Center
Members Present: Jodie Rasmussen-The Lifelong Learning Center, Chris Mitchell-OPA, Marie Garrison-REO, Mark Cumming-Voc Rehab, Brenda Warning-Experience Works, Ron Ciszak-WORD, Kellyann Deniger-Msla Job Service WORC, Chris Mitchell-OPA, Michelle Parks-Child Care Resources, Matt Clausen, Missoula County Public Schools. Larry DeGarmo-Salvation Army, Jason Wiener-City Council, Sundee Carr MPRC
1:30 pm Meeting called to order by Michelle Parks
1:30 pm Guest Speakers:
Paige Singleberry from DirecTV-HR Consultant, recruiting and staffing.
The job market is pretty competitive and DirecTV has high hiring expectations. It is a call center with 1,000 employees, 850 of which are customer service representatives.
They are always looking for people with computer and customer service skills. Wages start at $9 per hour with great benefits. Unemployment is very low so it has become more difficult to find and retain employees. To face this challenge DirecTV is looking at changing recruitment strategies. They went through employees that didn’t make it and asked them why they weren’t successful. The answers were interesting, for example, people with waitress experience have great customer service skills but may not have been successful because they couldn’t move around, you are essentially confined to your desk area and can only leave for structured breaks and lunch. Through an advertising analysis they determined that the best employees came from referrals from other employees. This was in part because they had a good sense for what the job was really like before they were hired. Now they get bonuses for giving good employee referrals. They also tried to give them a more realistic idea of what the job is about, if you don’t want to work with satellites it might not be a good fit. In Missoula area, people were not as aware of what the job really was because we don’t have a lot of call centers. Really looking for a long term fit.
Retention: Training process, if they have not have experience in that position how do you set them up for success? Training is four weeks in the classroom 8 hours a day, and two weeks of on the job training. DirecTV is constantly changing curriculum to keep up with equipment, always sprinting to keep up. Employees can not miss one day during the first four weeks, but have training on several different shifts. Strict attendance policy, scheduled very tightly so they can handle the call volumes.
New attendance policy-used to be one minute late and was counted against you, now looking for more of a trend to account for more life circumstances. More flexibility now for the supervisors to make some of those calls but employees still need to have a plan B to deal with life circumstances. Childcare is a challenge, only school and religious accommodations are made. Former employees can reapply at any time if things change. If it was after 90 days they would have to go through training again.
Computer training skills-Employees must have the ability to multi task, alt tab through windows, up to 10 windows are open at a time. Internet scavenger hunts are good training tools, it is necessary to be able to problem solve and find answers. The deal with two databases, one with customer information and one with the technical help. Also need the ability to cut and paste and type up to 35 words per minute and use you mouse very well. Very fast pace environment and need to have the ability to read scripts while looking for other information.
Positive attitude is also very important. Need to have confidence is their skills. Looking for full time right now, 5-10 pm is a good time for part-time because it is when their calls are highest. Part time can be 20, 25, or 30 hrs, they take a regular shift and shrink it to when call volume is the highest. Employees need to bid into the shifts. Mandatory shift bids about every six months, Occasionally they need to readjust all the shifts which makes it more difficult for employees.
DirecTV is also splitting out call types between billing and general inquiry questions and technical training. This lets people stay longer in the areas that they enjoy the most and are more competent in.
Marci Allen BREDD
Marci has been with the Bitterroot Economic Development group for about a year and a half, it has a regional designation by the Department of Commerce. BREDD just finished a comprehensive economic strategy for the region this fall. Redevelopment, business, land use planning, infrastructure and workforce groups participated. Hopefully this will be a document that people use to help guide our future.
EDA administers several different grants, public works for water and sewer districts. It is also is used for MonTec. Marci recently submitted the Mineral County Challenge grant to help in that area, Workforce adjustments programs can assist with unemployment and layoffs in a certain industry although the numbers have to be pretty high (500 layoffs) in a year to qualify. BREDD also partners with other economic development organizations and creates a foundation for them to run their programs.
Currently they are working on a communication infrastructure assessment of the county and potential strategies to serve underserved areas. Also trying to develop a green building center, that would impact many different sectors. We have choices about what we want to develop and grow in our community, whether it is businesses that we are attracting from out of state or ones we are identifying and growing on our own.
Economic growth is the numbers, economic development is planned, well thoughtout and long term. If the growth isn’t something we really desire then it all growth is not always desirable. One goal is to further develop relationships between the workforce, business and economic development agencies. Human capital is something that people recognize and is essential for growth. Also, BREDD is charged with going after resources to help businesses and people in the three counties to provide solutions.
Child Care Resources is looking for grants to provide incentives for quality non-standard care. Many of the employees at DirecTV do not qualify for the Scholarship program. DirecTV has done child care surveys and passed it on to Child Care Resources. They are considering changing the times shift start and looking at wages.
BREDD if looking for broad-based projects. Outreach to Mineral County for teleconferences for example, they currently work with Flathead Community College for AP classes. Would like to identify industries that people would like to develop in the Missoula area that would create jobs in the rural comities also. Green building center would serve engineers, architects, builders, retails, nurseries, and hundreds of other industries. It is in the very beginning concept stage, the group that is trying to do it has more than enough people who are interested in the sharing the space. Looking at very creative financing so probably won’t come up for at least a year.
www.bredd.org
Next meeting date & location
On April 28 from 1:30-3:00 at the Lifelong Learning Center we have Mayor John Engen and Charlie Wright scheduled. Mayor Engen will discuss affordable housing, Urban Renewal Plans, and answer questions. Charlie Wright will be discussing regional activities of the Department of Commerce.
2:00 pm Meeting adjourned
March 17, 2008 Minutes
The Lifelong Learning Center
Members Present: Jodie Rasmussen-The Lifelong Learning Center, Chris Mitchell-OPA, Marie Garrison-REO, Mark Cumming-Voc Rehab, Brenda Warning-Experience Works, Ron Ciszak-WORD, Kellyann Deniger-Msla Job Service WORC, Chris Mitchell-OPA, Michelle Parks-Child Care Resources, Matt Clausen, Missoula County Public Schools. Larry DeGarmo-Salvation Army, Jason Wiener-City Council, Sundee Carr MPRC
1:30 pm Meeting called to order by Michelle Parks
1:30 pm Guest Speakers:
Paige Singleberry from DirecTV-HR Consultant, recruiting and staffing.
The job market is pretty competitive and DirecTV has high hiring expectations. It is a call center with 1,000 employees, 850 of which are customer service representatives.
They are always looking for people with computer and customer service skills. Wages start at $9 per hour with great benefits. Unemployment is very low so it has become more difficult to find and retain employees. To face this challenge DirecTV is looking at changing recruitment strategies. They went through employees that didn’t make it and asked them why they weren’t successful. The answers were interesting, for example, people with waitress experience have great customer service skills but may not have been successful because they couldn’t move around, you are essentially confined to your desk area and can only leave for structured breaks and lunch. Through an advertising analysis they determined that the best employees came from referrals from other employees. This was in part because they had a good sense for what the job was really like before they were hired. Now they get bonuses for giving good employee referrals. They also tried to give them a more realistic idea of what the job is about, if you don’t want to work with satellites it might not be a good fit. In Missoula area, people were not as aware of what the job really was because we don’t have a lot of call centers. Really looking for a long term fit.
Retention: Training process, if they have not have experience in that position how do you set them up for success? Training is four weeks in the classroom 8 hours a day, and two weeks of on the job training. DirecTV is constantly changing curriculum to keep up with equipment, always sprinting to keep up. Employees can not miss one day during the first four weeks, but have training on several different shifts. Strict attendance policy, scheduled very tightly so they can handle the call volumes.
New attendance policy-used to be one minute late and was counted against you, now looking for more of a trend to account for more life circumstances. More flexibility now for the supervisors to make some of those calls but employees still need to have a plan B to deal with life circumstances. Childcare is a challenge, only school and religious accommodations are made. Former employees can reapply at any time if things change. If it was after 90 days they would have to go through training again.
Computer training skills-Employees must have the ability to multi task, alt tab through windows, up to 10 windows are open at a time. Internet scavenger hunts are good training tools, it is necessary to be able to problem solve and find answers. The deal with two databases, one with customer information and one with the technical help. Also need the ability to cut and paste and type up to 35 words per minute and use you mouse very well. Very fast pace environment and need to have the ability to read scripts while looking for other information.
Positive attitude is also very important. Need to have confidence is their skills. Looking for full time right now, 5-10 pm is a good time for part-time because it is when their calls are highest. Part time can be 20, 25, or 30 hrs, they take a regular shift and shrink it to when call volume is the highest. Employees need to bid into the shifts. Mandatory shift bids about every six months, Occasionally they need to readjust all the shifts which makes it more difficult for employees.
DirecTV is also splitting out call types between billing and general inquiry questions and technical training. This lets people stay longer in the areas that they enjoy the most and are more competent in.
Marci Allen BREDD
Marci has been with the Bitterroot Economic Development group for about a year and a half, it has a regional designation by the Department of Commerce. BREDD just finished a comprehensive economic strategy for the region this fall. Redevelopment, business, land use planning, infrastructure and workforce groups participated. Hopefully this will be a document that people use to help guide our future.
EDA administers several different grants, public works for water and sewer districts. It is also is used for MonTec. Marci recently submitted the Mineral County Challenge grant to help in that area, Workforce adjustments programs can assist with unemployment and layoffs in a certain industry although the numbers have to be pretty high (500 layoffs) in a year to qualify. BREDD also partners with other economic development organizations and creates a foundation for them to run their programs.
Currently they are working on a communication infrastructure assessment of the county and potential strategies to serve underserved areas. Also trying to develop a green building center, that would impact many different sectors. We have choices about what we want to develop and grow in our community, whether it is businesses that we are attracting from out of state or ones we are identifying and growing on our own.
Economic growth is the numbers, economic development is planned, well thoughtout and long term. If the growth isn’t something we really desire then it all growth is not always desirable. One goal is to further develop relationships between the workforce, business and economic development agencies. Human capital is something that people recognize and is essential for growth. Also, BREDD is charged with going after resources to help businesses and people in the three counties to provide solutions.
Child Care Resources is looking for grants to provide incentives for quality non-standard care. Many of the employees at DirecTV do not qualify for the Scholarship program. DirecTV has done child care surveys and passed it on to Child Care Resources. They are considering changing the times shift start and looking at wages.
BREDD if looking for broad-based projects. Outreach to Mineral County for teleconferences for example, they currently work with Flathead Community College for AP classes. Would like to identify industries that people would like to develop in the Missoula area that would create jobs in the rural comities also. Green building center would serve engineers, architects, builders, retails, nurseries, and hundreds of other industries. It is in the very beginning concept stage, the group that is trying to do it has more than enough people who are interested in the sharing the space. Looking at very creative financing so probably won’t come up for at least a year.
www.bredd.org
Next meeting date & location
On April 28 from 1:30-3:00 at the Lifelong Learning Center we have Mayor John Engen and Charlie Wright scheduled. Mayor Engen will discuss affordable housing, Urban Renewal Plans, and answer questions. Charlie Wright will be discussing regional activities of the Department of Commerce.
2:00 pm Meeting adjourned
Minutes from March 3, 2008 Workforce Council Meeting
Workforce Council Meeting
March 3, 2008 Agenda
Missoula Job Service
Members present: Jodie Rasmussen-The Lifelong Learning Center, Maggie Driscoll & Jim Morton-District XI HRC, Wolf Ametsbichler & Saundra Long-Job Service, Diana Stacey-Reetz, Michelle Parks-Child Care Resources, Janet VanDyke
10:00 am Meeting called to order
Michelle called the meeting to order. Minutes from the last meeting were approved.
New Business
Ø BREDD Presentation-Wolf left a voice mail for possible March 17 meeting. Job Service will contact DirecTv to see if they want to do a short presentation at the March meeting.
Ø April Meeting-speaker and no agency focus for April, the speakers are the mayor and Charlie Wright. April 28th. Jim will send a reminder. Possible Health Focus guest speaker for May-Career Ladders and new directions. Diana will talk to Lynn about speakers.
Ø Renewal Paperwork? Have received a phone call, said they will make it as simple as possible. No visits from a state workforce member.
Ø Participation Decline. Some agencies have not attended for a long time. Should we start talking to them to see if they are still interested? Jim will talk to Larry at the Salvation Army. Janet will talk to Mike Flariety at Community Worcs, Wolf will talk to Craig from Job Corps and Sundee from Pre-release.
Ø 3 pm forum, is anyone using it? No, do we need to change the time or drop it from the agenda?
Ø Should we ask other people if they want to join the council, perhaps the school district. Jodie will ask Matt from the School District to participate on the CMT. Jim will ask Dennis from the Carpenters Union.
Ø Community Partner Grant-Energy Construction
o Federal Grant looking for programs that have programs in place in high growth areas. Looking for employers, education partners and Workforce Investment partners. Want partners involved in the process. 3 year grant of 500,000 to 1 million dollars.
o Human Resources runs the Weatherization program and would like to participate, Wolf would like to participate, Dennis Danike from the carpenters union might, Adult Education will participate
Ø Saundra will send out e-mail reminders and agendas, Jodie will do minutes and post to the blogs.
Next meeting date & location-May 5 at HRC 10 am.
Meeting adjourned
March 3, 2008 Agenda
Missoula Job Service
Members present: Jodie Rasmussen-The Lifelong Learning Center, Maggie Driscoll & Jim Morton-District XI HRC, Wolf Ametsbichler & Saundra Long-Job Service, Diana Stacey-Reetz, Michelle Parks-Child Care Resources, Janet VanDyke
10:00 am Meeting called to order
Michelle called the meeting to order. Minutes from the last meeting were approved.
New Business
Ø BREDD Presentation-Wolf left a voice mail for possible March 17 meeting. Job Service will contact DirecTv to see if they want to do a short presentation at the March meeting.
Ø April Meeting-speaker and no agency focus for April, the speakers are the mayor and Charlie Wright. April 28th. Jim will send a reminder. Possible Health Focus guest speaker for May-Career Ladders and new directions. Diana will talk to Lynn about speakers.
Ø Renewal Paperwork? Have received a phone call, said they will make it as simple as possible. No visits from a state workforce member.
Ø Participation Decline. Some agencies have not attended for a long time. Should we start talking to them to see if they are still interested? Jim will talk to Larry at the Salvation Army. Janet will talk to Mike Flariety at Community Worcs, Wolf will talk to Craig from Job Corps and Sundee from Pre-release.
Ø 3 pm forum, is anyone using it? No, do we need to change the time or drop it from the agenda?
Ø Should we ask other people if they want to join the council, perhaps the school district. Jodie will ask Matt from the School District to participate on the CMT. Jim will ask Dennis from the Carpenters Union.
Ø Community Partner Grant-Energy Construction
o Federal Grant looking for programs that have programs in place in high growth areas. Looking for employers, education partners and Workforce Investment partners. Want partners involved in the process. 3 year grant of 500,000 to 1 million dollars.
o Human Resources runs the Weatherization program and would like to participate, Wolf would like to participate, Dennis Danike from the carpenters union might, Adult Education will participate
Ø Saundra will send out e-mail reminders and agendas, Jodie will do minutes and post to the blogs.
Next meeting date & location-May 5 at HRC 10 am.
Meeting adjourned
Monday, March 3, 2008
Next Meetings-Mark Your Calendar!
Our next CMT meeting will be at the Lifelong Learning Center on March 17 from 1:30-2:30. Marci Allen from BREDD will discuss Economic Development issues. Paige Singleterry from DirecTV will discuss staffing challenges, innovative things that DirecTV has started doing to combat those shortages, tell us more about their two part training, and take some time to answer questions.
On April 28 from 1:30-3:00 at the Lifelong Learning Center we have Mayor John Engen and Charile Wright scheduled. Mayor Engen will discuss affordable housing, Urban Renewal Plans, and answer questions. Charlie Wright will be discussing regional activities of the Department of Commerce.
On May 19 from 1:30-2:30 at the Lifelong Learning Center we will have speakers discuss health care topics related to career pathways, education opportunities, hiring needs, and staffing outlook.
On April 28 from 1:30-3:00 at the Lifelong Learning Center we have Mayor John Engen and Charile Wright scheduled. Mayor Engen will discuss affordable housing, Urban Renewal Plans, and answer questions. Charlie Wright will be discussing regional activities of the Department of Commerce.
On May 19 from 1:30-2:30 at the Lifelong Learning Center we will have speakers discuss health care topics related to career pathways, education opportunities, hiring needs, and staffing outlook.
CMT Council March 3 Agenda
Council Meeting
March 3, 2008 Agenda
Missoula Job Service
10:00 am Meeting called to order
New Business
Ø BREDD Presentation
Ø April Meeting-speaker and agency focus
Ø Renewal Paperwork?
Ø Participation Decline
Ø 3 pm forum, is anyone using it?
Next meeting date & location
Meeting adjourned
March 3, 2008 Agenda
Missoula Job Service
10:00 am Meeting called to order
New Business
Ø BREDD Presentation
Ø April Meeting-speaker and agency focus
Ø Renewal Paperwork?
Ø Participation Decline
Ø 3 pm forum, is anyone using it?
Next meeting date & location
Meeting adjourned
Monday, February 25, 2008
Feb 25th CMT Minutes
Community Management Team Meeting
Feb 25th 2008 Minutes
The Lifelong Learning Center
Members Present: Jodie Rasmussen & Monique Fortmann-The Lifelong Learning Center, Marie Garrison-REO, Maggie Driscoll-District XI HRC, Mark Cumming-Voc Rehab, Steve Earle-Mountain Line, Wolf Ametsbichler-Job Service, Brenda Warning-Experience Works, Ron Ciszak-WORD, Kelly Deniger-Msla Job Service WORC, Chris Mitchell-OPA, Michelle Parks-Child Care Resources
1:30 pm Meeting called to order by Michelle Parks
1:30-2:00 pm Guest Speaker Steve Earle from the Mountain Line
Steve started at the Mountain Line over 20 years ago and has held many positions over the years. The Mountain Line was formed when the Urban transportation district got an overwhelming 65% approval when it was first placed on the ballot. If you look at your taxes there is a line item if you are in the district, it roughly is from Smurfit Stone to Milltown.
2007 set a record for ridership, it is a 60% increase in ridership with only a 10% increase in service. Transit dependant people are pretty easy to get because they do not have other options, the other population is a choice rider who rides the bus because they chose to, not because they have to. They chose to because of economic, environmental or time management reasons, some people also like the social environment on the bus. The Mountain Line has about 3.6 million annual budget and employs about 55 people. The majority of funding comes from a tax increment $35 per year for every $100,000 of home value, it also receives grants and passenger revenue. 22% of budget comes from user fees/fair box. $180,000 from UM for students, staff and faculty. Everyone who works for a business downtown gets a free bus pass.
Everyone in Missoula rides the bus an average of 12 times per year. All buses are ADA accessible with either a ramp or a lift. They all also have bike racks. Guaranteed ride home system is available but not well utilized, you can call a cab up to 4 times a year, show the taxi a bus pass or UM card and they will get you a ride home if you have to work late or otherwise miss your bus or have an emergency. Busses are free when air quality is poor. New service to the airport was recently added-route 11. You can park for free at Lewis and Clark housing and then there is free bus service to downtown. You can also rent a covered space in the parking garage for $27 a week, including the bus service to the airport. The Mountain Line also partners with Missoula in Motion and Missoula Ravalli transportation that runs the bus from Hamilton to Missoula and Missoula to Polson. Combined they carry 5,000 people a day in Missoula.
What’s new? Trying to increase midday service and take route 8 which goes up and down 5th and 6th to the mall. Long Range Transportation plan, looking at ways to couple land development with future transportation needs. 93 corridor study is finding that it is cost prohibitive to add another lane from Missoula to Lolo. It is also cost prohibitive to add a road from Florence to Miller Creek. Rail into Bitterroot is feasible but costs a million dollars a mile and a million dollars a crossing. Dedicated lanes for busses only is a feasible option, but right now you can not take a bus to Lolo, will probably have fixed route service to Lolo within the next year.
Questions? Any plan in the future for low income people to ride the bus? The Mountain Line is already heavily subsidized so it is the primary responsibility of the agencies to provide the passes, although the Mountain Line offers discounted passes.
Entry Level Jobs start at $11-12 for a service person, eight people on call, six days a week. Look for people who are service oriented, easier to train people to drive the bus than the soft skills and people management. Must have a CDL and be 21 years old. Mountain Line trains them and helps them get their CDL. Not very high turn over rate about 10 years, many have been their 25 years.
Now also service DirecTV and Carl Tyler etc. For planning purposed they look at the number of trips they have that are standing room only and then look at adding new routes. Broadway road diet created issues for staying on time. You need to be able to cross the street, a route on Reserve street did not work because people couldn’t get across the street. Miller Creek developers have agreed to put the starting match in to get bus service, but now they need to get the state to put the rest of the money in, it is out of the transportation district. Grandview apartments off of 39th also do not have good bus service. 51% of property owners have to agree to be part of the transportation district or you can put it on the ballet. Now, when developments are formed and subdivided they were required to petition into the district.
I 105 froze property taxes so you can only increase the levies very small amounts usually less than 1% per year. The true cost per ride is $4 but riders only pay $.85, ADA vans cost considerably more. The Mountain Line is building a new $4 million facility which will be completed in Mid-May on Shakespear street.
2:00-2:05 pm New Business-Approved
Ø Agenda
Ø Minutes from Dec meeting
Ø New meeting structure March Meeting
Ø Power Hour- March 17 1:30-2:30 Roger Miller Office of Planning & Grants was planned but may see if we can have Marci from BREAD reschedule instead.
Ø The next regular CMT Meeting is April 28th
o Monique and Jodie are out of Town, Saundra will take minutes.
2:05-2:15 pm Agency Focus
The Lifelong Learning Center Spring Catalog is out and lots of new classes in cooking and the trades area.
Child Care Resources is looking for children in the Scholarship program. There are no waiting lists this year so it is a good time to get assistance for scholarships. Also Child Care Resources has some unrestricted money available to help people who need help for some of the care that is not eligible on the Scholarship program. This includes Drop in and summer camps that may not be licensed.
Provider Services is having a Parade of Child Care facilities April 26, Providers on the parade are accredited and star providers so families can look at different quality settings. Several providers recently opened specifically to serve the DirecTV employees.
Also the Spring conference is coming up March 8, 2008 with a nationally know Native American speaker Jack Gladstone and is open to the general public.
2:15-3:00 pm Roundtable-New updates from agencies
REO-Rural Montana Saves, Individual Development accounts matches $500 of savings with $3,000. New eligibility guidelines now accept TANF clients from the past 5 years, instead of 3 years. Can not live in Missoula County
Project Challenge lost the Dislocated Worker Program it is now housed at the Job Service on 3rd Street. Wednesday of that week was Craig’s last day and moved it immediately to the Job Service. Roughly 120 active workers are being served in the dislocated worker program. Seriously underspent dollars the dollars available, People are eligible regardless of income, including vets coming out of the service. Also if their hours are severally reduced but they are not laid off they may be eligible. $1,250,000 per year and only 16% spent. Eight AFL-CIO workers were laid off in the process.
President Bush’s next year budget does not have employment services funding for 2008-2009.
Experience Works-New mandate to serve the highest priority people, now must also move them through the program as fast as they can. If services take more than 90 days then they may need to refer to other services. The state program is over enrolled.
Worc Program needs letter of support, now must RFP this year. Four small offices in Department of Labor and DPHHS had some disagreements which have since been resolved but everyone still must submit a RFP again this year. Need the letters of support by March 15, 2008.
The Job Service WORC program was refunded for FESS starting July 1, 2008. Over 60 participants in program. Not a lot were successful in finding employment so this year so they will do more intensive case management. They have not had a lot of success placing people from the Dental Assistant program but more success in the Medical Office Essentials program.
LIAP still has funding but is winding down in April, the funding is the same if they apply now instead of the fall. Ravalli county is attempting to establish a health clinic in Hamilton at Marcus Daily Hospital. Hoping to hear something by summer. It is a really needed service in Ravalli county. Will be part-time at first but are hoping that once established the hours could be increased.
3:00 pm Next meeting date & location
March 17 at The Lifelong Learning Center-Wear your green!
Meeting adjourned
Feb 25th 2008 Minutes
The Lifelong Learning Center
Members Present: Jodie Rasmussen & Monique Fortmann-The Lifelong Learning Center, Marie Garrison-REO, Maggie Driscoll-District XI HRC, Mark Cumming-Voc Rehab, Steve Earle-Mountain Line, Wolf Ametsbichler-Job Service, Brenda Warning-Experience Works, Ron Ciszak-WORD, Kelly Deniger-Msla Job Service WORC, Chris Mitchell-OPA, Michelle Parks-Child Care Resources
1:30 pm Meeting called to order by Michelle Parks
1:30-2:00 pm Guest Speaker Steve Earle from the Mountain Line
Steve started at the Mountain Line over 20 years ago and has held many positions over the years. The Mountain Line was formed when the Urban transportation district got an overwhelming 65% approval when it was first placed on the ballot. If you look at your taxes there is a line item if you are in the district, it roughly is from Smurfit Stone to Milltown.
2007 set a record for ridership, it is a 60% increase in ridership with only a 10% increase in service. Transit dependant people are pretty easy to get because they do not have other options, the other population is a choice rider who rides the bus because they chose to, not because they have to. They chose to because of economic, environmental or time management reasons, some people also like the social environment on the bus. The Mountain Line has about 3.6 million annual budget and employs about 55 people. The majority of funding comes from a tax increment $35 per year for every $100,000 of home value, it also receives grants and passenger revenue. 22% of budget comes from user fees/fair box. $180,000 from UM for students, staff and faculty. Everyone who works for a business downtown gets a free bus pass.
Everyone in Missoula rides the bus an average of 12 times per year. All buses are ADA accessible with either a ramp or a lift. They all also have bike racks. Guaranteed ride home system is available but not well utilized, you can call a cab up to 4 times a year, show the taxi a bus pass or UM card and they will get you a ride home if you have to work late or otherwise miss your bus or have an emergency. Busses are free when air quality is poor. New service to the airport was recently added-route 11. You can park for free at Lewis and Clark housing and then there is free bus service to downtown. You can also rent a covered space in the parking garage for $27 a week, including the bus service to the airport. The Mountain Line also partners with Missoula in Motion and Missoula Ravalli transportation that runs the bus from Hamilton to Missoula and Missoula to Polson. Combined they carry 5,000 people a day in Missoula.
What’s new? Trying to increase midday service and take route 8 which goes up and down 5th and 6th to the mall. Long Range Transportation plan, looking at ways to couple land development with future transportation needs. 93 corridor study is finding that it is cost prohibitive to add another lane from Missoula to Lolo. It is also cost prohibitive to add a road from Florence to Miller Creek. Rail into Bitterroot is feasible but costs a million dollars a mile and a million dollars a crossing. Dedicated lanes for busses only is a feasible option, but right now you can not take a bus to Lolo, will probably have fixed route service to Lolo within the next year.
Questions? Any plan in the future for low income people to ride the bus? The Mountain Line is already heavily subsidized so it is the primary responsibility of the agencies to provide the passes, although the Mountain Line offers discounted passes.
Entry Level Jobs start at $11-12 for a service person, eight people on call, six days a week. Look for people who are service oriented, easier to train people to drive the bus than the soft skills and people management. Must have a CDL and be 21 years old. Mountain Line trains them and helps them get their CDL. Not very high turn over rate about 10 years, many have been their 25 years.
Now also service DirecTV and Carl Tyler etc. For planning purposed they look at the number of trips they have that are standing room only and then look at adding new routes. Broadway road diet created issues for staying on time. You need to be able to cross the street, a route on Reserve street did not work because people couldn’t get across the street. Miller Creek developers have agreed to put the starting match in to get bus service, but now they need to get the state to put the rest of the money in, it is out of the transportation district. Grandview apartments off of 39th also do not have good bus service. 51% of property owners have to agree to be part of the transportation district or you can put it on the ballet. Now, when developments are formed and subdivided they were required to petition into the district.
I 105 froze property taxes so you can only increase the levies very small amounts usually less than 1% per year. The true cost per ride is $4 but riders only pay $.85, ADA vans cost considerably more. The Mountain Line is building a new $4 million facility which will be completed in Mid-May on Shakespear street.
2:00-2:05 pm New Business-Approved
Ø Agenda
Ø Minutes from Dec meeting
Ø New meeting structure March Meeting
Ø Power Hour- March 17 1:30-2:30 Roger Miller Office of Planning & Grants was planned but may see if we can have Marci from BREAD reschedule instead.
Ø The next regular CMT Meeting is April 28th
o Monique and Jodie are out of Town, Saundra will take minutes.
2:05-2:15 pm Agency Focus
The Lifelong Learning Center Spring Catalog is out and lots of new classes in cooking and the trades area.
Child Care Resources is looking for children in the Scholarship program. There are no waiting lists this year so it is a good time to get assistance for scholarships. Also Child Care Resources has some unrestricted money available to help people who need help for some of the care that is not eligible on the Scholarship program. This includes Drop in and summer camps that may not be licensed.
Provider Services is having a Parade of Child Care facilities April 26, Providers on the parade are accredited and star providers so families can look at different quality settings. Several providers recently opened specifically to serve the DirecTV employees.
Also the Spring conference is coming up March 8, 2008 with a nationally know Native American speaker Jack Gladstone and is open to the general public.
2:15-3:00 pm Roundtable-New updates from agencies
REO-Rural Montana Saves, Individual Development accounts matches $500 of savings with $3,000. New eligibility guidelines now accept TANF clients from the past 5 years, instead of 3 years. Can not live in Missoula County
Project Challenge lost the Dislocated Worker Program it is now housed at the Job Service on 3rd Street. Wednesday of that week was Craig’s last day and moved it immediately to the Job Service. Roughly 120 active workers are being served in the dislocated worker program. Seriously underspent dollars the dollars available, People are eligible regardless of income, including vets coming out of the service. Also if their hours are severally reduced but they are not laid off they may be eligible. $1,250,000 per year and only 16% spent. Eight AFL-CIO workers were laid off in the process.
President Bush’s next year budget does not have employment services funding for 2008-2009.
Experience Works-New mandate to serve the highest priority people, now must also move them through the program as fast as they can. If services take more than 90 days then they may need to refer to other services. The state program is over enrolled.
Worc Program needs letter of support, now must RFP this year. Four small offices in Department of Labor and DPHHS had some disagreements which have since been resolved but everyone still must submit a RFP again this year. Need the letters of support by March 15, 2008.
The Job Service WORC program was refunded for FESS starting July 1, 2008. Over 60 participants in program. Not a lot were successful in finding employment so this year so they will do more intensive case management. They have not had a lot of success placing people from the Dental Assistant program but more success in the Medical Office Essentials program.
LIAP still has funding but is winding down in April, the funding is the same if they apply now instead of the fall. Ravalli county is attempting to establish a health clinic in Hamilton at Marcus Daily Hospital. Hoping to hear something by summer. It is a really needed service in Ravalli county. Will be part-time at first but are hoping that once established the hours could be increased.
3:00 pm Next meeting date & location
March 17 at The Lifelong Learning Center-Wear your green!
Meeting adjourned
Feb 25 Agenda
Community Management Team Meeting
Feb 25th 2008 Agenda
The Lifelong Learning Center
1:30 pm Meeting called to order
1:30-2:00 pm Guest Speaker Steve Earle Mountain Line
2:00-2:05 pm New Business
Ø Agenda
Ø Minutes from Dec meeting
Ø New meeting structure March Meeting
2:05-2:15 pm Agency Focus
2:15-3:00 pm Roundtable-New updates from agencies
3:00 pm Next meeting date & location
Meeting adjourned
3:00-3:30 pm Optional Employment/Case Management networking forum.
Feb 25th 2008 Agenda
The Lifelong Learning Center
1:30 pm Meeting called to order
1:30-2:00 pm Guest Speaker Steve Earle Mountain Line
2:00-2:05 pm New Business
Ø Agenda
Ø Minutes from Dec meeting
Ø New meeting structure March Meeting
2:05-2:15 pm Agency Focus
2:15-3:00 pm Roundtable-New updates from agencies
3:00 pm Next meeting date & location
Meeting adjourned
3:00-3:30 pm Optional Employment/Case Management networking forum.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
CMT Meeting February 25 at 1:30 Lifelong Learning Center
The next Community Management Team meeting will be on Monday, February 25th at 1:30. The Lifelong Learning Center will be hosting the meeting. Steve Earle, from Mountain Line will be our featured speaker for the meeting. He will be discussing transportation, traffic, parking, and accessibility issues in Missoula.
See you there!
See you there!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
January 14, 2008 Workforce Council Minutes
Workforce Council Meeting
January 14, 2008 10 am Minutes
Human Resource Council
1. Meeting called to order
Members Present: Lynn Stocking, Michelle Parks, Wolf Ametsbichler, Jim Morton, Maggie Driscoll, Monique Fortmann, Tamara Kindred, Saudra Long, Renee Bentham, Jodie Rasmussen
2. Old BusinessAgenda- Approved
Ø Minutes from last meeting
1. Change Power Lunch to Power hour
2. Approved with change
3. New Business
Ø Blog & Calendar
Seems to be working well. Saundra will check to see if we can see who has subscribed. What do we want on the calendar? Meetings and other CMT events.
Ø Guest Speakers-
We will try to post a short Bio and a little about what they were going to talk about at the meeting on the blog. March 17 Roger Millar from the Office of Planning and Grants is scheduled, meeting. April 28th (business meeting) Charlie Wright or the Mayor is planned.
Ø Marci- January 28th meeting
Monique will ask her to talk about what does Bredd does, what are the survey results and who does what. She is also writing a grant to do an East Missoula survey to look at Stimson property.
Ø Renee Bentham Adult Basic Education
Drop out Prevention Summit to raise awareness about drop out issues. Tuesday Feb 12 at MCT at 7:30 am, lasts until 12:30 pm. The panel would like someone from Job Service to serve on the panel. Right now the entire focus is to keep them in school, conversations about encouraging learning to continue and avenues like GED might grow out of the initial discussion. Hellgate sent out letters from the Mayor asking kids to sign a commitment letter to graduate and to let him know if you are considering it dropping out. It is important to bring businesses to the table because it affects their labor force.
Transition to College Program-Carl Perkins funding for program was eliminated therefore we are offering it as a fee based program. 104 hours of instruction for $155, not credit based but helps them to prepare for college. Have exhausted other funding options to maintain it as a free program.
Senator Tester is in town next week at the Chamber of Commerce to talk about Small Business Workforce issues. The Labor report indicates that a promising labor pool is the group that didn’t make it though school and needs to have some retraining or assistance to get back in school.
Adult Basic Education is difficult to find funding for because it is not Higher Education nor is it really K-12. It also has somewhat of an identity problem in the state and needs to be identified more prominently in Workforce Training Issues. Child Care Resources can also not pay for childcare for the class unless it is linked to getting their GED. There may be some opportunities to offer it for credit so it can be covered in financial aid and childcare. Students need to have a GED or have graduated from high school for regular admission to the College of Technology. $25-$30,000 needed to run the Transition to College program, $35,000 is ideal because then you can add the supported services like childcare.
Job service is doing a Missoulian insert about workforce issues around the Job Fair, April 16, 2008, Deadline is March 11 to write an article, it will reach about 80,000 people, the job service will get an overrun of 5,000 to distribute.
Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center has a new logo and has dropped the word Dickinson and will be known as The Lifelong Learning Center, MCPS Adult Education. They will also do some remodeling for a more professional look and feel. Wolf said they may want to consider offering some of the Workforce classes in different places. Could have more of a presence at Chamber and Downtown meetings to increase visibility.
The CMT may want a representative at some of those meetings.
January 31st at 10-3 at the First United Methodist Church is the Project Homeless Connect.
4. Next meeting date & location March 3 from 10-11 AM at the Job Service
Meeting adjourned
January 14, 2008 10 am Minutes
Human Resource Council
1. Meeting called to order
Members Present: Lynn Stocking, Michelle Parks, Wolf Ametsbichler, Jim Morton, Maggie Driscoll, Monique Fortmann, Tamara Kindred, Saudra Long, Renee Bentham, Jodie Rasmussen
2. Old BusinessAgenda- Approved
Ø Minutes from last meeting
1. Change Power Lunch to Power hour
2. Approved with change
3. New Business
Ø Blog & Calendar
Seems to be working well. Saundra will check to see if we can see who has subscribed. What do we want on the calendar? Meetings and other CMT events.
Ø Guest Speakers-
We will try to post a short Bio and a little about what they were going to talk about at the meeting on the blog. March 17 Roger Millar from the Office of Planning and Grants is scheduled, meeting. April 28th (business meeting) Charlie Wright or the Mayor is planned.
Ø Marci- January 28th meeting
Monique will ask her to talk about what does Bredd does, what are the survey results and who does what. She is also writing a grant to do an East Missoula survey to look at Stimson property.
Ø Renee Bentham Adult Basic Education
Drop out Prevention Summit to raise awareness about drop out issues. Tuesday Feb 12 at MCT at 7:30 am, lasts until 12:30 pm. The panel would like someone from Job Service to serve on the panel. Right now the entire focus is to keep them in school, conversations about encouraging learning to continue and avenues like GED might grow out of the initial discussion. Hellgate sent out letters from the Mayor asking kids to sign a commitment letter to graduate and to let him know if you are considering it dropping out. It is important to bring businesses to the table because it affects their labor force.
Transition to College Program-Carl Perkins funding for program was eliminated therefore we are offering it as a fee based program. 104 hours of instruction for $155, not credit based but helps them to prepare for college. Have exhausted other funding options to maintain it as a free program.
Senator Tester is in town next week at the Chamber of Commerce to talk about Small Business Workforce issues. The Labor report indicates that a promising labor pool is the group that didn’t make it though school and needs to have some retraining or assistance to get back in school.
Adult Basic Education is difficult to find funding for because it is not Higher Education nor is it really K-12. It also has somewhat of an identity problem in the state and needs to be identified more prominently in Workforce Training Issues. Child Care Resources can also not pay for childcare for the class unless it is linked to getting their GED. There may be some opportunities to offer it for credit so it can be covered in financial aid and childcare. Students need to have a GED or have graduated from high school for regular admission to the College of Technology. $25-$30,000 needed to run the Transition to College program, $35,000 is ideal because then you can add the supported services like childcare.
Job service is doing a Missoulian insert about workforce issues around the Job Fair, April 16, 2008, Deadline is March 11 to write an article, it will reach about 80,000 people, the job service will get an overrun of 5,000 to distribute.
Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center has a new logo and has dropped the word Dickinson and will be known as The Lifelong Learning Center, MCPS Adult Education. They will also do some remodeling for a more professional look and feel. Wolf said they may want to consider offering some of the Workforce classes in different places. Could have more of a presence at Chamber and Downtown meetings to increase visibility.
The CMT may want a representative at some of those meetings.
January 31st at 10-3 at the First United Methodist Church is the Project Homeless Connect.
4. Next meeting date & location March 3 from 10-11 AM at the Job Service
Meeting adjourned
Monday, January 7, 2008
Upcoming Meetings
CMT Council Meeting: Monday Jan 14 10-11 am at HRC
CMT Power hour with guest speaker Marci from BREDD Mon Jan 28 at 1:30-2:30 at The Lifelong Learning Center
See the Calendar for more dates
CMT Power hour with guest speaker Marci from BREDD Mon Jan 28 at 1:30-2:30 at The Lifelong Learning Center
See the Calendar for more dates
Dec 17, 2007 CMT General Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2007 CMT Meeting
Missoula College of Technology
Members Present:
Michelle Parks, Saundra Long, Maggie Driscoll, Janet Vandyke, Lynn Stocking, Sundee Carr, Kelly Deniger, Wolf Ametsbichler, Chris Mitchell, Tamara Kindred, Paula Marcinkowski, Yvonne Brady
Guest Presenters:
Gary Bakke-Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate
Jack Chambers-CEO of Opportunity Resources, current president of Missoula Chamber of Commerce
Gary:
Historically the Chamber of Commerce has not been politically active, a couple years ago they created his position to work on a lot of issues, attend meetings and give a businessmans perspective to local issues. His first meeting was in Helena about changes in Liquor Licenses, he came up with a proposal that was accepted. Second task was West Broadway as voice of business community tried to get the “road diet” eliminated, was not successful. Compared 3 years of traffic on road, 92 crashes on Orange street to Toole street, one fatality, 29 injury crashes, 62 caused damage, 8 pedestrians hit and 2 bicycles hit. The business community thought it reduced exposure, eliminated parking, cueing was extended considerable. Six month study before the diet, 2005 10 accidents, 0 fatalities. 2007 six month study in same time frame accidents increased to 19 accidents. Next issue East Broadway, should it be reduced down 3 lanes, most businesses say no. Gary has also worked on the Bitterroot Resort, could employ up to 3000 employees, many would be seasonal, golf courses and ski resort. The issues are increased traffic and airport limitations. Partnered with MAEDC to do a feasibility study, $40,000 for the study, well worth the money to get the unbiased information, it is on the web site and 80 pages long.
Future projects include a road diet on N Higgins and an ordinance on voluntary residential inspections. If the residential inspection passed, there are some situations that it would take low income housing out of the housing market. If they do not pass they are condemned until they pass the inspection. This proposal passed in the City Council Committee. Asbestos abatement is also an issue, you must survey what is there, the state controls the abatement, the city of Missoula says the state is too busy, so they are drafting a bill to require all builders to contract with an inspector to look and survey the asbestos. There are no requirements for the inspector, they can be on staff. The industry may be policing themselves.
The Chamber has around 1000 members, sends out regular e-mails, surveyed members about airport use. Sent out last week, in 30 minutes 51 responses, now over 200 responses. If you are looking at expanding business, Jan 1 outdoor lighting ordinance on what kind of lights you can, if you are going to expand the size on any building in the City of Missoula you will be assessed an impact fee for transportation. City has lost revenue and is looking for new areas to help support the infrastructure.
Jack:
Opportunity is a non-profit but one of our areas largest employers. One of the first presidents to be from a non-profit. It is sometimes hard because non-profits also have social causes. The biggest issue that the Missoula area is facing, is that it is a service community, from non profits, tourists, health care, retired folks. See a huge crisis in the workforce issues. Employers are trying to get creative to recruit employees. Unemployment is 2% or less, most people that want to work are working, housing costs are in the median across the United States. You really don’t work in Missoula for minimum wage any more, high cost of housing and low wages make it difficult. We will need to be creative in how we will fill positions. Employee pools are pretty precious when employers like DirecTV comes in, it reduces the pool. The Chamber’s role is to gather information and inform the membership.
Paula- Disability Navigator.
5 half time positions through out the state. Makes it easier for job seekers, business partners and community partners know what is going on. It is basically a referral and a resource, previously called a disability coordinator. Worked to identify the issues and needs to create a bigger resource and referral system. Try to get the word out and train as many people as possible. Talking about entitlement programs, fear of losing cash or income assistance. Looking at community support, trying to develop more partnerships. In Missoula there are a lot of non-profits that do a lot of the work. Paula’s territory is Ravalli, Mineral, Lake and Sanders County.
Allen-UM College of Technology Admissions
Catalog is on CD now. 1532 students, 1245 FTE, significantly higher than past, 145 FTE increase. 50 new students from Stimson layoffs.
Brand new Computer System Technician 1 yr program, also Energy Technician online certificate program, the focus on traditional and alternative energies, 18 students admitted. Associates of Arts programs is getting more and more attention. Very popular for nontraditional students as well, it is a transfer degree. The Health Core also attracts a lot of students, they go through the core in preparation for other Health programs. After you go through the core then you apply for admission into the health program, very competitive in some programs. What happens to those that don’t get in? Some choose other programs, most of the core classes are general education requirements so they count toward other degrees. What is the COT capacity? Now offering Saturday classes, move more into evening classes also to address space issues, but also to have programs in the evenings. It takes a paradigm shift to think about going to classes in the evening or weekend. A new building project is beginning, only for the east campus, not the industrial piece. It may be built on the golf course. Online is also taking some of the load, the College of Technology has the highest number of online courses being offered. More teaching is offered on how to take an online course. It will become more accepted and comfortable. Biggest population is in the dorms taking online courses. People who are only doing online classes can have some of the fees waved that are campus oriented. One foot on campus will change the fee structure.
Question? Felonies for application to COT, there is a screening committee to review applications with Felony convictions, often times students can come in, sometimes they are denied, or asked to reapply at another date. Students must also look into state and national licenses which sometime prohibit certain types of offences.
Old Business-
Approval of the Minutes-tabled until the next meeting.
New Business-
At the last Workforce Council meeting we talked about having more guest speakers-power hours in between our regular meetings to learn about the issues. January 28, power hour no business, meeting from 1:30-2:30 at The Lifelong Learning Center. Traditional meeting in February, Steve Earl is confirmed from Mountain Line. Roger may be guest presenter for Power hour in March. All the meetings will be at The Lifelong Learning Center.
Round Table:
Missoula Job Service Job Fair, April 16, at the Hilton. Will have partnered with UM School of Business and they are requiring juniors and seniors to attend. Businesses are finding it harder to recruit employees. Meeting with the Missoulian to get an insert or tab and information about how to ready for meeting with employers, the Job Service also provides the content so if you want to put content in let the Job Service know, it is coming out the Sunday before the fair. $125 is the fee to be part of the job fair. Western Montana Premier Employment and Training Event. You can make a tax deductible contribution to the fair. Want people to see that pathways that they need to do get a better paying job.
Missoula Housing Authority, Homeless Connect Jan 31, 2007 same day they do the homeless survey.
Next meeting is January 28 at the Lifelong Learning Center 310 S Curtis from 1:30-2:30 with guest presenter Marci from BREDD.
Missoula College of Technology
Members Present:
Michelle Parks, Saundra Long, Maggie Driscoll, Janet Vandyke, Lynn Stocking, Sundee Carr, Kelly Deniger, Wolf Ametsbichler, Chris Mitchell, Tamara Kindred, Paula Marcinkowski, Yvonne Brady
Guest Presenters:
Gary Bakke-Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate
Jack Chambers-CEO of Opportunity Resources, current president of Missoula Chamber of Commerce
Gary:
Historically the Chamber of Commerce has not been politically active, a couple years ago they created his position to work on a lot of issues, attend meetings and give a businessmans perspective to local issues. His first meeting was in Helena about changes in Liquor Licenses, he came up with a proposal that was accepted. Second task was West Broadway as voice of business community tried to get the “road diet” eliminated, was not successful. Compared 3 years of traffic on road, 92 crashes on Orange street to Toole street, one fatality, 29 injury crashes, 62 caused damage, 8 pedestrians hit and 2 bicycles hit. The business community thought it reduced exposure, eliminated parking, cueing was extended considerable. Six month study before the diet, 2005 10 accidents, 0 fatalities. 2007 six month study in same time frame accidents increased to 19 accidents. Next issue East Broadway, should it be reduced down 3 lanes, most businesses say no. Gary has also worked on the Bitterroot Resort, could employ up to 3000 employees, many would be seasonal, golf courses and ski resort. The issues are increased traffic and airport limitations. Partnered with MAEDC to do a feasibility study, $40,000 for the study, well worth the money to get the unbiased information, it is on the web site and 80 pages long.
Future projects include a road diet on N Higgins and an ordinance on voluntary residential inspections. If the residential inspection passed, there are some situations that it would take low income housing out of the housing market. If they do not pass they are condemned until they pass the inspection. This proposal passed in the City Council Committee. Asbestos abatement is also an issue, you must survey what is there, the state controls the abatement, the city of Missoula says the state is too busy, so they are drafting a bill to require all builders to contract with an inspector to look and survey the asbestos. There are no requirements for the inspector, they can be on staff. The industry may be policing themselves.
The Chamber has around 1000 members, sends out regular e-mails, surveyed members about airport use. Sent out last week, in 30 minutes 51 responses, now over 200 responses. If you are looking at expanding business, Jan 1 outdoor lighting ordinance on what kind of lights you can, if you are going to expand the size on any building in the City of Missoula you will be assessed an impact fee for transportation. City has lost revenue and is looking for new areas to help support the infrastructure.
Jack:
Opportunity is a non-profit but one of our areas largest employers. One of the first presidents to be from a non-profit. It is sometimes hard because non-profits also have social causes. The biggest issue that the Missoula area is facing, is that it is a service community, from non profits, tourists, health care, retired folks. See a huge crisis in the workforce issues. Employers are trying to get creative to recruit employees. Unemployment is 2% or less, most people that want to work are working, housing costs are in the median across the United States. You really don’t work in Missoula for minimum wage any more, high cost of housing and low wages make it difficult. We will need to be creative in how we will fill positions. Employee pools are pretty precious when employers like DirecTV comes in, it reduces the pool. The Chamber’s role is to gather information and inform the membership.
Paula- Disability Navigator.
5 half time positions through out the state. Makes it easier for job seekers, business partners and community partners know what is going on. It is basically a referral and a resource, previously called a disability coordinator. Worked to identify the issues and needs to create a bigger resource and referral system. Try to get the word out and train as many people as possible. Talking about entitlement programs, fear of losing cash or income assistance. Looking at community support, trying to develop more partnerships. In Missoula there are a lot of non-profits that do a lot of the work. Paula’s territory is Ravalli, Mineral, Lake and Sanders County.
Allen-UM College of Technology Admissions
Catalog is on CD now. 1532 students, 1245 FTE, significantly higher than past, 145 FTE increase. 50 new students from Stimson layoffs.
Brand new Computer System Technician 1 yr program, also Energy Technician online certificate program, the focus on traditional and alternative energies, 18 students admitted. Associates of Arts programs is getting more and more attention. Very popular for nontraditional students as well, it is a transfer degree. The Health Core also attracts a lot of students, they go through the core in preparation for other Health programs. After you go through the core then you apply for admission into the health program, very competitive in some programs. What happens to those that don’t get in? Some choose other programs, most of the core classes are general education requirements so they count toward other degrees. What is the COT capacity? Now offering Saturday classes, move more into evening classes also to address space issues, but also to have programs in the evenings. It takes a paradigm shift to think about going to classes in the evening or weekend. A new building project is beginning, only for the east campus, not the industrial piece. It may be built on the golf course. Online is also taking some of the load, the College of Technology has the highest number of online courses being offered. More teaching is offered on how to take an online course. It will become more accepted and comfortable. Biggest population is in the dorms taking online courses. People who are only doing online classes can have some of the fees waved that are campus oriented. One foot on campus will change the fee structure.
Question? Felonies for application to COT, there is a screening committee to review applications with Felony convictions, often times students can come in, sometimes they are denied, or asked to reapply at another date. Students must also look into state and national licenses which sometime prohibit certain types of offences.
Old Business-
Approval of the Minutes-tabled until the next meeting.
New Business-
At the last Workforce Council meeting we talked about having more guest speakers-power hours in between our regular meetings to learn about the issues. January 28, power hour no business, meeting from 1:30-2:30 at The Lifelong Learning Center. Traditional meeting in February, Steve Earl is confirmed from Mountain Line. Roger may be guest presenter for Power hour in March. All the meetings will be at The Lifelong Learning Center.
Round Table:
Missoula Job Service Job Fair, April 16, at the Hilton. Will have partnered with UM School of Business and they are requiring juniors and seniors to attend. Businesses are finding it harder to recruit employees. Meeting with the Missoulian to get an insert or tab and information about how to ready for meeting with employers, the Job Service also provides the content so if you want to put content in let the Job Service know, it is coming out the Sunday before the fair. $125 is the fee to be part of the job fair. Western Montana Premier Employment and Training Event. You can make a tax deductible contribution to the fair. Want people to see that pathways that they need to do get a better paying job.
Missoula Housing Authority, Homeless Connect Jan 31, 2007 same day they do the homeless survey.
Next meeting is January 28 at the Lifelong Learning Center 310 S Curtis from 1:30-2:30 with guest presenter Marci from BREDD.
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