In Attendance
· Jodi Rasmussen, Lifelong Learning Center
· Monique Fortmann, Lifelong Learning Center
· Michelle Parks, Childcare Resources
· Maggie Driscoll, Human Resource Council
· Brook Hodge, Vocational Rehabilitation
· Wolf Ametsbichler, Missoula Job Service
· Michelle Dorsey, Missoula Job Service
Agenda
September 18, 2012 Full CMT Meeting
The meeting will feature brief updates (3 minutes maximum) from our partner organizations on major initiatives or challenges they are facing, a brief overview of the One-Stop System and continued organization of the Community Resource Fair set for November 15, 2012. The time of the Community Resource Fair was changed from 2 – 4 p.m. to 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Updates
Monique – Lifelong Learning Center
The Lifelong Learning Center has an opening for a Secretary that will close on the 7th, as well as a custodial opening. The grant covering the Carole Graham Home and Joseph Residence is going well.
Notices regarding the coming changes to the GED are going out to those who are several points or tests short of receiving their GED. The LLC also is offering a 12-hour fast-track course that, on completion, will include testing at no additional charge to help people to complete their GED as soon as possible.
Fall classes have begun, and scheduling for winter courses is under way.
Brook – Vocational Rehabilitation
A new counselor from Ohio has started at the Polson office.
Informational meetings for anyone interested in Voc Rehab’s services are held on Tuesdays from 10:30 – 11 a.m. Anyone planning to attend should register as sessions are limited to 25 people and fill up quickly. Meetings are held once a month at the Western Montana Mental Health Clinic. Once someone has attended an informational meeting, they can meet with a counselor individually. Wait time currently around two weeks.
Michelle – Child Care Resources
Child Care Resources has been busy dealing with the closure of Tot Town in Missoula and recent incidents at Busy Hands daycare in Missoula. Approximately 50 children were placed after the closure of Tot Town. The start of fall classes at The University of Montana brought in an additional 75 cases over a two-week period, keeping staff busy.
CCR will be opening a position for an Eligibility Specialist in the very near future.
CCR recently put in for renewal. Usually they are allowed to carry over 5 percent of the budget from the prior year, however this renewal period the 5 percent carry over has been eliminated. Spend down is under way.
Maggie – Human Resource Council
HRC has finished interviewing for two LIEAP tech positions and one WORC case manager in Hamilton. The summer TANF work project for teens has ended – 60 kids were served across three counties. Budget work is under way.
Wolf – Missoula Job Service
Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) visits are taking off, primarily because of employer-to-employer referrals, as interest in Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) grows. IWT provides up to a $2,000 reimbursement per FTE per year for non-required training. Brigitta and James from the Missoula Economic Partnership have been referring many small businesses to the BEAR program as well.
The Missoulian recently ran an article on a large Canadian manufacturer interested in locating in the Missoula area. The Missoula Job Service is working closely with the Missoula Economic Partnership and the Lifelong Learning Center to try and bring the employer to our area. A tire recycling company based in Detroit is also looking to locate in the Missoula area in the near future.
In general, local businesses are stabilizing or remaining in survival mode. Billings and Bozeman continue to grow rapidly.
