In Attendance
· Janet VanDyke, Montana Vocational Rehabilitation
· Jeannine Lovell, Homeword
· Jim Morton, Human Resource Council XI
· Jodi Rasmussen, Lifelong Learning Center
· Jude Monson, Summit ILC
· Mary Drew Powers, Missoula Public Library
· Michelle Dorsey, Missoula Job Service
· Vida Wilkinson, Missoula College UM
· Wolf Ametsbichler, Missoula Job Service
Agenda
Community Resource Fair Planning
The group confirmed final planning for the Community Resource Fair on November 15. The event will be promoted within individual organizations, online and MCAT in the near future. A flyer organizations may use to promote the event has been circulated. Please remember to register staff to attend with the Lifelong Learning Center (549-8765 or info@thelifelonglearningcenter.com, reference F12-X10) and register to host a table with Michelle at the Missoula Job Service (542-5742).
One-Stop Recertification
Any organization wishing to become an official partner should ensure their original, signed copy of the MOU has been sent to the Missoula Job Service by early next week.
Updates
Jodi – The Lifelong Learning Center
Currently the LLC is working on completing class schedules as the winter quarter deadline approaches.
Janet – Vocational Rehabilitation
Most counselors now have iPads thanks to Director Jim Marks. Counselors just attended the annual conference. This year’s topic was autism.
Jude – Summit ILC
Summit is readying new courses for the winter and preparing for the 2013 legislative session.
Vida – Missoula College UM
Missoula College UM will hold their name change dedication ceremony on November 14 at 4:30 p.m. The culinary arts program will be catering the event. Missoula College is busy with the College Now initiative.
Michelle – Child Care Resources
Child Care Resources is maintaining and waiting for the legislative session when they will focus on provider rates. Currently provider rates have been frozen since 2009. Recently CCR hired someone and utilized OJT (On-the-Job Training) money. A new lobbyist has been hired for Montana Advocates for Children.
Wolf – Missoula Job Service
Recently Jane Oates from the US Department of Labor visited western Montana to speak with employers about OJT grants. The Missoula Job Service is also pushing IWT (Incumbent Worker Training) grants to organizations with fewer than 20 people for non-required training. IWT is funded by the state.
Activity in Bonner is increasing. ALCOM, a manufacturer of aluminum trailers based in Maine, is very close to signing a lease agreement in the area. The Missoula Job Service currently has a Production Manager and Purchasing Agent job orders open. Bonner is well situated for manufacturers: it has the right zoning and access to Highway 200 up to Canada. Large loads are not restricted to certain size requirements on 200 as they are on the interstate system. ALCOM will be looking for entry-level welders, as opposed to a different company that expressed interest in locating in Bonner earlier in the year.
Jeannine – Homeword
Homeword’s Financial Fitness courses have been consistently full lately. Classes have been picking up over the last few months due to word spreading in the community and incentives for attendees.
Jim – Human Resource Council District XI
LIEAP (low-income energy assistance program) has seen a rush of applicants as the weather grows colder. For those who do not qualify for assistance through LIEAP, there is another option that does not have income qualifications: Energy Share of Montana. More information can be found at http://www.hrcxi.org/energy_asst.php.
Mary – Missoula Public Library
The library has notaries available during library hours (notably—up to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Notary services are provided for free. In addition, the library can also assist you with your passport application. See http://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/ref for more information on the process and associated fees.
Students can prepare for the SAT and other standardized testing through the online education and testing center, accessible from home or at the library.
