State Board Missions and Goals for 2002: The Board felt that it would be important to look at its mission after the first year to see if it was still relevant or should be modified. It also looked at a draft of The Board’s Goals and Objectives to focus their work in the coming year (attached).
Discussion occurred around this topic and the Board accepted recommendations for a new Mission statement. They will continue the discussion at the next Board meeting and finalize the Mission.
The Board made some recommendations around each of the Goals and Objectives. Revisions to the draft were suggested and will be finalized and voted on at the next meeting.
Youth and Adult Career Portfolio: Doug Reamer, from the NYSDOL Division of Research and Statistics provided a presentation/demonstration of CareerZone, a nationally recognized, interactive resource for students, educators and job seekers. It provides an electronic version of the NYS Education Department’s Career Plan by completing a variety of modules to explore educational and personal accomplishments. This provides a wonderful opportunity for the employer community to get their message out on job vacancy/hot jobs etc. The Board members were very impressed with the potential of this product. Doug noted that the NYSDOL was looking to create a workgroup that could test the product and offer suggestions for continuous improvement/development. Interested members that would like to contribute to this workgroup were asked to contact Maggie Moree (usgmmm@labor.state.ny.us). CareerZone will be expanded to target adults as well as young adults.
It was noted that the website currently receive 30-40 comments a day from youth, educators and parents. The feedback is utilized for improvement and to document the usage of the website and what particular information gets the most "hits". Commissioner Mills asked that a presentation be made at the next statewide gathering of school superintendents so that the product can be more widely marketed. The Department of Labor is currently using training sessions as forums to market the product and to receive input. Although not everyone has internet access at home, schools/libraries/one stop centers are currently accessible for CareerZone.
The State Board provided a lively discussion and contributions for the expansion and marketing. Several stated that they would like to be involved in any focus groups or workgroups for input/product development.
This Board felt that the presentation was very valuable and that it offered more of a systematic approach to workforce development instead of individual programs and services that can only target small numbers.
Subcommittee Report Out, WIA Annual Report and Grant Update:
Emerging Worker Subcommittee: Commissioner Mills reported on the work of the subcommittee. Formal minutes will be posted under Emerging Worker on the www.workforcenewyork.org website.
Transitional Worker Subcommittee: Dan Richardson reported on behalf of the subcommittee. The meeting focused on the need to develop short and long term goals and it was agreed that the next meeting’s agenda will be devoted to that task. Formal minutes will be posted under the Transitional Worker Subcommittee on the www.workforcenewyork.org website.
Local Board Liaison Subcommittee: Written Report. Posted on www.workforcenewyork.org website.
Local Board Issues:
Wrap Up and Next Steps:
Dan Richardson discussed the possibility of using an internet based communication system for Board members. Many of the products that are discussed at the meeting could have preliminary review prior to the full discussion at the Open Meetings. Maggie mentioned that we were trying to develop this ability of the website.
Next meeting is scheduled for March 14th in Rochester.
Attachment: Draft Goals