August 12, 2026 Minutes

Workforce Development Board Joint Meeting Minutes Weld County and Larimer County

Date: August 12, 2026
Location: Aims Workforce Innovation Center, Greeley, CO
Call to Order: 8:05 AM
Chair: Michael Wailes, Weld County Chair Elect

  1. Call to Order

    • Chair Elect Michael Wailes called the joint Workforce Development Board meeting to order at 8:05 AM. Members and staff present introduced themselves.

  2. Regional Framing and Context

    • Presenters:
      • Carol Salter, Director, Workforce Colorado – Weld
      • Mark Johnston, Director, Workforce Colorado – Larimer
    • Carol Salter and Mark Johnston provided an overview of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) local plans under development. The presentation established foundational context for the September board meetings, where each region’s draft local plan will be discussed in greater detail.
    • The directors also outlined the meeting’s focus on regional alignment and examining workforce development through the lens of economic development.

  3. Regional Announcements – 8:10 AM

    • Updates included:
      • RAC (Regional Advisory Council) Update
      • Executive Order: Workforce & Higher Education
      • Spotlight Symposium
    • A brief update was given on HB 26 137. Board members, commissioners, and staff who attended the Governor’s Workforce Conference in Pueblo shared insights and ongoing efforts connected to the executive order. Additional updates will be provided as implementation progresses.
    • Members were invited to attend the upcoming Workforce Symposium.

  4. Aims Workforce Innovation Center Overview – 8:25 AM

    • A representative from Aims Community College provided an overview of the Innovation Center, highlighting:
      • The Center’s purpose
      • Support for the local workforce ecosystem
      • Efforts to connect businesses, talent, and innovation
    • The presentation emphasized collaborative work with regional partners, including Innosphere Ventures and local business accelerators.

  5. Regional Economic Development – 8:40 AM

    • REDI Overview
      • Presenter: Rich Werner, Upstate Colorado
      • Background on regional economic development collaboration was shared, emphasizing why regional cooperation strengthens economic outcomes.
    • Regional Business Attraction
      • Presenters:
        • Janine Ledingham, Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development
        • Audrey Herbison, Upstate Colorado
      • The presenters discussed regional alignment and the importance of communicating a unified Northern Colorado narrative. A shared regional story helps strengthen business attraction by highlighting collective assets, economic opportunities, workforce strengths, and quality of life.
      • Consistent messaging across organizations positions Northern Colorado as a connected, competitive region and supports efforts to attract businesses, retain employers, strengthen talent pipelines, and promote long-term economic growth.

  6. Regional Branding Campaign – 8:55 AM

    • Presenters:
      • Amy Guttmann, AGC+S
      • Rich Werner, Upstate Colorado
    • An overview of the NoCo REDI Wayfinder initiative was presented, covering:
      • Background, impetus, and goals for regional branding
      • Process, methodology, and community engagement
      • The emerging Northern Colorado brand and its strategic uses
    • The initiative seeks to develop a unified regional identity to support talent attraction, business growth, investment, and long-term economic resilience. Supported by partners such as NoCo Works, the effort reinforces the connection between workforce development and economic development across Larimer and Weld counties.

  7. Adjournment – 9:30 AM

    • Chair Elect Michael Wailes adjourned the meeting at 9:30 AM.
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