July 8, 2025 Minutes

Workforce Development Board Minutes

Employment Services - 315 N. 11th Ave, Bldg. B, Greeley, CO 80631
Meeting Location: First Floor Conference Room
Meeting: July 8, 2025 - 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Board Members Present:
Alex Kloehn, Lutheran Family Services, Rocky Mountains; Cassidy Stubblefield, Upstate Colorado; David Zumbrun, Chicken Salad Chick; Erin Smith, Aims Community College; Gen Spering, Colorado State University; Karla Torczon, Elevations Credit Union; Kelly Folks, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment; Lisa Taylor, The Weld Trust; Lisa Vaughn, Golden Aluminum; Lynette Peppler, Weld County Commissioner Matthew Hortt, High Plains Library District; Meghan Greene, CDLE DVR; Michael Wailes, Weld RE-5J; Phil MacHendrie, City of Greeley; Ronald Cole, Onward Energy; Shawn Croissant, Envision; Victoria Cordova, Banner Health; Zach Huston, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

Absent: Amanda Ericson, HRx Services; Bill Johnson, Yoder Family Companies; Cecil Courtney, Denver Pipefitters Local 208; Heath Tee, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ; John McDuffie, Colorado Community College Systems; Lauren Price, Aurora Mental Health & Recovery; Robert Rigg, Elder Construction.

Quorum Present: Yes

Others Present:
Greg Cordova, ESWC; Karina Amaya-Ragland, ESWC; Tami Grant, Weld County DHS; Carol Salter, ESWC; Ruth DeBoer, ESWC; Todd Nielson, CUWA; Landon Loyd, Aims Community College; Kori Funkhouser, CWDC; Thomas Hartman, CWDC.

  1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order promptly at noon.  
    1. Introductions:
      1.  Gen Spering (Colorado State University) and Carol Salter (new Workforce Director) were welcomed to the board. Their involvement brings fresh perspectives from higher education and workforce leadership
  2. Approval of Agenda & Minutes - No changes were made to the agenda.
    1. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Lisa Taylor, second by Matthew Hortt. Motion carried unanimously.
  3. Unfinished Business - None
  4. Board Focus
    1. Program Year 2025 Allocations
      1. Tami reviewed allocations for PY22–PY25. Weld received increases in Dislocated Worker, Wagner-Peyser, Youth, and Workforce Enhancement Fund, with a slight reduction in Adult.
      2. Kelly explained state allocation formulas and emphasized Weld’s effectiveness in serving youth despite limited dollars.
      3. Discussion included the possibility of a rescission on existing WIOA funds. Carry-in strategy was explained—targeting 30–40% to protect against funding uncertainty. Final PY24 carry-in numbers will be shared at the next meeting.
      4. Kelly also shared news of proposed federal changes removing merit staffing requirements for Wagner-Peyser, which would reduce administrative burdens.
    2. Skills-First Local Workforce Board Challenge
      1.  CWDC is offering a Skills-First Challenge, with potential for $5,000–$10,000 in funding. The challenge supports integrating skills-based practices and Learning & Employment Records (LERs). Deadline: August 31.
      2. Weld and Larimer counties are positioned well, having already met key benchmarks.
      3. Lisa provided a real-world example of skills-first hiring from Bright Futures, where lowering degree requirements helped identify a top candidate.
      4. The board discussed the importance of adopting a policy framework to institutionalize skills-first hiring practices locally.
    3. Joint Board Meeting – Talent Pipeline
      1. Erin will represent the board as a panelist on customized training pathways. Additional panelists are being sought for cohort-style training success stories.
      2. Topics for the joint meeting will include:
      3. Skills-first hiring and governor priorities
      4. Training models, including cohort approaches
      5. Energy and utilities workforce development
      6. Demonstration of the new Connecting Colorado system (with a deeper dive session planned for September).
  5. Announcements, Updates, and Celebrations
    1.  Awareness Committee
      1. Department of Labor has proposed changes to Wagner-Peyser rules that would shift authority back to states and local boards. Members interested in commenting can contact Andrew or Matt.
    2. Workforce Development Month Events:
      1. 9/9 – Lunch & Learn: Elevating Your Business with Business Services
      2. 9/16 – Lunch & Learn: Navigating Connecting Colorado
      3. 9/23 – Lunch & Learn: Strengthening Your Talent Pipeline
      4. Symposium: Scheduled for September 30.
    3. Regional Brand Narrative – Upstate Colorado
      1. Cassidy shared that two consultants are working with 75+ stakeholders to shape a regional brand narrative.
      2. An AI-driven component will capture Northern Colorado’s voice and reputation. A perception study will follow; Cassidy will share the link with the board for wide distribution. Campaign launch expected Q2 2026.
    4. Youth Committee - Committee is on summer break.
      1. September meeting rescheduled from 9/30 to 9/23 to avoid conflict with the Symposium.
    5. e. Veterans Committee
    6. The inaugural meeting was held May 29, with representation from NCVRC, DVR, VSO, ESWC, DVOP, and board members John McDuffie and Cecil Courtney. The committee will help coordinate resources and strengthen services for veterans in Weld County.
  6. Miscellaneous
    1. Lisa Vaughn shared a success story where ESWC support allowed her business to retain an employee who was struggling, demonstrating the positive impact of responsive employer services.
  7. Adjournment – 1:32 pm  

Strategic Goals

  1. Continue seeking clarity and improving connections for programs and services between Employment Services and the businesses and individuals in the Weld County Community.
  2. Increase awareness and clarify the impact of Weld County's workforce network by attracting organizations and businesses to utilize the available funding provided to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) targeted populations.
  3. Increase Weld County Workforce Development Board (WCWDB) member engagement by involving board members in planning, leadership pipeline development, and committee involvement.
  4. Working with intention by participating and supporting ESWC, sector partnerships, and their workgroups to ensure our regional workforce has equitable access to opportunities for quality, life-long education, and individual advancement to secure the future of work in Northern Colorado.

Board Recruitment

The following positions are vacant:

One Business Representatives

  • Accommodation and Food Service
  • Transportation and Warehousing

If you know someone interested in workforce initiatives and can fill one of these roles, please direct that person to Andrew Chadwick or Ruth DeBoer.

Upcoming Events

Required Meeting: 8/13/2025; 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM (12:00 PM-1:30 PM Virtual)
Veteran Committee Meeting: 7/24/2025, 12:00 PM to 1:30 pm
Awareness Committee Meeting: 8/5/2025; 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM (12:00 PM-1:00 PM Virtual)
Youth Committee Meeting: 9/30/2025; 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM (12:00 PM-1:30 PM Virtual)

Assurance

Veterans and eligible spouses are entitled to priority access to Department of Labor-funded programs.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Dial 711 for Relay Services.
Employment Services of Weld County is an equal opportunity program and employer.

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