November 12, 2024 Minutes

Workforce Development Board Regional Minutes

Employment Services - 315 N. 11th Ave, Bldg. B, Greeley, CO 80631
Meeting Location: First Floor Conference Room
Meeting: September 10, 2024 - 12:00 a.m. - 1:0 p.m.

Board Members Present:
Alex Kloehn, Lutheran Family Services, Rocky Mountains; Amanda Ericson, HRx Services; Andrew Odom, SER National; Cecil Courtney, Denver Pipefitters Local 208; David Thompson, FMS Bank; Kelly Folks, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment; Lauren Price, Aurora Mental Health & Recovery; Lisa Taylor, The Weld Trust; Lisa Vaughn, Golden Aluminum; Matthew Hortt, High Plains Library District; Meghan Greene, CDLE DVR; Phil MacHendrie, City of Greeley; Scott James, Weld County Board of County Commissioners; Shawn Croissant, Envision; Victoria Cordova, Banner Health

Absent:
Bill Johnson, Yoder Family Companies; David Zumbrun, Chicken Salad Chick; Justin Booker, City of Greeley Fire Department and IAFF Professional Firefighter's Union, Local 888 - Greeley Firefighters; Karla Torczon, Elevations Credit Union; Michael Wailes, Weld RE-5J; Nick Spezza, Aims Community College; Rich Werner, Upstate Colorado; Robert Rigg, Elder Construction; Zach Huston, Chevron U.S.A. Inc

Quorum Present: Yes

Others Present: 
Andrew Chadwick, ESWC CeCe Majchrowski, ESWC Greg Cordova, ESWC Ruth DeBoer, ESWC Tami Grant, Weld County DHS Dan Betts, Office of Congressman Ken Buck Jesus Borrego, CDLE; Anderson Muth, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery Thomas Hartman, CWDC; Kelsey Baun, NoCo Works;

  1. Call to Order 12:03 pm
    1. Introductions
  2. Changes to the Agenda 
  3. Approval of Minutes – Lisa 1st, Shawn 2nd approved
  4. Unfinished Business
    1. Program Year 24 Quarter 1 Dashboard
      1. CeCe gave an update on the status of quarter one. Although we are not very far into the program year we believe we’re poised to hit our goals by end of program year. We adjusted some of our numbers due to less funding but are actively working to ensure we maximize our dollars for the clients while meeting our measures and being in compliant with the state.
    2. Workforce Enterprise Fund Proposal
      1. This was submitted to the state in July and we’ve been approved for ours, we are just waiting for the notice of funding from the state to receive it.
  5. Announcements, Updates, and Celebrations
    1. High-Performing Board
      1. Last week ESWC received an email stating we have received our HPB status this year for a continuation of 7 years. We are the only county that has received this award since it’s inception.
      2. Although the performance requirements are no longer required by WIOA the state and CWDC thought it valuable enough that they created the HPB designation.
      3. Awareness Committee
      4. We just released our Q4 Newsletter. One of the new features we are looking into in the upcoming newsletters is a spotlight of ESWC partners.
    2. Youth Committee
      1. The Youth Committee has had leadership change – Liz stepped down as co-chair since she became the Workforce Director and Nelson Rodriguez stepped in to co-chair it with Lisa. We are also forward in the future to assist in co-chairing the youth committee with Nelson. We are also recruiting youth leaders as well. Connor is graduating in May so we’re looking at organized shifts in leadership.
      2. Our NAWDP presentation coming up this Sunday – We’ve completed our recorded presentation for NAWDPs upcoming conference. Liz, Lisa, and Greg participated in this, and they were also able to incorporate Jesse and Connor into the presentation since they were not able to join them at NAWDP.
      3. Our last committee meeting we had was about Youth Apprenticeship because of Apprenticeship Month in the State and Apprenticeship Week nationally. Nelson brought us two youth apprenticeship kids to speak about their experiences through their apprenticeships through Sunrise. It was interesting to hear about these experiences.
    3. NoCo Works
      1. Liz will be stepping into the role that Karina had on the steering committee.
      2. Lisa gave updates – The steering committee is open now, there is an interest form available. Kelsey will send Ruth the interest form to send out to the Board.
      3. We’ve gone through a formal RFP process to select a website vendor and we will be going with SourceLink who is a nationally known provider. We have our 1st meeting with them this week to sign a contract
      4. The training and development committee has started a community of practice and are reaching out to employers and business owners to assist with getting them access to resources. The next meeting is on retaining current employees.
      5. At the last meeting we shared the external barriers report with you all.
  6. Board Focus
    1. Business Engagement
      1. Workforce Development Month Proclamation
      2. Workforce Symposium
        1. Ticket sales were a little sluggish this year, but our survey feedback we’ve received was really great. We are looking at the Ranch for a potential site to return the event to Larimer County, we’ve reached out and requested a bid from them.
    2. NOCOM
      1. NOCOM 2024, the 10th Anniversary NOCOM Manufacturing Trade Show, took place on October 9, 2024, at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland, Colorado.
    3. Event Highlights:
      1. Exhibitors: The trade show featured over 80 exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services from various sectors, including computers and technology, aerospace and defense, metals, plastics, machinery, wood, engineering and design, packaging and logistics, and services.
      2. Networking Opportunities: Attendees had the chance to connect with qualified decision-makers and top companies from Colorado and across the nation, fostering strategic partnerships and collaboration within the manufacturing industry.
      3. Job Fair: A job fair was held from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, allowing job seekers to meet with leading manufacturers looking to hire talent in the thriving manufacturing sector.
      4. Education Panel: An education panel titled "Tools and Technologies that will Transform Manufacturing" took place from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, featuring speakers discussing automation, artificial intelligence, workforce development, and cybersecurity.
      5. Student Experience: Regional high school students participated in the event, engaging with exhibitors offering workplace learning programs to inspire the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
      6. Kickoff B2B Networking Reception: A networking reception was held on October 8, providing exhibitors and attendees an opportunity to connect in a relaxed environment before the main event. NOCOM 2024 was organized by the Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership (NoCo Manufacturing Partnership), an all-volunteer, business-led organization dedicated to supporting and expanding sustainable manufacturing in Northern Colorado through education, collaboration, and community involvement.
    4. Construction Con
      1. Construction Con 2024 took place at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland, Colorado. This annual event, organized by the Northern Colorado Construction Sector Partnership (NOCO CSP), provided high school students with a hands-on, immersive experience to explore various career opportunities and pathways in the construction industry. Just over 750 students attended the event, which also featured TACT (Teaching the Autism Trades), an organization dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities in skilled trades. The event attracted participation from over 220 industry and education representatives, including companies, universities, associations, and apprenticeship programs, all committed to inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.
    5. Consider Meeting Dates During Calendar Year 2025
      1. We need to approve the calendar for next year – Motion to approve Lisa 1st, Shawn 2nd.
      2. Kelsey pointed out that the Larimer County hosted meeting is hopefully going to be a tour.
    6. Consider 2025 Chair Elect
      1. This is Matt’s last meeting as the Chair, Victoria was voted in as Chair-Elect earlier in 2024 and so she’ll be moving into the Chair position in 2025.
      2. If anyone is interested in serving as Chair Elect for 2025 please reach out if you have questions. You do have to be serving in a business capacity.
      3. Lisa asked that those in the small business world think about stepping up since Victoria serves a large business.
  7. Miscellaneous
    1. Reminder – Tomorrow is the Apprenticeship Week Proclamation at 9am. We hope to see you there.
  8. Action Items
  9. Adjournment - 12:58pm

Strategic Goals

Continue seeking clarity and improving connections for programs and services between Employment Services and the businesses and individuals in the Weld County Community.

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.

Increase Weld County Workforce Development Board (WCWDB) member engagement by involving board members in planning, leadership pipeline development, and committee involvement.

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:

Two 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: 1/14/2025; 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM (12:00 PM-1:30 PM Virtual)
Awareness Committee Meeting: 2/11/2025; 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM (12:00 PM-1:00 PM Virtual)
Youth Committee Meeting: 2/18/2025; 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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