November 4, 2025 Minutes

Workforce Development Board Minutes

Employment Services - 315 N. 11th Ave, Bldg. B, Greeley, CO 80631
Meeting Location: First Floor Conference Room
Meeting: November 4 , 2025 - 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

  1. Call to Order  
    1. Introductions & New Members:
  2. Changes to the Agenda - None
  3. Approval of Minutes
    1. Motion to approve by Shawn, seconded by Bill, all in favor.
  4. Workforce Wins
    1. Tristan joined the PACE program determined to earn his GED and create a better future for his growing family. Through the Employment First program, he quickly tested out of all GED subjects—scoring in the college-ready range on each exam. With his GED now complete, Tristan is well on his way to achieving his career and family goals, demonstrating the power of motivation combined with program support.
  5. Unfinished Business
    1. Skill-First Hiring Challenge Win – Thomas from CWDC attended the meeting and presented the board with a beautifully framed certificate recognizing Weld County as the only county selected for this honor. This comes with the understanding that we have important work ahead to continue fulfilling our side of the partnership.
    2. PY24 Monitoring Results – Carol reported that the PY24 monitoring went well overall. Two minor findings were noted, both easily addressed. The first involved the purchase of two client gift cards under a program where the PGL guidance was updated mid-year, resulting in missing supporting documentation. The second involved a Memorandum of Understanding with a community partner that was briefly out of compliance due to expired end dates. Both items have been corrected and/or addressed, and the team is proud of the strong performance in PY24 and looks forward to continued success in PY25.
  6. Announcements, Updates, and Celebrations
    1. High Performing Board Achieved – Thomas from CWDC announced that Weld County has once again earned High Performing Board status, accompanied by performance incentive funding. This recognition underscores the board’s continued excellence, dedication, and commitment to advancing workforce initiatives.
    2. Awareness Committee
      1. Workforce Symposium – September 30
         Nearly 350 Northern Colorado business and community leaders gathered at The Ranch in Loveland for the 2025 Northern Colorado Workforce Symposium. Chalice Springfield delivered a keynote on leading with curiosity, setting the tone for an inspiring day of collaboration and innovation. The event, co-hosted by the Weld and Larimer Workforce Colorado regions, celebrated Workforce Development Month and highlighted the power of regional partnerships.
      2. Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership – Rocky Mountain Advanced Manufacturing Expo (October 7–8)
         The two-day Expo marked a decade of growth in Colorado’s manufacturing sector, bringing together 50+ companies, 320 participants, and 280 students. With sessions on automation, fabrication, CAD, and supply chain innovation, the event showcased the region’s continued leadership in advanced manufacturing.
      3. Northern Colorado Construction Sector Partnership – Construction Con (October 15)
        Construction Con welcomed over 800 students and 200 industry professionals for an interactive exploration of construction careers. The event featured hands-on exhibits, equipment demonstrations, and student engagement with local employers—promoting awareness and excitement around the skilled trades.
      4. NoCo Works Labor Market Profile – October 29
        The report emphasized Northern Colorado’s strong economic positioning, noting Weld County’s population growth, Fort Collins’ higher education influence, and Greeley’s industrial strengths. Together, these assets create a robust foundation for meeting employer demand and supporting both degree-holding professionals and skilled workers across key sectors including IT, aerospace, food processing, and advanced manufacturing.
    3. Youth Committee
      1. AI and the Future of Workforce
         The Youth Committee meeting featured an engaging discussion on how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work. Presenters included Mike, owner of Empire Pizza, for the Employer Spotlight; Ryan, Chief Information Officer for Weld County; and Jeremy from Weld RE-5J. Each offered valuable insights into how technology and innovation are transforming local industries and education. Additionally, Kelsey provided an overview of the NoCo Works initiative, highlighting current projects and regional collaboration efforts.
      2. Upcoming Meeting - The next session will focus on Workforce Readiness Through Innovative Programs, featuring presentations on Weld RE-5J and District 6 Work-Based Learning Programs. Speakers will include Dr. Albert from RE-5J, with discussion on employer engagement and how these programs prepare students for future careers.
    4. Veterans Committee
      1. The second Veterans Resource Fair was a great success, offering twice as many services as the previous event and demonstrating strong community collaboration.
      2. Planning is underway for a 2026 Stand Down Event, which will bring together multiple partners to provide comprehensive services and support to veterans across the region.
    5. NoCo Works
      1.  A verbal offer has been made for the NoCo Works Sourcelink Development Contractor position, a part-time role focused on website coordination and content management.
  7. Board Focus
    1. Next Steps – Skills-First Practices and FWD Wallet Adoption Plan
      1. Skills-First Practice & Identity – The board discussed developing a structured plan to advance skills-first practices and identify a member to champion job seeker support efforts. Engagement with local businesses will be key in reviewing and implementing these approaches to promote equitable and skills-based hiring across the region.
    2. Governor’s Executive Order
      1. The Governor’s Executive Order proposes to consolidate Higher Education and Workforce functions. State and local areas are evaluating the implications of this alignment for local workforce centers and identifying strategies to better integrate education, training, and workforce services to meet future skill demands.
    3. Consider Meeting Dates During Calendar Year 2026
      1. Robert Rigg requested a change to the Veteran Committee meetings due to conflicts in his schedule and a desire to participate on it. The workforce center will review, adjust and send out a new 2026 schedule via email for a virtual vote.
    4. Consider 2026 Chair Elect
      1. It was requested that people consider the position of Chair Elect for the 2026 term. Anyone interested can reach out to Ruth DeBoer for more information.
    Miscellaneous
    1. Workforce Colorado Branding Launch – Carol shared information about the statewide Workforce Colorado branding initiative, designed to create a unified identity and strengthen alignment among local workforce areas across Colorado.
  8. Adjournment – 1:15 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 Representative

  • Accommodation and Food Service
  • Transportation and Warehousing

One Workforce Representative

• Union/Labor Organization Member

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

WDB Meeting: 3/10/2026; 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM (12:00 PM-1:30 PM Virtual)
Regional Larimer/Weld WDB Meeting: 3/11/2026; 7:45 AM to 9:30 AM
Awareness Committee Meeting: 2/10/2026; 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM (12:00 PM-1:00 PM Virtual)
Youth Committee Meeting: 2/24/2026; 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM (12:00 PM-1:30 PM Virtual)
Veteran Committee Meeting: 1/20/2026; 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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