CONTENTS
The State & Regions
The Nation
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities
Upcoming
Meetings, Conferences & Events
Odds & Ends
The State & Regions
WAY TO GO TAMPA – SUPERBOWL 2009!
Bills focused on military families and veterans
set national standard. TALLAHASSEE- Governor Jeb Bush yesterday continued
his commitment to Florida’s military personnel and
veterans by signing six bills into law aimed at enhancing
services for those who serve our country. The Governor was
joined by Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, Senators Charlie Clary
and Paula Dockery, Representatives Will Kendrick, Joe Negron
and Stan Jordan, Major General Douglas Burnett, Adjutant
General, Florida National Guard and Colonel Rocky McPherson,
executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Florida’s
military men and women deserve our full support as they courageously
defend our freedom both at home and abroad,” said Governor
Bush. “As these Floridians honorably serve our nation
in the fight for democracy, the state’s priority remains
to support their efforts and ensure their families have the
resources they need to meet challenges while their loved
ones are away,” said Governor Bush.
Governor Bush was also joined at today’s event by Senator
Charles Clary, Representative Will Kendrick, Lieutenant General
John Bradley, U.S. Air Force Reserve, Major General Jack
C. Stultz, Jr., US Army Reserve, Major General Robert Young,
National Guard Bureau, Brigadier General David Papak, U.S.
Marine Corps, Rear Admiral Wendy Carpenter, U.S. Navy Reserve,
and members of the military as well as veterans representing
the major military service organizations in Florida. “Florida's
ongoing support for our men and women in uniform and its
veterans is deeply appreciated. Well before September 11th,
Governor Bush and our Legislature undertook a broad range
of actions and legislative initiatives designed to support
our military members,” said Major General Burnett. “Today's
bills continue and broaden Florida's commitment to its service
members and their families.” The Governor signed the
following bills into law:
HB 0691- An act relating to the Citizen Soldier Matching
Grant Program - This measure, sponsored by Representative
John Seiler of Pompano Beach, creates the $1.8 million Citizen
Soldier Matching Grant Program. The grant will serve some
1,200 active duty soldiers, reservists and Florida National
Guardsmen who have been activated, who have taken a leave
of absence from their private sector jobs to serve their
country. The measure will help bridge the gap between their
private sector wages and their military pay. Private employers
will be eligible to apply for these grants through the Agency
for Workforce Innovation. Currently the state supplements
pay for reservists and Florida National Guardsmen who have
been activated and are employed by state or local governments.
SB 0450 - An act relating to Unfair Insurance Practices-
This legislation, sponsored by Senator Steven Geller of Hallandale
Beach, provides military personnel and their families’ protection
from motor vehicle insurance premium increases or reinstatement
fees for new policies. Military families are eligible for
this protection if they transfer out of the state as part
of their military service obligation and were required to
cancel their policy due to the transfer. Active military
personnel are to be considered maintaining continuous coverage
for purposes of determining premium rates.
SB 0550 - An act relating to Property Tax Exemptions- The
primary effect of the bill is to extend the current $5,000
homestead property tax exemption for partially disabled veterans
to their surviving spouses. This is similar to the full exemption
currently available to the surviving spouses of totally and
permanently disabled veterans.
HB 0395 - An act relating to Recreational Licenses and Permits-
The measure, sponsored by Representative Will Kendrick of
Carrabelle, creates a new annual military gold sportsman's
license for fishing and hunting. Any Florida resident who
is either an active or retired member of the United States
Armed Forces, the United States Armed Forces Reserve, the
National Guard, the United States Coast Guard or the United
States Coast Guard Reserve, with proper identification, is
eligible to purchase this annual license. The license will
cost $18.50 and includes hunting, freshwater and saltwater
fishing permits.
HB 0623 - An act relating to Former Military Vehicles- This
measure, sponsored by Representative Kenneth Littlefield
of Zephyrhills, provides changes related to former military
vehicle requirements and exemptions. The bill exempts vehicles
in this category from having to be equipped with windshields,
if the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles finds
it necessary for the vehicle to maintain its accurate military
design and markings. The bill also exempts vehicles that
are 30 years or older and are being used only in exhibitions,
parades, or for public display, from having to display a
license plate or registration insignia.
SB 0868 - An act relating to the E.R. Pipping, Jr., Memorial
Act - The measure, sponsored by Senator Paula Dockery of
Lakeland, authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation
to enter into contracts with non-profit organizations, in
operation for at least two years, that wish to install monuments
and memorials honoring Florida’s military veterans
at highway rest areas throughout the state. This includes
monuments, memorials, plaques, markers or various retired
military equipment. “The active participation of the
veteran service organizations in the legislative process
is commendable and vital,” Colonel McPherson said. “Their
efforts to identify and prioritize issues for legislative
action in a cooperative and positive manner aid the process
and provide improved benefits for Florida's veterans and
their spouses and families.”
Additionally, Governor Bush intends to sign the following
bills into law:
HB 1069- An act relating to Family Readiness Program/ Military-
This measure, sponsored by Representative Joe Negron of Stuart,
and Senator Mike Haridopolos of Melbourne creates the Family
Readiness Program under the Department of Military Affairs.
The program provides $5 million in need-based assistance
to families of service members of the Florida National Guard
and United States Reserve Forces for emergency housing, living
expenses and vehicle repairs. This includes Coast Guard Reservists,
who are on active duty serving in the Global War on Terrorism
and who are federally deployed or participating in state
operations for homeland defense.
HB 1189- An act relating to the children of deceased or disabled
veterans- This measure, sponsored by Representative Stan
Jordan of Jacksonville, expands the current program that
provides college scholarships to children of military heroes
who lost their lives as a result of battle and veterans who
were left disabled to the dependents of soldiers who died
or became disabled while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Additionally, the bill reduces the residency requirement
for qualifying veterans from five years to one year.
For more information on legislation the Governor has acted
on please visit www.myflorida.com.
The Florida Legislature 2005 Session Summary of
Legislation Passed. These legislative session summaries provide information
to Florida legislators and their constituents on the bills
that passed both legislative chambers during the 2005 session.
At the time of these reports some acts have not been presented
to the Governor and the time allotted for the Governor to
approve or veto an act has not expired. Therefore, some acts
identified as “passed” by both chambers may not
have become law.
Senate: http://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/index.cfm?Chamber=Senate&
Tab=committees&Submenu=2
House: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/
Taxpayers to save $10 million, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
receive $18 million.
PENSACOLA - Monday, while visiting areas impacted last September
by Hurricane Ivan, Governor Jeb Bush signed legislation authorizing
the first-ever 12-day sales tax holiday on hurricane-preparedness
supplies and presented $9 million checks to Escambia and
Santa Rosa counties. The $18 million presented to the counties
is relief funding provided by the federal government as Community
Development Block Grants. “Being prepared for hurricane
season can protect property and save lives,” said Governor
Bush. “I hope this tax benefit will encourage Floridians
to ready themselves, their families, homes and businesses
for the 2005 hurricane season, and the money provided through
these grants will help Northwest Florida recover from Ivan.” Florida
taxpayers will save approximately $10 million during this
sales tax holiday. Under the legislation, no state or local
sales tax will be collected on certain hurricane-preparedness
items from 12:01 a.m. June 1 through midnight June 12, 2005.
For the full press release outlining what items are covered,
copies of the Tax Information Publication (TIP) and posters
go to: www.myflorida.com/dor.
State Workforce Board Chairman appoints Workforce
Florida Council/Committee leadership. TALLAHASSEE - Tramm Hudson,
Chairman of the Workforce Florida Board of Directors, last
week made the following appointments for leadership of the
five WFI standing councils/committees:
Gerald R. "Jerry" Agresti - Chairman of the High
Skills/High Wages Council. Workforce Florida's High Skills/High
Wages Council focuses on partnering with economic development
to reshape the Florida economy and maintain competitiveness
in designated industries. "Jerry understands the link
between workforce development and economic development," said
Hudson. "That's the kind of leadership we need for the
High Skills/High Wages Council. As a Workforce Florida Board
member and council chair, he will have influence over workforce
policy that directly impacts his community." Mr. Agresti
of Green Cove Springs is currently President of Developers
Realty Group and a member of the First Coast Regional Workforce
Board. He is a former member of the U.S. Navy and serves
on the Clay County Development Authority and the Clay Transportation
Advisory Committee.
Mary Lou Brunell - Chairwoman of the One-Stop Committee.
Workforce Florida's One-Stop Committee focuses on continuous
quality improvement of Florida's workforce system through
one-stop minimum standards and credentialing. The committee
also has oversight over the state Workforce Excellence Awards
and the Employ Florida affiliate branding program. "Quality
and excellence are critical to the success of our system
- just as in the health care system. Mary Lou's leadership
in the nursing field will be a great asset to the One-Stop
Committee," said Hudson. "Her community and the
state will benefit from her role in shaping Florida's workforce
policies." Ms. Brunell of Apopka is currently the Executive
Director of the Florida Center for Nursing. She is a member
of the Florida Nurses Association, Florida Organization of
Nurse Executives and past chair of the Florida Center for
Nursing Board.
Belinda M. Keiser - Chairwoman of the Better Jobs/Better
Wages Council. Workforce Florida's Better Jobs/Better Wages
Council focuses on transitioning Floridians from welfare
to work and on increasing the earnings of the working poor. "You
couldn't find another individual better suited to lead the
Better Jobs/Better Wages Council than Belinda Keiser," said
Hudson. "Belinda knows the value of training and education
in moving people towards a better quality of life. Her leadership
on the Workforce Florida Board will have influence on the
workforce policies that directly impact her community." Ms.
Keiser of Fort Lauderdale is currently Vice Chancellor of
Community Development, Keiser College of Ft Lauderdale. She
is also a member of Broward County Regional Workforce Board,
Leadership Broward Foundation and the Florida Bar Citizens
Forum.
Craig B. Palmer - Chairman of the First Jobs/First Wages
Council. Workforce Florida's First Jobs/First Wages Council
focuses on the preparation and transition of youth at risk
of not finishing school to self-sufficient employment. "Craig
Palmer is a natural leader," said Hudson. "His
leadership of the First Jobs/First Wages Council will contribute
to workforce policy that directly impacts youth in his community
and the state of Florida." Mr. Palmer of Niceville is
currently Director of Business Development, Alpha Data Corporation.
He is a former member of the U.S. Air Force.
Eric W. Robinson - Chairman of the Finance Committee. The
Workforce Florida Finance Committee focuses on the use of
funds in the Workforce Florida Budget and in the state workforce
system-including the Agency for Workforce Innovation and
the Regional Boards. "Eric Robinson brings solid experience
in financial management to the Workforce Florida Finance
Committee," said Hudson. "We are fortunate to have
his level of expertise and commitment." Mr. Robinson
of Venice is currently owner of Eric Robinson, CPA. He is
a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants,
a former member of the U.S. Naval Reserves, former owner
of Senior Networks and former board member of Children's
Home Society of Florida.
Florida's employment/unemployment report for April
2005 released. Florida's April 2005 unemployment rate was the
lowest experienced by the state since April 2001. The state's
seasonally adjusted April 2005 unemployment rate was 4.2
percent, down from the revised rate of 4.4 percent in March
and down 0.6 percentage point from 4.8 percent a year ago.
Florida's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April
2005 was a full percentage point lower than the national
rate of 5.2 percent. After a nearly three year run leading
the nation in job growth, Florida has been passed by California.
Florida’s rate of job growth is still number one among
the ten most populous states. In April 2005, seasonally adjusted
nonagricultural employment grew by 224,700 jobs over the
year, growing at a rate of 3.0 percent. By comparison, the
national rate of growth was 1.7 percent for the same period.
The state continued to see growth in the total number of
jobs. Based on data from March 2005, the latest month for
which comparable data are available from other states, Florida
led all states in the number of new jobs created and had
the fastest rate of annual job growth among the ten most
populous states.
Solid growth continued in manufacturing's durable goods sector,
which gained 3,500 jobs (+1.4 percent) since last April.
Much of the growth in durable goods was in transportation
equipment manufacturing (+2,200 jobs, +5.4 percent) and computer
and electronic product manufacturing (+1,700 jobs, +3.5 percent).
The newly redefined Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami Beach MSA
led the state in employment growth (+55,500 jobs, +2.4 percent),
followed by the Orlando and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
MSAs with over-the-year job growth in April 2005 of +42,000
jobs and +34,400 jobs, respectively. For the full release
go to: http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/press/release.pdf.
Large Florida employer expands into rural northeast
region of the state. TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush last week announced
PRC, one of the nation’s leading providers of customer
service management, has chosen to locate its newest contact
center in Palatka. With this location, PRC will create 430
new jobs and make an initial capital investment of $4.2 million
in facilities renovation and business equipment. “A
long time and valued corporate citizen in Florida, PRC’s
announcement today shows its ongoing commitment to the Sunshine
State,” said Governor Bush. “PRC’s decision
to expand in Putnam County, adding 430 new jobs in this rural
employment market significantly benefits the community and
its economy. I am pleased my office could assist in bringing
this value-added project to rural Northeast Florida, and
I wish PRC continued success from its newest base in Palatka.” Headquartered
in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, PRC manages customer relations
for some of the world’s leading corporations and employs
nearly 10,000 Customer Care Representatives worldwide. In
Florida, PRC has over 5,700 employees, qualifying it as among
the top 20 largest employers in Florida. “PRC’s
goal is to continue to add value to our client relationships
by supporting their customers with the best team possible,
a team that can turn daily customer communications into strategic
opportunities for our clients,” commented John G. Hall,
PRC CEO. “We chose Palatka primarily because of the
strong talent available that matches our business needs.
The team looks forward to instilling our customer-centric
culture into this location, and we are confident that our
newest clients serviced in Palatka will quickly realize the
benefits that this group will offer.” Putnam County
is located in a region that has been designated by Governor
Bush as a Rural Area of Critical Economic Concern. A “Rural
Area of Critical Economic Concern” receives priority
attention from state agencies to ensure its communities receive
the assistance needed to further economic development initiatives
and local projects. The “Rural Area of Critical Economic
Concern” initiative also allows the Governor, through
the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI), more flexibility
in applying criteria requirements or similar provisions of
economic development incentives. Local governments and regional
organizations work closely with REDI, a multi-agency initiative,
led and coordinated by the Governor’s Office of Tourism,
Trade, and Economic Development, that assists rural communities
solve problems affecting their fiscal, economic, or community
viability. www.myflorida.com.
WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA to host career strategy
seminars. ORLANDO - WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA [WCF] continues to host
several career strategy seminars for degreed professionals
who are unemployed and underemployed in Orange, Osceola,
Lake, Seminole and Sumter counties. The courses will take
place from 9am to 4pm on June 2, June 14 and July 7 at 1097
Sand Pond Road in Lake Mary, and from 9am to 4pm on June
23 and July 21 at 7200 Lake Ellenor Drive, Suite 205 in Orlando.
Seminar presenter Ginger McGraw will discuss career strategies
focusing on resume and cover letter development, networking
techniques, interview skills and negotiation strategies at
the free events. McGraw is a career coach with over 14 years
of experience in working with individuals in career transition.
Seating is limited and advance registration is required to
attend the free courses. For locations and times or to register,
call the seminar RSVP line at (407) 531-1233, ext. 1216.
WorkNet Pinellas leasing agreements add five new
One Stop Centers. CLEARWATER (May 24, 2005) - It's a real estate shift
for WorkNet Pinellas as they close the doors to three of
their main One Stop locations and sign leases to open five
new One Stop Career and Business Development Centers. By
June 30, 2005 the WorkNet Pinellas One Stop Centers in St.
Petersburg (3251 3rd Avenue N.), Pinellas Park (3491 Gandy
Boulevard) and Clearwater (1100 Cleveland Street) will all
be closed for business. In their place newer One Stops will
be scattered throughout Pinellas County in St. Petersburg,
Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Seminole and Largo. As part of
the spread, WorkNet Pinellas has partnered with St. Petersburg
College (SPC) to house the One Stops within their Career
Development Centers at various St. Petersburg College campuses
throughout the county. The transition will affect many of
the 50,000 customers WorkNet serves annually. "We want
to bring the most convenient services as possible to our
customers," states Ed Peachey, WorkNet Pinellas Executive
Director. "By breaking up some of our larger One Stop
Centers into smaller ones, we will spread our reach to customers
who otherwise may not have been able to access our facilities." The
moves come at an opportune time for WorkNet as the organization
is set to face major funding cuts for the upcoming Program
Year that begins July 1, 2005. "Not only do the moves
provide for streamlined accessibility and convenience for
businesses and job seekers," adds Peachey, "but
we're saving a significant amount by acquiring the space
at a substantially reduced cost." Peachey goes on the
state, "the amount of overhead savings we're experiencing
would not have been possible without the flexibility and
generosity of St. Petersburg College. We certainly appreciate
the partnership that exists between our organizations." WorkNet
Pinellas and St. Petersburg College recently joined administrative
forces when their administrative offices moved to the new
EpiCenter, a high-tech facility offering economic, workforce
and community development resources for Pinellas County,
the region and the state. "This is a transition period
for us all," concludes Peachey, "but our customers,
business clients and staff will be better off in the end." To
find the new one-stop locations and scheduled opening dates
visit: www.worknetpinellas.org.
The Nation
Funds to ease pain from base closings. (Mary
Clare Jalonick, Associated Press) WASHINGTON - The Labor Department
said Tuesday
it will provide up to $1 million in planning funds for communities
that may lose civilian jobs due to military base closings.
Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary for employment and
training administration, sent a letter to state work force
agencies outlining federal grants eligible to help communities
plan for transition should bases in their areas end up on the
final list of closings. DeRocco said that in past rounds of
base closings, "communities which undertook effective
and timely planning successfully transitioned from a defense
to a non-defense economy." The Pentagon released its recommendations
for closure and realignment May 13. An independent commission
is now reviewing the list, and may make changes. The list then
goes to President Bush before it is sent to Congress for approval.
DeRocco said the Labor Department believes the time between
the recommendations and final congressional approval "is
the most effective time to plan for the services necessary
to assist affected workers and communities." The letter
says the grants should be awarded by June 30, and only communities
that would be affected by the Pentagon's recommended list are
eligible. The department recommends that states use the money
for training potentially displaced workers, staffing transition
efforts, hiring consultants to deal with local agencies and
developing long-range goals for economic development. Though
the limit for the first round of grants is $1 million per community,
more money will be eligible once Congress has made the final
decision, probably in November. http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/11729132.htm
Headlines from NASWA’s Workforce Bulletin – May
13, 2005.
- SENATE HELP COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL
TO REAUTHORIZE WIA
- ETA RELEASES WORKFORCE SYSTEM RESULTS FOR
SECOND QUARTER OF PY 2004
- ETA RELEASES CORE PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES GRANTS PLANNING GUIDANCE AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
- DOL ISSUES RULE ESTABLISHING FUNDING CRITERIA FOR VETS
AND TAP PROGRAMS
- ETA ANNOUNCES 2005 UI GRANTS
- GAO RECOMMENDS IMPROVEMENTS
TO TAP SERVICES FOR RESERVES AND NATIONAL GUARD
- VOTE ON
AMENDMENTS TO NASWA BYLAWS DUE MAY 27
- PRESIDENT BUSH NOMINATES
CHARLES CICCOLELLA ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF VETS
To access these stories and the complete Bulletin go to:
http://www.workforceatm.org/sections/members/bulletin/bulltemp.cfm?
results_art_filename=bu052005.cfm.
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities
and Notices
State Grants
(none) Federal Grants
FEATURED - Assets for Independence (AFI) AFI Grants. Assets
for Independence (AFI) provides five-year grants to organizations
and agencies that enable low-income individuals and families
to achieve economic self-sufficiency by accumulating economic
assets. Grantees provide financial literacy training to participants
and help them save earned income in special matched bank accounts
called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). IDAs enable
low-income and low-wealth families to accumulate savings for
long-term assets such as a house, a small business, or a higher
education. Eligible grantees include community-based nonprofits
and State, local and Tribal government agencies and others,
such as community development financial institutions and credit
unions. For more information about the Assets for Independence
program, see http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding/applying.html.
Youthbuild Grants
2006 Low Income Taxpayer Clinic Grant Program
Basic Center Program for Runaway/Homeless Youth (RHY)
Foundation Grants
(none)
Scholarships/Awards
The Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation
2005 Distance Learning Awards
Upcoming Meetings, Conferences and
Events
Workforce Florida Board and Related Meetings Schedule:
For up-to-date WFI board meeting info please check the calendar at the WFI website.
May 25 - 27, 2005
United States Department Of Labor - Employment and Training
Administration
Workforce & Economic Development Summit
Orlando, Florida
The first Southeastern Region Workforce and Economic Development
Summit will be held May 25-27, 2005 in Orlando Florida. This
event, sponsored by the United States Department of Labor
(USDOL), Workforce Florida, Inc., and the Agency for Workforce
Innovation, will provide the opportunity for workforce, economic
development and education leaders from the throughout the
southeast region of the nation to strengthen partnerships
and discuss strategies that will foster greater economic
development at local, state, regional and national levels.
Major themes of the Summit include Global Competition, Economic
Development and Education and Workforce Capacity. For more
information go to: http://www.floridajobs.org/USDOL/default.htm.
October 10-12, 2005
Rosen Plaza Hotel
Orlando, Florida
The opening keynote session will be presented by Rebecca
Ryan, the founder of Next Generation Consulting, Inc. Rebecca's
keen eye for trends - especially those among young talent - coupled
with her brilliance in presenting them to professionals at all
levels, makes her one of America's most captivating communicators
and futurists. Rebecca has been named a Woman of Influence by
the Business Journal and was a semi-finalist in Fast Company
Magazine's Fast 50 awards. To keep up with the Summit go to:
www.dynamicinstitute.com/summit.
Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
May 26, 2005
South Florida Economic Summit 2005
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
Hollywood, Florida
While business leaders in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm
Beach Counties actively collaborate on a regional approach
to economic development, they invite you to be updated on their
progress at "South Florida Economic Summit 2005 - The
Power of Regionalism," May 26, 2005, at The Westin Diplomat
Resort & Spa in Hollywood. he annual event brings together
high-level business leaders from the public and private sectors
to discuss issues facing the region. Speakers will present
insightful information about South Florida's economic potential
and how regionalism will be a key to success in the global
economy. Save the date and be sure to join South Florida's
leaders at this significant regional event. For more information
and registration details go to: www.beaconcouncil.com (events
section).
June 1-3, 2005
2005 Juvenile Justice National Symposium
Miami, FL
The Child Welfare League of America will sponsor the 2005 Juvenile
Justice National Symposium: Joining Forces for Better Outcomes.
The symposium will focus on the importance of coordinating
and integrating juvenile justice and child welfare services
as an integral aspect of serving our nation's youth. It should
be of particular interest to service administrators, supervisors,
practitioners, board members, parents, and others who share
a commitment to providing children with the opportunity to
succeed. For further information and register online go to:
http://www.cwla.org/conferences/ShowConference.asp?CONF=JJSYMPOSIUM&YEAR=2005 or contact Dodd White at dwhite@cwla.org or 202-639-4959.
June 3-5, 2005
2005 Family Café Conference
Caribe Royale, Orlando
The Department of Education is proud to support the 7th
Annual Family Café Conference and Governor’s Summit
on Disabilities as part of their commitment to provide a quality
education to all students. During the annual three-day conference,
individuals with disabilities and special health care needs
and their families have an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge,
to interact with state agencies’ representatives and
private providers, and to expand their network of supports.
The 7th Annual Family Café Conference will be held June
3-5, 2005, in Orlando, Florida, at the Caribe Royale, located
at 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, Florida (707-238-8083).
Pre-conference registration for the 7th Annual Family Café Conference
will begin on February 14, 2005. There is no conference registration
fee. Limited financial assistance will be provided to families
by Family Café. The financial assistance funds through
Family Café are available on a first-come, first-served
basis, and have historically been exhausted soon after registration
opens. Therefore, we encourage districts to make families of
students with disabilities aware of the pre-conference registration
and financial assistance as soon as possible. We also encourage
you to financially support families to attend the 7th Annual
Family Café Conference through the use of discretionary
grants. As part of the conference, Governor Jeb Bush will speak
at the 7th Annual Governor’s Summit on Disabilities on
Friday, June 3, 2005, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Participants
may either register online at www.familycafe.net or call the
Family Café office at 1-888-309-2233 to request a registration
brochure be mailed. Pre-registration ends on March 30, 2005.
June 6, 2005
Globalization and Restructuring in Rural America Conference
Washington DC
The objective of the Globalization and Restructuring in
Rural America conference is to bring together policy officials,
researchers, and program administrators concerned with rural
economy issues. The intent is to stimulate attention on the
particular circumstances of rural areas that are typically
more reliant on trade sensitive sectors and less diversified
than urban areas.
ERS invites you to a one-day conference in Washington, DC on
June, 6, 2005. Speakers will discuss the circumstances of rural
areas that make them trade sensitive, the impact of imports
on rural workers and industries, the effects of offshoring
of call centers, and how Federal and local responses can assist
in restructuring. Attendance is free, but space is limited.
Hotel reservations must be made by May 6 to obtain the conference
rate. For more information and to register go to: http://www.ers.usda.gov/emphases/rural/GlobalConf/
June 12-14, 2005
Rising Together: The Summit on the Rural South
Grand Hotel Point Clear Resort
Point Clear, Alabama
Join Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Southern Growth Policies
Board for a three-day summit on rural development and the release
of the 2005 Report on the Future of the South on June 12-14th
in Point Clear, Alabama. Rising Together: The Summit on the
Rural South will celebrate successful rural development initiatives
in the Southern region and explore new strategies for creating
rural prosperity. The conference will gather rural experts,
leaders from government, the private sector and economic and
community development to share ideas and strategies for creating
rural prosperity in a uniquely Southern way --through storytelling.
Panel and keynote presentations will address the future of
the rural workforce, the business of the rural south, financing
change and an opportunity to share success stories and best
practices from the South's rural regions. Keynote speakers
include Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor and Mark Drabenstott,
Center for the Study of Rural America, Federal Reserve Bank
of Kansas City, and a town hall meeting with the region's governors.
Register by April 8th and save up to $75 on conference fees.
Visit http://www.southern.org/conf.asp to register online and
to view the complete agenda.
June 25-29, 2005
2005 Florida Economic Development Workshop (FEDW) and Annual
Conference
St. Petersburg, Florida
The FEDW and Annual Conference sponsored by FEDC and various
partners offers networking and idea exchange, and a variety
of professional education workshops aimed to broaden your knowledge
of current economic development topics and trends. This year
the conference location will be the Renaissance Vinoy Resort
and Golf Club. The FEDC Annual Golf Tournament, Promotional,
Deal of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Eunice Sullivan
Professional of the Year Awards ceremonies highlight the Workshop.
Check www.fedc.net for more information.
July 11 – 13, 2005
Workforce Innovations 2005
Philadelphia, PA
Workforce Innovations is the nation's premier employment
and training conference. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of
Labor's Employment and Training Administration and co-sponsored
by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD),
this annual conference will showcase Integration, Transformation,
and Innovation within the world of workforce investment. Over
2,500 workforce professionals are expected to attend! They'll
be coming to network with the nation's key workforce investment
leaders, business executives, workforce board members, education
policy makers, and other change agents. No other forum offers
this much expert insight into the challenges faced as today’s
solutions-based revolution in workforce investment advances.
Conference registration now open – visit: http://www.workforceinnovations.org/
November 2 - November 5, 2005
2005 International Conference on Volunteer Administration
Adam's Mark Hotel
Jacksonville, Florida
Make plans now to join your colleagues at the only international
conference devoted to the professional development of individuals
who manage and lead volunteers. No matter what your title — volunteer
coordinator, executive director, board chair — if you
are responsible for the effective involvement of volunteers
in your organization, this conference is for you!
Accommodations: AVA will have a reserved block of rooms at
the Adam’s Mark through October 7. The special AVA group
rate is $129 (single and double) per night, subject to availability.
A 14 percent tax will be charged per room, per night. Registration
fees: Early Bird (Payment or purchase order postmarked by September
1): AVA Member $395.00, Non-member $495.00, Young Leader $395.00.
Regular (Payment or purchase order postmarked by September
2 - October 11): AVA Member $495.00, Non-member $595.00, Young
Leader $395.00.
For registration information including scholarships, visit:
http://www.avaintl.org/education/conference.html
USDOL’s Workforce Tools of the Trade Workforce Investment
Systemwide Events Page. http://www.workforcetools.org/calendar.asp
Odds and Ends
Searching for more, MBA recruiters return to campuses (InternetCoast
e-newsletter 5-25-05). Companies are sending their recruiters
back to school this spring. Business schools usually hold
their big recruiting events for graduating students in the
fall. But in an encouraging sign for the job market, and
possibly for the economy overall, a number of schools are
holding new or enlarged career fairs this spring. Last fall,
investment banks and management consulting firms, two of
the biggest wooers of MBAs, flooded back to business schools
to recruit more aggressively than they have since the blockbuster
autumn of 2000, business schools report. Now on their heels
comes a broad assortment of employers in fields ranging from
technology to healthcare to airlines, hoping to scoop up
the remaining campus prospects. For the complete article
go to:
http://internetcoast.com/index.php?cid=421384&src=news&prid=3304&category=News
Southern states plagued by dropout crisis (from CDF Violence
Prevention, 5.22.05). Every year, across the country, a dangerously
high percentage of students—disproportionately poor
and minority—disappear from the educational pipeline
before graduating from high school. According to a study
released by The Civil Rights Project at Harvard University
(CRP) and the Urban Institute in 2004, only about 68% of
all students nationally who enter 9th grade will graduate “on
time” with regular diplomas in 12th grade. While the
graduation rate for White students is 75%, only approximately
half of Black, Latino, and Native American students earn
regular diplomas alongside their classmates. Yet, because
of misleading and inaccurate reporting of dropout and graduation
rates, and an exclusive preoccupation with testing data,
the public remains largely unaware of this educational and
civil rights crisis. This crisis is particularly acute in
Southern states, which have some of the lowest overall graduation
rates in the country. Not surprisingly, the research shows
that poor, racially isolated Whites have low graduation rates
that are nearly identical to poor, racially isolated Blacks.
Nationally, few predominantly White schools have concentrated
poverty, but there are significant numbers of these in parts
of the rural South. In this report, we give special attention
to five southern states -- Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi,
and North Carolina. View the full report at:
http://www.civilrightsproject.harvard.edu/research/dropouts/dropouts_south05.php.
From SOUTHERN COMPASS -- MAY 24, 2005:
- KY broadband infrastructure investment
yields 1600 jobs. A rural Kentucky economic development official
believes
$150,000 spent to extend high-speed Internet service
at local industrial parks helped create 1,600 jobs. Mark
Manning,
president of the Murray-Calloway County Economic Development
Corporation, said, "It's not that companies come
because of broadband, but when they see you don't have
it, you're
at a huge competitive disadvantage. They expect it and
they should." Manning further stated “We couldn't
have extended other utilities that distance for $150,000…I
view broadband the same as water and electricity. It's
not an option." The broadband infrastructure enabled
the region to land a major employer with an R&D arm
and boosted expansion by several existing businesses.
Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher wants to leverage state,
federal and
private dollars to blanket the state with broadband service.
Kentucky ranks 44th among states in the proportion of
high-tech businesses, 45th in residential computer use
and 43rd in
residential Internet use. See the AP article at http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/K/KY_INTERNET_ECONOMIC_DEVELOPMENT_KYOL-?SITE=KYLOU&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
- New
report on the power of partnership with colleges & universities. A new publication from the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development looks back at ten years of experience
in partnering with colleges and universities to empower
local
residents and organizations and revitalize communities.
Lessons learned include: 1) Partners must jointly explore
their separate
and common goals and interests; 2) Each partner must understand
the capacity, resources and expected contributions of every
other partner; 3) Effective partnerships must identify
opportunities for early success; 4) Partners need to
pay attention to the
partnership relationship itself and not just to project
tasks; 5) The partnership design must ensure shared control.
Several
Southern institutions are highlighted, including Virginia
Commonwealth University, University of North Carolina-Greensboro,
University of Memphis, Mercer University, and Morehead
State University. Access The Power of Partnership at http://www.oup.org/pubs/copc10.html.
With talent wars on the horizon, career newsletters
help companies assemble a pool of ready candidates (by Eilene
Zimmerman, Workforce Recruiting 5-26-05). Royal Dutch Shell
has used a careers newsletter to get its message out about
working at Shell. It’s cheaper than some other forms
of advertising, often more personal and, according to some,
the wave of the future. Corporations such as Royal Dutch
Shell, Microsoft and Siemens are now among a handful of companies
using slick e-mail publications to convey information about
themselves and their industries, employees and job openings
in an effort to begin a dialogue with potential candidates.
With labor markets getting tighter, they’re building
their talent pools so that candidates will be waiting in
the wings when it’s time to hire. "We’ve
been counseling corporations for years to use their CRM technology
to create relationships with candidates, not to source anew
every time there is a hiring need," says Alice Snell,
vice president at iLogos Research in San Francisco, a division
of talent management firm Taleo. In July, Shell launched
the Shell Careers Newsletter to communicate the company’s
overall values and mission to those who might be interested
in working there. Mei-Ching Koon, who manages strategy, development
and implementation of Shell’s recruiting channels,
says that the company wanted to "start building emotional
connections and loyalty in order to interest people in a
career with (Shell)." For the full article go to: http://www.workforce.com/section/06/article/24/05/48.html.
Quote for the Week:
"Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold.
For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will then be powerless to vex your mind.
"
Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)
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