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Workforce Investment Board
Meeting Dates and Minutes

Find our meeting dates and minutes below.

2023

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD LWIA #19 MACON & DEWITT COUNTIES 2023 MEETING DATES:

  • Thursday, January 19, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 16, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, September 14, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, November 16, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

Workforce investment board

Thursday, January 19, 2023 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting:

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Adam Flack, Nikki Garry, Brian Lockwood, Shamika Madison, Jennifer Miller, John Oliver, Beth Payne, Janice Peterson, RJ Podeschi, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Mirinda Rothrock, Kelli Runyon, Joshua Sapp, Paul Skowron, Amy Steck, and Darsonya Switzer.

Members Not Present: Julie Brilley, Laurie Brown, Richelle Dunbar, Amy Frazier, Jeanne Jones, Josh Prasun, Krystle Tempel, Cris Valdez and Robert Yuhas.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Aaron Wendt, Millikin University, Intern; Lisa Kitchens, ADM; Julie Moore-Wolfe, Mayor, City of Decatur; Tammy Wilcox, Macon County

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed the Workforce Investment Board.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on November 17, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval.

There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by Joe Riley. RJ Podeschi seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

Directors report – rocki wilkerson

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-June 2023                                        Total $1,342,005

Rocki reported the following allocations:

  •      Admin                                                              $134,198
  •      Youth                                                               $376,874
  •      Adult                                                                $674,643
  •      Dislocated Worker                                        $156,290
  •  

We are 100% expended. This grant will be closed on June 30, 2023.

PY2022 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2022-June 2024                                        Total $1,226,142

Rocki reported the following allocations:

  •      Admin                                                              $122,612
  •      Youth                                                               $343,562                                                    
  •      Adult                                                                $526,996
  •      Dislocated Worker                                        $232,972
  •  

This grant is doing well, new customers are coming in and we will be at 80% expended by June 30, 2023.

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2023                    $250,000

  •      Admin                                                             $16,392
  •      Program Staff                                                $11,080
  •      Other Program                                              $150,840
  •      Remedial/Work Exp.                                     $71,688
  •  

Rocki reported that this project was for Youth 18 to 24 years old. The 1st project went well, we are planning to run a 2nd cohort.

Illinois Works Program

January, 2022-December, 2022                    $499,831.55

  •      Staff Wage/Fringe                                        $49,332
  •      Program Services                                         $150,000
  •      Customer Support/Stipend                       $300,500
  •  

Rocki reported that we have run 2 cohorts

  •      45 Students Enrolled
  •      39 Completed
  •      11 Accepted into Trades
  •      23 Applied or Applying
  •      1 Left to work at Caterpillar
  •      4 Have not applied yet
  •      1 EMT through Abbot EMS
  •  

While in class students earned:

  •      OSHA 10 Certificate
  •      First Aide/CPR certificate
  •      NABTU-North America’s Building Trade Unions
  •  

The Next Cohort will start January 23, 2023.

JTED-Job Training & Economic Development Grant

July, 2022-April 2024                                         $575,000

  •      Staff Wage/Fringe                                         $133,254
  •      Program Services                                          $305,246
  •      Customer Support/Stipend                        $136,500  
  •  

Rocki reported that this is a great example of partnerships. We are working with Darsonya at Dove and Homeward Bound. The objective is to eliminate barriers and to transition to work experience, then employment. Currently we have 12 enrolled. 

Business Services Team Update

The Regional Business Service Team met on December 13, 2022. It was a zoom meeting with about 27 members participating. There was an IDES presentation from Marty Johnson regarding the Labor market. All 3 WIOAs have growing job markets. All 3 LWIA’s (LWIA #19, LWIA #20, LWIA #21) will meet with employers as well as working with the Business Service Teams to better understand barriers and employment needs. Referral forms were a big topic for all three areas. Discussion regarding utilizing a common form. Also discussed was how Career Pathways are expanding with Bridges and Career Exploration opportunities. 

The Regional project is starting to take place. It will be with a Regional Health Care Week. This will be April 17th through the 21st. 

The next meeting will be March 14, 2023 at 9:00 AM

JTED

This program currently has 12 individuals enrolled. 32 are in the referral/intake process.

1st Hospitality Class:

  •      3 are enrolled
  •      2 were referred by Homeward Bound
  •      1 from the ESL program at the Library
  •      2 successfully completed paid work experience
  •  

2nd Hospitality Class:

  •      10 students are through the referral sources
  •      6 from Crossing
  •      2 from Homeward Bound
  •      1 from IDES
  •      1 ESL student
  •  

The next Hospitality class starts on Monday, January 23rd at the Decatur Public Library.

Logistics:

  •      The 1st class is scheduled for the first week of February. It will be held at Richland Community College.
  •  

Quest Grant

Quest is for Dislocated Workers who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are 9 customers registered and 5 are eligible for this grant. 

One-Stop/American Job Center MOU Report & WIOA LAW – Debbie Wright

Program Year 2023 MOU Negotiations under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) have begun. Per WIOA, the MOU must reflect each required program partner’s human and financial commitments to make their services accessible and to share in the cost of operating the local workforce delivery system. This includes the required Infrastructure Funds to operate the physical one-stop centers, and the shared delivery costs system. 

Program Year 2023 will be the first year in a new term, and will replace the MOUs originally negotiated in 2019. 

WIOA Law established a national network of one-stop centers known as the American Job Center network. This network provides points of contact for job seekers and businesses to access employment and training services. All one-stop centers must deliver six core programs: Title I (Youth, Adult and Dislocated Workers – Workforce), Title II – Adult Education Literacy; Title III – Wagner-Peyser (IDES), and Title IV, Vocational Rehabilitation through Division of Human Services). 

Additionally, WIOA requires 12 other partner programs to provide access through the one-stops:

  • a) Career and Tech Ed – Perkins through RCC
  • b) Community Services Block Grant – through the Empowerment Center
  • c) Indian and Native American Programs -0-
  • d) HUD Employment and Training Programs (through Decatur Housing Authority)
  • e) Job Corps -0-
  • f) Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans Outreach (IDEAS)
  • g) National Farmworker Jobs Program (IDES)
  • h) Senior Community Service Employment Program (National Able)
  • i) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF – DHS)
  • j) Trade Adjustment Assistance Programs (Workforce)
  • k) Unemployment Compensation Programs (IDES)
  • l) Youth Build (Homework Hangout)
  •  

All of these partners are to provide services through the one-stop center – which was going well until COVID. We are working hard at getting everyone back to the table to ensure these services are being offered whether in-person or virtual. 

WIOA envisions high-quality one-stop centers that are:

  •      Business driven
  •      Customer centered
  •      Tailored to meet the needs of our area
  •  

One-stops are designed to serve job seekers:

  •      By increasing access to employment, education, training and support services
  •      Helping them to overcome barriers
  •      Succeed in the labor market
  •      Secure self-sustaining wages through employment
  •  

Additionally, one stops are designed to assist businesses by finding workers who possess the skills required. 

The one stops coordinate the Partner’s services and the WIB oversees the process which is why a one-stop report is given at each board meeting.

Timeline: The one-stop partners meet the first Wednesday of every month – our next meeting a draft budget will be handed out for review. A draft budget is due to the State by April 15th. The final MOU is due to the State by May 31, 2023. The Workforce Board will vote on the MOU at the May meeting. 

One Stop Operators Report – Jennie Wernecke

One Stop Center Report for November and December 2022 Workforce Investment Solutions Board Meeting for January 19, 2022

Resource Center Visitors Report

The 4th quarter report shows that the One Stop Center had a total of 290 visitors, as compared to the 3rd quarter total visitors of 251. An increase of 15.4% over the last quarter.
 
Illinois workNet Center Phone Log
 
Illinois WorkNet Center Calls-December dates are only from Dec. 1st to Dec. 5th.
 
                   Nov-22                          As of 12/5/22
IWNC             16                                        8
IDES               35                                       13
DORS               1                                         0
WIOA             21                                         6
MISC               3                                         0
ZOOM             3                                         0         
                      79                                       27
 
IWNC – All calls regarding: Illinois Works, Questions about what we do, Workshops, etc…
IDES – All calls regarding: Unemployment
DORS – All calls regarding: DORS and giving them their direct number
WIOA – All calls regarding: asking for the WIOA program link
MISC – All calls regarding: Calls asking Specifically for Executives
ZOOM – All calls regarding: Asking for Zoom info for our recruiting events
 
Workshops/Orientation
 
From November 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, the Illinois workNet Center offered 7 Workshops, which included our normal Job Readiness workshops; Job Searching Techniques, Interviewing Skills, and Resume Building and our normal monthly online Orientation to Workforce Investment Solutions and the Illinois workNet Center. 
 
In these same months, we also promoted IDES’ Applicant Tracking System Resume workshop, their Resume WebEx Workshop, and their Interviewing Workshop. All of their workshops are conducted on the WebEx platform and customers can call into the Illinois workNet Center and we will send out the link for any of their workshops. 
 
Total Workshops = 10
Total Participants Sign-Ups to Workshops = 39 (not counting IDES workshops)
Total Actual Attendance = 27 (not counting IDES workshops)
 
Recruiting Events
 
From November 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 we assisted the following employers with Recruiting events; both Zoom
 
  •      Altown Bus
  •      MV Transit
  •  
  • Total Recruiting Events = 2
  • Total Participant Sign-ups to Recruiting Events = 1
  • Total Actual Attendance to Recruiting Events = 1
  •  

Marketing of Events/Workshops

We continue to market all of our workshops, orientations and recruiting events in the following manner: 

We post the event to Facebook and we do a one-time boost for $10.00 for each event. We also share our information to other groups on Facebook.

We utilize our partnership with Illinois Department of Employment Security by preparing an IDES template with the information of each event. The template is then scheduled with IDES to be sent out in an eblast to everyone that is currently on Unemployment and receiving benefits. For the months of September, the average was 22,620 eblasts sent out and October’s average was 20,919.

We share our calendar of events, and flyers with a wide variety of services that are offered at the One Stop.

We post all of our events on our website: www.worknetdecatur.org and allow customers to sign up directly for the events through the website. 

The One Stop Lobby and Resource Room have flyers for all the events for anyone walking in and for any partners that are utilizing the resource room to give their customers that made appointments. 

Respectfully Submitted, 

Jennie Wernecke, One Stop Center Coordinator

Guest Speaker – Mayor of Decatur, Julie Moore Wolfe

Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe has served as Mayor since 2015. Her emphasis has been on improving public safety and infrastructure along with economic development and neighborhood revitalization. She is also the Executive Director of Philanthropy and Community Relations at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital. Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe reported on the projects in Decatur. 

Board Member Comments

John Oliver stated that ADM is partnering with Richland for training, recruiting and hiring of Diesel Mechanics. They recently purchased a CDL simulator. 

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by Miranda Rothrock. Nikki Garry seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: March 16, 2023

Workforce investment board 

Thursday, March 16, 2023 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting

Members Present: Laurie Brown, Richelle Dunbar, Nikki Gary, Jeanne Jones, Lisa Kitchens, Brian Lockwood, Jennifer Miller, John Oliver, Beth Payne, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Kelli Runyon, Joshua Sapp, Paul Skowron, Darsonya Switzer, Krystle Tempel, and Rober Yuhas.

Members Not Present: Nicole Bateman, Julie Brilley, Adam Flack, Amy Frazier, Shamika Madison, Janice Petersen, RJ Podeschi, Miranda Rothrock, Joe Snow, Amy Steck, and Chris Valdez.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Aaron Wendt, Millikin University Intern; Kevin Greenfield, Chairman, Macon County Board; Tammy Wilcox, Macon County; Nikki Budzinski, Representative for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District; Johnathan Williams, Staff person for Congresswoman Budzinski; Angela Foxworth-Everett, Staff person for Congresswoman Budzinski; Andrea Kelly, Youth to Career Pathways Participant; Jakivin Jenkins, Youth to Career Pathways Participant

Rick Price, Chairman, welcomed the Workforce Investment Board and Guest. 

ACTION ITEMS

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on January 19, 2023 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval. 

There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by John Oliver. Josh Sapp seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Rotalbly’s LLC

Rocki preseted a New Provider and Training program.

Rotalbly’s LLC

Certified Nursing Assistant Training, CNA, O Net code 31-1131.00

Rick Price asked the Workforce Investment Board for approval. No Nae’s. Chairman Rick Price signed the Program Certification for Rotalby’s LLC

Director’s report – rocki wilkerson

Rocki thanked everyone for attending. She stated that our community has had a rough few weeks. The Akorn plant closed and 400 people lost jobs through no fault of their own. The community, and many people on this board responded immediately and effectively. ADM hosted an exclusive hiring event at the workforce investment solutions office on February 28th. Workforce had 161 people sign in to the Illinois workNet Center for services. There were 3 Rapid Response sessions held over 3 days and 1 session online. 

Healthcare day: There is a flyer that will be promoted regionally LWIA’s 19, 20, and 21. This includes 14 counties. Decatur will host the Healthcare Day on April 18 at Richland Community College. This will highlight career opportunities for High School Sophomores and Juniors. 

High School Senior Employment Fair: This is a pilot project. There will be an Employment Fair that will cater to High School Seniors in the area. Economic Development, The Chamber, and Workforce Investment Solutions will be hosting the event on April 12 and 13, 2023. It will be held at Decatur’s Grand Palace Banquet Hall. 

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-July 2023: Total – $1,342,005

Rocki reported the following allocations:

  • Admin: $134,198
  • Youth: $376,874
  • Adult: $674,643
  • Dislocated Worker: $156,290
  •  

We are 100% expended. This grant will be closed on June 30, 2023

PY2022 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2022-June 2024: Total – $1,226,142

Rocki reported the following allocations:

  • Admin: $122,612
  • Youth: $343,562
  • Adult: $526,996
  • Dislocated Worker: $232,972
  •  

This grant is doing well. New customers are coming in, and we will be 80% expended by June 30, 2023.

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2023: Total – $407,793

  • Admin: $25,481
  • Program Staff: $23,740
  • Other Program: $150,840
  • Remedial/Work Exp: $207,732
  •  

Rocki reported that this grant increased by $157,793. There are 9 youth participants that are still attending MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship class. A few of the youth have decided on what apprenticeship they want to focus on and a few are still exploring opportunities. The class is active in the application processes with many Union Apprenticeship Programs. Project Read Plus is actively tutoring 3 of the youth participants after class in comprehension and math. The students commend the Project Read Plus for the services and state it is building confidence and skill level. 

Illinois Works Program

January, 2022-December, 2022: Total – $499,831.55

  • Staff Wage/Fringe: $49,332
  • Program Services: $150,000
  • Customer Support/Stipend: $300,500
  •  

Rocki Reported that:

  • 46 Enrolled
  • 37 Completed 
  • 14 Accepted for Apprenticeship
  • 2 Post-Secondary
  • DCEO still working to close out 2022
  •  

JTED-Job Training & Economic Development Grant

July, 2022-April, 2024: Total-$575,000

  • Staff Wage/Fringe: $133,254
  • Program Services: $305,246
  • Customer Support/Stipend: $136,500
  •  

Rocki reported that this is a great example of partnerships. We are working with Darsonya at Dove and Homeward Bound. The objective is to eliminate barriers and to transition to work experience, then employment. Six students are currently enrolled in Hospitality class. It started January 23, 2023 and will end March 16, 2023. They will be starting paid work experience. 15 are enrolled in CNA class. This class started March 6, 2023. 

QUEST-Dislocated Worker Grant

12/1/22-9/30/24: Total-$682,806

  • Staff Wage/Fringe: $192,022
  • Program Services: $258,984
  • Customer Support/Work Experience: $230,800
  •  

This grant is for customers that were COVID impacted:

  • 13 Customers enrolled
  • 10 Have direct training
  • 7 Receive support services
  • 5 Applicants are getting ready to be enrolled
  •  

Trade Adjustment Grant

10/1/22-9/30/23: Total – $13,960.48

  • Case Management: $2,742
  • Training: $11,218
  •  

Rocki reported that we have one customer in this grant. It is for people who lose their job when it goes overseas.

One Stop Operators Report: Debbie Wright

One Stop Center Report for January through March 12, 2023

Workforce Investment Solutions Board Meeting for March 16, 2023

Resource Center Visitors Report

The 1st quarter report (through March 12, 2023) shows that the One Stop Center had a total of 470 visitors. This time last year when we were limiting our hours of operation to 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, we had a total of 130 visitors.

Illinois workNet Center Phone Log

Illinois WorkNet Center Calls – January through February 2023

January 2023: 

  • IWNC: 18
  • IDES: 13
  • DORS: 0
  • WIOA: 13
  • MISC: 6
  • Total: 50
  •  

February 2023: 

  • IWNC: 12
  • IDES: 29
  • DORS: 0
  • WIOA: 19
  • MISC: 10
  • Total: 70
  •  

March 2023: 

  • IWNC: 18
  • IDES: 23
  • DORS: 0
  • WIOA: 8
  • MISC: 1
  • Total: 38
  •  

Rapid Response

With the closing of AKORN, we held 3 In-Person Rapid Response events at the IL workNet Center and 1 Zoom event.

The Rapid Response Team is made up of staff from multiple agencies including: Workforce, IDES, IL Dept. of Insurance and others. However, due to the restricted time, IDES and Workforce were the representatives at the sessions held for AKORN employees. Rapid Response sessions are to help the dislocated worker with the “What do I do now?” questions. Information on Unemployment Insurance, Health Insurance, and Training options was given out. After each in-person session, IDES assisted those that were having issues in submitting their unemployment claim online. 

  • Feb. 23, 2023 – 25 individuals attended
  • Feb. 24, 2023 – 21 individuals attended
  • Mar. 01, 2023 – 2 individuals attended
  • Mar. 03, 2023 – ZOOM Event – 1 person attended
  • Total: 49
  •  

Due to time restraints of putting the event(s) together, the publicity was limited. These events were advertised and shared on NowDecatur.com, Workforce Investment Solutions Facebook Page and Website and on the AKORN Employer page on www.IllinoisworkNet.com

Recruiting Events

Due to the sudden closing of AKORN, we assisted the following employers with in-person recruiting events:

  • ADM
  • Caterpillar, Inc.
  • Fuyao
  • Agri-Fab
  • Austin Industrial
  • Reynolds
  • Ring Container
  • AGCO
  • Kraft Hei
  •  

Initial Summary Report for In-Person ADM Recruiting/Special Event Exclusive to Akorn Employees

  • Name of Company: ADM
  • Date of Event: February 28, 2023
  • Time of Event: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (in-person)
  • Number of in-person participants: 161
  • Number of Company Representatives present: 14
  • Number of interviews: 161
  • Number of 2nd interviews scheduled: 40 salaried Akorn employees were given schedules for a phone interview for later in the week
  • Number of actual jobs offered on the spot: 17 of the 134 hourly employees were offered jobs on date of event. The remaining 117 are still being processed and may have follow-up interviews and offers.
  • Number of applications accepted today: Unknown – we can approximate around 60 of Akorn employees were funneled into our Resource Room and Computer Lab to complete the online ADM application prior to their in-person interviews.
  • Did the job seekers attending today meet the employer’s expectations? Yes
  • Did the hiring event meet the employer’s expectations? Yes
  • Rating of event by the employer? 5 = Outstanding
  •  

Comments as to why you gave the event the rating that you did, please explain why: Workforce Investment Solutions (WIS) was spectacular!!! Physically and mentally (we) could not have done this without you!!!!

Marketing Data:

This event was publicized by Byers & Co., radio, ADM flyers, WAND TV and NOWDECATUR.com. We did not collect marketing data for this event, as it was an exclusive event for Akorn employees. 

Summary of Data from the Mini Job Fair held for Akorn Employees

  • Date(s) of Job Fair: Thursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3, 2023
  • Times of Job Fair: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (both days) Each company chose their Date and Time on one of the two days to participate.
  •  

Companies participating in the Job Fair were:

  • Fuyao Glass (Thurs., March 2nd from 9:00am – 12:00pm)
  • Agri-Fab (Thurs., March 2nd from 9:00am – 12:00pm)
  • Austin (Thurs., March 2nd from 1:00pm-4:00pm AND Fri., March 3rd from 1:00pm-4:00pm)
  • Reynolds (Thurs., March 2nd from 1:00pm-4:00pm)
  • Ring Container (Fri., March 3rd from 9:00am-12:00pm)
  • AGCO (Fri., Mach 3rd from 9:00am-12:00pm)
  • Kraft Heinz (Fri., March 3rd from 1:00pm-4:00pm)
  •  
  • Total Participants on Thursday, March 2, 2023: 15
  • Total Participants on Friday, March 3, 2023: 20
  • Grand Total of Participants for both days: 35
  •  

Due to the very restricted time limits of putting the event(s) together, the publicity was limited. These events were advertised and shared on Workforce Investment Solutions Facebook Page and Website as well as the NOWDECATUR.com. The individual employers were encouraged to share the information on their Facebook Page(s) as well. Workforce shared the information to various groups on Facebook. 

Initial Summary Report for Caterpillar In-Person Recruiting Special Event Exclusive to AKORN Employees

  • Name of Company: Caterpillar
  • Date of Event: March 6, 2023
  • Time of Event: 10:00am to 2:00pm (in-person)
  • Number of in-person participants: 27
  • Number of Company Representatives present: 8
  • Number of interviews: 25
  • Number of 2nd interviews scheduled: 12
  • Number of actual job offers on the spot: N/A
  •  
  • Number of applications accepted at time of event: Customers were funneled into the Computer Lab to complete the Caterpillar online application. Some applicants had already applied online prior to today’s events, so exact number is not known. An estimate would be around 20.
  • Did the job seekers attending today meet the employer’s expectations? Yes
  • Did the hiring event meet the employer’s expectations? Yes
  • Rating of event by the employer? 5=Outstanding
  • Comments as to why you gave the event the rating that you did, please explain why: “The staff was helpful and accommodating from the initial setup to the end. We had the space for applications, screening, and interviewing. With more marketing on our end, we know we could’ve had more success.
  •  

Marketing Data

This special event was publicized by Caterpillar on their Facebook page and on Workforce Investment Solutions Facebook page and shared with a variety of different community agencies. The Resource Room Specialist created a special email blast to go out about the event to the 161 emails that Workforce collected from the previous weeks’ event with ADM for Akorn employees. We did not collect marketing data for this event, as it was an exclusive event for Akorn employees. 

Observations: The Caterpillar team expressed a sincere interest in having us host a future recruiting event for them, with the proper 2-week notice needed to better publicize the event. The CAT HR team was thrilled with the space that we provided them and said the event was better than the one they had on their property during COVID. 

Marketing of Events/Workshops

We continue to market all of our workshops, orientations, and recruiting events in the following manner:

  • We post the event to Facebook and we do a one-time boost for $10.00 for each event.
  • We also share our information to other groups on Facebook.
  • We utilize our partnership with Illinois Department of Employment Security by preparing an IDES template with the information of each event. The template is then scheduled with IDES to be sent out in an eblast to everyone that is currently on Unemployment and receiving benefits. 
  • We share our calendar of events and flyers with a wide variety of outreach partnerships here in Macon and DeWitt counties.
  • Workforce/One Stop Representatives will make agency visits to share information and educate staff, regarding the large variety of services that are offered at the One Stop. 
  • We post all of our events on our website: www.worknetdecatur.org and allow customers to sign up directly for the events through the website.
  • The One Stop Lobby and Resource Room have flyers for all of the events for anyone walking in and for any partners that are utilizing the resource room to give their customers that made appointments.
  •  

Respectfully Submitted,

Debbie Wright, One Stop Representative and Grant Coordinator

Guest Speakers

  • Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Representative for Illinois 13th Congressional District
  • Andrea Kelly, Youth to Career Pathways Participant
  • Jakivin Jenkins, Youth to Career Pathways Participant
  •  

Andrea and Jakivin talked about their experience with the program and that they appreciated the opportunities. They are employed by Bodine Electric. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski talked about the great job Andrea and Jakivin have done. She discussed the current issues in the State, and is excited to partner with Workforce and the Workforce Board.

Board Member Comments

John Oliver stated that we need to get the information out and how do we tell the stories. Registration for Richland Community College opens in 2 weeks. They now have the Virtual Reality Safety Training and this can be done on or off campus.

ADJOURNMENT 

There was a motion by Robert Yuhas. Laurie Brown seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 pm

Next Board Meeting: May 18, 2023

2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD LWIA#19 MACON & DEWITT COUNTIES 2022 MEETING DATES:

  • Thursday, January 20th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 10th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 19th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, September 15th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, November 17th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, January 20, 2022 11:30 a.m.                               

Minutes of the Meeting:

Members Present: 

Nicole Bateman, Melody Bodine, Julie Brilley, Marian Brisard, Jeanne Jones, Jill Kotys, Brian Lockwood, Shamika Madison, Jeremy Morris, John Oliver, Beth Payne, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Mirind Rothrock, Kelli Runyon, Joshua Sapp, Paul Skowron, Darsonya Switzer, Cris Valdez and Robert Yuhas.

Members Not Present:

Laurie Brown, Jeff Davison, Richelle Dunbar, Adam Flack, Kevin Horath, Jennifer Miller, RJ Podeschi, Joe Riley, and Kate Schlosser.

Others Present:

Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Stacey Curry, IMEC; Amy Frazier, Memorial Hospital; Marty Moore Johnson, IDES; Pam Lindsey Millikin University

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed new Board Members to the Workforce Investment Board meeting.

Action Items:

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on November 18, 2021 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval. There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by Josh Sapp. Kelli Runyon seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Youth Barrier Policy- Debbie Wright:

Debbie present Changes to the Youth Defined Barrier Policy. Youth Eligibility: An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an education program, or to secure and hold employment with the barriers listed in the policy. Additions to the policy:

· Youth lacking vocational/occupational skills to enter the labor market

· Youth who are unable to obtain full time employment due to economic conditions and need transitional employment

There was a motion to approve the Youth Barrier Policy as presented by Cris Valdez. Josh Sapp seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Work Experience Policy-Debbie Wright:

Debbie presented the Work Experience Payroll Procedures Policy changes. Additions to the policy

· A line was added for COVID related absences.

There was a motion to approve the Work Experience Policy as presented by Mirinda Rothrock. John Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson:

PY2020 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2020-June 2022 Total $1,753,720

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $175,370

· Youth: $484,614

· Adult: $610,760

· Dislocated Worker: $482,796

This grant is almost 100% expended. And will end in June of 2022

Opioid Disaster Grant

November, 2019 – June, 2022 Total $873,130

        1st Distribution: $436,565

        2nd Distribution: $436,565

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Administration: $87,285

· Program Staff: $317,391

· Training/Support Services: $372,901

· Disaster Relief Employment: $95,013

This grant has been modified to extend the grant to June 30, 2022. DCEO has additional funds if needed. There were 66 Work Experience and 7 On-the Job contracts. There was a goal of 84 and we are still enrolling customers.

PY 2021 Workforce Investment Grant

PY’ 21 July, 2021 – June, 2023; Total $1,304,168

· Admin $130,415

· Adult $509,643

· Dislocated Worker $287,236

· Youth $376,874

It is still a challenge to find Youth and Dislocated Workers.

Illinois Works Grant

Workforce received $499,832. We are looking forward to getting the marketing started and developing the pathway to Apprenticeships, Contractors and other areas in the construction field. Workforce is working closely with Building Trades and Labor.

Child Care Certifications

Rocki reported that Workforce partners with the Community Foundation of Macon County for services otherwise not approved for the Workforce Innovation Act. This funding is used to pay for Child Care Certifications and encourage people in the Child Care Industry a chance to complete course work. Larry reported that it is to increase skills of the currently employed. $22,000 has been spent and 30 customers have been helped.

YCP Youth Career Pathways

Rocki reported that 24 Youth showed up for the orientation. There were 17 interview and 10 approved. We can take 12 and hope to find 2 more. Josh Sapp reported that he is ready to get this class started on January 14, 2022.

Business Service Team

The Business Service Team met on January 5, 2022 through a ZOOM meeting. Several Partners attended and provided updates within their own agencies. Jennie Wernecke from the One-Stop shared a report on the Virtual Career Fairs in terms of employers needing to hire and how many customers attended.

Health Care Day

The dates have been selected, April 26 and 28, 2022. This will be held at Richland Community College. The Business Service Team were very engaged in this project last year. They assisted with the employers and provided student tours. They seem to be looking forward to this community project. This project is to get kids excited about a career. We hope to add additional occupational days in the future.

Workforce Commission Update

A meeting was held on January 18, 2022. The Workforce Commission is working diligently to provide additional information regarding services that are not locally reported. The goal is focus on the charge. How to become equitable and assessable within the State of Illinois.

Commission Charge:

The Illinois Equity and Access Workforce Commission shall create a vision for an Equitable, Accessible, and Effective Future State Workforce System grounded in an understanding of users and stakeholder experience.

Re-Opening of One-Stop American Job Center

The Center reopened on January 4, 2022. Monday – Thursday 8:30-12:30.

We have done everything possible to be COVID compliant. Masking, Temperature check, and signing in is required for all customers entering the Illinois WorkNet Center. We just need customers.

MOU Negotiations-Debbie Wright

Debbie report that the RFQ went out and we hired Tim Harmon with Workforce Enterprises. The 1st partners meeting is January 21, 2022. We will bring the MOU to the May meeting for approval.

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

ILLINOIS WORKNET ONE STOP CENTER YEAR-END REPORT

January 2021 to December 2021

The One Stop Center has had a year faced with many challenges. Our doors have been closed to the public since Covid began in March 2020. We have had to move all of our Job Readiness Workshops, Orientations and Recruiting events from being all in-person to all of them being virtual. We have used the Zoom platform to continue offering everything virtual. Since technology is an issue for some, we recognize that there may be some customers that are simply waiting for the One Stop Center to open. As of the writing of this report, the One Stop Center plans a soft opening at the beginning of 2022.

Below is a breakdown of the 2021 Events at the Decatur One Stop Center (all held virtually):

2021 Zoom Workshops/Orientation and Recruiting Events:

                                                                                                                                                                                              Total # of Events in 2021          Total Signed Up         Total Attended 

Job Readiness Workshops and Orientations                                                                                                                                  81                                          43                               128

Exploring Careers Workshops – Specialty Workshops/State Agency Recruitment Workshops                                          62                                         24                                111

Employer Recruitment Events                                                                                                                                                             79                                         34                                158

All events were posted on Facebook and boosted, our IDES partners, when possible, would send out the IDES Outreach emails to people receiving Unemployment benefits in Macon and DeWitt counties, to advertise the events. We also sent all information to our WorkNet Center partners, as well as to area outreach partnerships and other local agencies. In November we offered a Resume Workshop at the Decatur Public Library with publicity from both the Library and the Illinois workNet Center. Five people signed up with only 1 person attending the event. There may be more workshops offered in-person at the library in 2022, depending on the demand.

Resource Room

During the months of January through July 21, 2021, we had the Resource Room open by appointment only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm., with Security present. Due to Covid and social distancing, we could only offer 3 computers to be utilized on those set days and times. We ultimately served 102 people during that timeframe, with total capacity of 257 people. We had a total of 46 customers make appointments but did not show up for the actual appointment.

Even though the doors have been closed, the One Stop Coordinator has worked with anyone who has needed assistance with interviewing, job searching advice and resume review on a one-on-one basis or through Zoom or telephone.

The Resource Room has been updated with a new Color copier and fax machine for the customers, as well as new furniture that is easier to keep clean and wipe down. We have new magnetic white boards for our Job Board, the Trades and Apprenticeships Information Board and the Area Resources Board.

At the end of 2021, both of our National ABLE Front-end Receptionists were scheduled to be in the One Stop by the start of 2022. One started in December and the other one will be starting on January 4th. The Resource Room Specialist is from Express Employment Specialists and is currently working from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and hours will be looked at during the month of January.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Center Coordinator

Guest Speaker – Marty Moore Johnson, MBA

Manager-Workforce Analysis & Dissemination

Illinois Department of Employment Security

Marty Moore Johnson gave a Workforce Update for LWIA #19 on the following topics:

· Population

· Educational Statistics

· Demographics of the Workforce Area

· Labor Force and Employment

· Unemployment

· Establishments/ Employment by Sector

· Industry Composition

There were no Public or Board Member comments

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by John Oliver to adjourn. Josh Sapp seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: March 10, 2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, March 10, 2022 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Marian Brisard, Laurie Brown, Adam Flack, Jeanne Jones, Brian Lockwood, Shamika Madison, Jennifer Miller, Jeremy Morris, John Oliver, Beth Payne, RJ Podeschi, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Kelli Runyon, Paul Skowron, and Darsonya Switzer.

Members Not Present: Melody Bodine, Julie Brilley, Richelle Dunbar, Amy Frazier, Jill Kotys, Lisa Malisay, Mirinda Rothrock, Joshua Sapp, Kate Schlosser, Cris Valdez, and Robert Yuhas

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Daniel Laverde, Millikin University, Intern; McDermott, Martha, Manager–Workforce Analysis & Dissemination Illinois Department of Employment Security

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed new Board Members to the Workforce Investment Board meeting and thanked Laurie Brown for hosting the meeting at the Hickory Point Christian Village.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on January 20, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval. There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by John Oliver. Jeremy Morris seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Supportive Services Policy- Donna Meachum

Donna presented the changes to the Supportive Services Policy. The only changes made to this policy was the increase of the rate per day for round trip.

· 30-50 miles (round trip) increased to $14.00 a day

· 51-70 miles (round trip) increased to $17.00 a day

· 71 and over (round trip) increased to $20.00 a day

This rate is for our customers because of the increase in the price of gas. The change will take effect Monday, March 14, 2021.

There was a motion to approve the Supportive Services Policy as presented by Shamika Madison. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Transfer of Funds from 1D-1A grant- Rocki Wilkerson

Rocki presented the transfer of funds from the 1D Grant to the 1A Grant

There was a motion to approve the transfer of funds as presented by Darsonya Switzer. Brian Lockwood seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson

PY2020 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2020-June 2022 Total $1,753,720

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $175,370

· Youth: $484,614

· Adult: $610,760

· Dislocated Worker: $482,796

This grant is 100% expended and will be closed. Rocki thanked staff for their hard work and this was a successful grant.

Opioid Disaster Grant

November, 2019 – June, 2022 Total $873,130

        1st Distribution $436,565

        2nd Distribution $436,565- September 2021

Modification Request $30,000- February 2022

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Administration : $87,285

· Program Staff: $317,391

· Training/Support Services: $372,901

· Disaster Relief Employment: $95,013

This grant has been modified to extend the grant to June 30, 2022 and the additional $30,00 will help us finish.

PY 2021 Workforce Investment Grant

PY’ 21 July, 2021- June, 2023 Total $1,304,168

· Admin: $130,415

· Adult: $629,643

· Dislocated Worker: $167,236

· Youth: $376,874

It is still a challenge to find Youth and Dislocated Workers. We are still recruiting, this is a challenge for us and it is a challenge across the state. This grant has to be 80% expended by June 30, 2022

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-June, 2023 $250,000

· Admin: $16,392

· Program Staff: $11,080

· Other Program: $150,840

· Remedial/Work Exp: $71,688

Rocki reported that this program is just starting.

Illinois Works Grant

Workforce received $499,832. We are looking forward to getting the marketing started and developing the pathway to Apprenticeships, Contractors and other areas in the construction field. Workforce is working closely with Building Trades and Labor.

Child Care Certifications

Rocki reported that Workforce Partners with the Community Foundation of Macon County for services otherwise not approved for the Workforce Innovation Act. This funding is used to pay for Child Care Certifications and encourage people in the Child Care Industry a chance to complete course work. Larry reported that it is to increase skills of the currently employed. $22,000 has been spent and 30 customers have been helped. This program will end June 2022.

YCP Youth Career Pathways

Rocki reported that the 12 currently in the program are on a field trip to the Pipe Fitters today. There are 11 young men and 1 women. We want the students in this program excited to start internships.

· 24 Youth showed up for the orientation

· 19 Took the TABE test

· 17 Intakes

· 13 started the program

Business Service Team

The BST team meet on March 2, 2022. The dates have been selected for the Health Care Days. April 26, 2022 for Jr High and April 28, for High School. This will be held at Richland Community College. The Business Service Team were very engaged in this project 2 years ago, before COVID-19. They assisted with the employers and provided student tours. They seem to be looking forward to this Community Project. This project was developed to get kids excited about a Health Care Career. We hope to add additional occupational days in the future.

Opioid Update

Rocki reported that this is a challenging grant with good outcomes. This group has a lot of barriers and challenges. 71% of the customers relapsed. The grant will end on June 30, 2022 and a report will be done.

· 66 Paid Work Experiences

· 7 DRE Work Experiences

· 2 continue in school 1 at Millikin University and 1 at Richland Community College

· 6 to 7 customers still interested in services

· 8 customers in OJT programs

· 12 new referrals

Workforce Commission Update

A meeting was held on April 21, 2022. The Workforce Commission is working diligently to provide additional information regarding services that are not locally reported. The goal is focus on the charge. How to become equitable and assessable within the State of Illinois. Currently Workforce Investment Solutions does Case Management with our customers all the way to graduation.

Commission Charge:

The Illinois Equity and Access Workforce Commission shall create a vision for an Equitable, Accessible, and Effective Future State Workforce System grounded in an understanding of users and stakeholder experience.

Re-Opening of One-Stop American Job Center

The Center reopened on January 4, 2022. Monday – Thursday 8:30-12:30. On April 4, 2022 the Center will open full time. Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

We have done everything possible to be COVID compliant. Masking, Temperature check, and signing in is required for all customers entering the Illinois WorkNet Center.

We just need customers.

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

Resource Room

The Resource Room has been opened since the first week of January with limited hours Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. We have not seen a lot of traffic through the One Stop Center and most of the customers coming through are needing assistance with Unemployment Insurance. We do have the IDES Direct Linkage phone up and running and if customers have a claim number, they are directed to use the phone. Our 2 in-house IDES partners have scheduled 3 hours each, every other week to be in the Resource Room to assist with Illinois Job Link, including resetting passwords, OKTA – Security to add authentication and authorization services (for UI), Resume Development, Job Search and Interview Prep.

Workshops and Recruiting Events

The months of January and February have been full of Recruiting events, as well as our Job Readiness and career exploring Workshops.

The sign-up and attendance to all of the workshops, both the Career Exploration and the Job Readiness workshops continues to be low. We share flyers with the Illinois workNet Center partners and agencies, as well as a large number of community outreach partnerships. We utilize Facebook for all events, along with boosting the Facebook post and sharing it to other groups on Facebook. We provide our IDES partners with the information to send out to their customers receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits, which usually reaches on average around 23,500 job seekers in Macon and DeWitt counties. This is done for each workshop and recruiting event. Below is a breakdown of the Workshops for January and February.

                                                                                                        Total # of Events in Jan/Feb          Total Signed-Up          Total Attended

Job Readiness Workshops & Orientations                                                    6                                                 6                                      1

Exploring Careers Workshop                                                                             1                                                                                      1

We scheduled a total of 5 Recruiting Events in the months of January and February. We have seen an actual increase in sign-ups for the Recruiting Events but on average less than 50% of those signing up for the event, actually attend. Below is a breakdown of the Recruiting Events for January and February.

                                                                                                          Total # of Events in Jan/Feb          Total Signed-Up          Total Attended

Employer Recruitment Events                                                                                                          5                                                                  118                                                48

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Coordinator, Illinois workNet Center

Website Presentation – Daniel Laverde, Millikin University Intern

Daniel gave a presentation on the new Workforce Investment Solutions Website

Main Points:

· Employers

· Job Seekers

· Easy Navigation

· Fresh New Look

Rocki thanked Daniel for all of his hard work as our Intern and the work he has put into the Website. He has done a good job.

There was no Public or Board Member comments

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by RJ Podeschi to adjourn. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: May 19, 2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, May 19, 2022 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting:

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Melody Bodine, Laurie Brown, Amy Frazier, Lisa Manalisy, Beth Payne, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Mirinda Rothrock, Kelli Runyon, and Cris Valdez.

Members Not Present: Julie Brilley, Marian Brisard, Richelle Dunbar, Adam Flack, Jeanne Jones, Jill Kotys, Brian Lockwood, Shamika Madison, Jennifer Miller, Jeremy Morris, John Oliver, RJ Podeschi, Josh Prasun, Joshua Sapp, Kate Schlosser, Paul Skowron, and Robert Yuhas.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Ashley Garner, DOVE; Dr. Rochelle Clark Superintendent, Decatur Public Schools

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed Dr. Rochelle Clark to the Workforce Investment Board meeting and thanked Laurie Brown for hosting the meeting at the Hickory Point Christian Village.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on March 10, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval. There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by Joe Riley. Nicole Bateman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Supportive Services Policy

Donna Meachum presented the changes to the Supportive Services Policy. The following changes are requested for approval:

· Workforce Investment Solutions will reimburse at the current Federal rate per mile with a limit of $55.00 per day. The Federal reimbursement rate is .585 per mile.

This rate increase will help our customers with their transportation cost. The change will take effect Monday, March 14, 2021.

There was a motion to approve the change to the Supportive Services Policy as presented by Nicole Bateman. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

MOU Budget for PY22

Debbie Wright reported that each year the MOU budget is negotiated with the One Stop Partners. This year the partners negotiated in good faith and worked very hard to be in compliance. All partners have agreed on the budget in your packets. Total budget presented: $279,300 – FTE’s 19.75

Last year’s budget was: $294,000

19.68 FTE

We are asking for Workforce Investment Board to approve this budget.

There was a motion to approve the MOU Budget for PY22 as presented by Nicole Bateman. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

LWIB Chair to approve PY22 Modifications

The Workforce allocations have not arrived yet. DCEO said they would be out by the end of the month. Rocki Wilkerson requested for the LWIB Chair to approve the PY 22 modifications due to the late funding notifications.

There was a motion to approve the LWIB Chair to have the authority to approve the PY22 Modification as presented by Nicole Bateman. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

LWIB Chair to approve Youth Grants

Rocki Wilkerson reported that the allocations have not arrived yet. DCEO stated they would be out by the end of the month. 2 organizations applied:

· 1 for in School Youth

· 1 for Out of School Youth

Rocki Wilkerson requested that the Workforce Investment Board give the LWIB Chair the authority to approve the Youth Grants when the allocations become available.

There was a motion to give the LWIB Chair the authority to approve the Youth Grants as presented by Mirinda Rothrock. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Shamika Madison abstained. Motion carried.

Procurement of the One Stop Operator

Rocki Wilkerson reported that The Board has hired Marcella Consulting Corporation as the firm to procure the One Stop Operator. The One Stop Operator is hired on a 4-year contract and currently the One Stop Operator consists of a consortium of Workforce, Division of Rehabilitation Services and IDES. The current Consortium contract expires on June 30, 2022, the current consortium is applying to continue to be the One Stop Operator. Marcella Consulting Corporation will be presenting their recommendation to the Executive Committee by June 3, 2022. Rocki would like the Board to give approval for the Executive Committee to have the authority to approve or not approve the recommendation as given by Marcella Consulting. The new contract will begin July 1, 2022 and end June 30, 2026.

There was a motion to give the Executive Committee the authority to approve or not approve the procurement of the One Stop Operator as presented by Cris Valdez. Mirinda Rothrock seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-June 2023 Total $1,342,005

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $134,198

· Youth: $376,874

· Adult: $674,643

· Dislocated Worker: $156,290

We will be 80% expended on June 30, 2022

Opioid Disaster Grant:

November, 2019 – June, 2022 Total $903,130

1st Distribution $436,565

2nd Distribution $436,565- September 2021

Modification Request $30,000- February 2022

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Administration: $98,213

· Program Staff: $358,623

· Training/Support Services: $368,594

· Disaster Relief Employment: $77,700

PY 2020 Workforce Investment Grant

PY’ 20 July, 2020- June, 2022 Total $1,753,720

· Admin: $175,370

· Adult: $610,760

· Dislocated Worker: $482,976

· Youth: $484,614

This grant is 100% expended and is Closed Out as of June 30, 2022

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2022 $250,000

· Admin: $16,392

· Program Staff: $11,080

· Other Program: $150,840

· Remedial/Work Exp: $71,688

Illinois Works Grant

Rocki Wilkerson reported that:

· 45 customers were interested

· 34 Interviewed

· 24 signed up for the intake

Class will start Monday, May 23, 2022 at the Decatur Public Library. The class will start with 25 students.

Child Care Certifications

Rocki Wilkerson reported that Workforce Partners with the Community Foundation of Macon County for services otherwise not approved for the Workforce Innovation Act. We have spent $22,000 on 30 customers. Larry Peterson reported that there was a need for Child Care. People cannot go to work without childcare.

YCP Youth Career Pathways

Rocki Wilkerson reported that 11 out of 12 students are currently placed at various work sites. May 16, 2022 was the start date for the 10 weeks of work Experience. The class will earn OSHA 10, Forklift Training, MC3 Certificate, First Aid, and a CPR certificate

Business Service Team

The BST team held the Health Care Days at RCC on April 26 and 28, 2022

· 146 Jr. High Students attended

· 84 High School Students attended

A survey was included in the back of the packet. The committee agreed to continue to highlighting Health Care Occupations.

Opioid Update

Rocki Wilkerson reported that this grant will close June 30th, 2022. 79 customers had a work experience. 11 are currently on paid work experiences. Most of the customers work 10-25 hours per week. A few of the sites are:

· Crossing

· Northeast Community Center

· LSA Resale,

· Empowerment Opportunity Center

8 customers are in an OJT’s with local manufacturers and 1 with Crossings.

Workforce Commission Update

Rocki Wilkerson reported that a meeting was held on April 21, 2022. The discussion was on:

· Job Seekers

· Workforce Cabinet at Governor’s Office

· Functions of the Illinois Workforce Board

· State Funding

Re-Opening of One-Stop American Job Center

The Center reopened on January 4, 2022. Monday – Thursday 8:30-12:30. On April 4, 2022 the Center opened full time. Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

We have done everything possible to be COVID compliant. Masking, temperature check, and signing in is required for all customers entering the Illinois workNet Center. We just need customers.

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

Resource Room

On April 4th, we opened the Resource Room to its’ normal full-time hours of Monday thru Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It has been a slow trickle of customers that have been utilizing the Resource Room for Job Searching, Resume Building, etc. Our primary customers continue to be for Unemployment assistance, in which we refer them to the Direct Linkage phone to use. We also are seeing more customers that are requiring resume assistance in order to create and upload a resume into Illinois Job Link, in order for them to continue receiving their UI benefits.

Phone Calls

The Resource Room Specialist reported out the following breakdown of phone calls to the Center:

March                                                                                                                April

Illinois workNet Center                    13                                                         Illinois workNet Center                    20

IDES                                                     32                                                        IDES                                                      21

Dept. of Rehab.                                  8                                                        Dept. of Rehab.                                    7

Workforce Investment                    18                                                        Workforce Investment                     26

Misc.                                                    19                                                        Misc.                                                     19

Total                                                   90                                                        Total                                                    93

Workshops and Recruiting Events

The months of March and April have been full of Recruiting events, as well as our Job Readiness Workshops. The sign-up and attendance to all of the workshops, continues to be low. For the months of March and April, only about 57% of those who signed up for the event, actually attended. We continue to share flyers with the Illinois workNet Center partners and agencies, as well as a large number of community outreach partnerships. We utilize Facebook for all events, along with boosting the Facebook post and sharing it to other groups on Facebook. We provide our IDES partners with the information to send out to their customers receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits, which still continues to reach on average around 23,500 job seekers in Macon and DeWitt counties. This is done for each workshop and recruiting event. Below is a breakdown of the Workshops for March and April.

                                                                                                                Total # of Events in Mar/April               Total Signed Up                    Total Attended

Job Readiness Workshops and Orientations                                                     6                                                                              21                                                          12

We scheduled a total of 10 Recruiting Events in the months of March and April. We still are running below 50% attendance; roughly 47% of those signing up for the event, actually attend the Recruiting Event. Below is a breakdown of the Recruiting Events for January and February.

                                                                                                                Total # of Events in Mar/April              Total Signed-Up              Total Attended

Employer Recruitment Events                                                                                                                10                                                                             51                                                        24

March

     Memorial Health                                                                                                                                                                  13                                          8

     Akorn                                                                                                                                                                                      18                                          7

     Schimberg Company                                                                                                                                                          5                                          1

     J.J. Swartz Company                                                                                                                                                            5                                         2

     Alltown Bus Company                                                                                                                                                          3                                         2

     United Prairie                                                                                                                                                                          2                                          1

April

     South Shores Auto Service                                                                                                                                                  3                                          3

     Hogan Grain & Equipment                                                                                                                                                   1                                          0

     Voetalpine-Nortrak- Cancelled due to large fire in their plant

     D & O Contractors                                                                                                                                                                  1                                          0

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Coordinator, Illinois workNet Center

Guest Speaker- Dr. Rochelle Clark/Superintendent DPS

Dr. Rochelle Clark was the guest speaker for the May, 2022 Workforce Board Meeting. Her goal as Superintendent of Decatur Public Schools is to graduate strong, resilient students who are college or career ready.

Public or Board Member comments

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by Mirinda Rothrock. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: September 15, 2022

 

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, September 15, 2022 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Laurie Brown, Amy Frazier, Nikki Garry, Jeanne Jones, Brian Lockwood, Jennifer Miller, John Oliver, Beth Payne, RJ Podeschi, Mirinda Rothrock, Kelli Runyon, Paul Skowron, Amy Steck, and Krystle Tempel.

Members Not Present: Julie Brilley, Marian Brisard, Richelle Dunbar, Adam Flack, Jill Kotys, Shamika Madison, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Joshua Sapp, Kate Schlosser, Darsonya Switzer, Cris Valdez and Robert Yuhas.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; RJ Miller, IBEW; Clint Gannon ADM

Beth Payne, Vice- Chairman welcomed the Workforce Investment Board and thanked JR Miller and the IBEW for hosting the meeting.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on May 19, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval.

There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by John Oliver. Nicole Bateman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Nikki Garry, Abstained.

Supportive Services Policy

Donna Meachum reported that a change was made to the rate per day for round trip.

The current rate is the Federal rate of 58.5 cents per mile. Financially we are unable to sustain this. Our customers were told that the Federal rate would be a temporary rate. We propose to move it to:

· 30-50 miles (round trip)- $24.00/day

· 51-70 miles (round trip)- $27.00/day

· 71 and over (round trip)-$30.00/day

There was a motion to approve the Supportive Services Policy changes as presented by Nicole Bateman. Miranda Rothrock seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Revisions to the Regional and Local Plan

Debbie reported

There was a motion to approve the Regional and Local Plan as presented by John Oliver. Nicole Bateman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson

Rocki welcomed guest and members to our In-Person meeting.

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-June 2023 Total $1,342,005

This total Incorporates Additional DW funding $37,837

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $134,198

· Youth: $376,874

· Adult: $674,643

· Dislocated Worker: $156,290

We are 85% expended. We have not received allocations from the State yet.

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2022 $250,000

· Admin: $16,392

· Program Staff: $11,080

· Other Program: $150,840

· Remedial/Work Exp: $71,688

Rocki reported that 11 out of the 12 successfully finished the program. We spent a lot of funds on barriers such as car repairs, tires, clothes, and boots

Illinois Works Program

January, 2022-December, 2022 $499,831.55

· Staff Wage/Fringe: $49,332

· Program Services: $150,000

· Customer Support/Stipend: $300,500

Rocki reported that 24 of the 25 customers finished the program. This was very Successful

JTED

The JTED Hospitality programs reported the following numbers:

· 2 individuals on paid work experience at DCCH

· 2 Individuals in process to start paid work experiences

· 1 person who has been in the class enrolled in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program

· 4 info Sessions for the upcoming Hospitality class

· 18 individuals to attend the Hospitality class

YCP Youth Career Pathways

Rocki Wilkerson reported:

· $250,000 to run another class

· 11 where in the class

· 7 accepted into a Trade Union

· 1 went to work at Austin

· 3 are waiting to hear of acceptance

· 3 OJTs

Business Service Team Update

Rocki Wilkerson reported that the Business Service Team meet on September ____, 2022. There were no Summer meetings. The main discussions were the Health Care Days. They hope to have it again and include the private and county schools. They talked about having a manufacturing day and adding IT, CDL and different pathways

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

One Stop Center End of Year Report

Workforce Investment Solutions Board Meeting for September 15, 2022

Reflections from the Coordinator

The past 12 months, like so many other companies, presented many challenges to the One Stop Center. With our doors closed for 8 of the 12 months of the past year, we could only offer limited services to our customers. We offered all of our workshops and recruiting events through the Zoom platform, which presented even more challenges to a portion of our customer base who has limited access and/or understanding of technology. We began a soft opening of the One Stop Center the first week of January 2022, which allowed customers to come into the Resource Room from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Monday through Thursday. On April 4, 2022, the One Stop opened up back to its’ normal hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. In this time, we hired a full-time Resource Room Specialist and National ABLE (our One Stop Partner), supplied us with (2) part-time employees to handle the front reception desk. Our customer traffic has been very slow to start, but we are seeing slight increases of customers through the door.

Our Resource Room is staffed differently than it was pre-Covid. Pre-Covid, we had a Department of Rehabilitation Services representative sitting up front, an IDES representative in the AM and PM every day, along with the Resource Room Specialist and myself. Currently, DORS is and has been only working remotely since Covid began, and therefore, no one from DORS is up front. Our IDES partners are primarily in the back of the office, using only the phone to contact their client list, and only seeing their customer(s) up front in the Resource Room by appointment only. Our (2) in-house IDES partners have 3.5 hours each up front in the Resource Room every other week to assist customers walking into the Resource Room.

Generally speaking, the customers that we are seeing today seem to have more barriers than ever before, i.e., criminal backgrounds, low technology skills, low reading and critical thinking skills, no previous work experience, language barriers, along with a variety of mental health issues. These barriers make it more difficult to assist the customer but we have been doing our best by offering assistance in creating resumes and job searching assistance, offering the job readiness workshops and recruiting events, etc.., and making other referrals to partner agencies. Even though the customer flow is slow through the Resource Room, we have had many great success stories of customers that have taken the time to come back and thank the staff for helping them get the job or get the interview that they had come into the Resource Room to get assistance with, etc..

We continue to move forward and the foot traffic through the Center is definitely increasing as word gets out that we are open. Employers are requesting more Recruiting Events as it is a great recruitment tool for them and we are now, as of June 2022, offering the recruiting events and some of our workshops on an in-person basis. Our Resource Room was remodeled in January 2022 and it is a beautiful Resource Room and is easy to clean and sanitize after customers use our facility. We have had many compliments regarding our improvements and remodel.

Resource Center Visitors Report

Since the first quarter of the year, when we had the soft opening, we had 130 customers come through the Center for Services. The second quarter, which reflects the Center being open full-time, we showed 352 people coming through the Center for services.

Illinois workNet Center Phone Log

The Resource Room Specialist reported the phone calls since her arrival in March 2022. Below is a breakdown:

                                                                                                  Illinois Work Center Calls

                                        Mar-22                   Apr-22                     May-22                   Jun-22                    July-22                    Aug-22

IWNC                                   13                        20                          6                          13                         41                         13

IDES                                     32                        21                          12                         28                         19                        24

DORS                                    8                          7                           3                           9                         15                         10

WIOA                                   18                        26                          9                          32                        21                         13

MISC                                     6                         16                           1                            8                         9                          4

ZOOM                                  13                          3                           0                           4                          5                          0

                                            90                        93                          31                         94                        110                       64

IWNC: All calls regarding: Illinois Works, Questions about what do we do, Workshops, etc.

IDES: All calls regarding: Unemployment

DORS: All calls regarding: DORS and giving them their direct number

WIOA: All calls regarding: asking for the WIOA program link

MISC: All calls regarding: Calls asking Specifically for Executives

ZOOM: All calls regarding: Asking for ZOOM info. and for our recruiting events

Workshops

From July 2021 to June 30, 2022 we offered 47 Workshops that include all of the Job Readiness Workshops that encompass, Job Searching, Interviewing Skills and Resume Building. We have also offered monthly Orientations, specialty workshops such as, Exploring Trucking Careers, Exploring Healthcare Careers and Exploring Dental Assisting Careers and a Resume Class at the Decatur Public Library.

Total Workshops = 47

Total Participant Sign-ups to Workshops = 75

Workshop Actual Attendance = 45 or 60% of those signed up actually attended.

Recruiting Events

From July 2021 to June 30, 2022 we assisted the following employers with Recruiting Events:

Aims Company                                          HSHS Ambulance

Akorn                                                            IDHS Recruiting x 6

Allied Universal                                          J. J. Swartz Company x 2

Alltown Bus Company x 2                       Mervis

All Ways Caring Home Care                  MV Transportation

Austin Industrial                                       North Star Memorial

Central Illinois Care Services                Oasis Day and Resource Center

Cim-Tek Filtration                                    Railserve Inc. x 2

Clear Point Preservation                        S.A. Lewis

Decatur Earthmover Credit                   Union Schimberg Company

Decatur Memorial Hospital                    South Shores Auto Service

D & O Contractors                                    United Prairie

Dove, Inc.                                                    Voestalpine Nortrak x 2

Fuyao Glass x 2                                         Waste Management

Hogan Grain and Equipment                World Emblem

H & R Block

 

Total Recruiting Events = 41

Total Participant Sign-ups to Recruiting Events = 224

Total Actual Attendance to Recruiting Event = 94 or 42% of those signed up actually attended

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Center Coordinator

 

Year in Review

Rocki Wilkerson presented the Year in Review July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022

Grants

· Totals Grants/Revenue- $5,521,404

Customers Enrolled in Training

· Health Care: 51%

· Manufacturing/Technical: 1%

· Transportation/CDL/Logistics: 8%

· Business/Accounting: 1%

· Human Services: 2%

· Education: 15%

· Apprenticeship: 22%

Training Expenditures

· Total On-The-Job Training: $30,956

· Total Tuition/Fees/Books: $547,617

· Youth Provider Cost: $193,791

· Work Experience/Stipend: $215,762

· Incumbent Worker Training: $88,302

· Total Support Services: $90,976

Customer Exits

· Adult: 25

· Dislocated Worker: 8

· Youth: 21

PY 2019 Performance Measures

· Youth: Exceeded

· Adult: Exceeded

· Dislocated Worker: Meet/Exceeded

Public or Board Member Comments

RJ Podeschi, Dean Tabor School of Business, Millikin University

RJ presented Millikin’s programs, Millikin wants to be more involved with community.

Clint Gannon, Regional HR US & Canada, ADM

Clint presented ADM goals for the future

Nicole Bateman, DEC Decatur

Nicole present the August 2022 jobs analysis

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by Nichole Bateman. Paul Skowron seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: November 17, 2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, November 17, 2022 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Nikki Garry, Brian Lockwood, Jennifer Miller, Beth Payne, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Kelli Runyon, Paul Skowron, Amy Steck, Krystle Tempel, and Robert Yuhas.

Members Not Present: Julie Brilley, Marian Brisard, Laurie Brown, Richelle Dunbar, Adam Flack, Amy Frazier, Jeanne Jones, Jill Kotys, Shamika Madison, John Oliver, RJ Podeschi, Joe Riley, Mirinda Rothrock, Joshua Sapp, Kate Schlosser, Darsonya Switzer, and Cris Valdez.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Clint Gannon ADM; Amanda Lones McLeod Express; McDermott, Martha DCEO

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed the Workforce Investment Board.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on September 18, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval.

There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by Nicole Bateman. Josh Prasun seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Approval of the 2023 Workforce Board Meeting Dates

Rocki presented the 2023 meeting dates for the Workforce Board:

· Thursday, January 19, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

· Thursday, March 16, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

· Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

· Thursday, September 14, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

· Thursday, November 16, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

There was a motion to approve the 2023 meeting dates as presented by Nikki Garry. Nicole Bateman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson

Rocki welcomed guest and members to last meeting of 2022.

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-June 2023 Total: $1,342,005

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $134,198

· Youth: $376,874

· Adult: $674,643

· Dislocated Worker: $156,290

We are 100% expended.

PY2022 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2022-June 2024 Total: $1,226,142

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $122,612

· Youth: $343,562

· Adult: $526,996

· Dislocated Worker: $232,972

We are obligated/expended 100% in Administration, Youth and Adult. We struggle with the Dislocated Workers.

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2022 $250,000

· Admin: $16,392

· Program Staff: $11,080

· Other Program: $150,840

· Remedial/Work Exp: $71,688

Rocki reported that she has applied for additional funding with a longer work experience time.

Illinois Works Program

January, 2022-December, 2022 $499,831.55

· Staff Wage/Fringe $49,332

· Program Services $150,000

· Customer Support/Stipend $300,500

Rocki reported that 25 students were in the class.

JTED

July, 2022-April, 2024 $575,000

· Staff Wage/Fringe $133,254

· Program Services $305,246

· Customer Support/Stipend $136,500

Rocki reported that they started with 10 students now they have 7 students. These customers are very hard to serve. Many have multiple barriers.

DCEO Monitoring Site Visit

Rocki reported the Exit Interview was on October 7. We do not have the formal letter, but these are the verbal results:

· Bank Reconciliation- going to be listed as a possible observation. This has to do with the three-day cash on hand rule

· GRS Reporting Error

· Management Recommendation. Have customers sign off when they receive equipment or tools.

· Worksite agreement- Error in date that customer started employment. Career Planner used the orientation date as the first day. First day should have been 1st working day.

Illinois Works Conference

Workforce and the One Level staff attended this conference in Springfield on October 17 & 18, 2022. There were two young women that represented Workforce in a group panel discussion. DCEO asked that we re-submit for another year. Information sessions are already scheduled for the January class.

Business Services Team Update

The Business Service Team will now be meeting regionally with LWIAs 20 and 21. That will include 15 counties that will benefit from any type of career activities. LWIA#19 will continue to meet monthly and work on the Health Care Days as well as other occupations. The goal is to get this information into the school as soon as possible.

Youth to Career Pathways

We had money left to provide another class for 19-24 year old’s. This class will start in January.

QUEST Grant

This grant will focus specifically on Dislocated Workers. Anyone that has lost employment due to COVID. The eligibility is broad due to the need to get Dislocated Workers back to work. The grant totals $644,000.

JTED

This grant is currently working with DOVE and Homeward Bound to assist individuals with barriers gain employment. The Introduction to Hospitality class started with 10 and we still have 7 in the class. These students will be put on a paid work experience.

November 2022 Youth Report

Youth Career Pathways

The Career Planner is still communicating with the original 11 customers.

· 7 customers are in the apprentice process and employed full time.

· 3 have taken full time employment in other areas.

· 1 student has not shown motivation to move forward in any process and is still unemployed by choice.

C N A

· 4 students at Richland will take the final exam for C N A on November 10, 2022. We hope that they will take the State exam in December

Capital Area of Practical Nursing

· 1 student that will graduate in December with Boards scheduled in January.

· 1 student is on track to graduate in May.

· 1 student will begin in February 2023.

Richland

· 2 students currently are completing RN and LPN pre-requisites and will apply early spring 2023

· 1 Student in Second Semester RN Program

Millikin

· 1 student will complete her BSN in May 2023 with Honors

· This student is in the Community Foundation Grant

Rocki reported that we are trying to get the word out to DPS/December graduates for Spring programing connected to Workforce.

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

One Stop Center Report for September and October 2022

Workforce Investment Solutions Board Meeting for November 17, 2022

Resource Center Visitors Report

The 3rd Quarter Report shows that the One Stop Center had a total of 251 visitors, which is down from the 2nd Quarter total visitors of 352. A difference of 101 and/or a decrease of 29%. No known reason for the decrease, especially since we started offering in September and October, In-Person Basic Computer Classes. Only a total of 2 people showed up for the classes and both customers were looking for more advanced classes and/or Excel training. We also had 6 in-person recruiting events, as well. Normally, these events would bring more people through the doors.

Illinois workNet Center Phone Log

The Resource Room Specialist reported the phone calls for the months of September and October, 2022. Below is a breakdown:

                                       Sep-22                    Oct-22

IWNC                                 34                             27

IDES                                   29                              21

DORS                                  9                                4

WIOA                                 19                               17

MISC                                   4                                6

ZOOM                                18                                8

                                          113                               83

IWNC All calls regarding: Illinois Works, Questions about what we do, Workshops, etc.

IDES All calls regarding: Unemployment

DORS All calls regarding: DORS and giving them the agency’s direct phone number

WIOA All calls regarding: Asking for the WIOA program link

MISC. All calls regarding: Calls asking specifically for Executives

ZOOM All calls regarding: Asking for the Zoom link for our workshops and recruiting events.

Workshops/Orientations

From September 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022, we offered 19 Workshops, which included our normal Job Readiness workshops; Job Searching Techniques, Interviewing Skills, and Resume Building and our normal monthly online Orientation to Workforce Investment Solutions and the Illinois workNet Center. Our Specialty Workshops for these two months, included, Basic Computer Classes and Basic Introduction to MS Word computer classes. We also offered a Sealing & Expungement Workshop through our partners at IDES in the month of September.

The One Stop Center Coordinator and the Resource Room Specialist, also went to the Decatur Public Library in October to visit the Pre-Apprenticeship class and assisted the classes for 2 days on creating their resumes. The One Stop Center Coordinator also went to the Decatur Public Library to introduce the One Stop Services to the ESL classes. The Introduction to Hospitality Bridge class came to the One Stop Center for their Resume assistance workshop in late October.

Total Workshops =19

Total Participants Sign-ups to Workshops =40

Workshop Actual Attendance =37 (92% of those that signed up attended)

Recruiting Events

From September 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022, we assisted the following employers with Recruiting Events; both Zoom and In-Person.

· HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital

· Mervis Recruiting

· Fuyao Glass

· Professional Transportation

· Akorn Pharmaceuticals

· Macon Resources, Inc.

Total Recruiting Events =6

Total Participant Sign-Ups to Recruiting Events =49

Total Actual Attendance to Recruiting Events =49

Marketing of Events/Workshops

We continue to market all of our workshops, orientations and recruiting events in the following manner:

· We post the event to Facebook and we do a one-time boost for $10.00 for each event. We also share our information to other groups on Facebook.

· We utilize our partnership with Illinois Department of Employment Security by preparing an IDES template with the information of each event. The template is then scheduled with IDES to be sent out in an eblast to everyone that is currently on Unemployment and receiving benefits. For the months of September, the average was 22,620 eblasts sent out and October’s average was 20,919.

· We share our calendar of events, and flyers with a wide variety of outreach partnerships, here in Macon and DeWitt counties.

· The One Stop Center Coordinator will make agency visits to share information and educate staff, regarding the large variety of services that are offered at the One Stop. · We post all of our events on our website: www.worknetdecatur.org and allow customers to sign up directly for the events through the website.

· The One Stop Lobby and Resource Room have flyers for all of the events for anyone walking in and for any partners that are utilizing the resource room to give to their customers that made appointments.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Center Coordinator

Public or Board Member Comments

Larry Peterson reported on his current TikToks for Workforce.

Nichole Bateman reported on a Hire Day for schools

Paul Skowron reported that November 17, 2022 was National World Health Day

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by Nicole Bateman. Robert Yuhas seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: January 19, 2023

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD LWIA #19 MACON & DEWITT COUNTIES 2023 MEETING DATES:

  • Thursday, January 19, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 16, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, September 14, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, November 16, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

Workforce investment board

Thursday, January 19, 2023 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting:

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Adam Flack, Nikki Garry, Brian Lockwood, Shamika Madison, Jennifer Miller, John Oliver, Beth Payne, Janice Peterson, RJ Podeschi, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Mirinda Rothrock, Kelli Runyon, Joshua Sapp, Paul Skowron, Amy Steck, and Darsonya Switzer.

Members Not Present: Julie Brilley, Laurie Brown, Richelle Dunbar, Amy Frazier, Jeanne Jones, Josh Prasun, Krystle Tempel, Cris Valdez and Robert Yuhas.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Aaron Wendt, Millikin University, Intern; Lisa Kitchens, ADM; Julie Moore-Wolfe, Mayor, City of Decatur; Tammy Wilcox, Macon County

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed the Workforce Investment Board.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on November 17, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval.

There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by Joe Riley. RJ Podeschi seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

Directors report – rocki wilkerson

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-June 2023

Total $1,342,005

Rocki reported the following allocations:

  • Admin: $134,198
  • Youth: $376,874
  • Adult: $674,643
  • Dislocated Worker: $156,290
  •  

We are 100% expended. This grant will be closed on June 30, 2023.

PY2022 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2022-June 2024

Total $1,226,142

Rocki reported the following allocations:

  • Admin: $122,612
  • Youth: $343,562
  • Adult: $526,996
  • Dislocated Worker: $232,972
  •  

This grant is doing well, new customers are coming in and we will be at 80% expended by June 30, 2023.

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2023: $250,000

  • Admin: $16,392
  • Program Staff: $11,080
  • Other Program: $150,840
  • Remedial/Work Exp.: $71,688
  •  

Rocki reported that this project was for Youth 18 to 24 years old. The 1st project went well, we are planning to run a 2nd cohort.

Illinois Works Program

January, 2022-December, 2022: $499,831.55

  • Staff Wage/Fringe: $49,332
  • Program Services: $150,000
  • Customer Support/Stipend: $300,500
  •  

Rocki reported that we have run 2 cohorts

  • 45 Students Enrolled
  • 39 Completed
  • 11 Accepted into Trades
  • 23 Applied or Applying
  • 1 Left to work at Caterpillar
  • 4 Have not applied yet
  •  1 EMT through Abbot EMS
  •  

While in class students earned:

  • OSHA 10 Certificate
  • First Aide/CPR certificate
  • NABTU-North America’s Building Trade Unions
  •  

The Next Cohort will start January 23, 2023.

JTED-Job Training & Economic Development Grant

July, 2022-April 2024: $575,000

  • Staff Wage/Frige: $133,254
  • Program Services: $305,246
  • Customer Support/Stipend: $136,500  
  •  

Rocki reported that this is a great example of partnerships. We are working with Darsonya at Dove and Homeward Bound. The objective is to eliminate barriers and to transition to work experience, then employment. Currently we have 12 enrolled. 

Business Services Team Update

The Regional Business Service Team met on December 13, 2022. It was a zoom meeting with about 27 members participating. There was an IDES presentation from Marty Johnson regarding the Labor market. All 3 WIOAs have growing job markets. All 3 LWIA’s (LWIA #19, LWIA #20, LWIA #21) will meet with employers as well as working with the Business Service Teams to better understand barriers and employment needs. Referral forms were a big topic for all three areas. Discussion regarding utilizing a common form. Also discussed was how Career Pathways are expanding with Bridges and Career Exploration opportunities. 

The Regional project is starting to take place. It will be with a Regional Health Care Week. This will be April 17th through the 21st. 

The next meeting will be March 14, 2023 at 9:00 AM

JTED

This program currently has 12 individuals enrolled. 32 are in the referral/intake process.

1st Hospitality Class:

  •      3 are enrolled
  •      2 were referred by Homeward Bound
  •      1 from the ESL program at the Library
  •      2 successfully completed paid work experience
  •  

2nd Hospitality Class:

  • 10 students are through the referral sources
  •  6 from Crossing
  •  2 from Homeward Bound
  • 1 from IDES
  • 1 ESL student
  •  

The next Hospitality class starts on Monday, January 23rd at the Decatur Public Library.

Logistics:

  • The 1st class is scheduled for the first week of February. It will be held at Richland Community College.
  •  

Quest Grant

Quest is for Dislocated Workers who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are 9 customers registered and 5 are eligible for this grant. 

One-Stop/American Job Center MOU Report & WIOA LAW – Debbie Wright

Program Year 2023 MOU Negotiations under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) have begun. Per WIOA, the MOU must reflect each required program partner’s human and financial commitments to make their services accessible and to share in the cost of operating the local workforce delivery system. This includes the required Infrastructure Funds to operate the physical one-stop centers, and the shared delivery costs system. 

Program Year 2023 will be the first year in a new term, and will replace the MOUs originally negotiated in 2019. 

WIOA Law established a national network of one-stop centers known as the American Job Center network. This network provides points of contact for job seekers and businesses to access employment and training services. All one-stop centers must deliver six core programs: Title I (Youth, Adult and Dislocated Workers – Workforce), Title II – Adult Education Literacy; Title III – Wagner-Peyser (IDES), and Title IV, Vocational Rehabilitation through Division of Human Services). 

Additionally, WIOA requires 12 other partner programs to provide access through the one-stops:

  • a) Career and Tech Ed – Perkins through RCC
  • b) Community Services Block Grant – through the Empowerment Center
  • c) Indian and Native American Programs -0-
  • d) HUD Employment and Training Programs (through Decatur Housing Authority)
  • e) Job Corps -0-
  • f) Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives and Disabled Veterans Outreach (IDEAS)
  • g) National Farmworker Jobs Program (IDES)
  • h) Senior Community Service Employment Program (National Able)
  • i) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF – DHS)
  • j) Trade Adjustment Assistance Programs (Workforce)
  • k) Unemployment Compensation Programs (IDES)
  • l) Youth Build (Homework Hangout)
  •  

All of these partners are to provide services through the one-stop center – which was going well until COVID. We are working hard at getting everyone back to the table to ensure these services are being offered whether in-person or virtual. 

WIOA envisions high-quality one-stop centers that are:

  •      Business driven
  •      Customer centered
  •      Tailored to meet the needs of our area
  •  

One-stops are designed to serve job seekers:

  • By increasing access to employment, education, training and support services
  • Helping them to overcome barriers
  •  Succeed in the labor market
  • Secure self-sustaining wages through employment
  •  

Additionally, one stops are designed to assist businesses by finding workers who possess the skills required. 

The one stops coordinate the Partner’s services and the WIB oversees the process which is why a one-stop report is given at each board meeting.

Timeline: The one-stop partners meet the first Wednesday of every month – our next meeting a draft budget will be handed out for review. A draft budget is due to the State by April 15th. The final MOU is due to the State by May 31, 2023. The Workforce Board will vote on the MOU at the May meeting. 

One Stop Operators Report – Jennie Wernecke

One Stop Center Report for November and December 2022 Workforce Investment Solutions Board Meeting for January 19, 2022

Resource Center Visitors Report

The 4th quarter report shows that the One Stop Center had a total of 290 visitors, as compared to the 3rd quarter total visitors of 251. An increase of 15.4% over the last quarter.
 
Illinois workNet Center Phone Log
 
Illinois WorkNet Center Calls-December dates are only from Dec. 1st to Dec. 5th.
 
                     Nov-22           As of 12/5/22
IWNC             16                                        8
IDES               35                                       13
DORS               1                                         0
WIOA             21                                         6
MISC               3                                         0
ZOOM             3                                         0         
                      79                                       27
 
IWNC – All calls regarding: Illinois Works, Questions about what we do, Workshops, etc…
IDES – All calls regarding: Unemployment
DORS – All calls regarding: DORS and giving them their direct number
WIOA – All calls regarding: asking for the WIOA program link
MISC – All calls regarding: Calls asking Specifically for Executives
ZOOM – All calls regarding: Asking for Zoom info for our recruiting events
 
Workshops/Orientation
 
From November 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, the Illinois workNet Center offered 7 Workshops, which included our normal Job Readiness workshops; Job Searching Techniques, Interviewing Skills, and Resume Building and our normal monthly online Orientation to Workforce Investment Solutions and the Illinois workNet Center. 
 
In these same months, we also promoted IDES’ Applicant Tracking System Resume workshop, their Resume WebEx Workshop, and their Interviewing Workshop. All of their workshops are conducted on the WebEx platform and customers can call into the Illinois workNet Center and we will send out the link for any of their workshops. 
 
Total Workshops = 10
Total Participants Sign-Ups to Workshops = 39 (not counting IDES workshops)
Total Actual Attendance = 27 (not counting IDES workshops)
 
Recruiting Events
 
From November 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 we assisted the following employers with Recruiting events; both Zoom
 
  •      Altown Bus
  •      MV Transit
  •  
  • Total Recruiting Events = 2
  • Total Participant Sign-ups to Recruiting Events = 1
  • Total Actual Attendance to Recruiting Events = 1
  •  

Marketing of Events/Workshops

We continue to market all of our workshops, orientations and recruiting events in the following manner: 

We post the event to Facebook and we do a one-time boost for $10.00 for each event. We also share our information to other groups on Facebook.

We utilize our partnership with Illinois Department of Employment Security by preparing an IDES template with the information of each event. The template is then scheduled with IDES to be sent out in an eblast to everyone that is currently on Unemployment and receiving benefits. For the months of September, the average was 22,620 eblasts sent out and October’s average was 20,919.

We share our calendar of events, and flyers with a wide variety of services that are offered at the One Stop.

We post all of our events on our website: www.worknetdecatur.org and allow customers to sign up directly for the events through the website. 

The One Stop Lobby and Resource Room have flyers for all the events for anyone walking in and for any partners that are utilizing the resource room to give their customers that made appointments. 

Respectfully Submitted, 

Jennie Wernecke, One Stop Center Coordinator

Guest Speaker – Mayor of Decatur, Julie Moore Wolfe

Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe has served as Mayor since 2015. Her emphasis has been on improving public safety and infrastructure along with economic development and neighborhood revitalization. She is also the Executive Director of Philanthropy and Community Relations at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital. Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe reported on the projects in Decatur. 

Board Member Comments

John Oliver stated that ADM is partnering with Richland for training, recruiting and hiring of Diesel Mechanics. They recently purchased a CDL simulator. 

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by Miranda Rothrock. Nikki Garry seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: March 16, 2023

Workforce investment board 

Thursday, March 16, 2023 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting

Members Present: Laurie Brown, Richelle Dunbar, Nikki Gary, Jeanne Jones, Lisa Kitchens, Brian Lockwood, Jennifer Miller, John Oliver, Beth Payne, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Kelli Runyon, Joshua Sapp, Paul Skowron, Darsonya Switzer, Krystle Tempel, and Rober Yuhas.

Members Not Present: Nicole Bateman, Julie Brilley, Adam Flack, Amy Frazier, Shamika Madison, Janice Petersen, RJ Podeschi, Miranda Rothrock, Joe Snow, Amy Steck, and Chris Valdez.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Aaron Wendt, Millikin University Intern; Kevin Greenfield, Chairman, Macon County Board; Tammy Wilcox, Macon County; Nikki Budzinski, Representative for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District; Johnathan Williams, Staff person for Congresswoman Budzinski; Angela Foxworth-Everett, Staff person for Congresswoman Budzinski; Andrea Kelly, Youth to Career Pathways Participant; Jakivin Jenkins, Youth to Career Pathways Participant

Rick Price, Chairman, welcomed the Workforce Investment Board and Guest. 

ACTION ITEMS

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on January 19, 2023 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval. 

There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by John Oliver. Josh Sapp seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Rotalbly’s LLC

Rocki preseted a New Provider and Training program.

Rotalbly’s LLC

Certified Nursing Assistant Training, CNA, O Net code 31-1131.00

Rick Price asked the Workforce Investment Board for approval. No Nae’s. Chairman Rick Price signed the Program Certification for Rotalby’s LLC

Director’s report – rocki wilkerson

Rocki thanked everyone for attending. She stated that our community has had a rough few weeks. The Akorn plant closed and 400 people lost jobs through no fault of their own. The community, and many people on this board responded immediately and effectively. ADM hosted an exclusive hiring event at the workforce investment solutions office on February 28th. Workforce had 161 people sign in to the Illinois workNet Center for services. There were 3 Rapid Response sessions held over 3 days and 1 session online. 

Healthcare day: There is a flyer that will be promoted regionally LWIA’s 19, 20, and 21. This includes 14 counties. Decatur will host the Healthcare Day on April 18 at Richland Community College. This will highlight career opportunities for High School Sophomores and Juniors. 

High School Senior Employment Fair: This is a pilot project. There will be an Employment Fair that will cater to High School Seniors in the area. Economic Development, The Chamber, and Workforce Investment Solutions will be hosting the event on April 12 and 13, 2023. It will be held at Decatur’s Grand Palace Banquet Hall. 

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-July 2023: Total – $1,342,005

Rocki reported the following allocations:

  • Admin: $134,198
  • Youth: $376,874
  • Adult: $674,643
  • Dislocated Worker: $156,290
  •  

We are 100% expended. This grant will be closed on June 30, 2023

PY2022 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2022-June 2024: Total – $1,226,142

Rocki reported the following allocations:

  • Admin: $122,612
  • Youth: $343,562
  • Adult: $526,996
  • Dislocated Worker: $232,972
  •  

This grant is doing well. New customers are coming in, and we will be 80% expended by June 30, 2023.

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2023: Total – $407,793

  • Admin: $25,481
  • Program Staff: $23,740
  • Other Program: $150,840
  • Remedial/Work Exp: $207,732
  •  

Rocki reported that this grant increased by $157,793. There are 9 youth participants that are still attending MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship class. A few of the youth have decided on what apprenticeship they want to focus on and a few are still exploring opportunities. The class is active in the application processes with many Union Apprenticeship Programs. Project Read Plus is actively tutoring 3 of the youth participants after class in comprehension and math. The students commend the Project Read Plus for the services and state it is building confidence and skill level. 

Illinois Works Program

January, 2022-December, 2022: Total – $499,831.55

  • Staff Wage/Fringe: $49,332
  • Program Services: $150,000
  • Customer Support/Stipend: $300,500
  •  

Rocki Reported that:

  • 46 Enrolled
  • 37 Completed 
  • 14 Accepted for Apprenticeship
  • 2 Post-Secondary
  • DCEO still working to close out 2022
  •  

JTED-Job Training & Economic Development Grant

July, 2022-April, 2024: Total-$575,000

  • Staff Wage/Fringe: $133,254
  • Program Services: $305,246
  • Customer Support/Stipend: $136,500
  •  

Rocki reported that this is a great example of partnerships. We are working with Darsonya at Dove and Homeward Bound. The objective is to eliminate barriers and to transition to work experience, then employment. Six students are currently enrolled in Hospitality class. It started January 23, 2023 and will end March 16, 2023. They will be starting paid work experience. 15 are enrolled in CNA class. This class started March 6, 2023. 

QUEST-Dislocated Worker Grant

12/1/22-9/30/24: Total-$682,806

  • Staff Wage/Fringe: $192,022
  • Program Services: $258,984
  • Customer Support/Work Experience: $230,800
  •  

This grant is for customers that were COVID impacted:

  • 13 Customers enrolled
  • 10 Have direct training
  • 7 Receive support services
  • 5 Applicants are getting ready to be enrolled
  •  

Trade Adjustment Grant

10/1/22-9/30/23: Total – $13,960.48

  • Case Management: $2,742
  • Training: $11,218
  •  

Rocki reported that we have one customer in this grant. It is for people who lose their job when it goes overseas.

One Stop Operators Report: Debbie Wright

One Stop Center Report for January through March 12, 2023

Workforce Investment Solutions Board Meeting for March 16, 2023

Resource Center Visitors Report

The 1st quarter report (through March 12, 2023) shows that the One Stop Center had a total of 470 visitors. This time last year when we were limiting our hours of operation to 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, we had a total of 130 visitors.

Illinois workNet Center Phone Log

Illinois WorkNet Center Calls – January through February 2023

January 2023: 

  • IWNC: 18
  • IDES: 13
  • DORS: 0
  • WIOA: 13
  • MISC: 6
  • Total: 50
  •  

February 2023: 

  • IWNC: 12
  • IDES: 29
  • DORS: 0
  • WIOA: 19
  • MISC: 10
  • Total: 70
  •  

March 2023: 

  • IWNC: 18
  • IDES: 23
  • DORS: 0
  • WIOA: 8
  • MISC: 1
  • Total: 38
  •  

Rapid Response

With the closing of AKORN, we held 3 In-Person Rapid Response events at the IL workNet Center and 1 Zoom event.

The Rapid Response Team is made up of staff from multiple agencies including: Workforce, IDES, IL Dept. of Insurance and others. However, due to the restricted time, IDES and Workforce were the representatives at the sessions held for AKORN employees. Rapid Response sessions are to help the dislocated worker with the “What do I do now?” questions. Information on Unemployment Insurance, Health Insurance, and Training options was given out. After each in-person session, IDES assisted those that were having issues in submitting their unemployment claim online. 

  • Feb. 23, 2023 – 25 individuals attended
  • Feb. 24, 2023 – 21 individuals attended
  • Mar. 01, 2023 – 2 individuals attended
  • Mar. 03, 2023 – ZOOM Event – 1 person attended
  • Total: 49
  •  

Due to time restraints of putting the event(s) together, the publicity was limited. These events were advertised and shared on NowDecatur.com, Workforce Investment Solutions Facebook Page and Website and on the AKORN Employer page on www.IllinoisworkNet.com

Recruiting Events

Due to the sudden closing of AKORN, we assisted the following employers with in-person recruiting events:

  • ADM
  • Caterpillar, Inc.
  • Fuyao
  • Agri-Fab
  • Austin Industrial
  • Reynolds
  • Ring Container
  • AGCO
  • Kraft Hei
  •  

Initial Summary Report for In-Person ADM Recruiting/Special Event Exclusive to Akorn Employees

  • Name of Company: ADM
  • Date of Event: February 28, 2023
  • Time of Event: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (in-person)
  • Number of in-person participants: 161
  • Number of Company Representatives present: 14
  • Number of interviews: 161
  • Number of 2nd interviews scheduled: 40 salaried Akorn employees were given schedules for a phone interview for later in the week
  • Number of actual jobs offered on the spot: 17 of the 134 hourly employees were offered jobs on date of event. The remaining 117 are still being processed and may have follow-up interviews and offers.
  • Number of applications accepted today: Unknown – we can approximate around 60 of Akorn employees were funneled into our Resource Room and Computer Lab to complete the online ADM application prior to their in-person interviews.
  • Did the job seekers attending today meet the employer’s expectations? Yes
  • Did the hiring event meet the employer’s expectations? Yes
  • Rating of event by the employer? 5 = Outstanding
  •  

Comments as to why you gave the event the rating that you did, please explain why: Workforce Investment Solutions (WIS) was spectacular!!! Physically and mentally (we) could not have done this without you!!!!

Marketing Data:

This event was publicized by Byers & Co., radio, ADM flyers, WAND TV and NOWDECATUR.com. We did not collect marketing data for this event, as it was an exclusive event for Akorn employees. 

Summary of Data from the Mini Job Fair held for Akorn Employees

  • Date(s) of Job Fair: Thursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3, 2023
  • Times of Job Fair: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (both days) Each company chose their Date and Time on one of the two days to participate.
  •  

Companies participating in the Job Fair were:

  • Fuyao Glass (Thurs., March 2nd from 9:00am – 12:00pm)
  • Agri-Fab (Thurs., March 2nd from 9:00am – 12:00pm)
  • Austin (Thurs., March 2nd from 1:00pm-4:00pm AND Fri., March 3rd from 1:00pm-4:00pm)
  • Reynolds (Thurs., March 2nd from 1:00pm-4:00pm)
  • Ring Container (Fri., March 3rd from 9:00am-12:00pm)
  • AGCO (Fri., Mach 3rd from 9:00am-12:00pm)
  • Kraft Heinz (Fri., March 3rd from 1:00pm-4:00pm)
  •  
  • Total Participants on Thursday, March 2, 2023: 15
  • Total Participants on Friday, March 3, 2023: 20
  • Grand Total of Participants for both days: 35
  •  

Due to the very restricted time limits of putting the event(s) together, the publicity was limited. These events were advertised and shared on Workforce Investment Solutions Facebook Page and Website as well as the NOWDECATUR.com. The individual employers were encouraged to share the information on their Facebook Page(s) as well. Workforce shared the information to various groups on Facebook. 

Initial Summary Report for Caterpillar In-Person Recruiting Special Event Exclusive to AKORN Employees

  • Name of Company: Caterpillar
  • Date of Event: March 6, 2023
  • Time of Event: 10:00am to 2:00pm (in-person)
  • Number of in-person participants: 27
  • Number of Company Representatives present: 8
  • Number of interviews: 25
  • Number of 2nd interviews scheduled: 12
  • Number of actual job offers on the spot: N/A
  •  
  • Number of applications accepted at time of event: Customers were funneled into the Computer Lab to complete the Caterpillar online application. Some applicants had already applied online prior to today’s events, so exact number is not known. An estimate would be around 20.
  • Did the job seekers attending today meet the employer’s expectations? Yes
  • Did the hiring event meet the employer’s expectations? Yes
  • Rating of event by the employer? 5=Outstanding
  • Comments as to why you gave the event the rating that you did, please explain why: “The staff was helpful and accommodating from the initial setup to the end. We had the space for applications, screening, and interviewing. With more marketing on our end, we know we could’ve had more success.
  •  

Marketing Data

This special event was publicized by Caterpillar on their Facebook page and on Workforce Investment Solutions Facebook page and shared with a variety of different community agencies. The Resource Room Specialist created a special email blast to go out about the event to the 161 emails that Workforce collected from the previous weeks’ event with ADM for Akorn employees. We did not collect marketing data for this event, as it was an exclusive event for Akorn employees. 

Observations: The Caterpillar team expressed a sincere interest in having us host a future recruiting event for them, with the proper 2-week notice needed to better publicize the event. The CAT HR team was thrilled with the space that we provided them and said the event was better than the one they had on their property during COVID. 

Marketing of Events/Workshops

We continue to market all of our workshops, orientations, and recruiting events in the following manner:

  • We post the event to Facebook and we do a one-time boost for $10.00 for each event.
  • We also share our information to other groups on Facebook.
  • We utilize our partnership with Illinois Department of Employment Security by preparing an IDES template with the information of each event. The template is then scheduled with IDES to be sent out in an eblast to everyone that is currently on Unemployment and receiving benefits. 
  • We share our calendar of events and flyers with a wide variety of outreach partnerships here in Macon and DeWitt counties.
  • Workforce/One Stop Representatives will make agency visits to share information and educate staff, regarding the large variety of services that are offered at the One Stop. 
  • We post all of our events on our website: www.worknetdecatur.org and allow customers to sign up directly for the events through the website.
  • The One Stop Lobby and Resource Room have flyers for all of the events for anyone walking in and for any partners that are utilizing the resource room to give their customers that made appointments.
  •  

Respectfully Submitted,

Debbie Wright, One Stop Representative and Grant Coordinator

Guest Speakers

  • Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Representative for Illinois 13th Congressional District
  • Andrea Kelly, Youth to Career Pathways Participant
  • Jakivin Jenkins, Youth to Career Pathways Participant
  •  

Andrea and Jakivin talked about their experience with the program and that they appreciated the opportunities. They are employed by Bodine Electric. Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski talked about the great job Andrea and Jakivin have done. She discussed the current issues in the State, and is excited to partner with Workforce and the Workforce Board.

Board Member Comments

John Oliver stated that we need to get the information out and how do we tell the stories. Registration for Richland Community College opens in 2 weeks. They now have the Virtual Reality Safety Training and this can be done on or off campus.

ADJOURNMENT 

There was a motion by Robert Yuhas. Laurie Brown seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 pm

Next Board Meeting: May 18, 2023

2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD LWIA#19 MACON & DEWITT COUNTIES 2022 MEETING DATES:

  • Thursday, January 20th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 10th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, May 19th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, September 15th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, November 17th, 2022 @ 11:30 a.m.

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, January 20, 2022 11:30 a.m.                               

Minutes of the Meeting:

Members Present: 

Nicole Bateman, Melody Bodine, Julie Brilley, Marian Brisard, Jeanne Jones, Jill Kotys, Brian Lockwood, Shamika Madison, Jeremy Morris, John Oliver, Beth Payne, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Mirind Rothrock, Kelli Runyon, Joshua Sapp, Paul Skowron, Darsonya Switzer, Cris Valdez and Robert Yuhas.

Members Not Present:

Laurie Brown, Jeff Davison, Richelle Dunbar, Adam Flack, Kevin Horath, Jennifer Miller, RJ Podeschi, Joe Riley, and Kate Schlosser.

Others Present:

Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Stacey Curry, IMEC; Amy Frazier, Memorial Hospital; Marty Moore Johnson, IDES; Pam Lindsey Millikin University

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed new Board Members to the Workforce Investment Board meeting.

Action Items:

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on November 18, 2021 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval. There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by Josh Sapp. Kelli Runyon seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Youth Barrier Policy- Debbie Wright:

Debbie present Changes to the Youth Defined Barrier Policy. Youth Eligibility: An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an education program, or to secure and hold employment with the barriers listed in the policy. Additions to the policy:

· Youth lacking vocational/occupational skills to enter the labor market

· Youth who are unable to obtain full time employment due to economic conditions and need transitional employment

There was a motion to approve the Youth Barrier Policy as presented by Cris Valdez. Josh Sapp seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Work Experience Policy-Debbie Wright:

Debbie presented the Work Experience Payroll Procedures Policy changes. Additions to the policy

· A line was added for COVID related absences.

There was a motion to approve the Work Experience Policy as presented by Mirinda Rothrock. John Oliver seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson:

PY2020 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2020-June 2022 Total $1,753,720

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $175,370

· Youth: $484,614

· Adult: $610,760

· Dislocated Worker: $482,796

This grant is almost 100% expended. And will end in June of 2022

Opioid Disaster Grant

November, 2019 – June, 2022 Total $873,130

        1st Distribution: $436,565

        2nd Distribution: $436,565

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Administration: $87,285

· Program Staff: $317,391

· Training/Support Services: $372,901

· Disaster Relief Employment: $95,013

This grant has been modified to extend the grant to June 30, 2022. DCEO has additional funds if needed. There were 66 Work Experience and 7 On-the Job contracts. There was a goal of 84 and we are still enrolling customers.

PY 2021 Workforce Investment Grant

PY’ 21 July, 2021 – June, 2023; Total $1,304,168

· Admin $130,415

· Adult $509,643

· Dislocated Worker $287,236

· Youth $376,874

It is still a challenge to find Youth and Dislocated Workers.

Illinois Works Grant

Workforce received $499,832. We are looking forward to getting the marketing started and developing the pathway to Apprenticeships, Contractors and other areas in the construction field. Workforce is working closely with Building Trades and Labor.

Child Care Certifications

Rocki reported that Workforce partners with the Community Foundation of Macon County for services otherwise not approved for the Workforce Innovation Act. This funding is used to pay for Child Care Certifications and encourage people in the Child Care Industry a chance to complete course work. Larry reported that it is to increase skills of the currently employed. $22,000 has been spent and 30 customers have been helped.

YCP Youth Career Pathways

Rocki reported that 24 Youth showed up for the orientation. There were 17 interview and 10 approved. We can take 12 and hope to find 2 more. Josh Sapp reported that he is ready to get this class started on January 14, 2022.

Business Service Team

The Business Service Team met on January 5, 2022 through a ZOOM meeting. Several Partners attended and provided updates within their own agencies. Jennie Wernecke from the One-Stop shared a report on the Virtual Career Fairs in terms of employers needing to hire and how many customers attended.

Health Care Day

The dates have been selected, April 26 and 28, 2022. This will be held at Richland Community College. The Business Service Team were very engaged in this project last year. They assisted with the employers and provided student tours. They seem to be looking forward to this community project. This project is to get kids excited about a career. We hope to add additional occupational days in the future.

Workforce Commission Update

A meeting was held on January 18, 2022. The Workforce Commission is working diligently to provide additional information regarding services that are not locally reported. The goal is focus on the charge. How to become equitable and assessable within the State of Illinois.

Commission Charge:

The Illinois Equity and Access Workforce Commission shall create a vision for an Equitable, Accessible, and Effective Future State Workforce System grounded in an understanding of users and stakeholder experience.

Re-Opening of One-Stop American Job Center

The Center reopened on January 4, 2022. Monday – Thursday 8:30-12:30.

We have done everything possible to be COVID compliant. Masking, Temperature check, and signing in is required for all customers entering the Illinois WorkNet Center. We just need customers.

MOU Negotiations-Debbie Wright

Debbie report that the RFQ went out and we hired Tim Harmon with Workforce Enterprises. The 1st partners meeting is January 21, 2022. We will bring the MOU to the May meeting for approval.

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

ILLINOIS WORKNET ONE STOP CENTER YEAR-END REPORT

January 2021 to December 2021

The One Stop Center has had a year faced with many challenges. Our doors have been closed to the public since Covid began in March 2020. We have had to move all of our Job Readiness Workshops, Orientations and Recruiting events from being all in-person to all of them being virtual. We have used the Zoom platform to continue offering everything virtual. Since technology is an issue for some, we recognize that there may be some customers that are simply waiting for the One Stop Center to open. As of the writing of this report, the One Stop Center plans a soft opening at the beginning of 2022.

Below is a breakdown of the 2021 Events at the Decatur One Stop Center (all held virtually):

2021 Zoom Workshops/Orientation and Recruiting Events:

                                                                         

Job Readiness Workshops and Orientations:

Total # of Events in 2021: 81          

Total Signed Up: 128 

Total Attended:  43

                                                                                                                       

Exploring Careers Workshops – Specialty Workshops/State Agency Recruitment Workshops 

Total # of events: 62                                       

Total Signed up: 24

Total Attended: 111                             

 

Employer Recruitment Events             

Total # of Events in 2021: 79

Total Signed Up: 34

Total Attended: 158                                                                

All events were posted on Facebook and boosted, our IDES partners, when possible, would send out the IDES Outreach emails to people receiving Unemployment benefits in Macon and DeWitt counties, to advertise the events. We also sent all information to our WorkNet Center partners, as well as to area outreach partnerships and other local agencies. In November we offered a Resume Workshop at the Decatur Public Library with publicity from both the Library and the Illinois workNet Center. Five people signed up with only 1 person attending the event. There may be more workshops offered in-person at the library in 2022, depending on the demand.

Resource Room

During the months of January through July 21, 2021, we had the Resource Room open by appointment only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm., with Security present. Due to Covid and social distancing, we could only offer 3 computers to be utilized on those set days and times. We ultimately served 102 people during that timeframe, with total capacity of 257 people. We had a total of 46 customers make appointments but did not show up for the actual appointment.

Even though the doors have been closed, the One Stop Coordinator has worked with anyone who has needed assistance with interviewing, job searching advice and resume review on a one-on-one basis or through Zoom or telephone.

The Resource Room has been updated with a new Color copier and fax machine for the customers, as well as new furniture that is easier to keep clean and wipe down. We have new magnetic white boards for our Job Board, the Trades and Apprenticeships Information Board and the Area Resources Board.

At the end of 2021, both of our National ABLE Front-end Receptionists were scheduled to be in the One Stop by the start of 2022. One started in December and the other one will be starting on January 4th. The Resource Room Specialist is from Express Employment Specialists and is currently working from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and hours will be looked at during the month of January.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Center Coordinator

Guest Speaker – Marty Moore Johnson, MBA

Manager-Workforce Analysis & Dissemination

Illinois Department of Employment Security

Marty Moore Johnson gave a Workforce Update for LWIA #19 on the following topics:

· Population

· Educational Statistics

· Demographics of the Workforce Area

· Labor Force and Employment

· Unemployment

· Establishments/ Employment by Sector

· Industry Composition

There were no Public or Board Member comments

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by John Oliver to adjourn. Josh Sapp seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: March 10, 2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, March 10, 2022 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Marian Brisard, Laurie Brown, Adam Flack, Jeanne Jones, Brian Lockwood, Shamika Madison, Jennifer Miller, Jeremy Morris, John Oliver, Beth Payne, RJ Podeschi, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Kelli Runyon, Paul Skowron, and Darsonya Switzer.

Members Not Present: Melody Bodine, Julie Brilley, Richelle Dunbar, Amy Frazier, Jill Kotys, Lisa Malisay, Mirinda Rothrock, Joshua Sapp, Kate Schlosser, Cris Valdez, and Robert Yuhas

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Daniel Laverde, Millikin University, Intern; McDermott, Martha, Manager–Workforce Analysis & Dissemination Illinois Department of Employment Security

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed new Board Members to the Workforce Investment Board meeting and thanked Laurie Brown for hosting the meeting at the Hickory Point Christian Village.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on January 20, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval. There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by John Oliver. Jeremy Morris seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Supportive Services Policy- Donna Meachum

Donna presented the changes to the Supportive Services Policy. The only changes made to this policy was the increase of the rate per day for round trip.

· 30-50 miles (round trip) increased to $14.00 a day

· 51-70 miles (round trip) increased to $17.00 a day

· 71 and over (round trip) increased to $20.00 a day

This rate is for our customers because of the increase in the price of gas. The change will take effect Monday, March 14, 2021.

There was a motion to approve the Supportive Services Policy as presented by Shamika Madison. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Transfer of Funds from 1D-1A grant- Rocki Wilkerson

Rocki presented the transfer of funds from the 1D Grant to the 1A Grant

There was a motion to approve the transfer of funds as presented by Darsonya Switzer. Brian Lockwood seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson

PY2020 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2020-June 2022 Total $1,753,720

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $175,370

· Youth: $484,614

· Adult: $610,760

· Dislocated Worker: $482,796

This grant is 100% expended and will be closed. Rocki thanked staff for their hard work and this was a successful grant.

Opioid Disaster Grant

November, 2019 – June, 2022 Total $873,130

        1st Distribution $436,565

        2nd Distribution $436,565-                            September 2021

Modification Request $30,000- February 2022

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Administration : $87,285

· Program Staff: $317,391

· Training/Support Services: $372,901

· Disaster Relief Employment: $95,013

This grant has been modified to extend the grant to June 30, 2022 and the additional $30,00 will help us finish.

PY 2021 Workforce Investment Grant

PY’ 21 July, 2021- June, 2023 Total $1,304,168

· Admin: $130,415

· Adult: $629,643

· Dislocated Worker: $167,236

· Youth: $376,874

It is still a challenge to find Youth and Dislocated Workers. We are still recruiting, this is a challenge for us and it is a challenge across the state. This grant has to be 80% expended by June 30, 2022

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-June, 2023 $250,000

· Admin: $16,392

· Program Staff: $11,080

· Other Program: $150,840

· Remedial/Work Exp: $71,688

Rocki reported that this program is just starting.

Illinois Works Grant

Workforce received $499,832. We are looking forward to getting the marketing started and developing the pathway to Apprenticeships, Contractors and other areas in the construction field. Workforce is working closely with Building Trades and Labor.

Child Care Certifications

Rocki reported that Workforce Partners with the Community Foundation of Macon County for services otherwise not approved for the Workforce Innovation Act. This funding is used to pay for Child Care Certifications and encourage people in the Child Care Industry a chance to complete course work. Larry reported that it is to increase skills of the currently employed. $22,000 has been spent and 30 customers have been helped. This program will end June 2022.

YCP Youth Career Pathways

Rocki reported that the 12 currently in the program are on a field trip to the Pipe Fitters today. There are 11 young men and 1 women. We want the students in this program excited to start internships.

· 24 Youth showed up for the orientation

· 19 Took the TABE test

· 17 Intakes

· 13 started the program

Business Service Team

The BST team meet on March 2, 2022. The dates have been selected for the Health Care Days. April 26, 2022 for Jr High and April 28, for High School. This will be held at Richland Community College. The Business Service Team were very engaged in this project 2 years ago, before COVID-19. They assisted with the employers and provided student tours. They seem to be looking forward to this Community Project. This project was developed to get kids excited about a Health Care Career. We hope to add additional occupational days in the future.

Opioid Update

Rocki reported that this is a challenging grant with good outcomes. This group has a lot of barriers and challenges. 71% of the customers relapsed. The grant will end on June 30, 2022 and a report will be done.

· 66 Paid Work Experiences

· 7 DRE Work Experiences

· 2 continue in school 1 at Millikin University and 1 at Richland Community College

· 6 to 7 customers still interested in services

· 8 customers in OJT programs

· 12 new referrals

Workforce Commission Update

A meeting was held on April 21, 2022. The Workforce Commission is working diligently to provide additional information regarding services that are not locally reported. The goal is focus on the charge. How to become equitable and assessable within the State of Illinois. Currently Workforce Investment Solutions does Case Management with our customers all the way to graduation.

Commission Charge:

The Illinois Equity and Access Workforce Commission shall create a vision for an Equitable, Accessible, and Effective Future State Workforce System grounded in an understanding of users and stakeholder experience.

Re-Opening of One-Stop American Job Center

The Center reopened on January 4, 2022. Monday – Thursday 8:30-12:30. On April 4, 2022 the Center will open full time. Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

We have done everything possible to be COVID compliant. Masking, Temperature check, and signing in is required for all customers entering the Illinois WorkNet Center.

We just need customers.

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

Resource Room

The Resource Room has been opened since the first week of January with limited hours Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. We have not seen a lot of traffic through the One Stop Center and most of the customers coming through are needing assistance with Unemployment Insurance. We do have the IDES Direct Linkage phone up and running and if customers have a claim number, they are directed to use the phone. Our 2 in-house IDES partners have scheduled 3 hours each, every other week to be in the Resource Room to assist with Illinois Job Link, including resetting passwords, OKTA – Security to add authentication and authorization services (for UI), Resume Development, Job Search and Interview Prep.

Workshops and Recruiting Events

The months of January and February have been full of Recruiting events, as well as our Job Readiness and career exploring Workshops.

The sign-up and attendance to all of the workshops, both the Career Exploration and the Job Readiness workshops continues to be low. We share flyers with the Illinois workNet Center partners and agencies, as well as a large number of community outreach partnerships. We utilize Facebook for all events, along with boosting the Facebook post and sharing it to other groups on Facebook. We provide our IDES partners with the information to send out to their customers receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits, which usually reaches on average around 23,500 job seekers in Macon and DeWitt counties. This is done for each workshop and recruiting event. Below is a breakdown of the Workshops for January and February.

 

Job Readiness Workshops & Orientations:

     Total # of Events in Jan/Feb: 6

     Total Signed-Up: 6

     Total Attended: 1                                            

Exploring Careers Workshop:

     Total # of Events in Jan/Feb: 1

     Total Signed-Up: 2

     Total Attended: 1                                                  

We scheduled a total of 5 Recruiting Events in the months of January and February. We have seen an actual increase in sign-ups for the Recruiting Events but on average less than 50% of those signing up for the event, actually attend. Below is a breakdown of the Recruiting Events for January and February.

 

Employer Recruitment Events

     Total # of Events in Jan/Feb: 5   

     Total Signed-Up: 118

     Total Attended: 48                                

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Coordinator, Illinois workNet Center

Website Presentation – Daniel Laverde, Millikin University Intern

Daniel gave a presentation on the new Workforce Investment Solutions Website

Main Points:

· Employers

· Job Seekers

· Easy Navigation

· Fresh New Look

Rocki thanked Daniel for all of his hard work as our Intern and the work he has put into the Website. He has done a good job.

There was no Public or Board Member comments

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by RJ Podeschi to adjourn. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: May 19, 2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, May 19, 2022 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting:

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Melody Bodine, Laurie Brown, Amy Frazier, Lisa Manalisy, Beth Payne, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Mirinda Rothrock, Kelli Runyon, and Cris Valdez.

Members Not Present: Julie Brilley, Marian Brisard, Richelle Dunbar, Adam Flack, Jeanne Jones, Jill Kotys, Brian Lockwood, Shamika Madison, Jennifer Miller, Jeremy Morris, John Oliver, RJ Podeschi, Josh Prasun, Joshua Sapp, Kate Schlosser, Paul Skowron, and Robert Yuhas.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Ashley Garner, DOVE; Dr. Rochelle Clark Superintendent, Decatur Public Schools

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed Dr. Rochelle Clark to the Workforce Investment Board meeting and thanked Laurie Brown for hosting the meeting at the Hickory Point Christian Village.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on March 10, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval. There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by Joe Riley. Nicole Bateman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Supportive Services Policy

Donna Meachum presented the changes to the Supportive Services Policy. The following changes are requested for approval:

· Workforce Investment Solutions will reimburse at the current Federal rate per mile with a limit of $55.00 per day. The Federal reimbursement rate is .585 per mile.

This rate increase will help our customers with their transportation cost. The change will take effect Monday, March 14, 2021.

There was a motion to approve the change to the Supportive Services Policy as presented by Nicole Bateman. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

MOU Budget for PY22

Debbie Wright reported that each year the MOU budget is negotiated with the One Stop Partners. This year the partners negotiated in good faith and worked very hard to be in compliance. All partners have agreed on the budget in your packets. Total budget presented: $279,300 – FTE’s 19.75

Last year’s budget was: $294,000

19.68 FTE

We are asking for Workforce Investment Board to approve this budget.

There was a motion to approve the MOU Budget for PY22 as presented by Nicole Bateman. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

LWIB Chair to approve PY22 Modifications

The Workforce allocations have not arrived yet. DCEO said they would be out by the end of the month. Rocki Wilkerson requested for the LWIB Chair to approve the PY 22 modifications due to the late funding notifications.

There was a motion to approve the LWIB Chair to have the authority to approve the PY22 Modification as presented by Nicole Bateman. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried.

LWIB Chair to approve Youth Grants

Rocki Wilkerson reported that the allocations have not arrived yet. DCEO stated they would be out by the end of the month. 2 organizations applied:

· 1 for in School Youth

· 1 for Out of School Youth

Rocki Wilkerson requested that the Workforce Investment Board give the LWIB Chair the authority to approve the Youth Grants when the allocations become available.

There was a motion to give the LWIB Chair the authority to approve the Youth Grants as presented by Mirinda Rothrock. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Shamika Madison abstained. Motion carried.

Procurement of the One Stop Operator

Rocki Wilkerson reported that The Board has hired Marcella Consulting Corporation as the firm to procure the One Stop Operator. The One Stop Operator is hired on a 4-year contract and currently the One Stop Operator consists of a consortium of Workforce, Division of Rehabilitation Services and IDES. The current Consortium contract expires on June 30, 2022, the current consortium is applying to continue to be the One Stop Operator. Marcella Consulting Corporation will be presenting their recommendation to the Executive Committee by June 3, 2022. Rocki would like the Board to give approval for the Executive Committee to have the authority to approve or not approve the recommendation as given by Marcella Consulting. The new contract will begin July 1, 2022 and end June 30, 2026.

There was a motion to give the Executive Committee the authority to approve or not approve the procurement of the One Stop Operator as presented by Cris Valdez. Mirinda Rothrock seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-June 2023 Total $1,342,005

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $134,198

· Youth: $376,874

· Adult: $674,643

· Dislocated Worker: $156,290

We will be 80% expended on June 30, 2022

Opioid Disaster Grant:

November, 2019 – June, 2022 Total $903,130

1st Distribution $436,565

2nd Distribution $436,565- September 2021

Modification Request $30,000- February 2022

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Administration: $98,213

· Program Staff: $358,623

· Training/Support Services: $368,594

· Disaster Relief Employment: $77,700

PY 2020 Workforce Investment Grant

PY’ 20 July, 2020- June, 2022 Total $1,753,720

· Admin: $175,370

· Adult: $610,760

· Dislocated Worker: $482,976

· Youth: $484,614

This grant is 100% expended and is Closed Out as of June 30, 2022

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2022 $250,000

· Admin: $16,392

· Program Staff: $11,080

· Other Program: $150,840

· Remedial/Work Exp: $71,688

Illinois Works Grant

Rocki Wilkerson reported that:

· 45 customers were interested

· 34 Interviewed

· 24 signed up for the intake

Class will start Monday, May 23, 2022 at the Decatur Public Library. The class will start with 25 students.

Child Care Certifications

Rocki Wilkerson reported that Workforce Partners with the Community Foundation of Macon County for services otherwise not approved for the Workforce Innovation Act. We have spent $22,000 on 30 customers. Larry Peterson reported that there was a need for Child Care. People cannot go to work without childcare.

YCP Youth Career Pathways

Rocki Wilkerson reported that 11 out of 12 students are currently placed at various work sites. May 16, 2022 was the start date for the 10 weeks of work Experience. The class will earn OSHA 10, Forklift Training, MC3 Certificate, First Aid, and a CPR certificate

Business Service Team

The BST team held the Health Care Days at RCC on April 26 and 28, 2022

· 146 Jr. High Students attended

· 84 High School Students attended

A survey was included in the back of the packet. The committee agreed to continue to highlighting Health Care Occupations.

Opioid Update

Rocki Wilkerson reported that this grant will close June 30th, 2022. 79 customers had a work experience. 11 are currently on paid work experiences. Most of the customers work 10-25 hours per week. A few of the sites are:

· Crossing

· Northeast Community Center

· LSA Resale,

· Empowerment Opportunity Center

8 customers are in an OJT’s with local manufacturers and 1 with Crossings.

Workforce Commission Update

Rocki Wilkerson reported that a meeting was held on April 21, 2022. The discussion was on:

· Job Seekers

· Workforce Cabinet at Governor’s Office

· Functions of the Illinois Workforce Board

· State Funding

Re-Opening of One-Stop American Job Center

The Center reopened on January 4, 2022. Monday – Thursday 8:30-12:30. On April 4, 2022 the Center opened full time. Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

We have done everything possible to be COVID compliant. Masking, temperature check, and signing in is required for all customers entering the Illinois workNet Center. We just need customers.

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

Resource Room

On April 4th, we opened the Resource Room to its’ normal full-time hours of Monday thru Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. It has been a slow trickle of customers that have been utilizing the Resource Room for Job Searching, Resume Building, etc. Our primary customers continue to be for Unemployment assistance, in which we refer them to the Direct Linkage phone to use. We also are seeing more customers that are requiring resume assistance in order to create and upload a resume into Illinois Job Link, in order for them to continue receiving their UI benefits.

Phone Calls

The Resource Room Specialist reported out the following breakdown of phone calls to the Center:

March:

Illinois workNet Center: 13

IDES: 32

Dept. of Rehab. 7 

Workforce Investment: 18

Misc. 19

Total: 90

April

Illinois workNet Center: 20

IDES:21

Dept. of Rehab.: 7

Workforce Investment: 26

Misc.: 19              

Total: 93

Workshops and Recruiting Events

The months of March and April have been full of Recruiting events, as well as our Job Readiness Workshops. The sign-up and attendance to all of the workshops, continues to be low. For the months of March and April, only about 57% of those who signed up for the event, actually attended. We continue to share flyers with the Illinois workNet Center partners and agencies, as well as a large number of community outreach partnerships. We utilize Facebook for all events, along with boosting the Facebook post and sharing it to other groups on Facebook. We provide our IDES partners with the information to send out to their customers receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits, which still continues to reach on average around 23,500 job seekers in Macon and DeWitt counties. This is done for each workshop and recruiting event. Below is a breakdown of the Workshops for March and April.

Job Readiness Workshops and Orientations

Total # of Events in Mar/April: 6

Total Signed-Up: 12

Total Attended: 21                                              

We scheduled a total of 10 Recruiting Events in the months of March and April. We still are running below 50% attendance; roughly 47% of those signing up for the event, actually attend the Recruiting Event. Below is a breakdown of the Recruiting Events for January and February.

Employer Recruitment Events:

Total # of Events in Mar/April: 10

Total Signed-Up: 51

Total Attended: 24                                                                                                                

March

Memorial Health:

     Total Signed-Up: 13

     Total Attended: 8 

 

Akorn:

     Total Signed-Up: 18

     Total Attended: 7

 

Schimberg Company:

     Total Signed-Up: 5

     Total Attended: 1

 

J.J. Swartz Company:

     Total Signed-Up: 5

     Total Attended: 2

 

Alltown Bus Company:

     Total Signed-Up: 3

     Total Attended: 2

 

United Prairie:

     Total Signed-Up: 2

     Total Attended: 1                                                                                  

April

South Shores Auto Service:

     Total Signed-Up: 3

     Total Attended: 3

 

Hogan Grain & Equipment:

     Total Signed-Up: 1

     Total Attended: 0

 

Voetalpine-Nortrak: cancelled due to large fire in their plant

 

D&O Contractors:

     Total Signed-Up: 1

     Total Attended: 0                                                                                   

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Coordinator, Illinois workNet Center

Guest Speaker- Dr. Rochelle Clark/Superintendent DPS

Dr. Rochelle Clark was the guest speaker for the May, 2022 Workforce Board Meeting. Her goal as Superintendent of Decatur Public Schools is to graduate strong, resilient students who are college or career ready.

Public or Board Member comments

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by Mirinda Rothrock. Joe Riley seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: September 15, 2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, September 15, 2022 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Laurie Brown, Amy Frazier, Nikki Garry, Jeanne Jones, Brian Lockwood, Jennifer Miller, John Oliver, Beth Payne, RJ Podeschi, Mirinda Rothrock, Kelli Runyon, Paul Skowron, Amy Steck, and Krystle Tempel.

Members Not Present: Julie Brilley, Marian Brisard, Richelle Dunbar, Adam Flack, Jill Kotys, Shamika Madison, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Joe Riley, Joshua Sapp, Kate Schlosser, Darsonya Switzer, Cris Valdez and Robert Yuhas.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; RJ Miller, IBEW; Clint Gannon ADM

Beth Payne, Vice- Chairman welcomed the Workforce Investment Board and thanked JR Miller and the IBEW for hosting the meeting.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on May 19, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval.

There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by John Oliver. Nicole Bateman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Nikki Garry, Abstained.

Supportive Services Policy

Donna Meachum reported that a change was made to the rate per day for round trip.

The current rate is the Federal rate of 58.5 cents per mile. Financially we are unable to sustain this. Our customers were told that the Federal rate would be a temporary rate. We propose to move it to:

· 30-50 miles (round trip)- $24.00/day

· 51-70 miles (round trip)- $27.00/day

· 71 and over (round trip)-$30.00/day

There was a motion to approve the Supportive Services Policy changes as presented by Nicole Bateman. Miranda Rothrock seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Revisions to the Regional and Local Plan

Debbie reported

There was a motion to approve the Regional and Local Plan as presented by John Oliver. Nicole Bateman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson

Rocki welcomed guest and members to our In-Person meeting.

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-June 2023 Total $1,342,005

This total Incorporates Additional DW funding $37,837

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $134,198

· Youth: $376,874

· Adult: $674,643

· Dislocated Worker: $156,290

We are 85% expended. We have not received allocations from the State yet.

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2022 $250,000

· Admin: $16,392

· Program Staff: $11,080

· Other Program: $150,840

· Remedial/Work Exp: $71,688

Rocki reported that 11 out of the 12 successfully finished the program. We spent a lot of funds on barriers such as car repairs, tires, clothes, and boots

Illinois Works Program

January, 2022-December, 2022 $499,831.55

· Staff Wage/Fringe: $49,332

· Program Services: $150,000

· Customer Support/Stipend: $300,500

Rocki reported that 24 of the 25 customers finished the program. This was very Successful

JTED

The JTED Hospitality programs reported the following numbers:

· 2 individuals on paid work experience at DCCH

· 2 Individuals in process to start paid work experiences

· 1 person who has been in the class enrolled in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program

· 4 info Sessions for the upcoming Hospitality class

· 18 individuals to attend the Hospitality class

YCP Youth Career Pathways

Rocki Wilkerson reported:

· $250,000 to run another class

· 11 where in the class

· 7 accepted into a Trade Union

· 1 went to work at Austin

· 3 are waiting to hear of acceptance

· 3 OJTs

Business Service Team Update

Rocki Wilkerson reported that the Business Service Team meet on September ____, 2022. There were no Summer meetings. The main discussions were the Health Care Days. They hope to have it again and include the private and county schools. They talked about having a manufacturing day and adding IT, CDL and different pathways

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

One Stop Center End of Year Report

Workforce Investment Solutions Board Meeting for September 15, 2022

Reflections from the Coordinator

The past 12 months, like so many other companies, presented many challenges to the One Stop Center. With our doors closed for 8 of the 12 months of the past year, we could only offer limited services to our customers. We offered all of our workshops and recruiting events through the Zoom platform, which presented even more challenges to a portion of our customer base who has limited access and/or understanding of technology. We began a soft opening of the One Stop Center the first week of January 2022, which allowed customers to come into the Resource Room from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Monday through Thursday. On April 4, 2022, the One Stop opened up back to its’ normal hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. In this time, we hired a full-time Resource Room Specialist and National ABLE (our One Stop Partner), supplied us with (2) part-time employees to handle the front reception desk. Our customer traffic has been very slow to start, but we are seeing slight increases of customers through the door.

Our Resource Room is staffed differently than it was pre-Covid. Pre-Covid, we had a Department of Rehabilitation Services representative sitting up front, an IDES representative in the AM and PM every day, along with the Resource Room Specialist and myself. Currently, DORS is and has been only working remotely since Covid began, and therefore, no one from DORS is up front. Our IDES partners are primarily in the back of the office, using only the phone to contact their client list, and only seeing their customer(s) up front in the Resource Room by appointment only. Our (2) in-house IDES partners have 3.5 hours each up front in the Resource Room every other week to assist customers walking into the Resource Room.

Generally speaking, the customers that we are seeing today seem to have more barriers than ever before, i.e., criminal backgrounds, low technology skills, low reading and critical thinking skills, no previous work experience, language barriers, along with a variety of mental health issues. These barriers make it more difficult to assist the customer but we have been doing our best by offering assistance in creating resumes and job searching assistance, offering the job readiness workshops and recruiting events, etc.., and making other referrals to partner agencies. Even though the customer flow is slow through the Resource Room, we have had many great success stories of customers that have taken the time to come back and thank the staff for helping them get the job or get the interview that they had come into the Resource Room to get assistance with, etc..

We continue to move forward and the foot traffic through the Center is definitely increasing as word gets out that we are open. Employers are requesting more Recruiting Events as it is a great recruitment tool for them and we are now, as of June 2022, offering the recruiting events and some of our workshops on an in-person basis. Our Resource Room was remodeled in January 2022 and it is a beautiful Resource Room and is easy to clean and sanitize after customers use our facility. We have had many compliments regarding our improvements and remodel.

Resource Center Visitors Report

Since the first quarter of the year, when we had the soft opening, we had 130 customers come through the Center for Services. The second quarter, which reflects the Center being open full-time, we showed 352 people coming through the Center for services.

Illinois workNet Center Phone Log

The Resource Room Specialist reported the phone calls since her arrival in March 2022. Below is a breakdown:

                                                                                             Illinois Work Center Calls

IWNC:

     Mar-22: 13

     Apr-22: 20

     May-22: 6

     Jun-22: 13

     July-22: 41

     Aug-22: 13

IDES:

     Mar-22: 32

     Apr-22: 21

     May-22: 12

     Jun-22: 28

     July-22: 19

     Aug-22: 24

DORS:

     Mar-22: 8

     Apr-22: 7

     May-22: 3

     Jun-22: 9

     July-22: 15

     Aug: 22: 10

WIOA:

     Mar-22: 18

     Apr-22: 26

     May-22: 9

     Jun-22: 32

     July-22: 21

     Aug-22: 13

MISC: 

     Mar-22: 6

     Apr-22: 16

     May-22: 1

     Jun-22: 8

     July-22: 9

     Aug-22: 4

ZOOM:

     Mar-22: 13

     Apr-22: 3

     May-22: 0

     Jun-22: 4

     July-22: 5

     Aug-22:  0   

 

Total # of Calls:

     Mar-22: 90

     Apr-22: 93

     May-22: 31

     Jun-22: 94

     July-22: 110

     Aug-22: 64           

 

IWNC: All calls regarding: Illinois Works, Questions about what do we do, Workshops, etc.

IDES: All calls regarding: Unemployment

DORS: All calls regarding: DORS and giving them their direct number

WIOA: All calls regarding: asking for the WIOA program link

MISC: All calls regarding: Calls asking Specifically for Executives

ZOOM: All calls regarding: Asking for ZOOM info. and for our recruiting events

Workshops

From July 2021 to June 30, 2022 we offered 47 Workshops that include all of the Job Readiness Workshops that encompass, Job Searching, Interviewing Skills and Resume Building. We have also offered monthly Orientations, specialty workshops such as, Exploring Trucking Careers, Exploring Healthcare Careers and Exploring Dental Assisting Careers and a Resume Class at the Decatur Public Library.

Total Workshops = 47

Total Participant Sign-ups to Workshops = 75

Workshop Actual Attendance = 45 or 60% of those signed up actually attended.

Recruiting Events

From July 2021 to June 30, 2022 we assisted the following employers with Recruiting Events:

Aims Company

HSHS Ambulance

Akorn

IDHS Recruiting x 6

Allied Universal

J. J. Swartz Company x 2

Alltown Bus Company x 2

Mervis

All Ways Caring Home Care

MV Transportation

Austin Industrial

North Star Memorial

Central Illinois Care Services

Oasis Day and Resource Center

Cim-Tek Filtration

Railserve Inc. x 2

Clear Point Preservation

S.A. Lewis

Decatur Earthmover Credit Union

Schimberg Company

Decatur Memorial Hospital

South Shores Auto Service

D & O Contractors

United Prairie

Dove, Inc.

Voestalpine Nortrak x 2

Fuyao Glass x 2

Waste Management

Hogan Grain and Equipment

World Emblem

H & R Block

Total Recruiting Events = 41

Total Participant Sign-ups to Recruiting Events = 224

Total Actual Attendance to Recruiting Event = 94 or 42% of those signed up actually attended

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Center Coordinator

Year in Review

Rocki Wilkerson presented the Year in Review July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022

Grants

· Totals Grants/Revenue- $5,521,404

Customers Enrolled in Training

· Health Care: 51%

· Manufacturing/Technical: 1%

· Transportation/CDL/Logistics: 8%

· Business/Accounting: 1%

· Human Services: 2%

· Education: 15%

· Apprenticeship: 22%

Training Expenditures

· Total On-The-Job Training: $30,956

· Total Tuition/Fees/Books: $547,617

· Youth Provider Cost: $193,791

· Work Experience/Stipend: $215,762

· Incumbent Worker Training: $88,302

· Total Support Services: $90,976

Customer Exits

· Adult: 25

· Dislocated Worker: 8

· Youth: 21

PY 2019 Performance Measures

· Youth: Exceeded

· Adult: Exceeded

· Dislocated Worker: Meet/Exceeded

Public or Board Member Comments

RJ Podeschi, Dean Tabor School of Business, Millikin University

RJ presented Millikin’s programs, Millikin wants to be more involved with community.

Clint Gannon, Regional HR US & Canada, ADM

Clint presented ADM goals for the future

Nicole Bateman, DEC Decatur

Nicole present the August 2022 jobs analysis

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by Nichole Bateman. Paul Skowron seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: November 17, 2022

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Thursday, November 17, 2022 11:30 a.m.

Minutes of the Meeting

Members Present: Nicole Bateman, Nikki Garry, Brian Lockwood, Jennifer Miller, Beth Payne, Josh Prasun, Rick Price, Kelli Runyon, Paul Skowron, Amy Steck, Krystle Tempel, and Robert Yuhas.

Members Not Present: Julie Brilley, Marian Brisard, Laurie Brown, Richelle Dunbar, Adam Flack, Amy Frazier, Jeanne Jones, Jill Kotys, Shamika Madison, John Oliver, RJ Podeschi, Joe Riley, Mirinda Rothrock, Joshua Sapp, Kate Schlosser, Darsonya Switzer, and Cris Valdez.

Others Present: Rocki Wilkerson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Donna Meachum, Workforce Investment Solutions; Debbie Wright, Workforce Investment Solutions; Jennie Wernecke, Workforce Investment Solutions; Larry Peterson, Workforce Investment Solutions; Clint Gannon ADM; Amanda Lones McLeod Express; McDermott, Martha DCEO

Rick Price, Chairman welcomed the Workforce Investment Board.

Action Items

Approval of the Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting on September 18, 2022 were presented to the Workforce Investment Board for approval.

There was a motion to approve the minutes as presented by Nicole Bateman. Josh Prasun seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Approval of the 2023 Workforce Board Meeting Dates

Rocki presented the 2023 meeting dates for the Workforce Board:

· Thursday, January 19, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

· Thursday, March 16, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

· Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

· Thursday, September 14, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

· Thursday, November 16, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

There was a motion to approve the 2023 meeting dates as presented by Nikki Garry. Nicole Bateman seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Directors Report- Rocki Wilkerson

Rocki welcomed guest and members to last meeting of 2022.

PY2021 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2021-June 2023 Total: $1,342,005

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $134,198

· Youth: $376,874

· Adult: $674,643

· Dislocated Worker: $156,290

We are 100% expended.

PY2022 Workforce Investment Grant

July, 2022-June 2024 Total: $1,226,142

Rocki reported the following allocations:

· Admin: $122,612

· Youth: $343,562

· Adult: $526,996

· Dislocated Worker: $232,972

We are obligated/expended 100% in Administration, Youth and Adult. We struggle with the Dislocated Workers.

Youth Career Pathways Grant

January, 2022-December, 2022 $250,000

· Admin: $16,392

· Program Staff: $11,080

· Other Program: $150,840

· Remedial/Work Exp: $71,688

Rocki reported that she has applied for additional funding with a longer work experience time.

Illinois Works Program

January, 2022-December, 2022 $499,831.55

· Staff Wage/Fringe $49,332

· Program Services $150,000

· Customer Support/Stipend $300,500

Rocki reported that 25 students were in the class.

JTED

July, 2022-April, 2024 $575,000

· Staff Wage/Fringe $133,254

· Program Services $305,246

· Customer Support/Stipend $136,500

Rocki reported that they started with 10 students now they have 7 students. These customers are very hard to serve. Many have multiple barriers.

DCEO Monitoring Site Visit

Rocki reported the Exit Interview was on October 7. We do not have the formal letter, but these are the verbal results:

· Bank Reconciliation- going to be listed as a possible observation. This has to do with the three-day cash on hand rule

· GRS Reporting Error

· Management Recommendation. Have customers sign off when they receive equipment or tools.

· Worksite agreement- Error in date that customer started employment. Career Planner used the orientation date as the first day. First day should have been 1st working day.

Illinois Works Conference

Workforce and the One Level staff attended this conference in Springfield on October 17 & 18, 2022. There were two young women that represented Workforce in a group panel discussion. DCEO asked that we re-submit for another year. Information sessions are already scheduled for the January class.

Business Services Team Update

The Business Service Team will now be meeting regionally with LWIAs 20 and 21. That will include 15 counties that will benefit from any type of career activities. LWIA#19 will continue to meet monthly and work on the Health Care Days as well as other occupations. The goal is to get this information into the school as soon as possible.

Youth to Career Pathways

We had money left to provide another class for 19-24 year old’s. This class will start in January.

QUEST Grant

This grant will focus specifically on Dislocated Workers. Anyone that has lost employment due to COVID. The eligibility is broad due to the need to get Dislocated Workers back to work. The grant totals $644,000.

JTED

This grant is currently working with DOVE and Homeward Bound to assist individuals with barriers gain employment. The Introduction to Hospitality class started with 10 and we still have 7 in the class. These students will be put on a paid work experience.

November 2022 Youth Report

Youth Career Pathways

The Career Planner is still communicating with the original 11 customers.

· 7 customers are in the apprentice process and employed full time.

· 3 have taken full time employment in other areas.

· 1 student has not shown motivation to move forward in any process and is still unemployed by choice.

C N A

· 4 students at Richland will take the final exam for C N A on November 10, 2022. We hope that they will take the State exam in December

Capital Area of Practical Nursing

· 1 student that will graduate in December with Boards scheduled in January.

· 1 student is on track to graduate in May.

· 1 student will begin in February 2023.

Richland

· 2 students currently are completing RN and LPN pre-requisites and will apply early spring 2023

· 1 Student in Second Semester RN Program

Millikin

· 1 student will complete her BSN in May 2023 with Honors

· This student is in the Community Foundation Grant

Rocki reported that we are trying to get the word out to DPS/December graduates for Spring programing connected to Workforce.

One Stop Operators Report-Jennie Wernecke

One Stop Center Report for September and October 2022

Workforce Investment Solutions Board Meeting for November 17, 2022

Resource Center Visitors Report

The 3rd Quarter Report shows that the One Stop Center had a total of 251 visitors, which is down from the 2nd Quarter total visitors of 352. A difference of 101 and/or a decrease of 29%. No known reason for the decrease, especially since we started offering in September and October, In-Person Basic Computer Classes. Only a total of 2 people showed up for the classes and both customers were looking for more advanced classes and/or Excel training. We also had 6 in-person recruiting events, as well. Normally, these events would bring more people through the doors.

Illinois workNet Center Phone Log

The Resource Room Specialist reported the phone calls for the months of September and October, 2022. Below is a breakdown:

 

Sep-22:   

     IWNC: 34

     IDES: 29

     DORS: 9

     WIOA: 19

     MISC: 4

     ZOOM: 18

     Total: 113

 

Oct-22:

     IWNC: 27

     IDES: 21

     DORS: 4

     WIOA: 17

     MISC : 6

     ZOOM: 8

     Total: 83

IWNC All calls regarding: Illinois Works, Questions about what we do, Workshops, etc.

IDES All calls regarding: Unemployment

DORS All calls regarding: DORS and giving them the agency’s direct phone number

WIOA All calls regarding: Asking for the WIOA program link

MISC. All calls regarding: Calls asking specifically for Executives

ZOOM All calls regarding: Asking for the Zoom link for our workshops and recruiting events.

Workshops/Orientations

From September 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022, we offered 19 Workshops, which included our normal Job Readiness workshops; Job Searching Techniques, Interviewing Skills, and Resume Building and our normal monthly online Orientation to Workforce Investment Solutions and the Illinois workNet Center. Our Specialty Workshops for these two months, included, Basic Computer Classes and Basic Introduction to MS Word computer classes. We also offered a Sealing & Expungement Workshop through our partners at IDES in the month of September.

The One Stop Center Coordinator and the Resource Room Specialist, also went to the Decatur Public Library in October to visit the Pre-Apprenticeship class and assisted the classes for 2 days on creating their resumes. The One Stop Center Coordinator also went to the Decatur Public Library to introduce the One Stop Services to the ESL classes. The Introduction to Hospitality Bridge class came to the One Stop Center for their Resume assistance workshop in late October.

Total Workshops =19

Total Participants Sign-ups to Workshops =40

Workshop Actual Attendance =37 (92% of those that signed up attended)

Recruiting Events

From September 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022, we assisted the following employers with Recruiting Events; both Zoom and In-Person.

· HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital

· Mervis Recruiting

· Fuyao Glass

· Professional Transportation

· Akorn Pharmaceuticals

· Macon Resources, Inc.

Total Recruiting Events =6

Total Participant Sign-Ups to Recruiting Events =49

Total Actual Attendance to Recruiting Events =49

Marketing of Events/Workshops

We continue to market all of our workshops, orientations and recruiting events in the following manner:

· We post the event to Facebook and we do a one-time boost for $10.00 for each event. We also share our information to other groups on Facebook.

· We utilize our partnership with Illinois Department of Employment Security by preparing an IDES template with the information of each event. The template is then scheduled with IDES to be sent out in an eblast to everyone that is currently on Unemployment and receiving benefits. For the months of September, the average was 22,620 eblasts sent out and October’s average was 20,919.

· We share our calendar of events, and flyers with a wide variety of outreach partnerships, here in Macon and DeWitt counties.

· The One Stop Center Coordinator will make agency visits to share information and educate staff, regarding the large variety of services that are offered at the One Stop. · We post all of our events on our website: www.worknetdecatur.org and allow customers to sign up directly for the events through the website.

· The One Stop Lobby and Resource Room have flyers for all of the events for anyone walking in and for any partners that are utilizing the resource room to give to their customers that made appointments.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jennie Wernecke; One Stop Center Coordinator

Public or Board Member Comments

Larry Peterson reported on his current TikToks for Workforce.

Nichole Bateman reported on a Hire Day for schools

Paul Skowron reported that November 17, 2022 was National World Health Day

ADJOURNMENT

There was a motion by Nicole Bateman. Robert Yuhas seconded the motion. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Next Board Meeting: January 19, 2023

Next Board meeting Info:

Thursday, May 18th, 2023 @ 11:30 a.m.

The Decatur Public Library

130 N. Franklin Street