In a move that offers increased support to Oregon's small and mid-size manufacturing companies, the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) will become affiliated with Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) on July 1.

Now in its sixth year, OMEP is a not-for-profit team of manufacturing and business professionals who work directly with Oregon manufacturers to help them become more competitive by adopting advanced technologies, techniques, and business best practices. OIT is a member of the Oregon University System with a long tradition of delivering technology education throughout the state.

"OIT is pleased to enter into this affiliation with OMEP," says Martha Anne Dow, OIT President. "Their contacts with small and mid-size manufacturers throughout the state provide opportunities for OIT's faculty and students to develop new connections with Oregon businesses and to enhance our ability to be a resource to those manufacturers we haven't worked with previously."

"The work of both OIT and OMEP supports Oregon manufacturers, who are a key job-producing sector of our economy," says Pat Murphy, OMEP director. "By collaborating more closely, our two organizations can better identify the technology and business needs of these employers, from process improvements to workforce development, including education needs. This collaboration can help drive economic development in Oregon."

For more information about OMEP's services, call (503) 657-6958 or visit the OMEP website.

The Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board of Allentown kicks off its Workforce Development Week with a 7:30 p.m., June 3 telecast of "Lehigh Valley at Work" on PBS-39. The program will explore problems facing the region's workforce and offer solutions. For more on a week rich in events and activities designed for the area's businesses and jobseekers, please see the May 31 MORNING CALL.

The Big Bend Jobs and Education Council has adopted a new name -- Workforce Plus. For the reasons why -- and some of the expanded services offered to area businesses -- please see reporter Juana Jordan's article in the May 30 TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT.

Mark Jones worked as an Army medic, lifeguard, telemarketer and daycare teacher before finding himself out of work. He turned to Shirley Thompson and other staff at WorkSource North Seattle for help. "I very much respect and appreciate them," Jones said. "Shirley and her trusty computer found a job for me -- bless her heart."

As a home care assistant with Catholic Community Services in Seattle, Jones shops, cooks, cleans house, gives baths and provides companionship for elderly and disabled adults. The work is rewarding, he said.

Governor Gary Locke has proclaimed June 2002 as "Hire-A-Veteran Month." The governor has commended the many veterans residing in the state who "have served our country with dedication, perseverance and courage." Locke also recognized Washington's veterans as "a well-trained, sometimes untapped pool of labor with a wide range of technical skills."

In conjunction with Hire-A-Veteran Month, job fairs will be held statewide to match skilled veterans with employers. Job seekers and employers wanting additional information about veterans' services can inquire through WorkSource, the partnership of state agencies and nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping job seekers and employers.

In the City of Chicago, the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development (MOWD) is reaching out to thousands of laid-off Chicagoans by advertising its dislocated worker service on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains throughout the city.

For more on this strategy ...

Managing a business in the state of Nebraska has just gotten easier. On May 21, Lieutenant Governor Dave Heineman unveiled Nebrask@ Online for Business, the state's official business portal. The new site offers a wide range of online resources and eGovernment services for businesses operating in Nebraska. The idea for Nebraska's business portal came from focus groups Governor Mike Johanns and Heineman convened last fall with Chambers of Commerce and business leaders in Nebraska's seven largest metropolitan areas. The site provides links to the webpages of the publicly-funded workforce development organizations.

The Riverside County Employment Development Agency and the Economic Development and Community Education Department at College of the Desert have partnered to assist farmworkers to become certified nursing assistants.

For more on the anatomy of this partnership and the Caregiver Training Initiative, please see reporter Nadia Villagr�n's article in the May 17 DESERT SUN.

Nadia also points out that ETA Region 6 has joined with the California Workforce Investment Board, the California Employment Development Department, the National Farmworker Jobs Programs Grantees, the California Workforce Association, and various local partners throughout the State in sponsoring a number of farmworker forums. For more information on schedules and registration for the remaining two forums in June, please visit the Region 6 Farmworker Forum website.

The Workforce Investment Act is helping support a training course provided through a new alternative sentencing program. The May 19 ASHLAND DAILY INDEPENDENT takes a look at a modest graduation ceremony which may carry life-turning consequences for three men. For a look at the curriculum -- and the judicial determination which helped shape the program -- please see reporter Kenneth Hart's full story.

With "lots of small business driving Oklahoma's economy," the Workforce Oklahoma - Career Connection Center on 7401 NE 23rd Street makes small business customers a big priority. Doyle Paden, the Center's Business Services Development Specialist, realized that many small employers do not have or use fully-developed job descriptions for positions in their establishments. Mr. Paden used the O*NET system to develop a series of appropriate job descriptions for one such customer. The job descriptions, in turn, were included in an overall design for a certified training program for welders.

For more information about the Oklahoma approach in successfully using O*NET Data in Job Descriptions and Training Curricula" .

The International Association of Machinists Center for Administering Rehabilitation and Employment Services, Inc. (IAM CARES in Upper Marlboro, Maryland has received a recent Disability Employment Grant from the Department.

This project is expected to serve 190 individuals with disabilities, targeting ethnic and racial minorities, with a goal of placing 151 individuals in unsubsidized employment. The project seeks to foster the commitment of the One-Stop System in the training and successful attainment of employment for persons with disabilities, including supporting partnerships that provide for non-duplication of services and coordinating scarce resources. All sites will be co-located within local One-Stop Centers as well as operate out of the local IAM CARES offices, enabling the project to offer extended services available through the One-Stop as well as project services offered at project sites. A partnership has been established with I.T. Works, an organization that will provide computer based training and web-based training.

For full profiles of other Disability Employment Grants in Arizona, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

"It is necessary that welfare and work-force programs have a strong, no-nonsense literacy component that gives individuals the tools and skills to negotiate their daily environment."

Margaret Anne Wheeler, a literacy expert who coordinates volunteers for the Polk School District in Florida, offered that observation to the LAKELAND LEDGER.

For extensive coverage of how Workforce Florida Inc., Polk Works, and the Polk Community College are collaborating on a literacy pilot project to help local residents succeed in the world of work, please see reporter George Graham's article in the May 9 LAKELAND LEDGER.

The Monterey County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has received $900,000 from the Governor's 15% Discretionary Funds to create a pre-apprenticeship job training program in collaboration with the building and trade unions.

"The curriculum of the Pre-Apprenticeship Arts and Leadership Training Program will allow trainees to become acquainted with the skills and knowledge required by employers of apprenticeable occupations in the construction industry," said Mark Gonzalez, who represents labor on the Workforce Investment Board.

The grant will be administered through the Monterey County Office for Employment Training (OET). The specialized training program will be located on Fort Ord, and graduate 45 people each year. Program plans include support services for students such as childcare for single parents as well as placement services. Collaborative partners include the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA), Monterey County environmental resource policy agency, U.S. Department of Army, local union representatives, local educational systems, community-based organizations, and private sector businesses. The partnerships will assist in the development of facilities and educational curriculum.

A recently released California Cooperative Occupational Outlook Report for the Monterey Bay Region shows current construction trades opportunities paying between $11 and $18 per hour for apprenticeable occupations. Officials at the Fort Ord Reuse Authority, one of the partners of this new training program, says there is the potential for billions of dollars in economic development on the former post, which could create a wealth of new jobs in the area.

For more information and this special pre-apprentice and training program, contact Joseph Werner, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board at (831) 796-3313.

To visit the Small Business Administration's "Small Business Winners - 2002." SBA will honor these individuals on Monday, May 6.

President George W. Bush will welcome Paula Barton and Ruby Morton, Goodwill Industries International's 2002 Graduate and Achiever of the Year, in the Oval Office on Monday, May 6.

At age 22, Ruby Morton, a native of Gulfport, MS, was blinded in a gun accident, but went on to raise eight children. When her husband left her in 1989, Morton?s emotional devastation was compounded by her financial uncertainty. At age 65, blind and with little work experience, she was turned away by company after company. Morton began working one day a week at Goodwill in Gulfport, and was quickly promoted to full time receptionist. She has since assumed the added responsibility of supervising Goodwill's donation center attendants. Last year, local Girl Scout troops honored her with "Ruby Morton Make a Difference Day." Morton also represented Biloxi and Gulfport in the Olympic Torch Relay.

Paula Barton, from Rochester, NY, was born with cerebral palsy, diabetes, a learning disability and a disease that causes progressive blindness. Her struggle was compounded five years ago, when a drunk driver hit the car she was riding in, leaving her permanently paralyzed. ABVI-Goodwill Rochester was there to help. After receiving an array of career services, Barton was hired by ADT Security Services as a customer service representative. She has since earned two promotions, and today manages 15 employees.

The ASSOCIATED PRESS took a recent look at an ETA-funded pilot program -- Alternative Careers for Idaho Farmers (ACIF) -- which assists individuals in the agricultural sector to move into new career opportunities. The AP quotes one of the program participants: "It has been some very rough years recently ... I decided that instead of diversifying my crops, I would diversify my career ... when farming is bad, being a paramedic may be good."

ACIF scholarships are available for Idaho farmers and their spouses who have decided to seek specialized training. Awardees will be selected according to several criteria: personal farming history, financial need, and the applicant's vision of how he or she will benefit from the chosen course of study.

For more information, please visit the University of Idaho's website.

The Three Sector Initiative -- a collaboration between the Conference Board, the Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, the National Academy of Public Administration, the National Alliance of Business, the National Civic League and the National Governors Association -- studies how cross-sector collaboration can better serve the public and the missions of organizations.

Technological, social and political changes have had far-reaching implications for the way government, business and nonprofit organizations fulfill their missions and work together. These changes have led the business community to redefine its performance standards, government to rethink its goals and nonprofits to redouble their efforts to meet rising demands according to a new report, "Working Better Together: How Government, Business and Nonprofit Organizations Can Achieve Public Purposes Through Cross-Sector Collaboration, Alliances and Partnerships."

The Executive Summary of this report is available at Independent Sector's website

"Women Building California" -- the first statewide conference for women in the building and construction trades -- is set for Sunday May 5, 2002, at the Sacramento Convention Center. The conference is designed to celebrate the increasing role of women in construction, provide tradeswomen with practical means for confronting discrimination, and create an action plan for women in the trades.

Sponsored by the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC) in collaboration with Tradeswomen, Inc., this meeting will bring construction tradeswomen from throughout California to discuss and examine the growing role of women in the construction trades. For registration information, please call 415/487-6419.

SBC Communications Inc. today announced the launch of SBC Excelerator, a $25 million national philanthropic initiative to accelerate community-based organizations' digital connections with America's underserved. The Excelerator is aimed at supporting community-based organizations throughout SBC's 13-state region (Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin) that are creating programs to improve technology access, education and workforce development.

As part of the collaborative receiving the $1 million technology workforce development grant, Break Away Technologies, based in Los Angeles, will work with the American Association of Community Colleges to provide fast-track IT training across the country. Break Away Technologies will develop and implement new curricula that will be used by a wide range of organizations that provide technology workforce training that will be disseminated through a Web Portal. The American Association of Community Colleges will provide IT workforce preparation training at selected community colleges in California, Connecticut, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio and Texas.

In addition to the two national $1 million grants, another $8 million will be distributed in SBC's 13-state service region as part of the $10 million competitive grants program. Throughout this year the remaining SBC Excelerator funds -- $15 million -- will be awarded through the Foundation's general grantmaking to other national and regional projects that, through technology, aim to build stronger communities.

For more information on SBC Excelerator, or to submit an RFP for a competitive grant, visit the website. Proposals must be received by June 3, 2002.

For more details:
Breakaway Technologies
American Association of Community Colleges

Researchers at the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas have launched a unique E-Learning and Training lab.

It's a collaboratory ("laboratory without walls") which assembles transdisciplinary teams from academia, business, and government to help ensure that the state and nation has a skilled workforce to meet the challenges of the new century."

"It's targeted at people in what we might call the under-served population: youth at risk, people on welfare, dislocated workers. People who need to upgrade their skills to get into the 21st century workplace," said Alexander Cavalli, a University of Texas researcher.

The organizers hope to make the project accessible to all Texans. The 45-hour course is often offered free of charge through grants. For more information about the lab and its endeavors, please visit its website.

Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker today announced nearly $1.2 million for four Critical Job Training Grants (CJTG) to prepare workers for in-demand jobs ranging from registered nurses to truck drivers:

-- The William F. Goodling Regional Skills Center, in cooperation with the York County Training Partnership, was awarded $500,000 to provide industry-led training for approximately 117 people in a variety of manufacturing and information-technology jobs

-- The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board, in cooperation with seven area health-care organizations, was awarded $495,138 to train individuals to fill critical positions in the health-care industry in a nine-county region.

-- The Central Intermediate Unit, in cooperation with Centre Community Hospital, was awarded $150,339 to train entry-level registered nurses and laboratory technicians, and to upgrade the skills of more than 450 other hospital staff

-- Northampton County Area Community College, in cooperation with the Pocono Counties Workforce Investment Board and the Monroe County CareerLink, was awarded a $36,000 grant to train 16 people to become professional truck drivers.

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has awarded a three-year, $1.7-million grant to the National Economic Development and Law Center (NEDLC) with the aim of increasing opportunities for underemployed Flint-area residents to work in the growing health-care and manufacturing sectors.

The Oakland, California-based NEDLC will oversee the Flint Sector Employment Initiative (FSEI), scheduled to launch in summer 2002, and will also provide participating organizations with technical and capacity-building assistance. Two Flint-area agencies � the Flint-Genesee Economic Growth Alliance and the Greater Flint Health Coalition � will coordinate and manage the local initiative, with several other local organizations also playing ongoing roles.

According to NEDLC President James W. Head: "The overall objective of the project is to develop and coordinate local education, training and skill-development programs in ways that engage and benefit both Flint-area industry and low-income job seekers."

The MetroTech program is open to businesses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area who wish to hire new workers. Laid-off workers, individuals who wish to upgrade their skills, and community college and university graduates are eligible to participate. This ETA-sponsored program is also employer-driven. All training funds are pre-approved by a majority-led private sector management team. This team determines whether the employer-requested project is appropriate for support.

The April 15 WASHINGTON POST reports on MetroTech's emphasis in preparing the workforce for jobs in the growth sector of biotechnology. The POST notes that MetroTech pays "biotechnology companies to teach new workes to use equipment and to perform tasks that are unique from lab to lab -- an important option for firms that have painstakingly developed their own scientific procedures and ways of working."

For more information on MetroTech and its biotechnology program, please visit the MetroTech website.

A new Stanislaus County fund is underwriting eight projects that could create as many as 20,000 jobs. The April 10 MODESTO BEE reports that the grants and loans were recommended by the county's Workforce Investment Board and by a committee made up of the county executive and the nine city managers in the county.

The Bucks County Office Workforce Investment Board has awarded a contract to Bucks County Community College to provide a homeland security-related youth employment program.

Slated for a July launch, the program has an objective to expose students to occupations related to homeland security. The April 12 BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES notes that sucessful completers "will gain a portfolio that includes a job skill profile, assessment scores and CPR, AED, first responder and first aid certification."

Information: 215-781-1060 / 215-757-0571, ext. 3311

Thanks to the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) a resource partner of the Small Business Administration, a number of laid-off workers are receiving support in starting their own businesses. BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL reporter Jill Lerner chronicles the career shifts of some "accidental entrepeneurs" and how the Boston-based "business boot-camps" are assisting in the transition.

For the full BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL story.
For additional background on SCORE services.

The JOURNAL also recognized the contributing role of the Small Business Development Center in arranging workshops for individuals in Boston. More background on the Small Business Development Centers can be found in the April 9 "What's New" item.

Lane County, Oregon, has assembled an active partnership that is helping local employers in meeting their workforce demands. The April 9 EUGENE REGISTER-GUARD reports on several activities the Lane Workforce Partnership aggressively supports, including a once-a-month "employer visit" and WorkNet "an hour-long networking sessions for employers, job seekers, and representatives from agencies that help place clients who are looking for work."

Area businesses have been quite enthusiastic about WorkNet; the REGISTER-GUARD quotes several employers and their favorable reaction to the formal and informal networking opportunities that are afforded. Reporter Sherri Buri McDonald observes that the program has been so successful in Lane County that "a spin-off has been organized in the Albany-Corvallis area." For much more on Lane County's employer-oriented programs and practices --- and how a program in Yakima, Washington served as a partial antecedent for their architecture -- please see the REGISTER-GUARD's full story.

Lane Workforce Partnership

Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced the award of a National Emergency Grant to North Carolina on April 4.

The April 8 CHARLOTTE OBSERVER provided an opportunity for Mr. David Hollars, the executive director of the Centralina Workforce Development Board, to provide background on the publicly-funded services that can be provided to businesses. The Centralina Board is one three boards representing 11 counties in the State that will share the $1.4 million in NEG resources to benefit laid-off workers. Our thanks to reporter Charles Lunan for permission to link to Mr. Hollars' first-person comments ("He connects laid-off workers with employers who need them").

Customers seeking occupational wage information can now utilize the Wage Information Network (WIN) on the Texas Workforce Commission�s (TWC) website. The WIN system utilizes the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) wage survey. Each year, more than 27,000 employers in Texas are contacted for this survey, which is overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For access to TWC's April 3 announcement.
For access to Wage Information Network.

On April 4, Merrill Lynch announced the award of $3.2 million in grants through Investing Pays Off to help "young people who lack the financial skills needed to compete and succeed in the global marketplace." This initiative helps supports innovative programs targeting youth in two dozen under-served California communities. The grants will help underwrite a wide range of programs for California teenagers, including:

o A summmer business institute for young people from low-income families.
o A natural foods business run by students at an inner-city high school.
o Efforts to create a financial literacy game, a play and a series of public television shows on investing.
o An after-school enrichment program that helps young people stay in school and develop financial and career skills.

The Merrill Lynch announcement provides extensive backround on Investing Pays Off and the California Partnership for Economic Achievement. For the listing of California organizations receiving grants from Merrill Lynch.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has recently announced a series of workshops to share information with small businesses on the employment of individuals with disabilities.

The first workshops will take place in Rapid City, S.D. (April 9 and 10); Reno, Nev. (April 23); Morgantown, W.Va. (May 29); Kenosha, Wis. (June 3); Milwaukee, Wis. (June 4); and Phoenix, Ariz. (June 17). The schedule continues to develop with additional locations.

Small businesses and groups interested in learning more about the opportunity to participate in this workshop series are encouraged to call Joyce Walker-Jones or Michelle Zinman in the EEOC's Office of Legal Counsel at (202) 663-4503. For the full EEOC announcement.

The State Employment Security Commission originated the "Job Creator" honors. This award program, now in its nineteenth year, is currently sponsored by six agencies and 12 Workforce Investment boards.

The April 5 HERALD notes that Governor Jim Hodges has recently presented awards to 45 firms across the State, with accolades extended to several companies -- Bowater Inc., Perception Builders, Sign-crafters, and F. Schumacher & Co. -- within the paper's circulation area in York, Chester and Lancaster counties.

For more on how these firms gained their nominations -- and the history of this program which is a "gesture of appreciation to employers who invest in South Carolina" -- please see the HERALD's full story.

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Collaborative (LACEDC) has recently launched an online portal that connects unemployed and low-paid workers with employment and training opportunities in targeted industries. Called Los Angeles County Workforce, the website also provides training resources and market information to area employers.

The April "economic development" section of American City & County provides the additional details.

The March 31 DAILY INDEPENDENT takes a look at a community resource that has evolved to meet the needs of its expanded customer base. The Ashland One-Stop Center furnishes UI services but "much more" as the INDEPENDENT's full article documents for its readership.

Moua Xiong, an 18-year-old Merced (CA) High School student was $100 richer Thursday after designing the winning logo for Merced County's proposed Employability Card.

The winning design was selected by the Education and Employers Subcommittee of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) last week.

For more on how this card will serve both Merced students and businesses -- and how the winning entry was conceived -- please see the full story in the March 28 MERCED SUN-STAR.

Business incubation is a dynamic process of business enterprise development. Incubators nurture young firms, helping them survive and grow during the startup period when they are most vulnerable. Incubators provide hands-on management assistance, access to financing, and orchestrated exposure to critical business or technical support services. They also offer entrepreneurial firms shared office services, access to equipment, flexible leases, and expandable space -- all under one roof. An incubation program's main goal is to produce successful graduates -- businesses that are financially viable and freestanding when they leave the incubator, usually in two to three years.

The Economic Development Administration has recently released Strategic Planning in the Technology-Driven World: A Guidebook for Innovation-Led Development which provides a number of useful sources of information on small business incubators, including:

Business Incubation Association (NBIA)
Best practice material in NBIA Bookstore
Directory of Experts

State examples:
Austin Technology Incubator (Austin, Texas)
Mid-America Commercialization Corporation (Manhattan, Kansas)
Northeast Tier Ben Franklin Technology Center (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation (Fairmont, WV)

EDA also recently announced the availability of FY 2002 funds for economic development assistance programs. Proposals are sought that enhance regional competitiveness and support long-term development of regional economies (including "specialized training program infrastructure"). The March 1 FEDERAL REGISTER provides the background on eligible applicants, proposal format,evaluation and selection process, funding priorities, and the dollar availability under each of the EDA-specified "funding streams." The March 4 "What's New" entry provides direct access to the EDA REGISTER announcement in text and PDF versions.

In November 2001, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)-- in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and the National Commission on Entrepreneurship -- announced the creation of an awards competition to recognize outstanding youth entrepreneurship education programs. These programs often serve as a "springboard" for Appalachian residents to launch their own businesses, creating jobs in their communities and further diversifying and strengthening the Region's economy. At a Washington, D.C. luncheon on March 19, the National Commission on Entrepreneurship (NCOE) and the ARC honored the inauguaral competition's winning educators and their programs:

Donald Lawrimor (Walhalla High School in Walhalla, SC)
June Holle (ACEnet in Athens, OH)
Debra Conrad (Randolph County Voc. Tech. Center in Wilkins, WV)
Bill Smit (Lonesome Pine Office on Youth in Big Stone Gap, VA)
Jennifer Robison (Tupelo Middle School in Tupelo, MS)
David Gander (Estill County High School in Irvine, KY)

The following teachers and students were feted: Harriett Templin (teacher) and Michael Waller and Kevin Robinson (students), Walhalla High School, SC; Iain Miller (curriculum coach) and Jonathan Will and Ben Holter (students), Eastern High School in affiliation with ACEnet, OH; Debra Conrad (teacher) and Katelyn Yeager (student), Randolph County Vocational Technical Center, WV; Connie Witt (teacher) and Lyndsey Lisle (student), Estill County High School, KY; Curtis Laney (teacher) and Steven Miller (student), Twin Springs High School in affiliation with Lonesome Pine Office on Youth, VA; and Jennifer Robinson (teacher) and Reed Loden (student), Tupelo Middle School, MS.

"Entrepreneurship starts with initiative and motivation. We often overlook the fact that these traits -- and an interest in starting a business -- can be found in our country�s young people. As the ARC�s awards program shows, more kids than ever are taking the initiative and taking the risk to start a business," said Patrick Von Bargen, NCOE Executive Director. "These young entrepreneurs also are laying the groundwork for building entrepreneurial economies in their own hometowns. Their initiative provides the spark that one day may lead to new companies, new jobs, and stronger communities."

Toyce Newton, the Executive Director, and the YO! staff have launched a Arkansas Youth Opportunity Movement website, offering a complete gallery of stories and photographs about young people served by this grassroots Movement in the "Natural State."

The current on-line newsletter profiles a recent visit by Governor Huckabee to Arkansas City to meet with YO! participants, staff and local citizens.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a nationwide network of not-for-profit Centers in over 400 locations nationwide, whose sole purpose is to provide small and medium-sized manufacturers with the help they need to succeed. The Centers -- serving all 50 States and Puerto Rico -- are linked together through the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Each Center has the ability to assess where the firm stands today, provide technical and business solutions, create successful partnerships, and offer learning through seminars and training programs.

The Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) has just been notified that it will receive up to $750,000 to provide economic and business development help to small manufacturing firms across the state. Oregon's small manufacturers play a crucial role in the state's economy, providing more than 100,000 jobs (roughly 40 percent of Oregon's manufacturing workforce) and bringing hundreds of millions of dollars into Oregon communities. Nearly all of Oregon's small manufacturers are locally owned and managed, with fewer than 100 having out-of-state headquarters.

For more information on OMEP's network of statewide partnerships and its services.

For more information on the NIST MEP Federal-State Partnerships ("Helping American Manufacturers Do Big Things")

And please see the January 2 item in "Around America's Workforce Network" on how the Florida MEP will be working with Workforce Central Florida in upgrading the skills of existing employees in Florida's "High-Tech Corridor."

The March 20 ROANOKE TIMES chronicles the journal of Mr. Marsh Collins from his printing plant to a potential destination in radiology. Along the way: a large dosage of assistance for this dislocated worker from the Roanoke One-Stop and Virginia Western Community College.

For the rest of Mr. Marsh's career journey -- and the other services available to dislocated workers and other patrons of the three Centers that the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board oversees -- please see the TIMES' full story .

Many staff of the East Linn Workforce Development Center moved into a 44,000 square foot facility last week -- an initial vanguard that reflects a firm One-Stop service resolve for the area's employers and jobseekers. The March 20 LEBANON EXPRESS captures, in pictures and words, the Center professionals gearing up for the Center's opening.

Reporter A.K. Dugan details an impressive list of human resource and economic development partners who will be involved in public service within the complex, noting that "the distance education classroom will be used for interactive TV classes from Oregon State University, Chemeketa Community College and other institutions."

For the full story on the Center's service offering, developmental history, and future plans.

The Rhode Island Human Resource Council has recently awarded a $100,000 grant to the Rhode Island Economic Policy Council (EPC) to help develop an institute to train local students for jobs at biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies.

The March 20 PROVIDENCE JOURNAL reports that "EPC would like to build the Rhode Island Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Training Institute into a stand-alone, self-sufficient training center that can meet the needs of Rhode Island's -- and New England's -- growing biotechnology industry."

For the JOURNAL's complete story.

"The day I walked through the doors of the One Stop center in Corinth started a chain reaction of very positive events ... WIA works because no one ever makes you feel like you are getting a handout, instead you are getting a helping hand."

That's the positive sentiment expressed by Sandra Whitaker of Corinth who is preparing for a career in nursing after securing her GED.

In its March 13 edition, The NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL takes a look at the WIA activities and services for Ms. Whitaker and the residents of a five-county area in Northeast Mississippi.

For a look at these services for the region's jobseekers -- and the additional assistance the One-Stops provide to Mississippi employers in providing customized training -- please see the JOURNAL's full story.

On March 12, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced grant awards totaling more than $23 million under the under the H-1B Technical Skills Training grant program. The grants were awarded to local communities to provide high-level training to employed and unemployed workers for jobs in occupations where skills shortages exist.

Washington, D.C. is one of the grant recipients. Working with Mayor Anthony Williams� office and the Washington DC-Technology Career Lattice Initiative (DC-TCLI), the District partners will specifically address the issues of the digital divide in metropolitan area by offering technology job training and IT internships through community-based resources and higher education workforce development. Training will be provided at different levels and points of entry to offer both skills foundations and upgrades in skills that include hardware installation, certification programs such as A+, CISCO, Microsoft, and programming and database administration.

Key partners of DC-TCLI include Regional One Stop Centers, the DC Department of Employment Services, University of the District of Columbia, the George Washington University, ByteBack, Reid LondonHouse, TechUSA, Mindbank, the DC Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Charities, Community Family Life Services, Acquired Data Solutions, and several others. For full profiles of the District's grant objectives and those of the other recipients (in Arizona, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania).

The March 16 ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER notes that State Employment Development Department officials at the Coastal Orange County One-Stop Center in Costa Mesa had noted a large increase in laid-off workers in Irvine over the past year. The net result of observation and action: the opening of a satellite One-Stop Center in Pepperdine's University's former MBA program offices. The REGISTER comments: "The Irvine office, with its marble entry, clean, white walls and private offices, offers an environment professionals are used to." The REGISTER also quotes Bob Baker, an EDD staffer: "We want to attract businesses to use us from the standpoint of creating jobs and to have a place that specializes as a business center for displaced workers."

The official grand opening and open house are planned for April 2, but the REGISTER reports "word of mouth already has drawn 350 people to the office for services."

A One-Stop Center ("Coordinated Economic Relief Center") opened on March 15 about 10 miles south of Martinsville. Area citizens can access CERC services on a walk-in basis at the center, located at 6898 Greensboro Road, Ridgeway or call the toll-free number at 1-877-849-2373. Both options will connect workers and their families with the full spectrum of public and private resources.

In its coverage of the opening, the ROANOKE TIMES noted that the Center will be staffed by the Virginia Employment Commission along with representatives from other agencies including Credit Consumer Counseling Services of Martinsville, Patrick Henry Community College, Piedmont Community Services, the Salvation Army, United Way, Child Support Enforcement, and the Henry County-Martinsville Department of Social Services.

A partnership salute is extended to Jim Kehrer, an Employment Service Agency local veterans' employment specialist in Benton Harbor. Mr. Kehrer has been named the first recipient of the Robert T. Pendleton Award for Excellence in Service to Veterans.

Dr. Barbara Bolin, director of the Michigan Department of Career Development (MDCD) announced the award today. The award was established by the Employment Service Agency's Customer Service Division to commemorate Robert T. Pendleton's commitment to helping veteran job seekers. Pendleton, a Vietnam veteran, was deputy director of the Michigan Department of Career Development when he passed away in December of 2000.

Those who nominated Mr. Kehrer for the award described him as "someone who advocates articulately and passionately for those he serves, works tirelessly and consistently to ensure outreach to veterans, goes 'above and beyond' to help other people in their search for job placement assistance, and demonstrates a commitment to excellence ..."

The March 14 VIRGINIAN-PILOT notes that a Regional Workforce Development Center on the Paul D. Camp Community College campus will officially open on March 22.

The $5.28 million facility "will serve the training and development needs of businesses in Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight and Southampton counties."

The PILOT reports that the center also will "house the college's work force development classes and provide training customized to specific businesses." A One-Stop Center in the new building, the PILOT notes, "will provide a full range of services, including those of the Virginia Employment Commission, to match job seekers with employers."

Two-thirds of Silicon Valley students in grades 8 and 11 do not plan to pursue high-technology careers, according to a survey of 2,500 local students that is part of a study released today by global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney and Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network. Of students not planning on technology careers, a substantial number have negative perceptions of these professions: 39 percent said that high-tech careers are uninteresting; 25 percent said these jobs are intimidating. The student-survey conducted in late 2000 is part of the 2002 Workforce Study: Connecting Today's Youth with Tomorrow's Technology Careers, which calls for stronger linkages between students and high-tech career opportunities, especially among Hispanic students and female students.

A.T. Kearney and Joint Venture will present the study and host a panel discussion at California's DeAnza College on Thursday, March 14 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Additional community forums -- hosted in partnership with Silicon Valley's workforce investment boards -- will be held in the coming months to discuss the issues raised by the study.

Other boards and Youth Councils across the country may be interested in reviewing the report which will be available at www.jointventure.org/workforce.

On behalf of Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker, Labor and Industry Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Tim Bittle today officially opened the new McKean County Team Pennsylvania CareerLink Center. The center is located at 40 Davis Street in Bradford.

Deputy Director Biddle observed: "CareerLink seamlessly delivers services to bring together job seekers, employers, training providers and other key public- and private-sector partners. Using cutting-edge Internet technology, we now are redefining customer service, expanding customer choice and making government truly responsive to the people who foot the bill."

Nonprofit organizations engaged in efforts to improve workforce skills for residents of Connecticut, New York and California have been invited to compete grants to be distributed this year by Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications. A total of $1,000,000 is available for California projects; a total of $500,000 for New York and Connecticut service area projects. The deadline is April 17 for the NY-CT proposals; May 10 for California proposals. The foundation requires that all grant applications be made online at its website. On the website, New York and Connecticut applicants should click on the New York/Connecticut Work Force Development RFP link and type in the invitation code for this RFP, 58LKIG3Z6M, when logging in.

For the full text of both Verizon announcements.

For Ohioans ... The 16th Annual Ohio Employee Ownership Conference will be held on April 12. One major theme of this year's event -- "Building Better Communities in the Workplace, in the Company, in the Country." One of the Conference tracks is particularly targeted to economic development specialists in the state who want to learn how to use ESOPs to anchor capital and jobs, and as a layoff aversion and economic development/job retention strategy. Visit the Conference website for more details or to register or call 330-672-3028.

The GRAND ISLAND INDEPENDENT took note in its March 10 edition about the extensive offerings for area customers at the One-Stop Center at 1306 West Third Street. Forged through various community partnerships -- and the active involvement of Community Redevelopment Authority, city council, Mayor Ken Gnadt, City Administrator Marlan Ferguson, chamber of commerce President Roger Nygaard, economic development corporation President Monty Montgomery and Community Projects Director Cindy Johnson -- the Center has become a valuable addition to the Grand Island landscape and emblematic of the service delivery ethic under the Workforce Investment Act.

Randy Kissinger, the Center manager, observes: "There's increased accountability between providers. We don't send them (our customers) uptown. We take them down the hallway." For more on the many Center services that area businesses can find -- and the recent recognition of the Center by the local Chamber of Commerce -- please see the INDEPENDENT's full story.

The Associated Press has taken note of a "reverse recruitment" strategy undertaken in Denver. Shepard Nevel, the director of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development, indicated he and his staff developed the idea after watching the state's worker shortage turn into a job shortage. The result of this collaboration: the DENVER POST featured Mayor Wellington Webb touting the skills of 230 men and women seeking work for potential area employers. The AP reported that almost all the people identified in this ad received at least one job opportunity offer.

One of the campaign's beneficiaries -- who successfully navigated the career transition from aviation mechanic to health care worker-- observed: "The mayor's program was absolutely amazing ...it gives people another avenue to succeed."

The Denver strategy was presented at the recent Conference of Mayors meeting.

The National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices surveyed the States during last fall to determine practices, program and new initiatves in serving dislocated workers. NGA's resulting February 25 "issue brief" -- Assisting Laid-off Workers in a Changing Economy --is now available on-line. The report and appendices cover individual State approaches in:

* Using data to anticipate layoffs
* Developing an early warning network to trigger services
* Implementing business retention strategies
* Partnering with economic development agencies
* Promoting short-term compensation as an alternative to layoffs
* Implementing regional strategies for rapid reemployment
* Using e-learning
* Assembling training resources from multiple funding streams

The Department of Education has recently awarded a grant to Colorado State University to identify and promote the most effective of government-funded programs designed to prepare students with disabilities for life after high school. The project team will synthesize government-funded reports as well as research studies funded by other sources, both in this country and abroad. The result will be a collective picture of what interventions work for youth with disabilities. The project principals will review more than 5,000 project reports, journal articles, evaluations and other pieces of literature. Programs designed to help students with the transition from secondary school to work or other education will be examined under the project.

As subcontractors, the University of Illinois will provide more than 500 Office of Special Education-funded project reports housed on its campus while the University of Minnesota will help disseminate results of the synthesis through their National Center on Secondary Education and Transition website, through a national e-mail service, through NCSET activities and through a series of publications called "What Works Briefs."

The TOPEKA CAPITAL JOURNAL has examined how the Topeka Workforce Center is helping immigrants navigate the local labor market. The newcomers can find a sympathetic ear and a helping hand from Gert Cozadd, a Center employee and a former immigrant. About 3,200 Topekans visit the center each month; nearly one out of every four customers is now Hispanic.

The story serves to underscore the operating motto of the Center: "Just tell us what you need, we're here to help you."

Reporter Paul Eakins was kind enough to point out that a Spanish-language version is also available to the CJ readership.

The February 11 CHARLESTON POST AND COURIER took journalistic recognition of the Trident One-Stop Center's fine work in serving employers and jobseekers in the local community. The article also noted that Trident took first-place honors in the recent Workforce Excellence Network's Journey to Excellence conference held in Orlando, Florida. Trident garnered the top laurels against some superb competition for its "Making of a Steel Maker" project in which it partnered with Nucor and Trident Tech .

The POST AND COURIER quoted several local principals:

Paul Connerty, the One-Stop Center director: "It was a model that involved recruiting, testing, training and employing individuals for entry-level positions at Nucor." Mary Thornley, president of Trident Technical College: "This partnership touched our community in many ways," she said. "We boosted the local economy. We created a national model for work force development. But most importantly, we helped people who wanted to change their lives."

In March, the center will carry the credentials of the nation's work development organizations groups as it competes -- along with a number of private companies -- for the Association for Quality and Participation national quality award. Our congratulations and best wishes to the Trident team!

The Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, CareerLink, US Airways, Community College of Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to sponsor CareerMart -- a job fair designed to help individuals displaced by the September 11 tragedy, especially those in the airline and hospitality industry.

Presentations will be available throughout the day with speakers hailing from five critical industry clusters in the region: manufacturing, health care, information technology, financial services and hospitality and tourism.

Both employers and educational training providers will also be available at this event. CareerMart gets underway at 10:00 a.m. February 22 at the Embassy Suites in Coraopolis.

Governor Mark Schweiker today unveiled a new tool to boost workforce development in Pennsylvania - "Critical Job Training Grants." These grants are designed to give displaced workers quick access to training, retraining and education for high-demand jobs and occupations with immediate openings. The application for these grants is available on-line.

Gov. Schweiker also announced the first grant -- $600,000 for the South Central Pennsylvania Healthcare Training Consortium. The consortium -- comprising seven hospitals and health system -- will use the funding to train new health-care workers and enhance the skills of others.

Many of the dedicated professionals who tirelessly work in the nation's One-Stops don't receive much day-to-day attention from the local media. It's always gratifying, then, when the people who work in the workforce development ranks receive some due. The February 10 MODESTO BEE has profiled Traci Naylor, a counselor at the local One-Stop on 12th and G Streets. Ms. Naylor enthuses about her chosen profession: "I loved it from day one .. it's nice to have a job where you're helping people."

Stanislaus County has not been immune from the economic downturn, so Tracy's work becomes doubly important to the community. She observes her greatest satisfaction comes when one of her customers impresses the interviewer. "When they call me to say, 'I got the job!' ... It's so energizing. That's what you're waiting for."

The Februrary 9 LEHIGHTON (PA) TIMES-NEWS furnishes a look at how Leigh Carbon Community College -- in partnership with local WIBs, CareerLink and the United Mine Workers of America -- is assisting a laid-off miner in moving into the health industry. Reporter Al Zagofsky examines the odyssey of Tom "Tucker" Moyer, with focus on his personal commitment to an unusual career shift and the hand of cooperation extended by a number of local organizations in propelling him to a new career destination.

When asked on why he chose to study nursing, Mr. Tucker replied, "There are so many people who need help, especially the elderly. I see a tremendous opportunity for men in this field; many of the small female nurses need help." And while a return to school (and a rigorous curriculum) for someone in their mid-fifties may be somewhat unusual, Mr Tucker offers both philosophy and a challange to his contemporaries: "The opportunity is here and it's not too late ... You'll feel younger ... We are living longer and without an educational foundation, you aren't going anywhere."

The February 8 MERCED SUN-STAR describes the effort of the local Workforce Investment Board to develop and introduce a "Youth Employability Card" to serve as a pre-screening tool that businesses can use when selecting high school students as employees.

The ASHLAND DAILY PRESS reports that a local firm in Glidden has won the January Governor's Workforce Innovation Award. This award is bestowed on organizations which "recognizes individuals and organizations that create innovative approaches and outside-of-the-box solutions to develop and sustain Wisconsin's workforce."

Located in Glidden, Winter Woods works closely with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor Jerry Jorgenson to provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities.

Governor Scott McCallum noted: "Once again, a Wisconsin company is leading the way by employing people with disabilities and helping to fill a labor shortage by tapping into this vital resource."

The One-Stop service ethic has successfully surfed the Atlantic. The Department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB)reports:

On January 25th and January 31st, Barbados and Jamaica held the grand openings of their One Stop Resource Centers as part of the USDOL labor exchange project in the English speaking Caribbean and Suriname. Attendees included representatives from employer organizations, trade unions, private sector organizations, other government Ministries such as Education, Commerce and Industry, the University of the West Indies, the US Embassy, the Minister of Labor, the Permanent Secretary, and Deputy Permanent Secretary. There were also members of the press (TV, radio, and newspaper) covering the event ... The openings of the One Stop Resource Centers brings to culmination nearly two years of efforts of USDOL and the governments of Barbados and Jamaica to address employment services issues such as how to find work and where is the work.

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), through the Center for Employment Security Education and Research (CESER), has been an active partner in this effort providing a variety of technical assistance activities. CESER's activities are designed to help the various Ministries of Labor develop their comprehensive business plans (with components such as employer and jobseeker services, LMI, technology, human resources, etc.) and to open model Career Centers. To accomplish these goals CESER is utilizing direct case management through various technical experts, extensive staff skills training and provision of pertinent materials and templates.

A work bridge, that is. The February 4 edition of the MADISON PRESS offers a snapshot of the many services the local One-Stop provides to the community residents and employers.

Reporter Karen Daniels notes: "In a time when jobs may be harder to come by nationwide, Madison County residents have an added resource to help them in the search. Madison Works Workforce Development, housed in the Madison County Job and Family Services building, offers county residents a facility to build their job search skills and resumes whether they were laid off, entering the job market for the first time, re-entering after a long hiatus or just working on a resume for the first time in years."

'We try to give the residents in the county a one-stop resource center,' explained Emily Scardena Wokforce Investment Act coordinator. 'We try to make it as easy and accessible as we can. Some people are out there working the same job for 20 years then all of the sudden the company is sold. We can help them through the transition.'

And Employment Services Counselor Rebecca Nagel observed: 'Everything is here and possible from A to Z -- training,schools, market outlook, wages, the list goes on and on ...if they (the customers) put the effort in they can really get a lot accomplished.'

A quick link has now been established to "Promising Practices" on the left-hand side of our menu structure. Here you can discover "what works well" in 26 profiled jurisdictions on the topics of Service to Job Seekers, Service to Employers, and One-Stop Design and Management.

Hopscotching across the country, a variety of State sites with similar "review and emulate" purposes may be found. Oregon, for example, maintains a community website for its workforce system best practices . The site invites visitors to "learn about cool ideas and proven practices, how to make changes in your workplace, and what others are doing around the state." The site architects also encourage: "Have a look at the proven practices that are described here to see if it sparks new ideas. Learn about how to share best practices. Connect with project partners."

Access to reliable transportation frustrates many jobseekers. The February 4 BROWNSVILLE HERALD examines a new creative arrangement between the Workforce Center and local transportation authorities which is strictly "win-win." Listen to Ms. Rose Mary Garcia: "I was so desperate, because I don�t have enough money for the bus or even to pay for repairs of my car, but with this new work pass now everything is different ... Now, I have one thing less to be worried about; now I can use my work pass and go to the interview or come to the center and look for a job."

For more information about this program, call Tom Logan at 956-541-4881, or the Texas Workforce Center at 956-546-3141.

The staff at LMINet has recently reminded the nation's workforce development professionals that the New Jersey Center for Occupational Employment Information has led an energetic consortium of states -- Connecticut, Maryland, Missouri, California, Florida, New York, Ohio, Texas and Vermont -- in the production of a multi-media library of career videos for use our One-Stops.

These video clips (from able seaman to writer/editor) are intended to enhance or heighten interest in career exploration. The videos are distributed to each state and territory through the State Workforce Agency, the Career Resource Network as well as to private sector vendors involved in the development and delivery of career decision making information.

The Consortium output is impressive: 289 occupations organized around the 16 Perkins Career Clusters have been filmed, edited and distributed. Over 200 video clips are available as a set of CDs with the option of open-captioning for the hearing impaired. Videos are available with Real Media compression for Internet streaming. Some are available in Spanish in QuickTime compression courtesy of the California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.

Clips are available to the general public via theWorkforce New Jersey Public Information Network (WNJPIN), the state's Internet information portal. The videos are also available for download from America's Career InfoNet or from the National Crosswalk Service Center.

The National Retail Federation Foundation (NRFF) is using the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) in their retail centers in three states -- New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The centers report that the O*NET information is helpful for both program participants and employers.

On January 29, the San Diego Workforce Partnership released the results of sustained, collaborative efforts among businesses, labor, educators, service providers, and lawmakers and other community leaders to shape the future of the local economy.

This Partnership -- a public/private nonprofit corporation -- launched the Regional Strategic Planning Initiative in 2000 in response to industry leaders' identification of a "quality workforce" as one of the key components to the region's continued economic development. The developed four plans furnish a blueprint for meeting the current and future workforce development needs of four different industries. An additional quartet of studies covering different industries is scheduled for release in the spring.

These plans were funded through an ETA Skill Shortages Grant awarded to the San Diego Work Force Partnership in 2000. The studies represent the first formal, organized effort to create regional workforce development strategies at the industry cluster level in San Diego.

For more information about the San Diego Work Force Partnership and its many services and products for the region's employers and jobseekers, visit the Partnership's website. And to learn more about the activities of the San Diego Regional Technology Alliance -- promoting high-tech and biotech growth, assisting entrepeneurs, and helping young people understand the preparation requirements of the jobs of the future - pay a visit to the Alliance's website.

The Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and Agriculture are sponsoring a region conference "Integrating Systems for Family Self-Sufficiency." It will bring together federal, state and local partners from the workforce development and welfare systems to focus on how to work together to create systems that help families move out of poverty. This conference will be held on February 5 - 6 in Chicago.

One of the featured workshops will focus on the partnerships that are assisting non-custodial parents in Shawnee County, Kansas. An article in the January 28 TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL focused on this innovative effort.

Job shadowing is an academically motivating activity designed to give kids an up-close look at the world of work and to answer the question, "Why do I have to learn this?" Beginning with a nationwide kickoff on February 1, 2002, and continuing throughout the school year, students across America "shadow" workplace mentors as they go through a normal day on the job. The students get to see firsthand how the skills learned in school relate to the workplace. Job Shadowing is led by the National Job Shadow Coalition and is supported through a national sponsorship by Monster.com and a co-sponsorship by News Corporation.

The most recent in a series of Lessons Learned reports, "Networking the Land: Rural America in the Information Age," is now available from National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The volume offers case studies of how rural communities are using telecommunications and information technologies to develop local economies, manage natural resources, and improve access to education, health care, social services.

For a copy of this free report, please call (202) 482-2048 or email the Technology Opportunities Program directly at [email protected].

Earlier this month (January 5), President Bush visited the Youth Opportunities Center in Portland. Young Jesse McDaniel had an opportunity to spend some time with the President. For his exchanges with the President and his insights on what YO has meant to him, pay a visit to ETA's Region 6 excellent newsletter "Youth Connections West".

Just a snippet from Jesse's journal: "President Bush stayed and talked with us for about 10 minutes and spoke about different issues like recognizing mistakes, the war in Afghanistan, the war on terrorism, staying focused and working toward goals, and more. My first impression of him was that he reminded me of folks back home from Texas and Louisiana. He had that Texas drawl that I remember from when I was a kid. It was kind of comforting to relate to him like that ... I am really thankful that I had the chance to have this once in a lifetime experience. Through YO I have been able to take part in valuable experiences. I have grown emotionally through the different activities at YO. I have developed my skill levels and gained valuable work experience through YO programs. And, I now have an event, meeting the President, that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Nevada JobConnect was formally unveiled during January 23 and January 24 press conferences in the State. Nevada JobConnect incorporates employee/employer matching services, job training, financial assistance and incentives and more, all in one easy-to-use location.

The new system has already drawn Krispy Kreme kudos. The January 24 RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL quoted the general manager of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: "We were able to screen more than 500 people with the help of JobConnect -- something that would have been difficult to handle alone."

Nevada JobConnect can be accessed by calling 702/651-2600, or by visiting the new web site.

Michigan has formally launched the BeeFreeway, a new e-education employee training system available at no charge to Michigan's very small businesses. Dr. Barbara Bolin, director of the Michigan Department of Career Development said: "The launch of the BeeFreeway means that Michigan's nearly 200,000 very small businesses and nonprofit organizations can provide their employees with free, high-quality training in more than 1,300 subjects including information technology, management techniques, advanced technical skills, and many other topics." The BeeFreeway can also be accessed as a link on the TalentFreeway which provides online access to many career and training development resources.

If you would like more information regarding the BeeFreeway, you can call 877-844-0385 or e-mail an inquiry to [email protected] .

San Juan College is the recipient of a $200,000 grant under the Workforce Investment Act from the New Mexico Department of Labor for a program to train employees in the oil and gas industry. The January 22 FARMINGTON DAILY TIMES notes that "Local oil and gas companies are slated to contribute buildings and equipment to train both entry level and experienced workers in general and specialized oil field production techniques with a hands-on approach."

The DAILY TIMES also quotes Clinton D. Harden, the secretary for the state's Department of Labor: "The oil and gas industry is essential to not only New Mexico's economy, but to the nation's energy needs. By channeling these Workforce Investment Act statewide funds we ensure the expertise to continue producing this important resource."

Some folks just possess the public service gene ... and it's just hard to leave the important business of workforce development. The January 19 CLAREMONT DAILY PROGRESS notes that Ron Novotny was fantasizing about "snorkeling in the waters off the silky sand of Cozamel" when he left with 30 years of service with the Oklahoma Employment Service. Mr. Novotny, however, has temporarily deferred those plans ... and accepted a position as director of Northeast Oklahoma Workforce Investment board upon his December 1, 2001 retirement. The DAILY PROGRESS observes: "As director, Novotny will be responsible for working with the board and procuring and contracting with service providers for WIA training programs."

ETA adds its congratulations for his years of service to the Oklahoma ES and extends best wishes to Mr. Novotny as he undertakes his new responsibilties.

The BEATRICE DAILY SUN reports that "a new one-of-a-kind learning center for at-risk students under the age of 16 has been established by Beatrice Public Schools and Workforce Development." The students spend the morning at the high school taking classes in math, English and reading. In the afternoons, the students spend time at the One-Stop Center at Southeast Community College working on job-related activities. This Beatrice partnership is the first such one in Nebraska.

The January 13 DANBURY NEWS-TIMES uncovered a treasure in its own backyard. In the chronicling of Kennard Daniels's efforts to find work after being downsized by a FORTUNE 500 company, the reporter notes: "What Daniels expected to find was a grubby bureaucratic office with long lines, sticky floors, buzzing fluorescent lights and humorless blank-eyed clerks. What he found was a modern, 12,000-square foot facility with the outplacement services his former employer did not provide. For those between work, the center provides a rich menu of resources that can make the difference between the job and the dole. The center and its resources are federally funded, thanks to the 1998 Workforce Investment Act, and offered at no charge to the user. For people like Daniels, it's a lifesaver."

The January 14 ARIZONA REPUBLIC takes a long look at the Maricopa County One-Stops under the headline "Help in Time of Need." The reporter observes: "When people stumble onto the Maricopa Workforce Connections center in Peoria, they often can't believe what's inside. Free r�sum� faxing. Workshops on interviewing, networking and Internet job searches."

The REPUBLIC's article points out another advantage that the nation's One-Stop offer during these economic times -- the ability to provide space for professionals to network. Arizona's sister state in sunshine is also engaged in this type of job and career latticework. For background on Florida's "Professional Placement Network," please see the December 18, 2001 item.

Governor Jeanne Shaheen announced yesterday that New Hampshire businesses and industries can now apply for job training grants through the state's new, permanent "Job Training Program for Economic Growth." This program will provide up to $1 million a year for training grants for New Hampshire businesses and industries. Participating businesses and industries must match at least 50 percent of the training costs and small businesses will be given priority. The New Hampshire Community Technical College System's Centers for Training and Business Development will administer the program.

Henderson Community College-based One-Stop recently drew some favorable attention from the members of the Rotary Club ... and the local newspaper. The January 11 HENDERSON GLEANER noted: In the 32 months since it was established, that 'one-stop shopping' approach to job hunting, vocational testing, employment training and employer services has assisted more than 4,000 people and is going strong." In addressing the local Rotary Club, the Center spokespersons all took tremendous pride in what the partnerships have meant in helping residents enter (or re-enter) the local labor market. Henderson is the only Career Connections Center in Kentucky situated on the campus of a post-secondary institution.

Ann Arundel County is joining other jurisdictions across the country in establishing hot-lines for their residents during this time of economic uncertainty. The hotline (888-777-8993) "will offer our citizens a quick-connect, one-stop-shop for work force related services," said Bill Badger, president and chief executive officer of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation.

The Richmond (Virginia) Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) is increasing the city's supply of nurses while addressing another issue that lies closer to RRHA's mission -- enabling public housing residents to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Through HOPE FOR HEALTH CARE, a free,comprehensive six-week nurse aide-training academy created and carried out by RRHA and RRHA partners Care Advantage, Inc. and YMCA of Greater Richmond, Richmond's public housing residents are entering the nursing profession.

Several years ago the Nortex Regional Planning Commission, the contractor for the workforce centers of North Texas, determined there was a need to provide services to the outlying counties. The January 7 WICHITA FALLS (TX) TIMES RECORD NEWS salutes the outcome of all the planning and procurement work: the debut of a mobile van on January 10. The coverage notes: "Bowie City Manager James Cantwell said he is excited to see the project get off the ground and open up opportunities for the unemployed or those seeking to change jobs in this area without having to go out of town."

An article in the January 5 ROSEVILLE (CA) PRESS TRIBUNE described increases in the patronage of the regional One-Stops, with various spokespersons extolling the virtue of partnership in providing customers with quality services. The article noted: "A former NEC Electronics line technician who was laid off in April and facing a jobless market said in December he had a couple of prospects, but they were out of state. Instead, the Golden Sierra Job Training Agency's One-Stop Career Center helped him enter MTI Business College where he is taking up computer networking. The WIA is paying for his college tuition."

The January 3 POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL notes that a new feature of New York's CareerZone offers teachers 55 lesson plans on how to prepare students for a job search and how to assess their skills when choosing a career. "Whether you're 23 looking for that first job or 43 changing jobs, the 'Career Zone' is a great tool," said Betsy McCormack, spokesperson for the New York State Labor Department.

More than 700 Florida workers along the Interstate 4 corridor will receive information technology training during the next two years, thanks to a $3 million U.S. Department of Labor Grant, according to Richard Peck, board chair for the Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The Florida MEP will be working with Workforce Central Florida in upgrading the skills of existing employees in Florida's so-called "High-Tech Corridor." Companies targeted will include manufacturers in Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Flagler, Brevard, Volusia, Marion, Pinellas, Sarasota and Polk counties.

The Los Angeles County Workforce Preparation and Economic Development Collaborative has introduced a new website which uses Internet mapping technology to help users find training in the metalwork, food preparation and apparel industries. The on-line service provides maps pinpointing the location and concentration of businesses in those three industries. The Collaborative is made up of the California Workers Assistance Program AFL-CIO, the Employment Development Department, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., the county Department of Education, the Los Angeles/Orange County Community Colleges Consortium and the region's Workforce Investment Boards.

The CENTRALIA/CHEHALIS CHRONICLE's lid-lifter edition for the New Year observes its local One-Stop delivery system through the eyes of Lee Stevens, a thirty-year veteran of the Washington Employment Security Department. Mr. Stevens and a staff of 30 were "key players in the formation of the various community partnerships that are making the task of finding a job much easier for the people..."

The newspaper surveys the full spectrum of proffered services: "WorkSource Lewis County can assist anyone looking for a job, including high school dropouts, displaced homemakers who have been widowed or divorced and need to find a job, retired people looking for part-time employment or volunteer opportunities, displaced timber workers, people looking to further their education through college or apprenticeship programs, people needing assistance in writing a r�sum� or practicing for interviews, people who have jobs but who are looking for other employment opportunities, veterans seeking information about benefits and vocational rehabilitation, people who have difficulty maintaining employment because of issues such as child care or needed car repairs, and people who would like their skills and interests to be assessed in order to decide on a career or choice of study."

Mr Stevens notes: "Our office specializes in customer service, and we've built a reputation that brings people here ... we are pretty proud of that."

Assisting ex-offenders reenter the "world of work" takes commitment and dedication. The December 20 BATON ROUGE ADVOCATE chronicles the successful efforts of Dr. Bob Roberts and other Louisiana staff to help this population. Funded by TANF, "Project Return" serves as many as 50 ex-inmates at a time in its three-month program (which includes substance abuse treatment, computerized General Educational Development education, job training and job placement. For more information on Project Return, please visit its Web site at http://www.projectreturn.com or call toll free to 1-877-493-0047.

One of the virtues of the nation's One-Stop Centers is local adaptability -- and the ability to engineer solutions for the evolving supply-and-demand equations of today's economy. Today's MIAMI HERALD describes the recent renewal of a program for laid-off professionals in South Florida.

The Professional Placement Network assisted thousands of people with bachelor's degrees or five years management experience "providing them with an office, a support group and an opportunity to dress up and feel useful again." "We as the professionals felt lost because the folks that were behind the counter were not accustomed to dealing with a person who's been on a job long-term, and they're not accustomed to working with a person who's degreed," said Dettman, now the president of Professionals Network of Florida. "They didn't know how to handle us."

Chuck is willing to share his insights on the Network. You can contact him at 561-301-4680.

Today's MARYVILLE DAILY NEWS takes note of the State's rapid response efforts on behalf of workers discharged from the BTR extrustion plant. While many of the former employees indicated that their initial reaction to closure "ranged from fear to anger," they saw it a real opportunity "to pursue their dreams." Several of the laid-off workers expressed satisfaction in training for jobs in the burgeoning health care field. In covering the training odyssey of several of the laid-off workers, the reporter notes: "With the help of state funds provided through the Workforce Investment Act, the center -- working collaboratively with the Tennessee Unemployment Office and Department of Labor -- helped more than 200 former BTR employees pay for school, books and even uniforms and gas mileage."

A ribbon-cutting for Georgia Job Tips Inc., an agency designed to help displaced workers in the Lower Chattahoochee region was held today. Georgia Job Tips is supported a $1.3 million grant from ETA. The agency will help find on-the-job training for workers laid off recently from area companies.

The Standard Examiner took note in today's edition that the Weber Basin Job Corps is helping the Forest Service showcase Utah's natural wonders for Olympic guests. The Job students are assisting in assembling nine "gazebo-style" large kiosks. The Olympic visitors "will be able to walk inside the open-air structures and view photos and educational materials about streams, habitats, fish and animals." The Forest Service is saving $45,000 in this partnership, while providing valuable vocational education experience for the Corpsmembers.

Today's press release notes that Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana launched the Airline Industry Recareerment Project that helps dislocated airline employees find new jobs or move to careers in different industries. The AIR Project -- launched in mid-November -- provides job placement assistance, skills enhancement, technical and college degree programs, and other training designed to help these workers return to the workforce. According to Goodwill, more than 300 participants have already enrolled in the program. Services are provided at no cost to qualified, enrolled participants.

The Southwest Arkansas Workforce Investment Board, the Arkansas Workforce Center at Hope and area employers will host an information campaign kickoff today (December 5) for the public.

The December 1 DETROIT NEWS took note of the Ford Motor Co. Friday donating $1.5 million to open three new centers to train economically disadvantaged youth as automotive mechanics. The Youth and Adult Automotive Training Centers will be located in Highland Park, Taylor and Westland.

It is always gratifying when local journalists take note of folks who generously donate their time and energy to workforce development. The November 8 EVERETT (WA) HERALD offers a profile of John Knutsen, the recipient of the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce's John Fluke Sr. Community Service Award for 2001. The story notes Mr Knutsen's active role on the Snohomish County Workforce Development Council with colleagues noting that he is ''instrumental in cutting through the complexities of the federal and state requirements to help us focus on what needs to happen.'' ETA extends its congratulations to Mr. Knutsen for his civic and community engagement.

The GLEANER and the EVANSVILLE COURIER PRESS have taken press note that Alcan Ingot of Henderson was honored by Gov. Paul Patton on October 25 for being the state's outstanding employer in participating in Workforce Investment Act employment and training programs. The award is sponsored by the Kentucky Cabinet for Workforce Development's Department for Training and ReEmployment and the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board.

On behalf of Pa. Gov. Mark Schweiker, Labor and Industry Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Tim Bittle today dedicated the Beaver County Team Pennsylvania CareerLink Center at 2103 Ninth Ave., Beaver Falls.

''CareerLink seamlessly delivers services to bring together job seekers, employers, training providers and other key public- and private-sector partners,'' Bittle said. ''Using today's cutting-edge Internet technology, we now are redefining customer service, expanding customer choice and making government truly responsive to the people who foot the bill.''

Approximately 1,100 business leaders, educators and government professionals gathered at the second annual Governor's Workforce Conference in Springfield. Illinois Governor George H. Ryan announced $5 million in workforce funding to address critical needs in Illinois. The centers -- which bring together a variety of state and local workforce development services under one roof -- are designed to provide individuals with labor market skills and give employers access to qualified workers. There are 44 comprehensive one-stop centers and 54 satellite centers serving Illinois residents.

''A competitive state economy over the long-term is dependent upon a workforce system that provides individuals with the skills necessary for employment,'' Governor Ryan said. ''During my tenure as Governor, we have established a solid one-stop delivery network that has begun to meet this need.

''However, if we are to realize the maximum potential of these centers and the people they serve, we must continue to make improvements. This funding will fast-track our vision for establishing world-class one stop centers in Illinois.''

The funding will be used to support new comprehensive one-stop centers in Harvey, East St. Louis, Springfield, Southern Illinois and in the Quad Cities.