North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission

Transcription

1 North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Quarterly Report July September 2010

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3 Table of Contents Finance/Accounting 4 Community Development/Regional Planning 5 Enterprise/Economic Development Program 14 Human Resource Department 17 Information Technology Program 18 Workforce Investment Board 20 Workforce Development Operations 23 WIC Program 25 3

4 FINANCE PROGRAM NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION QUARTERLY REPORT July - September 2010 Current Year Actual Revenue Total Revenue 2,249, Expenses Total Salaries 1,536, Total Fringe 350, Total Contractual 77, Total Travel 70, Total Supplies 30, Total Printing/Publications 54, Total Space 55, Total Equipment 3, Total Other 74, Total Other - WIC 9, Total Other - WIA 248, Total Expenses 2,510, Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2010 Current Year Assets Total Assets 17,051, Liabilities Total Liabilities 11,620, Fund Balance Prior Year FUND BALANCE ,698, NCBD FUND BALANCE , Total Prior Year 5,314, Current Year Total Current Year 117, Total Fund Balance 5,431, Fund Balance/Liabilities 17,051,

5 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/REGIONAL PLANNING NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT July - September 2010 The Department has been charged with developing integrated strategies and policies for community development and regional planning activities that are consistent with the organizations Regional Action Strategy and Strategic Plan. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOALS Promote cooperative efforts among community (county, city and municipal governments) and economic development agencies that advance individual and common interests in targeting commercial, industrial and infrastructure development that is data driven and supported Promote quality of life initiatives while safeguarding the region s assets Assess and inventory regional infrastructure needs, including water, sewer, transportation, energy, utilities, recreation, education, healthcare, housing and site remediation Expand community outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning and development topics Establish and implement a communication plan to update stakeholders and the general public, share success stories, and promote community and regional planning Collect, compile, organize, analyze and disseminate data and data procedures needed for regional policy-setting and decision-making using the evolving capabilities of GIS Provide a desirable work environment and promote employee excellence PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Appalachia Regional Commission/Economic Development Administration (ARC/EDA) Provides assistance and support to public infrastructure such as water and wastewater system improvements, industrial parks, industrial multi-tenant buildings, access roads to industrial areas, and other similar projects that promote community/economic development and job creation. Energy Program Provides assistance to business, local government agencies and communities to help reduce pollution and save energy. 5

6 Municipal Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) Assists local governmental agencies with information technology, software and related training services. Transportation Planning - Provides a forum where federal, state, regional and local decision makers identify issues/opportunities, conduct studies and make informed recommendations regarding the programming and implementation of transportation projects. Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Promotes transportation technology through training, technical assistance and other customer services to elected municipal officials and their staff. Geographic Information System (GIS) Collaborates with governmental agencies, community and business leaders as well as internal North Central departments to provide access to high quality geographic information. Community Development/Regional Planning Encourages the exchange of meaningful strategies on how communities can soundly manage growth and development to efficiently and effectively link land use, transportation, and economic development decision-making at a regional level (Greenway Planning, PA Wilds, etc.). KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER The Community Development Department remains extremely active and, over the past quarter, staff continued to promote cooperative efforts between community and economic development agencies throughout the region. As the progress report will indicate, outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning, tourism, and municipal assistance took precedence, including the continued monitoring and participation in activities related to the Marcellus Shale. Below you will find additional core program activities for the quarter: A. Appalachian Regional Commission During the third quarter, one project received formal approval (Elk Country Visitor Center). Three project applications submitted in February (Bradford Regional Airport Multi -tenant Center, Elk Regional Health Center 3rd Floor Construction, and Benezette Township Sewer Project) were reviewed and 11 project summaries were submitted for fiscal year 2011 funding consideration. These 11 projects seeking fiscal year 2011 funding consideration were also prioritized by the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Executive Committee on July 28,

7 Approved Project Elk County Visitor Center. Funding for this project will support construction of wildlife interpretive exhibits and displays for the new world-class Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, Pennsylvania, costing approximately $10 million. Source Appalachian Regional Commission $100,000 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 233,334 $333,334 Pending Projects Bradford Regional Airport Multi-tenant Center. The project would consist of a 30,000-square-foot multi-tenant building at the Bradford Regional Airport. Source Appalachian Regional Commission $ 200,000 Economic Development Administration 800,000 PA Department of Transportation 900,000 Applicant Equity 50,000 Applicant Loan 500,000 $2,450,000 All funding is approved with the exception of ARC funds. Benezette Township Sewer Project. This project will construct a small 40,000 gallons per day treatment and collection system for the Village of Benezette in Elk County. Source Appalachian Regional Commission $ 200,000 Rural Development Program Grant 1,171,000 Rural Development Program Loan 1,344,000 $2,715,000 Elk Regional Health Center 3 rd Floor Construction. This project will add 34,000 additional square feet to the Elk Regional Health Center in St. Marys, Elk County. Source Appalachian Regional Commission $ 100,000 PA Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program 2,500,000 USDA Rural Development Loan 6,949,989 $9,549,989 All funding is approved, with the exception of ARC funds. 7

8 Projects seeking fiscal year 2011 ARC funding: Bradford Regional Airport Multi-tenant Center Appalachian Regional Commission $ 200,000 Other Funds 2,250,000 $2,450,000 Benezette Township Sewer Project Appalachian Regional Commission $ 200,000 Other Funds 2,515,000 $2,715,000 Clearfield Borough Riverfront Project Appalachian Regional Commission $ 250,000 Other Funds 9,750,000 $10,000,000 Clearfield County Marcellus Shale Multi-tenant Building Appalachian Regional Commission $ 250,000 Other Funds 2,250,000 $2,500,000 Elk Regional Health Center 3rd Floor Construction Appalachian Regional Commission $ 100,000 Other Funds 9,449,989 $9,549,989 Enterprise Development Program (NCPRPDC) Appalachian Regional Commission $ 285,000 Other Funds 285,000 $570,000 Lafferty Hollow Industrial Site Preparation Appalachian Regional Commission $250,000 Other Funds 250,000 $500,000 Main Street Mercantile Expansion Project Appalachian Regional Commission $125,000 Other Funds 125,000 $250,000 8

9 Pine Street Waterfront Development Appalachian Regional Commission $250,000 Other Funds 285,000 $535,000 Port Allegany Flood Management Project Appalachian Regional Commission $250,000 Other Funds 250,000 $500,000 Sandy Township Industrial Drive Access Appalachian Regional Commission $200,000 Other Funds 450,000 $650,000 B. Economic Development Administration During the quarter, staff was involved in the following three work program activities: One Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Meeting. The September 15, 2010 meeting focused on a variety of topics: New EDA project submissions The New EDA program funding cycle Jointly funded EDA and ARC projects Regional Greenway program update 2010 CEDS Document Guest speaker Meredith Hill of the Pennsylvania Wilds Program discussed tourism as an economic development initiative Continued work on 2010 CEDS Document Information from the counties Revisions of the Strategy s conceptual framework Completion Schedule Availability online One EDA funding application was approved during the quarter. This is a major success story for the program: In early September, the Economic Development Administration of the United States Department of Commerce approved a grant of $800,000 toward the construction of a new multi-tenant center at the Bradford Regional Airport in McKean County. North Central Community Development and Bradford Regional Airport staff jointly prepared the successful application. Total project cost is estimated to be $2,450,000. 9

10 The project entails the construction of a 30,000 square-foot-building designed to accommodate two or three tenants engaged in light manufacturing or distribution. The project site is on Bradford Regional Airport property along Route 59 and is a state designated Keystone Opportunity Zone providing tax incentives to locate there. Approximately 70 jobs will be created at the site and at least $6 million or more in private investment would be invested by companies desiring to locate there. Industries in the forest product, powdered metal, and natural gas/energy exploration clusters will be targeted as tenants. Currently, the proposed project has been getting inquiries from various natural gas exploration firms interested in developing the Marcellus shale gas deposit in the McKean County area. Some of these companies are from out of state. C. Energy During the quarter, various work program activities for the Energy program involved the following: Attended LDD-PEP meetings in State College and Pittsburgh. Provided 6 tech assists to core customers. Submitted monthly reporting to appropriate offices (PSU, DCED, SAPDC). Attended two meetings with Penelec in regards to information on rate cap expiration and Act 129 rebate program. Participated in forty-six hours of professional development through webinars, LDD- PEP and conference calls. Also successfully completed Blower Door Assessment training held at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Continued redevelopment of the North Central Energy Assessment Form. Continued development of infrared/thermal imaging procedures for North Central. Worked on possible professional development opportunities for the LDD-PEP work group D. MTAP/LTAP During the quarter, various MTAP and LTAP training and technical assistance activities took place: MTAP: Followed up with those municipalities who had been inquiring regarding availability of MTAP funds for technology purchases Provided three technical assists regarding technology-related questions LTAP: Corresponded with Penn DOT Central Office and PSATS regarding scheduling for summer/fall 2010 training opportunities Developed marketing and mailings to municipalities regarding fall 2010 training opportunities 10

11 Entered registrations for fall 2010 trainings Conducted fall 2010 trainings: Winter Maintenance: Hamlin Township/McKean County 13 attendees Road Surface Management: Bigler Township/Clearfield County - 13 attendees Technical Assistance for Common Sense Solutions to Intersection Problems Upcoming LTAP trainings scheduled for Fall 2010: Posting and Bonding of Local Roads (DuBois/Clearfield County) Engineering and Traffic Studies (Emporium/Cameron County) Unpaved and Gravel Roads: Common Maintenance Practices (Emporium/ Cameron County) Geosynthetics (DuBois/Clearfield County) Bridge Maintenance and Inspection (Brady Township/Clearfield County Roadshow) Asphalt Roads: Common Maintenance Practices: Hamlin Township/McKean County) E. Transportation During the quarter, primary activities for the Transportation Program involved working with PennDOT and the Rural Planning Organization s Transportation Committee regarding finalizing the FY 2011 Transportation Improvement Program. Finalized U.S. 219 Economic and Community Impact Analysis report Attended HSIP discussion with Central Office and District 2-0 in Clearfield Attended a special transportation meeting regarding funding gaps at the Governor s Mansion Met with Legislative officials and PennDOT to discuss transportation funding issues and state of the region s infrastructure Finalized five core elements of data necessary for collection and specific attributes of this data to gain a better overall understanding of different potential impacts to transportation. Core elements include: a. Tax parcel based land use b. Economic generators (Industrial parks and KOZ/KIZ sites) c. Managed growth guidelines (zoning/comp plan) on municipal level d. Utilities e. Transportation (roads and bridges) 11

12 Met and worked with municipal officials and various economic development offices to further populate ArcGIS map layer with Industrial park information Developed and submitted a PCTI application related to Marcellus Shale impacts in cooperation SEDA-COG Attended and presented at National Symposium on Performance Measures in Dallas, TX Attended and participated in consultant selection process for a Moshannon Valley Park-n-Ride site in conjunction with Centre County MPO F. GIS During the quarter, various work activities that took place for the GIS program involved the following: Initial design and development of Impact Database and Website/services to show North Central s regional influence Ridgway Township Water Authority GPS training and data collection assistance for assessment inventory Attended numerous Community Outreach events for GIS Developed and Delivered MS Access Training course for NC Staff Continued Cameron Warrant Tract Mapping initiative County GIS support G. Community Development/Regional Planning During the quarter, various activities took place in regard to community outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning, tourism and municipal assistance: Continued regional discussion regarding a regional Land Use, Transportation and Economic Development (LUTED) strategy Attended Taxing Natural Gas Workshop in Pleasant Gap Attended monthly Elk County Marcellus Gas Task Force Meeting in Ridgway Continued to perform Headwaters RC&D Duties Attended Greenways Workshop in Lewisburg Attended Marcellus shale volunteer monitoring training in Emporium Chaired the Downtown DuBois Revitalization Group Asset Enhancement Committee Attended the Downtown DuBois Revitalization Group Board Meeting Helped coordinate the Annual Dinner using Survey Monkey Chaired the PA Wilds Trail Workshop Planning Committee to plan the "Cashing -In on Geocaching Conference 12

13 Attended Headwaters RC&D Quarterly Meeting Attended monthly PA Wilds Planning Team Meeting in Ridgway Attended Elk County Commissioners meeting to present Greenways Plan Project closeout resolution Toured lime slurry acid mine remediation facility in Waynesburg Attended teleconference for Marcellus Shale Volunteer Monitoring Meeting for Service Providers Gave performance review to Headwaters Fiscal Assistant Launched NC Greenways website Organized quarterly Clarion River Municipal Partnership Meeting in Marienville Organized Knox Kane Feasibility Study Consultant Interviews Attended Kane Heritage Community Plan meeting Gave presentation for Potter County Leadership Training in Coudersport Attended Sinnemanhoning Stakeholders Meeting in Emporium Selected JMT as consultant for the Knox Kane Feasibility Study and prepared contract Kicked-off Knox Kane Rail Corridor Feasibility Study Committee Meeting and Tour in Marienville Organized selection of new logo for Headwaters RC&D 13

14 ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT July - September 2010 The mission of the North Central Enterprise Development Program is to foster economic vitality of the six-county area through a comprehensive regional economic development strategy a strategy that focuses upon needs and potential opportunities that will result in improving the existing economic base and creating opportunities for new growth to enhance the overall quality of life in the region. To achieve this mission, a private sector-oriented program was developed to provide the opportunities for growth by way of direct assistance in increasing market share, low-interest loans, access to space, and access to technologies. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOALS Promote the resources and assistance available to encourage and sustain economic growth Meet and exceed specific program compliance goals as identified in the various program contracts Collaborate and coordinate program activities with local and regional economic development entities Identify and pursue opportunities that will expand and/or enhance current programs to benefit growth Respond to private sector needs that encourage the creation or retention of familysustaining jobs Disseminate information, provide training/education information and promote seminars to keep industry sectors current on relative data Provide a desirable work environment and promote employee excellence to address the goals and objectives of the Regional Action Strategy and Strategic Plan 14

15 PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Loan Assistance Program Provide access to low-interest loans and packaging loan assistance to address capitalization requirements. Export Program Provide assistance to companies that are new to exporting and new to export markets and access to overseas markets to expand customer base of existing businesses within the region. Procurement Program Provide assistance to companies to capitalize on opportunities to sell goods and services to the Department of Defense, Federal and State governments. Keystone Opportunity Zone / Keystone Innovative Zone Provide incentives for companies to locate or expand operations within designated areas throughout the region. KIZ sites are only in Clearfield, Elk and Jefferson counties. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES AS REQUIRED BY COMPLIANCE CONTRACTS Loan/Finance Assistance Maintained active loan portfolio of 335 loans and experienced increase in lending under the First Industries Fund for Tourism. Ten loans were closed this quarter with aggregate value of $686,000 Satisfaction of SBA Microloan Intermediary financing contract of $325,000 Private sector leverage was $1,105,500 New jobs created were 28 with 79 retained jobs Two companies were referred for At-Risk assessments The Micro Loan Program reviewed three applications and approved two loans Export Marketing Program Provides value-added assistance to North Central clients who are interested or engaged in international trade. Continues to respond to export inquiries from regional companies on export opportunities and to assist in job and business creation through an economic development defined program that promotes diversification and advancement in regional growth at the international level. Work Orders for regional companies were 71 with contact for 21 overseas offices and 25 companies Export Actions were 24 which included Market Access Grants, scheduling overseas appointments and tradeshow visits Active export companies this quarter were 48 which included 4 new clients. Conducted 70 counseling sessions Hosted 21 overseas representatives with 13 companies in attendance for the 12 th Annual Bringing the World to You on September 17,

16 Procurement - Continued to provide assistance in the HUB Zone certification process. Presently there are 23 certified companies in the region. Initiated planning process for a Procurement/Economic Development Seminar on November 8, 2010 with presentation by SBA Pittsburgh Office Director on contract awards Set-Aside priority changes for HUB Zone certified Businesses. A total of $3,985, in Procurement Contracts with year to date total $10,716, Six companies receiving government contracts 86 total active clients served Four new clients 21 outreach actions Regional Development Continued to promote and facilitate economic development projects with an emphasis on the Keystone Innovation Zone and the Keystone Opportunities Zones programs. The RACP/KOZ project in McKean County has been completed and a close out audit will soon occur Promoting the KOZ program to the new companies coming to the region for the gas boom Meeting with or talking to the Subzone coordinators to facilitate exit of all KOZ parcels that expire on December 31, 201. Coordination with DCED of listing of all properties that will remain KOZ eligible at the start of 2011 KOZ Coordinator has been working with several companies as they move into or build on existing or extended KOZ parcels Participation in the submission of 3 grant applications under KIZ program Processed 2 research and development/marketing grant applications for a total of $7,425 and a scholarship application of $1,575 for tradeshow attendance Organized two innovation workshops entitled Pitch then Plan with 20 attendees Disbursement of KIZ program information during 10 site visits with existing businesses 16

17 HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT July - September 2010 To provide quality services, and support in employment, training, employee relations, benefits, compensation and safety. Create and maintain a foundation which will enable North Central to promote the development, the involvement, and the retention of its employees to ensure customer satisfaction. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOAL Make quality a part of the way we work Improve efficiency and effectiveness and employ technology and methods which enhance service, communications and productivity Help make North Central a great place to work - professionally and personally KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER Finalize required reports to Stackpole Hall/PHEAA regarding projects accomplished by summer interns for the summer of Continued reporting of 5500s. Ongoing submission of information to ParenteBeard for audit requirements for 5500s for fiscal year Completion of contract with United HealthCare to provide hospitalization tor North Central employees for fiscal year Provided Summary of Material Modifications and updated Summary Plan Description for North Central s Lincoln retirement plan to all staff. 17

18 INFORMATION SYSTEMS NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT July - September 2010 The Information Systems Department serves three major functions at North Central; Internet Service Provider, Information Technology (IT) development, and IT support. Each function is essential in enabling North Central to provide services to our six county region. Our goal is to maintain and enhance our current technology infrastructure, equipment, and software while continuing to develop improved processes for North Central staff and clients. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOALS Provide Help Desk, networking, and training support for North Central staff Maintain and support Internet service Develop and maintain North Central software and data files Maintain and enhance Wireless Wide Area Network Provide Telecommunication and Media support PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Per maintenance schedule each NCP site was visited and all PC software was upgraded to standards. While on site IT staff also provided maintenance on any pending issues Addressing information for McKean and Cameron County were maintained and updated CareerLink laptops were serviced on schedule Providing IT Helpdesk support Focus Newsletter and event pictures Maintain and update all North Central websites and deliver newsletter information Extract traffic count information from roadside units and produce reports for LTAP project Provide training and educational sessions for staff and network clients The B.I.G. Competition website was updated for this year s event Additional clients were loaded unto the new CMS Web Server PolyCom videoconferencing units were installed and set up in Clearfield, DuBois and Bradford 18

19 KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER In an effort to maximize space and improve efficiency, the IT staff has started on a plan to relocate all servers to the stage area. Before any moves could be made there were a number of items that needed to be addressed. The total project will extend to the end of this year but listed below are the tasks that have been completed: 1. Add additional shelving for equipment storage 2. Re-arrange workstations 3. Link additional electric outlets to generator unit 4. Purchased and installed two air conditioners to offset heat accumulation from servers The forms used for our Performance Reporting system were re-written in a new software package that will make future changes and enhancement easier and less time consuming. Distributing the forms can now be done using standard North Central software. IT staff, in conjunction with GIS, has begun working on an Impact Reporting system. A number of departments have been selected to use their data for construction of a database. The basic programming structure has been started and testing will begin early in the next quarter. A complete inventory of all computer equipment was taken for all North Central offices in the region. This data was then entered into the recently developed Inventory system to ensure data integrity. Inventory reports were then given to each department head for planning equipment upgrades and replacements. 19

20 WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT July - September 2010 The North Central Workforce Investment Board will provide the leadership necessary to ensure we have an educated and skilled workforce that exceeds the workforce needs of local employers. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOAL The established One-Stop CareerLink Centers will be improved continuously resulting in reduced bureaucracy and increased cost efficiency Employer and job seeker customers and the community at large will know about and use the Workforce Investment System and will understand its strong ties to economic development The customer and market-driven Workforce Investment System and the CareerLink Centers will have high and improving customer satisfaction rates from employer and job seeker customers A proactive and comprehensive portion of the workforce System will be developed that will identify and meet the emerging needs of employer organizations facing company survival and / or expansion The North Central Workforce Investment System will meet and exceed the federally mandated performance measures, and will ensure that this does not negatively impact achievement of the other goals PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES WIB Board Award and implementation of the PA Way to Work program in collaboration with North Central Workforce Operations. Award of a pilot project for National Emergency Grant On-the-Job Training (NEG-OJT) targeted at the long-term unemployed. 20

21 Collaborated with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation on Sensitivity Training for People for our PA CareerLink Staff. Selected a new slate of with Disabilities Officers for the WIB that will become effective at our January 5, 2011 meeting. Planning The NCWIB received funding for companies and job seekers to enroll in online training courses available on the Workforce Online Learning Initiative Portal ( Collaboration with other Workforce Investment Boards on a variety of initiatives including funding for the training of the long term unemployed. Collaboration with the Department of Labor and Industry on a Dropout Reengagement Pilot Project with the Jefferson County DuBois Area Vocational Technical Center. The project will assist high school dropouts in returning to school to obtain their GED and to continue their education in order to increase their skills and to obtain employment. Planning for Health Careers Week 2010 has begun with anticipated events taking place in our local PA CareerLinks. Collaboration with the Northwest PA Area Health Education Center to hold a Teachers in Careers in Health program during Health Careers Weeks has also begun. Outreach to all area secondary and post secondary schools continue in an effort to keep them abreast of current labor market information. Meetings with area Chambers of Commerce have begun to ensure that they are aware of our mission, programs and access to a variety of labor market information. Youth Council / Regional Career Education Partnership Two members were added to the Youth Council / RCEP membership. They are Ms. Marsha Welsh, Executive Director of the Jefferson County DuBois Area Vocational Technical School and Mr. David Wishard, Superintendent of the Galeton Area School District. Quality Assurance / Continuous Improvement Analysis of the Local WIB Compliance/Oversight Monitoring for Program Year 2009 and Pennsylvania Way-to-Work (WTW)/Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) for Program Year 2010 will be conducted October 5-7, 2010 by Harvey S. Bartash, PA CareerLink Coordination Services for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership (BWDP). Extensive preparation for this review was undertaken by the NCWIB Continuous Improvement/ Quality Assurance Department and fellow WIB staff. For the PA Way-to-Work/Summer Youth Program 2010, two Seasonal Monitors (Nicholas A. Malburg and Ethan J. Cheatle) were employed to monitor and evaluate all phases of this activity. This included, but was not limited to, providing assistance to the WIA Youth 21

22 WIA Youth Employability Counselors at the Pennsylvania CareerLinks preparing Participant Personnel Packets ; conducting Worksite Supervisor orientations and Participant orientations; and start-up to the final last day. The Seasonal Monitors achieved close to 100% visitation success for the Training Sites and Worksites throughout the six county geographic region. Industry Partnerships The Industry Partnerships completed some planning for the upcoming year and have met to discuss common training needs. Training will begin for the Healthcare, Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing and Gas and Oil Extraction Industry Partnerships in January The Gas and Oil Extraction Industry Partnership has assisted in a variety of Gas and Oil Extraction Business Expos taking place throughout the 17 counties that the partnership serves in response to the increase in the Marcellus Shale Play. The partnership continues to survey the industry and will be requesting bids for training requested by the industry. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER A showcase event was held bringing together all Youth program supported by the Youth Council / Regional Career Education Partnership. Presentations included the Summer Youth Employment Program, PA Way to Work, RCEP Mini Grant Award winners, Youth Career Camps, Junior Achievement and other Career Awareness activities. Via a cooperative endeavor with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) DuBois Office and NCWIB staff, Sensitivity Training for all North Central LWIA Pennsylvania CareerLink staff was offered this Fall at the DuBois OVR facility. Attendees learned applicable Disability Etiquette and how to interact with individuals with disabilities. The training was offered two different days to afford the opportunity of attendance for all PA CareerLink staff. 22

23 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT July - September 2010 The Workforce Development Operations, funded primarily with resources from the Departments of Labor & Industry, and Welfare provide for a comprehensive mix of services to employ and re-employ dislocated and disadvantaged individuals throughout our region. Consistent with our mission of improving the quality of life, North Central Workforce makes a significant contribution by delivering training services to our customers; the Region's workforce and employer community. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOAL In addition to all program designs incorporating the North Central Strategic Goals and the North Central WIB goals, the Workforce Development department is focused on four areas of quality service: All customers will receive a needs assessment to determine the appropriate mix of services Job seekers and Employers will be provided with workshop opportunities to address training or information needs Job seekers will be provided financial aid to address technical training needs driven by employer demands and market needs All customers will have access to job placement services PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Summer Youth Employment Training (SYEP)/Way to Work program Adult Way to Work work experience project Develop Customer Service Flow chart Establish WIA Title I and EARN (Welfare) operation budgets Initiate personnel SMART Goals CareerLink Management Team meetings Staff/Department meetings CareerLink Operator Consortium meetings 23

24 KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER Summer Youth Employment Training outcomes: 349 In-School Youth, 100 Out-of- School Youth received Career Exploration training and performed various job duties over a seven week work experience program. College students and Dislocated workers comprised the 25 Seasonal positions that supervised the community service projects throughout the six counties. Adult Way to Work project presently has 16 customers primarily working at private sector employers. Wages are reimbursed to the employer with expectation the customer may secure unsubsidized employment at the completion of the work experience. Project ends September 30, In response to the Workforce Investment Board, Staff developed a service flow to represent the process of service activities leading to employment applicable to all funding streams administered by Workforce Operations. Workforce Operation budgets for the various funding streams under WIA Title I and EARN (Welfare) has been established for the year. Pending are upcoming awards from the Department of Labor and the Department of Public Welfare that will compliment operation activities to support Adults, Dislocated Workers, Youth, and Welfare Recipients. 35 Workforce Development personnel have established personal SMART goals for the program year. Ongoing monthly CareerLink Management Team meetings have been held to address the coordination of partner services. Staff/Department meetings have been held to address Workforce Development operation activities and WIB benchmarks. CareerLink Operator Consortium meetings have addressed Site Administrator goals, coordination of assessment services, staff development, and leases. 24

25 WIC PROGRAM NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT July - September 2010 To promote community development through: provision of healthy supplemental foods, nutrition education to promote normal growth and development as well as establish a positive link between the foods provided and their contribution to attaining positive growth patterns. Breastfeeding education, support and problem solving to improve infant mortality rates and the enrollment of our target population in outreach service programs to promote each individual s full potential. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOAL To increase breastfeeding incidence rates, breastfeeding duration intervals, decrease childhood obesity rates and promote enrollment in complementary outreach initiatives To advance WIC s mission as the premier maternal and child nutrition education program within our communities To increase staff expertise in the fields of: Maternal/child feeding, breastfeeding, and human relations PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES In July, the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program was expanded to include telephone breastfeeding support to all of Jefferson, Elk, Cameron and Clearfield Counties. Pregnant women considering breastfeeding are called by local Peer Counselors prior to delivery to discuss concerns or barriers to breastfeeding. Follow up phone calls are made to clients within days of delivery to assist new moms with breastfeeding issues. Continued follow up is provided as necessary on a case by case basis. In July, staff continued training on detailed breastfeeding assessments and at the August staff meeting began a series of seven new modules designed to increase individual expertise assisting moms with extended duration intervals. 25

26 In August, the Nutrition Education Coordinator presented new health Risk Codes that have been added to the already existing risk factor used to determine WIC eligibility. Added Risk Codes include: history of pre-eclampsia, at risk for Vitamin D deficiency, at risk for iodine deficiency in pregnant women and lack of fluoride supplementation for children. The medical rationale was presented for each added risk factor. Staff participated in the following events/meetings to promote the WIC Program mission to partners and to the public: Elk County Family Resource Network Collaborative Board, Clearfield, Jefferson and Potter County Local Interagency Coordinating Council meetings, United Way Success by 6 meeting, as well as the Clearfield and Potter County Fairs. The North Central WIC Program coordinated a Farmer s Market event in Cameron County for WIC participants, senior citizens and the general public. The WIC Outreach Coordinator made site visits to the Sizerville Adagio Health Center, Elk County State Health Center and Elk Regional Health Center s Healthy Beginnings + Program to share referral information, brief new staff on WIC s mission and to provide staff with WIC program updates. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER Twice each year the State WIC Office releases information on Monthly Trimester of Enrollment statistics. The purpose of this report is to determine how early in the pregnancy are women enrolled in WIC. The earlier in her pregnancy a women is enrolled the more health/nutrition education contacts can be provided to promote healthy pregnancy outcomes. In July, among the 24 local WIC agencies, women were enrolled as early as 3.5 months and as late as 5.9 months with an average enrollment at 4.8 months. The North Central WIC Program showed gestational enrollment at 3.5 months and had the earliest gestational enrollment compared to the other 23 agencies. No-Show Reports are released quarterly by the State WIC Agency to determine the percentage of participants who are enrolled in the WIC program, who fail to pick up their monthly food vouchers. In the month of July, the average No-Show rate across the state was 7.73% with the highest no show rate at 10.48% and the lowest at 3%. The North Central WIC No-Show rate was 3% and also was lowest in the State for the month of July. 26

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