North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission

Transcription

1 North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Semi-Annual Report July December 2013

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3 Table of Contents Community Development/Regional Planning 4 Enterprise/Economic Development Program 14 Human Resource Department 18 Information Technology Program 19 Workforce Investment Board 21 Workforce Development Operations 24 WIC Program 28 3

4 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/REGIONAL PLANNING NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2013 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. 4

5 Municipal Technical Assistance Program (MTAP) Assists local governmental agencies with information technology, software and related training services. Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Promotes transportation technology through training, technical assistance and other customer services to elected municipal officials and their staff. 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. 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 PERIOD The Community Development Department remains extremely active and, over the past six months, 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 Community Development, Municipal Assistance and infrastructure impacts. Below you will find additional core program activities for the quarter: A. Appalachian Regional Commission During the past six months, program work consisted of coordinating materials and preparation work for funding submission and some follow-up work on previously submitted funding applications. Three funding applications were formally approved and six new project summaries were submitted for FY 2014 funding consideration. The Local Development District Administrative Planning Grant was submitted on December 11; and on December 23, five of the six project summaries submitted in July were invited to submit full applications for 2014 funding consideration. Three projects were officially notified of their funding approval during the July 1 through December 31, 2013 reporting period: 5

6 Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP): The purpose of this project is to create employment opportunities, encourage capitalization, facilitate access to technology, access new market opportunities, create new business opportunities, develop brownfields, create opportunities to retain youth in the Appalachian region, enhance communities, facilitate entrepreneurial development, foster infrastructure development and increase tourism opportunities. Approved funding came from the following sources: Appalachian Regional Commission $285,000 Partnerships For Regional Economic Performance 285,000 Total $570,000 Lewis Run Borough Industrial Park Access Road improvement: This McKean County project will improve approximately 2,000 feet of roadway serving the Lewis Run Borough Industrial Park and two other sections of roadway serving five manufacturing plants, employing approximately 550 people. Thirty new jobs are to be created at these plants by Funding was approved in September: Appalachian Regional Commission $150,000 Lewis Run Borough Funds 150,000 Total $300,000 Borough of Sykesville-Sykes Street Alley Waterline Relocation: This Jefferson County project will replace 1,300 feet of waterline to a location approximately 100 feet west of its current location in a PennDOT Right-of-Way. It is the key connector line to the City of DuBois water system from which Sykesville Borough purchases bulk water for the Community. Approximately 328 local jobs will be retained. The project was approved in September: Appalachian Regional Commission $125,000 Community Development Block Grant 60,000 Sykesville Borough 65,000 Total $250,000 Six projects were submitted for FY 2014 funding consideration. On December 23, notification to submit full applications for five of the six projects was received. Bradford Regional Airport Multi-tenant Center North 2: Appalachian Regional Commission $ 200,000 PA Department of Transport 950,000 Applicant Equity 100,000 Applicant Loan 600,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant 50,000 Total $1,900,000 6

7 Brookville Town Square Development Project: Appalachian Regional Commission $150,000 Private/Local funds 230,885 PA DCNR 380,000 Total $760,885 Job Shadow/Work Experience Opportunity: Appalachian Regional Commission $45,000 WIA Title 1 45,000 Total $90,000 *Lock haven University Clearfield Campus Simulated Learning Lab: Appalachian Regional Commission $150,000 PA DCED 75,000 Federal/Other 75,000 Total $300,000 *(This project was formally withdrawn due to a lack of approved matching funds for the non-arc match). North Central Business and Education Connect: Appalachian Regional Commission $108,000 DOL-TANF Funds 12,000 Local Partnership Funds 80,000 Total $200,000 Partnership for Regional Economic Performance: Appalachian Regional Commission $285,000 PA PREP 285,000 Total $570,000 *Local Development District Administrative Planning Grant: This project will provide technical assistance and planning for projects designed to provide solutions to local and regional problems or opportunities. Program staff work with local county/ municipal organizations to provide planning services, funding program information and application preparation to prospective applicants and their projects. This program grant application is submitted on an annual basis to the Appalachian Regional Commission. Appalachian Regional Commission $98,136 In-Kind Services 28,000 PA State Funds 70,136 Total $196,272 *(This application was submitted on December 11 and is currently pending). 7

8 B. Economic Development Administration During the July - December reporting period staff was involved in the following four work program activities as listed below: Assistance on one EDA funding application, the proposed Jefferson County Business Park. Continuing work on implementing the Five Year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) plan that was approved in March, Two Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Meetings. Other technical assistance. Jefferson County Business Park: An application was submitted to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) during the first half of 2013 to provide infrastructure to a 166 acre site north of Interstate 80 and at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Pennsylvania Route 28 (Exit 81) in Jefferson County. Funding was approved in September 2013 and the project is scheduled for construction in the spring of Economic Development Administration $297,925 PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development $250,000 Local funds 69,000 Total $616,850 (In addition to the approved EDA funds, the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development approved $250,000 in December 2012 for this project). Implementing the Five Year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: During the past six-months efforts were underway to begin implementation of this fiveyear plan that was approved in March Meetings were attended to discuss and familiarize local officials with the plan and its purpose. Coordination with the Commission s Workforce Development Program also occurred. Closer coordination with the Commission s Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO) began as an attempt to integrate economic development planning with transportation planning. Efforts to continue this will occur into 2014 as well. Two Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) meetings were held: August 14, The focus of this meeting was on current economic conditions and a look to the future. The meeting s guest speaker was John R. Malizia, Senior Vice President, Regional Commercial Lending, Northwest Savings Bank. Mr. Malizia provided a brief overview of the status of the regional economy during the first six months of 2013 and a look ahead to the final six months of 2013 and into 2014 as well. Mr. Malizia focused on several different sectors of the regional economy including manufacturing, forest products, healthcare, mining-oil-natural gas extraction, etc. and some insight from a banking/lending perspective to area businesses. 8

9 December 10, The focus of this meeting was new projects and an update on the status of natural gas drilling in the region especially related to the Marcellus Shale formation in the region. Two guest speakers were invited and attended. Bob Veilleux, Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development, Potter County Education Council, spoke on the establishment of the Potter County Natural Gas Resource Center. He discussed its creation, purpose and role in the county with regard to education, workforce requirements in the natural gas industry and future economic prospects. A second speaker was David Spigelmyer, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition. Mr. Spigelmyer s topics included his new role as the President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, the current market situation in the natural gas industry, contributions the natural gas industry has made to the Pennsylvania economy, future prospects of the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania, and the impact of the industry in the north central region of Pennsylvania. Other technical assistance. Additional technical assistance was provided to various inquiries for state and federal funding for municipal economic development projects. Some site visits were made to identify possible strategies for implementation or further consideration. Dissemination of 2010 U.S. Census data to businesses, non-profit organizations, government institutions, and private citizens was also provided during the quarter. Site visits to potential projects in Bradford, Kane, Lewis Run Borough, and DuBois were made during the reporting period. C. Energy Assistance Program Provides general assistance to businesses to assist in looking at possible opportunities for energy efficiency/conservation, as well as energy reduction. Activities this quarter and various work program activities involved the following: Met with various chamber of commerce members in the region to discuss North Central Energy program and objectives and how it could apply to their membership Provided technical assistance to four core customers Promotion of PA DEP s Natural Gas Fleet Conversion programs Discussions with area business regarding February conference in Monroeville aimed at Natural Gas Vehicles Met with various municipal groups to review energy program that may be available for businesses in their jurisdiction Conducted one inspection with business owner D. Local Government Improvement Assists local government agencies with information regarding software/hardware upgrades and related training services in regards to information technology. During this quarter, various MTAP reimbursement, training and technical assistance activities took place, including: 9

10 MTAP Provided information regarding information technology upgrade opportunities available through the North Central MTAP program. During this quarter, MTAP activities included: Reimbursement to municipalities for three technology upgrades. North Central reimbursed municipalities $1,250 towards local investment of $4, Presented information to 17 municipalities, attended by 53 individuals, regarding availability of MTAP for this program year and parameters in two opportunities this past quarter. Provided nine technical assistance follow-ups with municipalities. LTAP Provides local government officials and employees technology transfer and technical assistance opportunities regarding safety and maintenance issues for their local road programs. Activities this past quarter included: Provided technology transfer opportunities via classroom sessions on: Posting and Bonding of Local Roads Liquid Bituminous Sealcoats (2 classes) Full Depth Reclamation (2 classes) Provided local governments in the region with technical assistance in the areas of: Drainage issues Bridge issues Sealcoating issues CDL requirements Traffic counts Roadway Management System Software E. Transportation During the January June reporting period, primary activities for the Transportation Program involved working with PennDOT and the Rural Planning Organization s Transportation Committee regarding the FY 2013 Transportation Improvement Program, Long Range Transportation Plan and Linking Planning and NEPA. Participated on numerous PennDOT Work Group activities regarding Linking Planning and NEPA Continued - To date: 158 registers users Numerous Financial Guidance conference calls with Central Office (RE: FY 15 TIP funding) 10

11 F. GIS Attended 2013 Fall Planning Partners meeting in Harrisburg Participated in U.S. 119 meeting to discuss transportation concerns and new project opportunities Active participation with PennDOT on ArcGIS.Com Continued RPO Local Bridge Task Force to begin developing a prioritized listing of 100 bridges regardless of ownership Participated in FHWA Freight Partnership V Conference in Washington D.C. Provided case study presentation on DuBois Intermodal Facility and Local/ State Partnerships Provided testimony on first and last mile Freight Network issues at the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Roundtable in Washington D.C Continued project tracking and status of FY 2012 Transportation Enhancement awardees. Various meetings with three Transportation Alternative applicants. Participated in FHWA/FTA Model LRTP Guidebook Team Meetings Participated in Long Range Transportation Plan & Comprehensive Freight Movement Plan Began regional update of Public Transportation-Human Services Coordination Plan Participated in several NADO Transportation Policy Task Force conference calls Met with all County Planning staff regarding the FY 15 TIP and Map-21 changes Numerous phone calls with McKean County Economic Development staff regarding Lewis Run Bridge posting and business impacts During the July - December reporting period, various work activities that took place for the GIS program involved the following: Continued GIS support for McKean and Cameron County Continued working on Parcel Re-alignment project in Cameron and McKean Finalized Map Books and Plots (awaiting final index development) PennDOT Local Data Collection Tech Assistance w/other planning partners in data formatting to SQL DB Continued local road data collection within Cameron County Completed all local road data collection in Potter County Continued work with ArcGIS Online configuration and testing Participated in PennDOT Next Generation (PNG) Governance and Implementation Team Meetings Participated in several UPLAN TIG Planning Meeting with PennDOT Attended a City of Bradford Data Sharing Collaboration meeting 11

12 Staff attended ESRI GIS training Continued providing mapping and technical support for PA State Snowmobile Association (PSSA) Continued investigating potential Storyboard projects for PA Wilds and Tourism G. Community Development/Regional Planning During the July - December reporting period, various activities took place in regard to community outreach and engagement in a range of regional planning, tourism and municipal assistance: Continued the integration of the regional Land Use, Transportation and Economic Development (LUTED) strategy into planning activities. Participated in both Elk and McKean County Leadership programs Maintained NC Greenways website Continued review of applications to the North Central Greenways Grant Implementation Program (NCGGIG). Worked with applicants to resubmit applications to meet criteria set forth by DCNR Attended meetings and held discussions with various stakeholders regarding potential Greenway projects Developed project tracking tool and shared with DCNR and DEP to highlight the general day-to-day program management of Greenway mini-grant program Participated Safe Routes to School webinar regarding Youth Engagement Attended DCED event in Clearfield Borough on the new Streetscape Project Headwaters RC&D regarding integrating collaboration opportunities Provided updates on the statewide TAP program to a regional trails group Participated in a PA Wilds Regional Trails meeting Participated in Knox and Kane Trails Meeting Met with Ridgway Borough and Saint Leo s School district to provide input on possible Safe Route to School Project in downtown Ridgway Participate in webinar: Empowering Lower-income Communities to Take Advantage of MAP-21 All North Central Greenway Mini Implementation grant projects (Round 1: DCNR) are under contract and/or completed: Redbank Valley Trails - $25,000 (Reimbursement requested: $12,500) Curwensville Lake Dog Park - $24,532 (Reimbursement requested: $12,266) Cameron County Trail Town Planning - $8,000 (Reimbursement requested: $4,000) DuBois Redev. Beaver Meadow Sign-$6,710 (Reimbursement requested: $6,039) Beaver Meadow Walkway Trailhead - $25,000-(Reimbursement requested: $22,500) Clarion River Water Trail Map - $3,500 (Reimbursement requested: $3,150) 12

13 Smethport Shawmut Trail Loop - $19,973 (Reimbursement requested: $17,086.50) Smethport Shawmut Trail Development - $8,890 (Reimbursement requested: $8,890) Tuna Valley Trail Improvement - $10,000 (Reimbursement requested: $10,000) Austin Dam Project - $18,395 (Reimbursement requested: $16,125) Total - $150,000 Reimbursements requested to date - $112, Note: All projects going through final closeouts and reimbursements The joint DEP/DCNR Greenways mini-grant program is currently closed and projects progressing Anticipate one final round in January/February

14 ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2013 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. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD Loan/Finance Assistance Maintained active loan portfolio of 269 loans representing $26,825, in financing from all funds. Nineteen loans were closed totaling $1,995,900 in financing. Private sector leverage was $3,067,136. New jobs created were 11 with 363 retained jobs. Nine companies continue with the At-Risk Business Program. Twenty-five loans were satisfied. One foreclosure action was pursued resulting in a November 14 sheriff sale and repossession of real estate in Potter County. The new IRP 4 Contract has been fully disbursed and is now operating on recapture funds. Loans Approved and Closed during the July December 2013 reporting period: Matson Lumber Company, Inc. Jefferson County $187,500 - ARC/EDA Russell Stone Products, Inc. Clearfield County $250,000 - EDA/IRP Secondary Development & Research, Inc. Elk County $190,000 - ARC/EDA Kevro Precision Components, Inc. Elk County $ 30,000 - IRP Elco Sintered Alloys, Inc. Elk County $200,000 - SBF Sintergy, Inc. Jefferson County $200,000 - SBF $300,000 - IRP/EDA Staar Distributing LLC Jefferson County $200,000 - EDA/ARC Accu-chek Machining Inc. Elk County $ 26,400 - SBF Matson Lumber Company Inc. Jefferson County $237,000 - IRP Wapiti Woods LLC Elk County $175,000 - SBF Total Project Loans $1,995,900 15

16 Export Marketing Program Provides value-added assistance to North Central clients who are interested or engaged in international trade. Reflective of the strategic goals established by North Central, the major objective of the Export Marketing Assistance Program is 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 this reporting period totaled 103 Work Orders capture the counseling assistance that includes the services of the 22 Pennsylvania Overseas Offices which are located in: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Eastern Mediterranean Region, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, UAE and Russia. Each request to an overseas office is tracked separately so a company may have multiple Work Orders. Export Actions were tracked at 103. Export Actions is defined as counseling successes: traveling to market, participation in overseas trade shows or missions, meeting with prospective customers overseas and signing an agent or distributor. Export Actions for this reporting period were dominated by company participation in trade shows (41) and meeting with potential foreign buyers (40). Active export companies for this reporting period 88. Conducted 213 counseling sessions including new client outreach regarding export assistance service; Export Compliance and Audit Procedures, Export Documentation, Market Access Grant and the Global Assistance (GAP) Program, follow-up of work orders/market research reports, trade show participation and international travel assistance. Seminars: One company participated in the Commonwealth s sponsored Doing Business in Russia Webinar. Four hardwood companies participated in in the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association Hardwood Boot Camp hosted in partnership with the North Central and Northwest Export Programs. The Export Program sponsored an International Marketing Strategies: Asia Focus Seminar featuring Dr. James Chan. Twenty individuals representing thirteen companies participated in this event. The annual Bringing the World to You event which features one-to-one meeting with the Overseas Office network was held on September 19, This event resulted in 89 appointments with 17 individuals representing 14 companies. Staff Training include: BIS 2013 Complying with US Export Controls and Developing an Export Compliance Plan and International Compliance Professional association annual fall training. Export Sales as tracked via the State funding source totaled $19,578,012. Procurement Technical Assistance Program New Outreach Procurement Specialist started September Extensive training was provided as part of the new staff on-boarding process. Designed and implemented a new PTAC marketing outreach process to include program capabilities and brochure. 16

17 KOZ Continued to provide counseling assistance (three) and outreach (one). Hosted two informational sessions for local subzone coordinators and county tax assessors regarding the opportunity to enroll additional properties in the KOZ program. Submitted an application for additional 200 acres to be considered for the program for benefits through Proposed acreage located within Jefferson and McKean Counties. Received approval for the additional acreage. Parcels include acreage at the proposed Jefferson County Business Park, Bradford Regional Airport, former Kane Magnetics Site, four locations on Main Street in Bradford and the former Shults Car Dealership in Bradford. Implemented a new data collection system to track the impact of KOZ parcels in individual counties and the region in terms of job creation, public and private investment and average hourly wage. PREP - Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance The North Central PREP submitted the grant/contract for Key items addressed included: performance metrics, client management, marketing and outreach, intra-network coordination and referral and continued partner engagement. Performance metrics were further defined to include outputs and outcomes and success stories. In September the North Central PREP Network hosted DCED On the Road. The North Central PREP partners organized activities in all six counties, hosting 65 events featuring tourism, economic growth and job creation over the four-day period. In October, Executive Pulse, a PREP client management tool, was launched in the North Central Region. Training was provided to PREP Partners as part of the launch and to date all Partners are registered with access to the system. Wilfred Muskens, Deputy Secretary DCED, engaged the PREP region and partners as part of the December quarterly PREP meeting with a new initiative focusing on joint client visit and referral of foreign owned/investments in the North Central Region. 17

18 HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2013 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 PERIOD The Stackpole Hall/PHEAA summer interns finished their summer jobs program with the last students leaving on August 16. Each intern presented an overview of their experience to management on August 5. Michael Olay resigned effective July 23, after working for North Central for 28-1/2years. We decided to stay with MetLife for our Dental Plan. The quotes that we received were much higher than MetLife's quote. We incurred a slight increase for the upcoming year. We hired Gregg Johnson as our new Procurement Outreach Specialist. Gregg started on September 9 in our Enterprise Development department in the Ridgway Office. We received the resignation of Karen Mayes effective September 20. Karen worked as an Employability Counselor in our DuBois CareerLink for the past 19 years. The audit on North Central s 403B Retirement Plan was finalized on October 11. The form 5500 was submitted to the DOL. We contacted Clyde, Ferraro and Co. to see if they would like to give us a quote on the 403B Defined Contribution Plan Audit for When we went out for quotes last year, Clyde, Ferraro and Co. was chosen with an option to renew for the second year. 18

19 INFORMATION SYSTEMS NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2013 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 Provide technology and telecommunication infrastructure support to outside entities Provide videoconferencing capacity for all North Central departments PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES GIS Deliverables Map Books and Municipal Maps are complete for Cameron and McKean Counties. Assisted Cameron County Courthouse with the install of a new printer in the Assessment Office. During that visit a 911 Center PC with viruses and malware was cleaned. Relocated staff hardware from our Elk County to the Dubois office and connected to the network and printers. Ordered and setup new computers and ipads for NC staff. Purchased a new Postage Machine. This resulted in a considerable cost savings. Security and Disaster backups; continue to add new files and monitor daily for successful completion Events requiring technical support and photography: September 19 - Set up videoconference equipment for DCED On the Road September 19 - Assisted Export with their annual Overseas Office Network at the Red Fern 19

20 November 19 - Assisted Export with equipment and photos at Red Fern - Dr. James Chan International Marketing Strategies to Asia and Beyond December 10 - Took pictures at CEDS meeting Guest speaker Dave Spigelmyer, President of Marcellus Shale Coalition KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD A very industrious project recently came to a successful conclusion during this period. A project that was monitored closely to see if it was possible. Four agencies worked together over a six-month period to bring broadband Internet to the Gateway Lodge and Black Bear Cabins located in Cook Forest. PENNTAP approved an Implementation Micro-Grant Assistance Application to help fund the project North Central, an approved partner on the Pennsylvania Broadband Middle Mile Network, installed microwave radios on Jeff02, a State tower DCNR granted North Central permission to install radios and two solar panels on a fire tower that overlooks Cook Forest and has line-of-sight to Jeff02 and the Gateway Lodge North Central linked directly to the existing Lodge network and installed OpenWiFi products to broadcast the signal throughout the facility. An additional link was installed for the Black Bear Cabins. Two additional projects were finalized in the fall. XTO Energy NCP created a 10Mbps data link from the State tower, Lyco21 to a remote well site in Lycoming County. Pennsylvania Game Commission Installed WiFi Hotspots at four remote State tower sites to allow PGC access to Internet. Our relationship with the States Broadband Unit to supply last mile solutions to remote locations continues. Each request is studied for technical and financial feasibility before any action is taken. We currently have two additional projects in the discussion phase. 20

21 WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2013 The North Central Workforce Investment Board is one of 22 Boards across Pennsylvania. The mission of the NCWIB is to 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 The following WIB members were reappointed with a new term of November 1, 2013 through October 31, 2016: Courtney Cole, Devin Brock, Robert Tami, Elizabeth Kweder, Robert Esch, Kelly Davis, Melanie Johnson, Gregory Lezanic, Ralph Serafini, Jeffrey Miller, and James O Mara. In addition appointed the following new members: Melanie Johnson with the Governor s Action Team, Linda Schell with Bureau of Workforce Development Partnerships and William Weaver III with the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center. Regretfully approved resignations from the following WIB Members: Autumn Martin, William Moulfair, Katharine Newcombe, and Lois Richards. 21

22 Planning The WIB was successful in receiving a Dislocated Worker National Emergency Grant (DWNEG) of $100,000 to assist our Dislocated Worker customers with training in OJT, Apprenticeships, and Customized Training. The PA Department of Labor and Industry awarded $78,150 to both our Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare Industry Partnerships. Trainings that were identified in the application are being planned and scheduled. The WIB was successful in receiving a $3,000 grant from The George A. and Margaret Mee Charitable Foundation for renovations for the new location of the PA CareerLink of Cameron County in order to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Requirements. The WIB is a partner in the award of a "Make It In America" grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) in the total amount of $1.8M encompassing a 52-county region of Pennsylvania. The Make it in America ETA grant will target training and employment activities that support the local workforce needs of employers, move new and current workers up and along a career pathway, and strengthen America's highly- skilled and diverse workforce. The WIB s portion of the grant is $56,128. The workforce partners met in Pleasant Gap on December 4 to discuss the next steps. WIB staff are participating in the CEC s Discover Partnership. The goal of this partnership is to enhance the local workforce and encourage potential employees to stay in or move to Elk and Cameron Counties. The focus is on two main areas: strengthening the future workforce and informing local students of the employment opportunities in the area by linking businesses to schools, students and parents in an effort to enhance career education, and developing a marketing strategy to aid local businesses in recruiting talented workers. This grant will enhance the efforts of the WIB s Business Education Connect Initiative. Youth Council / Regional Career Education Partnership Appointed the following to the NCWIB Youth Council: Katharine (Lomax) Brock, Christina Palmer, Jennifer Womer, and Jason Blatchley. Regretfully approved the resignations from the following NCWIB Youth Council Members: Lois Richards (Chair), Carl Hall, Jr., Ralph Serafini, and Kristine Kronenwetter. Recognized the appointment of Gregory Sands with Junior Achievement of Western PA as the new NCWIB Youth Council Chair, replacing Lois Richards. Continue to partner with a variety of agencies in submitting grant proposals to increase the resources available for career education. We are currently identifying foundations that serve the entire region or perhaps only one county with the goal of submitting proposals to assist the entire region in furthering our mission of the Business and Education Connect Initiative. 22

23 Quality Assurance / Continuous Improvement The PA Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership completed the Compliance/Oversight Monitoring for the Program Year 2012 for the NCWIB. Monitoring visit from the Bureau of Workforce Development Partnership to review and analyze the National Emergency Grant On-the-Job Training Grant. We are still waiting for the official results of that review. Preparation for the Bureau of Workforce Development monitoring process to review and analyze the PY 12 WIB and Youth Council Membership. Staff worked with the Site Administrators to prepare Resource Sharing Agreement Budgets for the program year. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD Provided an information session for our employers on the Affordable Care Act. WIB continues to focus on potential Fee-for-Service Activities to enhance our services to employers and job seekers. Collaborated with our partners in the relocation of the Cameron County CareerLink that will provide better accommodations for staff to meet with jobseekers as well as additional services from the Community Education Council. Keystone Works We are one of a handful of Boards that have been asked by the PA Department of Labor and Industry to work with them on improvements to the Keystone Works Program. Participated in the North Central PREP planning meeting to prepare for this year s application. WIB Staff participated in several of the DCED On the Road activities including the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Workshop hosted here at North Central. Pam organized and held both the Manufacturing and Healthcare Industry Partnership meetings to officially announce the award, confirm training needs, establish the Memorandum of Understanding, and begin to schedule trainings. Susie testified at a hearing of the Senate Education Committee on the Rural Regional Community College for Underserved Counties. The focus of her testimony was regarding the workforce needs of our region and the growing demand for middle skilled jobs those jobs requiring education beyond high school but not a bachelor s degree. Also testifying from our region was Bob Esch, Vice President of External Affairs with American Refining Group and Kate Lomax, Executive Director with the Community Education Council. Staff participated in the WIB Symposium held in State College providing facilitation of several of the workshops and presentations. Staff participated with partners throughout the Region on their various Boards including the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center, Brockway Center for Arts and Technology, Lock Haven Clearfield University, Butler County Community College, and the Community Education Council for Elk and Cameron Counties. Presented to the DuBois Leadership Group at the DuBois Airport with other departments within North Central. Staff participated in the fall meeting of the Appalachian Higher Education Network in Morehead, Kentucky. 23

24 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2013 The Workforce Development department is focused on four areas of quality service: 1) All customers will receive a needs assessment to determine the appropriate mix of services, 2) Job seekers and Employers will be provided with workshop opportunities to address training or information needs, 3) Job seekers will be provided financial aid to address technical training needs driven by employer demands and market needs, 4) All customers will have access to job placement services. Activities: Regional Workforce Development Staff development: Utilizing our video conference network (Polycom), staff from each office participated in a discussion of staff alignment and potential restructuring to maximize use of financial resources and achieve performance measures. Two Regional staff meetings addressed staff training and program reviews. In addition, staff participates in monthly internal training on program improvements and update policies. Workforce Development has met or exceeded the Program Year 2012, 4 th Quarter Common Performance measures addressing placement and retention of job seekers. Workforce Operation Meetings: Director of Operations co-chaired PA Workforce Development Association Operation Council meeting, participated in panel discussion on In-School Youth initiatives covering Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) at the PA WIB Symposium, participated in Local Management Committee meeting covering Welfare program activities in the local PA CareerLink Centers. Staff development training continues to be negotiated through the PA Workforce Development Association in partnership with the Department of Labor and Industry. WEDnet Training: Training contracts with local employers have been awarded distributing over $260,000 to address basic skills and technology skill training to incumbent workers. North Central met previous year performance standards resulting in an Incentive award of approximately $18,000 supporting operation cost. Workforce Program Coordinator attending staff development training covering data entry, invoicing, and contract approval process for WEDnet. Recent on-site audit review completed reporting satisfactory performance. (Attached report) 24

25 NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANT (NEG) and Dislocated Worker Training (DWT-NEG): Specifically an On-the-Job (OJT) program in support of the long term dislocated worker population and veterans. Currently the Business Service Representatives and Adult/ Dislocated Worker Employability Counselors are coordinating with PA CareerLink partners an outreach effort. Targeted job fairs and direct mailings are examples of outreach to qualified long term unemployed. Work Ready Workshop Development: Workshop curriculum is being reviewed by staff and updated incorporating updated information and expanding the use of video conferencing in each county. In addition, staff is assessing opportunities to introduce to job seekers free on line certificate programs addressing work ready skills linked directly to specific occupation fields. North Central Career Club continues to be utilized in each county. Although the present set up is regional, efforts are underway for each office/pennsylvania CareerLink to operate independently upon enrollment demands. Career Connect (In-School Youth): Presently Employability Counselors are conducting the Career Connect program in at least one School District per County. Career Connect is the structured program offering career exploration, job ready skills, and STEM/Labor Market Information to participating youth. Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) Placement by Occupation Report: Attached is the Workforce Investment Act Placement by Occupations highlighting the job seekers that have exited the program services in to unsubsidized employment. The leading occupations in the region are: Production Transportation and Material Moving Office and Administrative Support Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Food Preparation and Serving Related 25

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28 WIC PROGRAM NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT July - December 2013 The Pennsylvania WIC Program is committed to improving the health of eligible pregnant women, new mothers, and children by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and referrals to health and social programs during the critical stages of fetal and early childhood development. ORGANIZATIONAL/DEPARTMENT GOAL To increase breastfeeding incidence rates, breastfeeding duration intervals 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 To increase enrollment of our target population by providing outreach services to those target areas PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Department Goal 1: The most recent Breastfeeding Statistics released from the Pennsylvania State WIC Agency in November 2013 revealed a 0.71% decrease in the number of women who initiate breastfeeding, but showed an increase of 3.0 weeks in breastfeeding duration. Our local agency currently has two Breastfeeding Peer Counselors working a combined total of 47 hours each week. North Central WIC has 242 breastfeeding women and 291 pregnant women enrolled in our program. All pregnant women who enroll in the WIC Program receive breastfeeding education and support. All are not enrolled in the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. Women are referred to the Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program at the discretion of the Nutrition Professional in each local WIC clinic. The USDA has strict requirements in the time frame and frequency of participant contacts, most notably after a baby is born. Our local agency is focusing on these postpartum contacts, which is indicative of the 3.0 week increase in breastfeeding duration. From July 2013 through December 2013, a total of 1,614 contacts were made between Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and WIC clients. 28

29 The North Central WIC Staff celebrated National Breastfeeding Month on August 6. A luncheon was held in the conference room at Martin s grocery store in DuBois, PA. Eighteen adults and ten children/infants enjoyed a hot lunch, played breastfeeding bingo, and shared personal breastfeeding stories. One of the moms in attendance has recently formed her own breastfeeding support group which meets every other Wednesday. The North Central Breastfeeding Peer Counselors continue to support the Talk Baby Breastfeeding Support Groups convening in Coudersport and Emporium. Department Goal 2: North Central WIC continues to partner with the IUP Nursing Program. In the Fall of 2013, a total of 20 IUP Nursing Students observed operations in our DuBois WIC Clinic location. The WIC clinic observation rotation provided the nursing students with a glimpse of public health in the WIC clinic setting. They learned about breast feeding, basic nutrition education, and how WIC partners with other community agencies to promote health and wellness throughout our community. North Central WIC hosted a Penn State University dietetic intern in our Ridgway WIC clinic for three weeks in September Meghan Kronenwetter was trained in specific WIC areas: Quick WIC documentation, issuing Food Instruments to participants, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, implementing VENA (Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment) and GGS (guided goal setting). Meghan completed a special Farmers Market Nutrition Program project for our local agency. In November, WIC Staff participated in a North Central presentation to a local leadership group. Department Goal 3: During the months of August and September 2013, all staff participated in the following mandatory trainings: Bloodborne Pathogens, Hemocue Training, and Customer Service. Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding updates are provided by assigned WIC staff on a regular basis. Department Goal 4: WIC Staff participated in two local health fairs, attended eight local inter-agency coordinating council meetings and made on site visits to nine partnering agencies. KEY UPDATES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS PERIOD An average of 4,066 participants received WIC benefits each month between July December The PA State WIC Program entered into an infant formula rebate contract with Abbott Laboratories (Similac products) on October 1, WIC Staff spent most of October explaining and implementing this change with our WIC participants. 29