North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission

Transcription

1 North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission Quarterly Report January March 2009

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3 Table of Contents Finance/Accounting 4 Community Development/Regional Planning 6 Enterprise/Economic Development Program 15 Human Resource Department 18 Information Technology Program 19 Workforce Investment Board 21 Workforce Development Operations 23 WIC Program 25 3

4 FINANCE PROGRAM NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION QUARTERLY REPORT January March 2009 Total Budget - Original Current Year Total Budget Actual Variance - Original Percent Expended Expenses Total Salaries 3,571, ,716, , % Total Fringe 1,114, , , % Total Contractual 1,905, ,901, , % Total Travel 307, , , % Total Supplies 75, , , % Total Printing/Publications 80, , (21,825.55) % Total Space 633, , , % Total Equipment 97, , , % Total Other 464, , , % Total Other - WIC 15, , (1,531.23) % Total Other - WIA 1,619, , , % Total Expenses 9,885, ,711, ,173, % Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2009 Assets Current Year Total Assets 18,271, Liabilities Total Liabilities 11,912, Fund Balance Prior Year FUND BALANCE ,698, NCBD FUND BALANCE , Total Prior Year 5,314, Current Year Total Current Year 1,044, Total Fund Balance 6,358, Fund Balance/Liabilities 18,271,

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6 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/REGIONAL PLANNING NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT January March 2009 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 Development 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. 6

7 Energy Program Provides assistance to business, local government agencies and communities to help reduce pollution and save energy. 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 among 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 precedent. In addition, many programs offered through the Department were directly or indirectly involved with assisting federal, state and local community leaders regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Staff provided assistance and support to interested parties inquiring about resources available through AARA in regard 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. 1. ARC/EDA Appalachian Regional Commission. During the quarter, most of the program work involved the preparation and submission of five funding applications seeking fiscal year 2009 funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission. Following these submissions and revisions, follow-up work continued through the end of the quarter. The five projects submitted are briefly listed below: 7

8 Brockway Digital Television Tower Upgrade. The project involves equipping and constructing a 150-foot-high tower for converting analog to digital television, internet and communications services to 1,754 customers in the Brockway area. Funding sources and amounts are listed below: Appalachian Regional Commission Grant $287,500 Local Bank Loan 287,500 $575,000 Curwensville Municipal Authority Sewer System Improvement Project. The project consists of replacing 1,500 feet of sewer main line, two river crossings, new rotating biological contacts, and improvements to the Park Avenue Pump Station. Funding sources and amounts are: Appalachian Regional Commission Grant $250,000 Rural Development Program Loan 502,000 $752,000 Elk Regional Health System Alternative Fuels Project, Phase II. The project consists of equipment installation costs for two heat exchangers that will enable the hospital s biomass combustion unit boiler to provide heat to Pinecrest Manor. Funding sources and amounts are: Appalachian Regional Commission Grant $26,561 Rural Development Program Loan 24,518 $51,079 Johnsonburg Phase II Municipal Wastewater Pumping Station and Treatment Plant. The project involves the construction of a new two million gallons per day treatment facility. Funding sources and amounts are: Appalachian Regional Commission Grant $ 250,000 PENNVEST Loan 7,961,000 $8,211,000 Walking Adventure Trail. The project consists of improvements to an existing three -mile trail in Ridgway Township for educational and tourist use. Funding sources and amounts are: Appalachian Regional Commission Grant $ 50,000 In-Kind Contributions 50,000 Appalachian Education, Inc. 10,000 $110,000 8

9 Economic Development Administration. During the quarter, various work program activities for the Economic Development Administration program involved the following: One Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee Meeting. The focus of the meeting involved project applications currently underway, new projects, and a presentation from staff at the Northwest Pennsylvania Office of the Department of Community and Economic Development. Follow-up work on three EDA projects: - Johnsonburg Phase II Municipal Wastewater Pumping Station and Treatment Plant (estimated cost: $8,211,000) - Bradford Regional Airport Multi-tenant Building (estimated cost: $2,300,000) - Port Allegany Borough Sewer Project (estimated cost: $4,000,000) Solicitation of potential new projects for EDA funding consideration. Dissemination of regional economic data to various groups. 2. Energy During the quarter, various work program activities for the Energy program involved the following: One energy assessment closed Two energy assessments ongoing Six new energy assessments started Working with Mo Valley COG to incorporate Energy into annual Equipment Show Continued work on LED Signal Project Referrals of projects to DEP for funding of specific programs 3. MTAP/LTAP During the quarter, various MTAP and LTAP training and technical assistance activities took place: Five municipalities received reimbursements for hardware/software upgrades Six municipal officials trained MTAP services Six dedicated hours of one-on-one technical assistance Three training sessions held with 66 local government officials attending: Engineering and Traffic Studies: 23 attended Posting and Bonding of Local Roads: 27 attended Posting and Bonding of Local Roads: 16 attended One technical assistance completed regarding guide rail issue Fifteen technical assistance sessions scheduled to date for 4th quarter Working with Mo Valley COG on Annual Equipment Show scheduled for May 27, 2009 at the Clearfield Fairgrounds. 9

10 * MTAP funds were unavailable for most of January/February as state contracts were not in place for other essential programming 4. Transportation During the quarter, primary activities for the Transportation Program involved working with PennDOT and the Rural Planning Organization s Transportation Committee regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Regional ready to go projects submitted and approved for funding included: Roadway Projects Luthersburg Area - Resurface on SR 0219 in Brady and Bloom Townships, Clearfield County - $4,500,000 Coudersport Area West Resurface on SR 6 in Coudersport Borough and Eulalia Township, Potter County - $2,200,000 Woodland to Shawville - Resurface on SR 970 in Bradford & Goshen Township, Clearfield County - $5,000,000 Lewis Run to Custer City - Resurface on SR 219 in Bradford Township, McKean County - $3,566,000 Coudersport Area East to PA Resurface on SR 6 in Coudersport Borough and Eulalia Township, Potter County - $3,000,000 {TIP Funding} Punxsutawney North 3R Resurface on SR 36, Jefferson County - $2,180,000 Bridge Replacements: Genesee Bridge - SR 1004 in Hector Township over Genesee Branch of Pine Creek, Potter County - $1,100,000 {TIP Funding} Janders Run Bridge SR 44 in Ceres Township over Janders Run, McKean County - $800,000 Bridge Rehabilitation - $5,615,000: over Moshannon Creek Clearfield County over West Branch of Susquehanna Clearfield County over Coal Run Clearfield County over Clearfield Creek Clearfield County over Pine Creek Potter County over Kettle Creek Potter County Sandy Lick Point Bridge Jefferson County 10

11 Bridge Preservation - $7,647,000: over Driftwood Branch Cameron County over Driftwood Branch Cameron County over West Branch of Susquehanna Clearfield County over R.J. Corman RR and West Branch of Susquehanna Clearfield County over Tunungwant Creek McKean County over Potato Creek McKean County over Allegheny River Potter County 3011 Hamilton #2 NCABBB Jefferson County Bridge Painting - $1,375,000: {TIP Funding} 0879 over SR 0322 Clearfield County 3007 over Orrs Run Clearfield County 0006 over Allegheny River Potter County 0144 over Cross Fork Creek Potter County 2002 over Lyman Run Potter County 4002 over Allegheny River Potter County Met with an RPO steering committee to review and provide comment on eight Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI) applications: Emporium Route 120/Main Street Plan/Study Depot Street Parking Deck and Intermodal Center Punxsutawney Transit Facility Enhancement Downtown Bradford Smart Transportation Initiative Common Ground Linking Land Use and Core Infrastructure Clearfield to State College Commuter Service Vehicles Mobility Management Center Van Pools Continued discussions with internal LTAP staff regarding the cost and the feasibility to upgrade all existing overhead signals to 12 LED using 2009 safety funds. Met with the TIP and LRTP project prioritization steering committee on February 9 and March 10 in Ridgway regarding core system and regionally significant project criteria. Closed out contract for the North West Clearfield County Multi-Municipal Plan. Closed out contract for the Joint ATA and DUFAST System Evaluation Study. 5. GIS During the quarter, various work activities that took place for the GIS program involved the following: Developed a regional GIS website for unrestricted access to data from which 11

12 additional services will be offered Developed and deployed a regional flood planning website in Cameron, Elk, Jefferson and McKean counties Continued Global Positioning System (GPS) Training/Support in Cameron and Jefferson counties Provided tech support for Elk County Tax Assessment staff on Parcel-ID Assignment Tool Continual database maintenance to track and map LTAP class participation and location Participated in Project Prioritization Process steering committee regarding core system and regionally significant project criteria Continued Bridge Identification / Assessment Project (next step is field validation) Printed paper maps for Municipal review Developing data collection database for web integration Developed numerous address-specific flood plan maps in support of Loan Department Continued participation as requested in regional Greenways planning meetings and facilitated GIS data distribution to contractor GIS software installs/updates/inter-operability repairs in Cameron County Expanded FEMA FIRM Index data layer to incorporate FIS links for the Assessment Office in Cameron County Updated data in Cameron County for text-based online Computer Aided Mass Appraisal (CAMA) Database Continued Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) Data Maintenance/Support in Jefferson County Update of Master Street Addressing Guide (MSAG) in Jefferson County to support Wireless Phase II Continued coordination w/consultant for Tax Parcel Realignment project in McKean County 12

13 Installed and trained county staff in Jefferson County on Address Assignment toolset Various tech/data support requests in advancing new County CAD system in McKean County Ongoing coordination w/mckean County IT staff on remote access procedures and standardization of data access by county staff Completed numerous data request in McKean County (i.e.: Oil & Gas Companies requesting data for exploration and ownership identification) Continued to refine GPS Data Dictionary, process data and provide technical support to meet request of Pennsylvania Snowmobile Association (PSSA) Participated in coordination meetings w/pssa website development contractor 6. 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: Gave presentations on the greenways project to Jefferson County Planning Commission in Brookville, Cameron County Sub-committee in Emporium, Jefferson County COG in Brookville, Elk County Planning Commission in Ridgway, Clearfield County Sub-committee in Clearfield, and Potter County Planning Commission in Coudersport. Other greenway efforts included Greenways Steering Team meeting in March and meeting with Beth Rider in Bellefonte to discuss linkage between the Centre County Greenway plan and the North Central plan. Downtown revitalization efforts included Regional Main Street networking meeting in Oil City, DuBois Main Street Asset Enhancement Committee meetings, DuBois Main Street Rezoning meetings, and meeting with Keely Casteel on Clearfield Revitalization Project. Johnsonburg Visitor Center Master Site Plan: preliminary plan complete and in review. Public meeting to be schedule in early May. Support of the PA Wilds Initiative which included PA Wilds Planning Team meetings and organizing community team presentations (two from McKean County, one from Elk, one from Cameron and one from Potter) for the PA Wilds Planning Team Progress Update meeting. 13

14 Support of the Planning Team Trails Committee to plan a PA Wilds Trail Workshop, as well as participating on the Planning Team Outreach Committee, Conservation Committee, and steering committee. Supported of the Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council through participation on the executive committee, finance committee, and policy committee. The primary activity this quarter was awarding around $175,000 in funds to projects in the Sinnemahoning watershed from the Sinnemahoning Endowment (a.k.a. train wreck money). Attended the PA Wilds Governor s Task Force Meeting in Harrisburg. Attended initial regional signage plan meeting in Clearfield. Attended invite-only breakfast meeting with Dr. Austen, Executive Director of the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Kicked-off the Knox-Kane Rail Corridor feasibility study project with Debbie Lunden of McKean County. This project will include the counties of McKean, Elk, Forest, and Clarion. A DCNR grant application for the feasibility study will be submitted in April. Participated in community development outreach meeting in State College on February 24. Continued regional discussion regarding a regional Transportation, Land Use and Economic Development strategy (LUTED). 14

15 ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE QUARTERLY REPORT January March 2009 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. 15

16 PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Loan Outreach Component provide access to low-interest loans and packaging loan assistance to address capitalization requirements. Export Outreach Component provide assistance to companies that are new to exporting and new to export markets. Procurement Outreach Component provide assistance to companies to capitalize on opportunities to sell goods and services to the federal and state governments. Business Retention/Expansion Program Component outreach program to identify needs and refer to appropriate service delivery entity to address needs. Keystone Opportunity Zone collaborate with local, county and school districts to waive real estate taxes at designated industrial sites. Keystone Innovative Zone provide assistance to link technology transfer opportunities between regional companies and Pennsylvania State University. Outreach/Development Assistance identify and facilitate the development of projects of regional significance. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES AS REQUIRED BY COMPLIANCE CONTRACTS Procurement continued to provide extensive assistance in the processing of requests for HUB Zone certification. Past quarter, six companies received certification. Attended annual training seminar and conducted two training seminars in region. Six companies received 28 contracts worth $3,185,544. Export conducted two training seminars (P/M Market Opportunities and NAFTA Updates). Fifteen companies participated. Over 65 counseling sessions were conducted in quarter with focus on Israel, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea and Europe that resulted in 81actions and eight MAG grants. Compliance outcomes resulted in $6,359,828 in sales, 21 Export Actions and 60 Work Orders. BREP Conducted service provider and regional stakeholder training sessions and met with Career Link Business Service Representatives to coordinate outreach and provide any specific program changes. County business liaison representatives and business service representatives conducted 60 surveys this quarter and 40% goal. Payments to county business liaisons were processed this quarter for over $10,000. Keystone Opportunity Zone continued to prepare KOZ application to DCED for continuation of program to include expansion of existing sites, extension of existing sites and new designations in collaboration with county/municipal sub-zone coordinators. Over 20 properties are in consideration. Closing out projects related to RACP investments in KOZ sites. 16

17 Keystone Innovative Zone in collaboration with Penn State/DuBois, received a Keystone Innovative Grant to coordinate the transfer of technology between PSU and regional companies. In process of promoting a business plan competition, student internships and technology-focused scholarships. Continues to foster research and development opportunities and coordinate activities with local economic entities. Loan/Finance activity remained robust during last quarter relative to loans closed and reviewed. Ten (10) loans were closed, representing $1,120,000 of North Central funds leveraging $2,486,163 of other funds and the retention of 98 jobs and creation of 20 jobs. Additionally, six loans were approved for $1,370,000 pending the recapture of funds to close loans. Five companies have been referred to the award-winning Strategic Counseling for At-Risk Business Program. Conducted three training-related seminars in region and initiated the coordination of a DCED required certification process. Regional Development Efforts continued this quarter in preparing an application for the build-out of a regional fiber-optic backbone infrastructure network. A report on the competitive analysis of powder metal markets was completed and the RFP/RFQ process was completed for a municipal energy project. Other regional development projects are beginning to emerge this quarter based on the incentives of the stimulus package and represents a regional balance of the new projects. To encourage a more effective and efficient outreach of department programs, staff this past quarter have initiated an outstanding practice of teaming-up when doing client visitations. This practice has proven a worthwhile effort in the era of a depressed economy. 17

18 HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION QUARTERLY REPORT January March 2009 MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE 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 Hospitalization - Compiling information for North Central s broker in order for them to research the most cost effective options and benefits for our renewal on July 1, Handbook - Finalizing updates and compliance issues to be presented to the committee. Workers Compensation and Liability Policies - Obtaining quotes for renewals. Hiring of Stackpole Hall/PHEAA students for the summer months. Webinars and seminars pertaining to COBRA and Unemployment issues. Preparing for the fiscal year end Performance Management reports and working with supervisors. 18

19 INFORMATION SYSTEMS NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION QUARTERLY REPORT January March 2009 MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE 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 Evaluated wireless mesh radios and picked Proxim as our vendor of choice Started the upgrade of all the mesh radios on the Wide Area Network Worked out an agreement for Jefferson County to use the new Reynoldsville tower which will give them connectivity, offer Internet service to people who live near the tower, and possibly reach Punxsutawney to supply connectivity to ATA s new terminal Brought C/G Electrodes on as a new broadband customer Installed computer at Cameron County Courthouse for Assessment Office Replaced computers at county CareerLink offices Assisted with Training for Jefferson County GIS Addressing Tool Demonstrated use of Webcam at Business Service Representative Staff Meeting Assisted Keystone Rural Health Consortia with changing over accounts to new domain name Taught Microsoft Word classes for Community Development staff Provided technical support and computer setup for PA Wilds Planning Team in DuBois Designed and provided articles and pictures for monthly employee newsletter Published and distributed North Central employee newsletter 19

20 Photograph North Central events and meetings and organize photos on network so they will be available for staff use Taught Outlook Calendar course for WIA Adult/Dislocated worker staff Staff serves as a member of LDD Marketing Committee to assist in the development of marketing materials for PA Local Development Districts Participated in selection of RFP for PA LDD website Participated in design of wireless communities for ongoing ecommonwealth project KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER North Central has successfully completed the application process to ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers). We now have an assignment of permanent IP addresses that will stay with North Central regardless of who we select as our Internet backbone carrier. Zito Media personnel have been on site to finalize the location of the fiber cable and Ridgway s regeneration equipment. Two new routers have been built in-house to handle the new technology needed to transmit and receive Internet traffic from multiple providers. WiFi radios and antennas have been selected and ordered for the ecommonwealth project. The test sites are being prepared for the pilot project to begin in April. 20

21 WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION QUARTERLY REPORT January March 2009 MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE Mission: 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 Youth Council / Regional Career Education Partnership providing outreach to our area schools and youth service agencies to continue our goal of preparing today s youth to be tomorrow s productive citizens. Industry Partnerships creating a skilled workforce through industry specific training and education programs developed in cooperation with business and industry leaders. 21

22 Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Monitoring of workforce programs to ensure that they are meeting the mission, goals and performance standards established for each funding source. Coordination with the CareerLink Operator to prioritize and improve services within the CareerLink System, update partner agreement and Resource Sharing Agreements as well as providing technical assistance. KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER Career and Tech Fair - Scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2009 at the ITEC facility was a huge success. Understanding and preparing for the Stimulus Funding and Summer Programming Improvement of CareerLink Services in particular the orientation process. Scheduling and Implementation of a variety of consortium based training for our Industry Partnerships. Awarding of mini grant through the Regional Career Education Partnership for school and business connection programs. 22

23 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION QUARTERLY REPORT January March 2009 MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE 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 During the months of January through March in addition to the processing of Adult, Dislocated worker, welfare, and youth customers training and placement activities, the staff focused on the following: Self-monitoring for program compliance and performance Revision of Work Readiness Skill Standard curriculum Development and upgrade of Employment Workshops 23

24 Implementation of partnership with the Business Retention and Expansion Program Quarterly Workforce Development staff meeting Preparation for implementation of Recovery Act funds Review of Operation budget Staff SMART goal reviews CareerLink lease negotiations Expansion of Work Readiness Skill Standard program into additional School Districts Conduct Rapid Response to regional layoffs and closures KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER Staff training in the areas of Assessment testing, Work Readiness curriculum and case management Expand employer services to include the Business Retention and Expansion Program interview to assess business and training needs Evaluate and plan staff goals and performance Identify CareerLink partner commitment to staffing and services Processed and enrolled Dislocated workers 24

25 WIC PROGRAM NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION QUARTERLY REPORT January March 2009 MISSION/PROGRAM CHARGE To promote community development thru: 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 Expand the quality of our Nutritional Assessments to allow for more comprehensive risk identification in order to provide clients with more relevant information and education which will guide clients to select more positive lifestyle choices. To promote the health benefits of the new WIC food packages which will become effective October 1, To enhance relationship building: among WIC staff members, between WIC staff and clients, between WIC and other Commission staff, and between WIC and our community partners. PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES On January 8, staff received training on participant guided goal setting: Care plan, which includes the long range goal of decreasing risk behaviors to achieve optimal health versus a specific client centered goal which should include an action step that a client agrees to in order to begin a desired behavior change, i.e. will place morning milk in sippy instead of bottle to begin the weaning process (long range plan is to completely wean from the bottle). On February 19, staff received training on two VENA (Value Enhanced Nutritional Assessment) modules. The objective was to guide the staff through two different case studies utilizing the State Agency dietary questionnaire, anthropometric measures, 25

26 biological and social factors, and chemical test results. The modules focused on identifying leading questions on the form, from which to engage the client in an active discussion of eating habits, routine activity levels, the amount of daily screen time and other health related issues. Use of this tool combined with other medical parameters and positive staff attitudes would present the opportunity to engage the client in discussion of identified risk factors as well as setting goals which are doable to a particular family. On March 3, WIC provided a motivational speaker for all Commission staff. The objective was to expose and/or reinforce the Power of Positive Thinking in our personal and professional lives. The speaker who had over come substantial obstacles as a child, due to a medical disorder, charged all in attendance to take control of their own lives and to stop the blame game. All of this leads up to building positive relationships in our lives to facilitate goal attainment. In January, the WIC Director and the Education Coordinator attended training in Harrisburg regarding the new food packages to be offered to WIC clients beginning this October 1. It was the first time that an outline of what the new packages would look like was presented. From this information, a flyer was develop by local agency staff and is ready for print. This will give clients the first introduction to what new food items will be available in October and what the health benefits will be to their children and them. The new flyer will be distributed in April, May and June. WIC developed client surveys earlier in the year to determine comfort levels of participants at WIC appointments. Surveys are random and are mailed weekly to WIC clients who have been to clinic appointments the previous week. All surveys are anonymous but are coded to match the staff member providing services. The purpose is to determine client comfort levels in order to share information needed for complete assessment. OUTREACH & TRAINING Partnership meetings: nine attended Obesity, A Scientific Update seminar: attended by one CPA Managing the Difficult Employee Seminar : attended by Director Outreach events sponsored by Community Partners: eight events attended WIC information drop-offs to social service and medical providers: three WIC mailings to same (as previous): five WIC referrals continue to boost Nurse Family Partnership participation WIC continues distribution of home lead test kits KEY ACTIVITIES/OUTCOMES FOR THIS QUARTER Participation remains within 2% of assignment WIC continues to expand the quality of our nutritional assessments through education and training of the VENA process and with continued emphasis on relationship 26

27 building via our Motivational Speaker and tracking of client comfort levels through our participant surveys WIC has begun to promote the health benefits of our changing food packages through the flyer developed for our clients thereby addressing healthy heart and obesity issues WIC outreach efforts continue to support clients, partners and the Commission 27