Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island
Strategic Development Committee Minutes
March 20, 2009
Present: Everett Amaral, Allen Durand, Bob Cooper, Fred Ricci, Jane
Nugent, Susan O'Donnell, and Kim Weiss. Guests and Staff: Mavis
McGetrick, Jen Cornwell, Christine Grieco, Cheryl DaCosta, and
Patrice Cavanaugh.
Absent: Paul Harden, Betty Pleacher, and Nancy Roderick.
With a quorum present, Vice-Chair Jane Nugent called the meeting to
order at approximately 8:35 A.M. Jane asked the members to review
the minutes of the January 16, 2009 meeting.
VOTE: Bob Cooper moved to accept the minutes from the previous
meeting as presented. Everett Amaral seconded. The motion was
passed unanimously.
ISDI Presentation
Cheryl DaCosta from Tech Collective provided the committee with an
update of the Information Technology industry's progress in the ISDI
grant. Cheryl mentioned that although there have been some
obstacles with getting the grant start up, the industry has been able
to make great progress in the briefly reviewed each of the Grant's 4
components, which are 1) Training & Development, 2) Establishing an
Industry Based Presents at the One-Stop Centers, 3) Establishing
"Industry Greenhouse" Activities for Students and Educators, 4)
Implementing Career Awareness Strategies. Cheryl stated that the
original Grant period was August 2008 through July 2009, with a
possible 6-month extension.
Modification #5
Christine Grieco stated the modification is complete, but noted that
the Unemployment Rate needs to update prior to signing. Christine
then asked for the committee's approval to have the Modification
move forward for signature.
VOTE: Bob Cooper motioned to approve Modification #5 with
revisions. Fred Ricci seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
PY09 One-Year Plan
Christine Grieco stated that the Draft Plan is complete and needs to
be reviewed by the Board, as well as at a Public Hearing. Christine
informed the committee that with SWIO's permission, WPGRI was
able to take the current Two Year Plan and extend it for another year.
Christine reported that changes would be necessary as information
on the stimulus package is received. Kim Weiss stated that the plan
will need to include supportive services, priority services for
veterans, and needs related payments prior to it being sent to SWIO.
VOTE: Bob Cooper motioned approve the PY09 One-Year Plan, with
the three needed additions mentioned. Sue O'Donnell seconded. The
motion passed unanimously.
Page 2 of 2
Strategic Development Committee Minutes
March 20, 2009
Stimulus Update
Christine Grieco provided the committee with the latest figures the
WPGRI will be receiving due to the stimulus package. She reported
that currently there have been discussions with Providence/Cranston
on the best ways to spend youth money. Chris informed the
committee that the intention is to use most of the youth dollars on
summer programs because in the fall any money spent will be subject
to the WIA performance measures. Christine also stated that she and
Paul Ouellette, along with representatives from Providence/Cranston,
would be meeting with Sandra Powell to discuss the stimulus dollars.
CVS Update
Christine Grieco informed that CVS is scheduled to open a Pharmacy
Call Center in December, and a meeting is schedule to discuss
providing training for 200 Pharmacy Tech II that will staff the call
center.
OJT Update
Christine Grieco informed the committee that we recently held a
Customized Training Seminar that provided employers with
information on the training programs available. Christine stated that
she would like to see additional seminars provided to the Chambers
of Commerce, and the HRM.
New Business
There was no new business to come before the committee.
VOTE: Allen Durand motioned to adjourn the meeting at
approximately 9:20 A.M. Everett Amaral seconded. The motioned
passed unanimously.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for April 17, 2009
Respectfully submitted,
Patrice Cavanaugh
Employment & Training Assistant