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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WDB)

Of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties

Meeting Minutes

Career Alliance, Inc.

711 N. Saginaw Street

Flint, MI 48503

Friday, August 25, 2006

8:00 a.m.

PRESENT: Michael Zelley, Marilyn Allor, Harry Blecker, Edward Donovan, Lewis Driskell, Robert Hardy, Alan Hartter, Suzanne Howell, Kevin Keane, Jimmy King, Ivan Love, David Miller, Lawrence E. Moon, Vera Perry, Cheryl Peterson, Khalil Saab, Rene’ McMann (for Gary Smith), Mary Sumpter, Sheryl Thompson, Benjie Williams, Katie Wolf

ABSENT: Erik Eastman (excused), Cheryl Gifford (excused), Margaret Gulick (excused), Willie W. Middlebrooks (excused), Jerry Ragsdale (excused)

STAFF PRESENT: Pamela Loving, QB Pittman, Craig Coney, Sharon Bowen, Nichole Taylor, Tanesha Malone, Peggy Kendrick, Carol Piesko, James Robinson, Bill Hetchler, Debbie Rose, Nancy Osipo-Peera, Kim Etheridge, Helen Brown, Tina Jubenville, Marilyn Manning, Carmen Robinson, Candice Miller, Martres Brown, Janet Haggard, Mary Housley, Edythe Brown, Brenda Thomas, Tammy Irving, John Howell, Koya Murphy

OTHERS PRESENT: Peter Goodstein, Mike Tanner, Marty Gibbs, Robert Swanson

I. Meeting called to order at 8:03 a.m.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None

III. PRESENTATIONS: Mr. Zelley presented Ms. Jean Conyers, Former Executive Director, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, with a clock for her years of service to the community.

IV. ACTION ITEMS:

A. Approval of WDB Minutes of May 26, 2006: A motion to approve the minutes of April 28, 2006, was made by Mr. Kevin Keane and supported by Mr. Harry Blecker.

MOTION PASSED

B. Recommendations for Work First Funding for Program Year 2006 – 2007: A motion was made by Mr. Blecker to accept the staff recommendations for the Work First funding and supported by Mr. Lawrence Moon.

MOTION PASSED

C. Recommendations for Food Assistance Employment and Training Funding for Program Year 2006-2007: A motion was made by Mr. Blecker to accept the staff recommendations for Food Assistance Employment and Training Funding and supported by Mr. Lou Driskell.

MOTION PASSED

Mr. Jimmy King asked if the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan has ever been contacted to bid on services. Ms. Pamela Loving stated that the next time contracts come up they will extend an invitation to them.

D. Recommendations for Mentors (Project Zero) Funding for Program Year 2006 – 2007: A motion to accept the staff recommendations for Mentors (Project Zero) was made by Mr. Blecker and supported by Mr. King.

MOTION PASSED

Mr. Ivan Love expressed concerns regarding discrimination and the funding of faith based organizations in addition to the possible co-mingling of funds. Mr. Zelley and Ms. Loving stated that CAI pays close attention to it and performs on-site visits.

E. Monitoring Service for Program Year 2006-2007: A motion was made by Mr. Blecker to accept the staff recommendations to have Abraham & Gaffney provide the monitoring services and supported by Mr. Robert Hardy.

MOTION PASSED

F. Auditing Services for Program Year 2006 – 2007: Mr. Blecker stated that it has been decided to split the services whereby not allowing the same company to provide the monitoring services and the auditing services. A motion was made by Mr. Blecker to accept the staff recommendations to have Stewart, Beauvais & Whipple provide the auditing services and supported by Ms. Allor.

MOTION PASSED

V. PRESENTATIONS:

A. Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (MDLEG) Update: Mr. Robert Swanson, Director MDLEG gave an update on the various initiatives going on throughout the state concerning employment opportunities and alternative fuel.

B. Economic Development Update: Mr. Edward Donovan, VP, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, did a PowerPoint presentation focusing on the economy, its workers and employment opportunities.

VI. PARTNER UPDATES:

A. Department of Human Services Update: No Report

B. MDLEG Rehabilitation Update: No Report. Ms. Howell did remind everyone that individuals with disabilities are representatives of entrepreneurs.

VII. PRESIDENT’S UPDATE: Ms. Loving’s updates were distributed to each board member.

VIII. CHAIR’S UPDATE: Mr. Zelley discussed the impact of the presentations by Robert Swanson and Ed Donovan.

IX. NEXT MEETING DATE: September 22, 2006

X. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned 10:05 a.m.

Katie Wolf

________________________________

Ms. Katie Wolf

Secretary, Workforce Development Board

Date: October 12, 2006

“Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services

are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.”