08.03.04
The Tuesday@REI discussion opened with an overview "Workforce Development: A systems perspective" prepared by Ed Morrison, Executive Director, Center for Regional Economic Issues at the Weatherhead School of Managment.
This discussion is in support of the upcoming Workforce Summit 2004 presented by the Workforce Development Divisions of the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Learn more: http://www.cleveland.com/workforcesummit/index.ssf
David Megenhardt, Executive Director, United labor Agency, Amy Hanauer, Executive Director, Policy Matters Ohio and JJ DiGeronimo, Team NEO were on hand to talk about how their organizations are involved in workforce development and where they see investments need to be made for future generations.
Many different partners from the county, city and private sectors participated in the discussion. Cathy Eberhart-Warren and Dennis Roberts, representing Cuyahoga County Department of Workforce Development gave a presentation about the upcoming Workforce Summit 2004.
Randy Hill, City of Cleveland, Ernest Johnson of Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and Nan McIntyre, Shorebank Enterprise (Learn more: http://www.shorebankcleveland.com/workforce/) described successful workforce development programs their organizations are involved in that offer potential solutions and next steps.
The group identified what business, city and county leaders and educators feel are our toughest challenges and highest priorities as a region in workforce development:
Some observations:
* We need a new set of civic behaviors and dialogue
* How are working families really doing? Some of the indicators we use may not translate into better lives
for the region
* Read the Report on the State of Ohio
* It's just a lack of networks and timely access to opportunities
* Kids want their own space today, which adds the financial pressure of living expenses - something that
living with family can eleviate - that otherwise makes education a luxury item
* Workforce training should address behavior modification, including life skills, anger management and
grieving skills
* People are having rouble finding people to fit middle management positions
* A major shift is approaching: 80% of all consumables will be from other countries
* Kids need to think/strategize/develop logic skills and practice in-depth sequential thinking
* There is no program consider Wal Mart career path to Key Bank
A follow up meeting will be held Wednesday, 8-18, 4:00-5:45PM. at the Peter B. Lewis Building to discuss challenges and explore solutions. If you are available, please plan to attend. It promises to be a lively and productive conversation as we build next steps together.
Learn more about Tuesdays@REI: http://www.smartmeetingdesign.com/rei/index.php/Main/REITuesdays
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