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RC Developurrem Board What is the Centralina Workforce Development Board? Our board members build public - private partnerships and attract fund- ing to help Centralina businesses proactively address a necessity for every business - - a competitive workforce. Our partnership with JobLink Career Centers gives our Board much flexibility in providing the com- munity with innovative employment and training strategies for both job seekers and employers. How does the Board operate? We are a non - profit organization governed by a volunteer board of direc- tors responsible for developing policy and overseeing local workforce development initiatives in partnership with the local elected officials. In North Carolina, there are twenty -four local WDBs with representatives appointed from all 100 counties. Our Board is unique in that we build strategic partnerships with economic development, education and busi- ness to leverage and maximize funding for our seven - county area. How do Board members get appointed? Members of the WDB are appointed by the Chief Elected Officials of their respective county in accordance with criteria established by the Governor. WDB membership includes representatives from business and industry, education agencies, community -based organizations, economic development agencies, public employment service, public assistance agencies, vocational rehabilitation, and labor organizations. Membership is drawn from individuals who have optimum policy- making authority from their organization. What are the Board's primary responsibilities? The authority of the WDB is established in Federal and State legislation that provides funding to support the operation of the workforce devel- opment system. The WDB's role is to ensure that the local workforce development system is market - driven and responsive in meeting the employment and training needs of employers and job seekers alike. We serve as a point of contact for business, industry and the public sector to communicate their workforce needs and provide a forum where private and public sector leaders jointly consider workforce development needs of the region. How do Board members participate? There are many opportunities to participate in our workforce initiatives from strategic planning, evaluating training programs, deciding on fund- ing allocations, interfacing with key community decision makers, and leading a special community project. Who is on the Workforce Development Board? The Centralina WDB has 23 members representing seven counties. Thir- teen (13) of the Board positions are held by persons nominated by local Chambers of Commerce or other business organizations to represent the private sector employees. These private sector representatives ensure that the Board established policies and services that integrate all work- force development programs and target them to support state and local economic development efforts. The remaining ten public sector board members include representatives from the INC Employment Security Commission, Department of Social Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Colleges, public schools, organized labor, economic develop- ment, and community based organizations. Members are appointed and approved for two -year terms (staggered) by the local board of county commissioners. A current listing of Centralina WDB members is avail- able at www.centralinaworks.corn. How Often Does the Centralina WDB Meet? The Centralina WDB meets on the second Tuesday of the meeting month at 4:30 PM. A total of six meetings are held each year. The meeting place is generally a central location in the region (such as the Cabarrus Regional Chamber in Kannapolis or Rowan - Cabarrus Community College in Concord). WDB members receive a notice and agenda of the meetings at least ten days prior to the scheduled meeting date. The meeting place will be posted on the meeting notice. A quorum (majority of members either present or represented by proxy) is required for voting on issues at the meetings. A list of current meeting dates and locations is available at www.centralinaworks.com. What Area Does the Board Serve? The Centralina WDB serves the geographic area of Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties in the south central part of North Carolina. Who are the Board's and the workforce system's customers? The workforce investment system can best be viewed from the perspec- tive of its two primary customers — the job seeker and the business community. The Board's role is to help meet these customer needs by es- tablishing a customer/ supplier relationship between the local workforce investment system and local employers. Job Seekers - Their primary goal is to secure and retain a stable, high paying job. Expectations - Jobs with benefits, if trained — a new job, sound information on labor market, information on job openings, assis- tance on how to search for jobs and access to occupational skills /educa- tion training. Businesses - Their primary goal is to find qualified employees quickly in a cost - efficient manner. Expectations - Unqualified candidates filtered out, certifying candidates as job -ready or job skilled, screening for work ethic and interpersonal skills, single point of contact with agencies, good service and timely follow -up, personal contact with workforce staff who take the time to visit and understand the business and easy access to public tax and training incentives. How Much Money Does the Board Provide for Services? The Board is a decision - making, not advisory body. It has direct and final authority regarding the use of almost $5 million dollars in annual funding through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The Board has significant influencing authority regarding more than $6 million in ad- ditional public funding. Is The Board Incorporated? Yes, the Centralina WDB was incorporated as a 501(c) (3) corporation on February 11, 2002. This allows the Board to seek and receive non- federal /state funding through grants, foundation funding, and private contributions. It also allows the Board to serve as the grant recipient for innovative projects developed by a consortium of local workforce develop- ment and /or economic development partners. Page 294 H -2 ber 4