This event is funded, wholly or in part, using funds provided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

NEW RIVER/MOUNT ROGERS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

MEETING AGENDA

August 22, 2018

Facilitating and coordinating workforce initiatives that enable economic growth and increase the standard of living in the region.

CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME OF GUEST – Chair Miller

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Jordan Loupe –Job Corps Rep and Jimmy Smith – Labor Rep

ROLL CALL

CONSENT AGENDA (previously distributed)

• Minutes from the June 28, 2017 meeting

• Financial Reports & Operational Summary

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

GUEST PRESENTATION – Scott Tate and Albert Alwang, Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budgeting & Administration • Approve PY 18 Final Budget • Financial Disclosure Statement

One-Stop Operations & Delivery Committee • Center Certifications Update

Marketing Committee • Virginia Career Works Brand Update

Training Provider Committee • Training Program Recertification Timeline

CONSORTIUM BOARD UPDATE – Jay Williams

ELECTION OF 2ND VICE CHAIR

NEW PY18 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SUMMARY

Work Ready Community Initiative

PARTNER REPORTS

Adult Education: Shirley Carlson TANF Programs: Vacant Career & Technical Education: Vacant Title 1 Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Pam Allison Community Based Organizations: Terry Smusz & Rob Goldsmith

Virginia Apprentice Program: Vacant

Institute of Higher Education: Vacant Virginia's Employment Services: Karen Akers

Economic & Community Development: Josh Lewis WIOA Title I Programs: Betty Rowe & Mary Ann Gilmer • One-Stop Operator

Job Corps: Jordan Loupe Special Grants: WDB Staff • HEART • Go Virginia Region 2 / Talent Cooperative • Pathways to the American Dream

NEXT SCHEDULED WDB MEETING – October 24, 2018– Wytheville Meeting Center – 10:00 a.m.

ADJOURN

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NEW RIVER/MOUNT ROGERS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD

MEETING MINUTES

June 27, 2018 A meeting of the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board was held on June 27, 2018 at the Wytheville Meeting Center. Those in attendance were as follows: Board Members Guest Mike Miller, Chair John Overton Jay Williams, CLEO Chair Karen Akers Susan Roberts Betty Segal Pam Allison Terry Smusz Brenda Rigney CB Andrews, Jr Richard Weaver Chris Vaught Mary Ann Gilmer Lynn White Robert Goldsmith Joanne Groseclose (Alternate) Staff Jennifer Hawks Perry Hughes (Alternate) Marty Holliday Josh Lewis Jordan Loupe (Alternate) Ronnie Martin Timothy McVey Rick Nunley (Alternate) Beverly Burke Robert Pierce Jimmy Smith (Alternate) Della Wheeler Chair Miller called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. Ms. Suthers called the roll and a quorum was present. Mr. Overton made the motion to approve the Agenda as presented with a second by Mr. Goldsmith. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. White made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with a second by Mr. Overton. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Miller asked if anyone in the audience wished to address the Board during the public comment period. Hearing none, he proceeded with the agenda. Guest Speaker, Matt Dunleavy, Ph.D., Executive Director, IMPACT Lab updated the Board on Innovative Mobile Personalized Accelerated Competency Training with Cyber Security partnering and Radford University. A brief discussion followed. Chair Miller next asked for Committee Reports.

• Budget and Administration Committee: Mr. Overton asked Ms. Holliday to review the budget and funding situation with the Board. Ms. Holliday informed the Board that PY18 Funding allocation amounts from the state have received, but not the Notice of

Page 2 of 3

Obligation. The New River/Mt Rogers region was the only Virginia workforce area to receive an increase in formula funding for PY18. An updated Draft PY18 Budget was prepared based on the allocation provided by the state and projected carryovers. The Board can expect to see one more revision to the budget when actual carryover numbers are known. Mr. Overton made a motion to approve the updated Draft PY18 Budget as presented with a second from Mr. White. The motion was passed unanimously with Ms. Gilmer and Mr. Goldsmith abstaining.

• Marketing Committee: Ms. Holliday submitted the marketing plan for the new brand in the amount of $25,000, but needed to resubmit with a timeline. The funds will be spent as soon as it is received with the majority of the funds will be used for signage.

• One-Stop Operations & Delivery System: Ms. Holliday discussed updated funding recommendation for the Adult and DLW programs. Allocations were reviewed. Currently the Board is operating without a Notice of Obligation (NOO), but has been given permission to put these funds under contract and spend the funds that would be available, but cannot invoice for them until the NOO is received. Ms. Holliday informed the Board that the House has passed a bill to rescind $15 million dollars which could affect WIOA funding to the states. Staff is recommending to approve Program Operator Contracts for one year, with funding to be approved for six (6) months. Program Operator contracts will be modified on December 31, 2018 which will allow time to better know what carryover will be, if federal fund will be rescinded and an NOO will be in place. This recommendation is very unusual for the Board. Mr. White made a motion to approve the Program Operator contracts for one year with funding for a six (6) month time period of July 1, 21018-December 31, 2018 with budget modifications at the end of the six (6) months with a second from Mr. Andrews. The motion was passed with Ms. Gilmer & Mr. Goldsmith abstaining.

Mr. Weaver made a motion to approve funding for the Adult & DLW Programs as submitted with a second from Mr. Overton. The motion was passed with Ms. Gilmer & Mr. Goldsmith abstaining.

Ms. Holliday reviewed WIOA performance with the Board. She stated that the numbers appear to be good, but that they are no longer receiving backup data to ensure accuracy. She thanked the Program Operators for the good job that they do in the New River/Mount Rogers Area. Ms. Holliday reviewed the seven affiliate sites needing certifications. All seven sites are working on their plan for Certification. Mr. Goldsmith made a motion to approve Chair Miller the authority to sign forms for the Certification of the affiliate sites with a second from Mr. White. The motion was passed unanimously.

• Youth Committee: Ms. Holliday discussed the PY18 Funding Allocations. Mr. White made a motion to approve funding for the Adult & DLW Programs as submitted with a second from Mr. Weaver. The motion was passed with Ms. Gilmer & Mr. Goldsmith abstaining.

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• Nomination Committee: Chair Miller turned the meeting over to Ms. Holliday. Ms. Holliday asked for the report from the Nomination Committee. Mr. Goldsmith presented the Board with the committee’s recommendations: Chair, Mr. Miller; 1st Vice-Chair, Mr. Ferrell; 2nd Vice-Chair, Ms. Meadows. Executive Committee: Ms. Blankenship, Mr. Dunnack, Mr. McVey, Mr. Tapp. Ms. Holliday asked for nominations from the floor, being none, Mr. Overton made a motion to close nominations with a second from Ms. Akers. Ms. Holliday called the vote on the Nominations Committee slate and the vote passed unanimously.

Mr. Williams, Consortium Board Chair, introduced himself as the new Chair of the Consortium Board. Mr. Williams stated the Consortium Board approved the renewal of WDB members for a period of three (3) years. He highlighted the next Consortium Board meeting next month and invited everyone to attend. Ms. Holliday updated the Board on Staff activities since their last meeting and reviewed the executive summary and highlighted the Quarterly Workforce Report from Virginia Tech. Moving on with the agenda, Chair Miller called for partner reports: PARTNER REPORTS Reports for the following partner agencies were given: Career & Technical Education, Mr. Weaver; Community Based Organizations, Mr. Goldsmith; Institute of Higher Education, Mr. Hughes; Job Corp, Mr. Loupe; Title 1 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Ms. Allison; Virginia’s Employment Services, Ms. Akers; One-Stop Operator Report, Ms. Segal and Ms. Gilmer; and Special Grants, Ms. Holliday. The 2018 WDB meeting schedule was reviewed with Board members noting that the next WDB meeting is scheduled for August 22, 2018 at the Wytheville Meeting Center beginning at 10:00 AM. Ms. Holliday discussed the Travel Voucher with Board members. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 12:02 PM. Respectfully Submitted,

Beverly Suthers, Workforce Operations Coordinator

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WIOA Available Administration Funds 285,551$ Obligated 280,615 Un-Obligated 4,936

Expenditures 209,629$ Board/Fiscal Agent 180,801 One-Stop Operator 28,828

Balance 75,922$

WIOA Available Adult Program Funds 686,638$ Obligated 676,471 Un-Obligated 10,167

Expenditures 583,122$ Board 43,089 Operators 540,033

Balance 103,516$

WIOA Available DLW Program Funds 608,479$ Obligated 597,471 Un-Obligated 11,008

Expenditures 546,121$ Board 47,715 Operators 498,406

Balance 62,358$

New River/Mt Rogers Workforce Development Board Financial Report

Report Period: 07/01/17-06/30/18 - FINAL

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WIOA Available Youth Program Funds 1,015,934$ Obligated 992,751 Un-Obligated 23,183

Expenditures 814,860$ Board 82,011 Operators 732,849

Balance 201,074$

HEART Available Funds 71,806$ Obligated 71,806

Expenditures 24,995$ Board 24,995

Balance 46,811$

Operational Summary – August 22, 2018 Service Levels: Thru June 30, 2018, our Program Operators have served the following: DLW – 276 In Training – 31 Adults – 251 In Training – 52 Youth – 226 These service levels are the following percentage of planned PY’17 enrollments for the 4th quarter of the program year: Plan Actual DLW – 145% of plan 191 276 Adult – Goodwill – 115% 102 117

People – 125% 107 134

Youth – Goodwill – 77% 128 98 People – 116% 110 128

Performance: Thru June 30, 2018, Program Operators have achieved the following performance levels: Attained Total Standard Exclusion* DLW – Placement Rate – 79% 150 118 1 Average Wage at Placement - $15.56

Attained Total Standard Exclusion* Adults:

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys

Placement Rate – 82% 51 40 2 Average Wage at Placement - $11.07 People, Inc. of Virginia

Placement Rate – 87% 54 46 1 Average Wage at Placement - $13.05 Youth:

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys

Placement Rate – 87% 40 34 1 Literacy/Numeracy Gains – 18% 22 4 0 Attained a Degree or Certificate – 44% 40 17 1 People Inc. of Virginia

Placement Rate – 82% 63 51 1 Literacy/Numeracy Gains – 100% 4 4 0 Attained a Degree or Certificate – 86% 21 18 0 Exclusions:

1. Institutionalized 2. Health/Medical or Family Care 3. Deceased 4. Reserve Forces Called to Active Duty 5. Relocated to a Mandated Program 6. Invalid or Missing Social Security Number

Operator performance is in line with planned contract performance goals as well as negotiated Performance Measures.

Financial Thru June 30, 2018, our Program Operators expended 91% of available contract funding for all programs. Under WIOA 44% (40% required) of Adult/DLW funds expended have been for required training activities. 82% (75% required) of WIOA Youth program funds have been expended on Out of School Youth with 38% (20% required) expended on Work Experience activities as defined under WIOA. All expenditures are meeting/exceeding current WIOA and State program spending requirements.

Formula

38,632$

Program

DLW 51,349$ Adult 93,348$ Youth 251,923$

Totals $396,621

Total Carryover Funds $435,253

Admin ProgramPY'18

Allocation PY17 AllocationDLW $59,710 $537,388 $597,098 $556,743Adult $72,212 $649,911 $722,123 $680,561Youth $87,065 $783,581 $870,645 $867,761Totals $218,987 $1,970,879 $2,189,866 $2,105,065

Admin Program TotalWIOA Funding $218,987 $1,970,879 $2,189,866Carryover $38,632 $396,621 $435,253HEART $19,526 $19,526APG $1,886,737 $1,886,737Brand Grant $25,000 $25,000Ticket/swift Start $11,000 $11,000Total $257,619 $4,309,763 $4,567,382

Total Available Funding Summary

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Final PY'18 BUDGET

PY'17 Carryover Funds

Administration

PY '18 WIOA Allocations

Expenses

Staff Salaries $464,696Fringe Benefits $135,070Travel $28,000Office Space $52,000Communication/Phones $11,000Office Supplies $10,000Postage $250Printing $1,500Copies & Copier Maint. $1,500Outreach/Media Adv. $36,000Equipment Rent $1,600Dues/Pubs $3,500Training/Professional Development $4,500Meeting Expense $8,000Capital Outlay $0Contractual Ser. $1,494,984Professional Services $10,200Liabiity Insurance $2,500Miscellaneous $1,350Expenses $2,266,650Fiscal Agent Services 65,000Board Reserved Funds 25,000Total Budget $2,356,650

PY'18 BUDGET

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Formula Administration $116,779Formula Adult Program 64,877Formula DLW Program 64,877Formula Youth Program 77,853Formula Total $324,387

APG $1,886,737Heart $19,526Brand Grant $25,000Ticket/Swift Start $11,000Non-Formula Total $1,942,263

Grand Total $2,266,650

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Budget Breakdown by Program

WIOA Expenses

Fiscal Agent Services - $65,000

Formula Administration Funds - $65,000*

Board Reserved Funds - $25,000

Formula Administration Funds - $25,000*

Funding Source Projected Funding % of Funds

Formula Administration $257,619 5.6%Formula Adult Program $743,259 16.3%Formula DLW Program $588,738 12.9%Formula Youth Program $1,035,504 22.7%APG $1,886,737 41.3%HEART $19,526 0.4%Brand Grant $25,000 0.5%Ticket/Swift Start $11,000 0.2%Projected Totals $4,567,382 100.0%

Board Expenses

Formula Administration $116,779Formula Programs $207,608APG $398,953HEART $19,526Brand Grant $25,000Ticket/Swift Start $11,000Total $778,866

Fiscal Agent Services $65,000

Board Reserved $25,000

FinalNew River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area

Summary of Funding Allocations/Carryover/DistributionsProgram Year 2018

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Distribution to Program Operators % of Funds

Administration: One-Stop Administration $50,000Program Costs: Formula Adult $620,000 Formula DLW $512,000 Formula Youth $780,000 $1,912,000Total to Program Operators $1,962,000

Distribution to Sub-recipientsAPG $347,221Total to Sub-recipients $347,221

Distribution to ContractorsAPG $1,140,563Total to Contractors $1,140,563

Non Designated/Distributed Funds

Formula Administration $839Formula Adult Program $58,382Formula DLW Program $11,860Formula Youth Program $177,651Total Non Designated/Distrubuted $248,731

Grand Totals

Board Expenses $778,866 17.1%Fiscal Agent $65,000 1.4%Board Reserved $25,000 0.5%Program Operators $1,962,000 43.0%Sub-recipients $347,221 7.6%Contractors $1,140,563 25.0%Non Designated $248,731 5.4%Total 4,567,382$ 100%

FinalNew River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area

Summary of Funding Allocations/Carryover/DistributionsProgram Year 2018

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Training Provider PY 18 Certification Timeline

9/1/18 Mail/email letters requesting Provider & Program data to Training Providers and Program Operators

10/1/18 Data due back from Providers

10/20/18 First Review by Training Provider Committee 10/24/18 Review and approval by WDB 11/10/18 Certification Letters to approved Providers 10/25/18 Final reminder to Providers that have not complied with

request

11/15/18 Final round of data due

12/1/18 Final Review by Training Provider Committee

12/12/18 Final review and approval by WDB 12/20/18 Certification Letters to approved Providers 2/28/19 All data entered into the State Approved Provider database

PY’18 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Strategic Planning Committee

One-Stop Operations & Delivery-System Committee 1. Michael Miller* 1. Carol Blankenship* 2. Joe Ferrell 2. DSS Rep 3. Josh Lewis 3. Jeff Dunnack 4. Robert Goldsmith 4. Pam Allison 5. Education Vacancy 5. Jimmy Smith 6. Eric Workman (CB) 6. Mary Biggs(CB) 7. Rob Gropman (CB) 7. Rex Hill (CB) 8. Jay Williams (CB) 9. Brenda Sutherland (CB)

8. Joe Guthrie (CB) 9. Dwayne Ball (CB)

Training Provider/Individual Training Account Committee

Budget & Administration Committee

1. Tim McVey* 1. John Overton * 2. Jarod Iroler 2. Tim McVey 3. Apprentice Rep Vacancy 3. Terry Smusz 4. Jeff Dunnack 4. Shirley Carlson 5. Susan Roberts 5. Charles Andrews 6. Carol Blankenship 7. Josh Lewis

6. Austin Phipps 7. Shirley Carlson

Outreach & Publicity Committee Policies & Procedures Committee 1. Mark Tapp* 1. Howard Bartholomay* 2. Howard Bartholomay 2. Charles Andrews 3. Charles Andrews 3. Robert Pierce 4. Karen Akers 4. Kerri Williams 5. Austin Phipps 5. Mary Ann Gilmer 6. Terry Smusz 7. Jennifer Hawks

6. Robert Goldsmith 7. Karen Akers

Youth Committee Executive Committee 1. Greg Atkins* 1. Mike Miller – Chair 2. Susan Roberts 3. Joe Ferrell – 1st Vice Chair 3. Joseph Ferrell 4. Mount Rogers – 2nd Vice Chair 4. Jennifer Hawks 5. Carol Blankenship 6. CTE Rep 7. Jeff Dunnack 6. Jarod Loupe 8. Tim McVey 7. Shirley Carlson 9. Mark Tapp 8. Mary Ann Gilmer 9. Open DJJ position (not a WDB member) * Denotes Chair

Executive Summary – August 22, 2018 Staff Activities

• System Building/Backbone Organization Support o Go Virginia

Member of Region 1 Hire Education Committee Member of Region 2 Workforce Committee Group proposal for Region 2 funding (incumbent worker training & career expo) – funded

o Ongoing:

Work Ready Community Steering Team and regional lead Program development/oversight of the Pathways to the American Dream initiative for Areas 1,

2, 3 & 17 Management Team for the HEART Project (Heart of Appalachia Collaborative Economic

Transition) Working with United Way SWVA to support the Financial Stability activities in the region Working with United Way on the regional “dash board” for MR PDC Continued support of all four, and leadership of one, Business Solution Units Center of Excellence Board Director’s Member (Chair of the Partner Committee) Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Education and Talent Committee Member NRV Regional Commission and MR Planning District CEDS committee Career & Technical Education Advisory Board member: Bland, Carroll, Montgomery, Smyth and

Washington Counties and City of Radford

• Community Outreach o SWVA Economic Development Forum 5/17/18

• Business Engagement/Outreach

o Meeting w/ American Merchant 7/10/18 o Meeting w/ Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council on Business Engagement/Tours 7/31/18 o Virginia Highlands Area Workforce Exchange 8/2/18 o Meeting about Bristol Compressor Plant Closure 8/2/18 o Bristol Compressor Employee Job Fair o SVAM Manufacturers Expo 8/14/18

• Staff training and development

o General K. Simmons and M. Holliday 4th (and final) Work Ready Community Academy 8/15/18

VBWD One-Stop Report New River/Mt. Rogers Workforce Development Board Wytheville One-Stop Campus and Radford Affiliate Site

Reporting Period: July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019 (YTD) In alignment with the balanced scorecard approach, each Local Workforce Development Board will forward a quarterly report to the Virginia Board of Workforce Development to include:

Customer Service Job seeker customer satisfaction survey results (% of respondents)

Very Satisfied – 84% Satisfied – 16% "Being fired from my job was very stressful. All the people at the one stop were very nice and helpful and made the process very stress free”.

Business customer satisfaction survey results (% of respondents) *No employer surveys returned in July

Very Satisfied – NA* Satisfied – NA*

Operations Number of new “participants” (job seeker customers) for the one-stop

Wytheville –59 Radford – 101

Number of hires attributed to the One-Stop Center Wytheville – 5 Radford - 0 Number of training activities completed 35

Number of workforce credentials attained 33 - 94% of individuals trained attained a credential

Number of new employers registered in Virginia Workforce Connection (VWC)

Wytheville – 2 Radford - 11 Number of new job orders entered into VWC Wytheville – 101 Radford – 271 Number of services to employers in VWC Wytheville – 927 Radford – 691

Number of job seekers registered in VWC Wytheville – 1,977 Radford – 2,907 Number of employers served by partner staff

(An employer “served” is one who had a defined workforce need and received a solution developed by one or more One-Stop Partners.)

Wytheville – 130 Radford - 50

Resource Management Narrative which describes adherence to the Resource Management Plan arrangement

Memorandum of Understanding and partner resource sharing meetings are being held. Partner meetings are held regularly to exchange information: 08/06/2018 Partner Meeting – 10 Attendees Business Services Units in Abingdon, Wytheville, Galax, and Radford continue to be active and participate in sponsored activities including Job Fairs.

Professional Development List of professional development and other activities completed

Professional and other activities completed by staff include: 06/12, 06/13 & 06/28 Southwest Training Center Sessions and Job Fair 06/28 & 07/31 Trade Sessions Xaloy – 3 participants 07/17 Informational session for Southwest Training Center 25 employees participated 07/17 Dish Network TAA Certified 07/25 Titan Wheel TAA Certified 08/09 Rapid Response Sessions for Bristol Compressors 4 sessions were held for 298 individuals - TAA petition filed 08/10 Bristol Compressors Job Fair – over 40 businesses attended 08/29 Trade session for Xaloy Job Fairs: • 07/09 Virginia Tech • 07/10 Service Master • 07/17 Krona Candles • 07/17 BAE • 07/25 Volvo • 07/25 Westaff • 07/31 Westaff

Number of frontline staff trained and certified in compliance with State policy

20

Success Story—Goodwill Adult Program

Cheri Honaker was referred to Goodwill by the Radford Virginia Employment Commission office in late November 2017. Cheri had decided to re-enter the workforce because of a downturn in her husband’s income, after being a stay at home mother for several years. She had just been let go from a job that she had just started as a daycare worker because of a 17-year-old felony conviction found on her record. She was shocked that this affected her employment, since she had a letter from the governor restoring her rights.

This program supported her by assisting her with updating her skills, education, and work experiences on her resume. She met with the WIOA Career Specialist several times, and through these discussions, they established an entry-level employment goal via an internship opportunity as an Inspector/Packer at Phoenix Packaging in Dublin, VA in early January, 2018. The career specialist recognized that Cheri, with an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from 2006, could rise quickly in a manufacturing career, although she had never held a job using these skills.

Cheri remains in contact with this program. She reports that Phoenix Packaging has recently advanced her to a Machine Operator position. Further, she reports that her interactions with Phoenix supervisors and managers indicate she is being groomed for additional training and leadership opportunities, with significant pay and benefit increases within the next 8 months.

Cheri is very appreciative of the efforts of this program. She says, “Five months ago I was unemployed, a felony in my background history, and barely able to buy clothes for my kids. Now, I have a good job with benefits, and can look ahead and see that soon, I will be able to move from public assistance, become self-reliant, and do things I have always wanted to do for my family.”

Area Layoffs and Closures – August 9, 2018

Company Event Affected Employees

Announcement or Effective

Date

Status

Southwestern Virginia Training Center Hillsville, VA

Closure 300 June 2018 On-going

Norsdon Xaloy Pulaski, VA

Closure 146 December 2017 On-going

Dish Network Christiansburg

Layoffs 400-450 Media announcement

March 13, 2018

On-going

Wade’s Grocery Dublin

Closure 42 April 2018 Completed

Magic Mart Galax

Closure Not Announced

June 2018 On-going, Closure date:

November 1, 2018 Rite Aid Marion

Closure 20 June 16, 2018 Completed

Bristol Compressors Washington County

Closure 470 (+22 temp agency employees)

Media announcement July 31, 2018

Closure date: August 31, 2018

PROJECT UPDATE

SUBMITTED BY

People Incorporated of Virginia

08/13/2018

Recruitment/Training – People Inc. staff recruited 15 individuals to participate in various career training activities primarily designed to upgrade existing skills in the health care field. All fifteen (15) participants have completed training and fourteen (14) are employed.

Training Number Trainees Outcomes

Certified Professional Coder 3 3 Completed Preparation Seminar but only 1 passed

certification. (All are employed with 1

employed in medical field) LPN to RN Bridge Program 1 Graduated 05/12/18.

Passed NCLEX on 06/26. Employed with starting wage of $22 per hour.

Health Information

Management

1 Graduated 05/12/18 Currently seeking employment in the

healthcare field. Employed Worker to LPN 5 5 – Graduated 05/12/18.

All 5 passed NCLEX. All are employed with

starting wage of $16-21 per hour.

Employed Worker to Medical Assistant

5 5 – Certified Medical Assistant Credential

5 - Employed Medical Assistant

Business Contacts: 3rd Quarter 2018

July • American Merchant: Met with company representatives along with People, Inc. to discuss

workforce services available to the company. Also toured the facility. • Longwall Associates: Met with company representative to talk about training needs and possible

incumbent worker assistance through the Heart Project and Pathways. • Hollingsworth & Vose: Met with HR Manager, Plant Manager and employees that have been

enrolled in Pathways as incumbent workers. Discussed the benefits of the trainings (2 were enrolled in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and 1 in Black Belt) to the employees and the company. Also discussed other workforce needs.

• Volvo Trucks: Worked with HR staff to plan and execute a job fair to fill an immediate need as well as create an applicant pool for future hiring needs. The job fair saw a jobseeker turn out of over 1000. Over 500 were able to go through the application/interview process and a second event was scheduled to allow the others the same opportunity.

• Darco Southern: Worked with staff to create a job description for the company’s open sales position.

• Spectrum Brands: Working with HR staff and NRCC on a possible incumbent worker training opportunity for a small cohort of Machine Se-Up Technicians to receive MT1 certification.

• Wolverine Advanced Metals: Worked with company and NRCC on an application for assistance for Instrumentation and Electric Control training for incumbent workers.

• ProChem, Inc.: Working with HR staff and the SVAM CoE to develop a second customized welding training program for their certified welder. This training would allow the company to handle all of their welding needs in-house, saving them time and money.

1

America’s Promise Job-Driven Grant Helps 150 Participants

Enter the Workforce as Registered Nurses

Article provided by the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area

The Pathways to the American Dream project, funded by an America’s Promise grant, recently assisted

150 participants in becoming Registered Nurses (RNs) and entering the workforce with a median wage of

$25.52/hour, filling much needed nursing positions in healthcare facilities ranging from major hospitals to

local nursing homes. Awarded to the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area in

partnership with three other Workforce Development areas spanning 35 jurisdictions in southwest and

southern Virginia, Pathways provided $290,861 in training support and other services to assist these

students, which was critical to their success.

In its second year, Pathways is building a pipeline of skilled workers to help businesses fill existing job

openings and meet job needs for expansion. Through close partnerships and sector-based strategies,

Pathways aims to fill gaps so critical workforce needs are met. “To assist participants, we work through

Integrated Resource Teams to avoid a duplication of effort and meet the real needs of the workforce,” stated

Jenny Bolte, Pathways project manager. “Through our partnerships, we work together to help the

participants get trained, credentialed, and then employed. Once we determine the gaps and needs, which

are individualized for each participant, we invest funds to fill in those gaps and provide for the unmet

needs,” Ms. Bolte further stated.

Some students need tuition assistance for college classes, preparatory courses to achieve their licensure,

and/or supportive services such as application fees, drug screens, tools, and uniforms. Debbie Bond,

Division Dean for New River Community College, a training partner in the Pathways project,

acknowledged how essential the funds have been in “supplementing tuition, paying for uniforms and

supplies, and covering costs of certifications and exams,” which “is the extra boost that many students need

to reach their goals of graduating, finding employment, and supporting their families.” Ms. Bond described

how important the funds are to serve students “who often need the extra support to succeed in college.”

Further, Ms. Bond stated, “We teach first-generation students, single parents, students who need

developmental courses, ESL students, and unemployed and incumbent workers. The grant has enabled

many of our students to earn a degree and begin a mid-level career. We are so grateful for the funding that

has been invested in our students. This investment will pay off, as our students become successful

employees in our communities.”

In the 35 jurisdictions comprising the Pathways region, there is a shortage of Registered Nurses and a

projected job growth of 10 percent. However, transitioning nursing students into practice has its challenges.

Despite having a postsecondary credential from a school of nursing, these students cannot practice until

they become licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing through the National Council Licensure

Examination-Registered Nurse® (NCLEX-RN®). Often there is a gap of time between graduation and

actually being able to sit for the examination, and this gap of time can be problematic for the student.

Pathways has been instrumental in helping to fill this void by working with an alternative training provider,

Hurst Review, to assist the students in satisfactorily preparing for the exam. “The Pathways grant recipients

were the first students to take the NCLEX and all passed on the first attempt,” stated Dr. Sharla Cooper,

Associate Director for Undergraduate Programs at Radford University, another training partner in the

Pathways project. “I have seldom seen the dedication and attention that Elizabeth has provided to our

nursing students.”

2

In addition to providing financial support, Pathways employs Workforce

System Navigators to work directly with students and faculty to help students

accomplish their educational goals and gain employment. Elizabeth Annis,

Navigator in the New River region, sees it as a personal mission to help students

persevere through their training and credentialing and then into employment.

New River Community College considered her so valuable that she was invited

to participate in this year’s commencement ceremony. “Some students with

challenges and barriers need a lot more hands-on assistance, and it’s so

gratifying to see them walk across stage and know that soon they’ll be practicing

nurses. It’s such an honor to be a part of all of this,” Ms. Annis stated. Her pride

was evident as she talked about her various students who frequently can’t wait

to contact her with the great news of earning their license and getting a great job

offer. “It’s sometimes very challenging, especially when they’re in clinicals

because they have to juggle so much and are usually pretty stressed out about

their financial challenges.”

Truly, the financial burden on nursing students is tremendous. While these 150

students received over $3,000,000 in tuition assistance from federal financial

aid, state level grants, student loans, and local foundations, considered leveraged

resources in the Pathways project, the aid was not adequate in assisting the

nursing students with all of their financial obligations and moving into practice.

Aside from the national certification and preparation for it, nursing students are

expected to pay for a criminal background check, Board of Nursing application

fee, tools, and specific types of nursing attire. Further, clinicals are between 500

and 840 hours, and nursing students are unable to work during this time. If they were a financial contributor

to their family prior to clinicals, they had to make other arrangements during this time. “It is difficult for

students to pay for the many added expenses in a nursing program,” Dr. Cooper stated. “Often, nursing

students can have more than $3,000 of additional expenses over students in other majors.” This funding

gap is “often a barrier for many students in completing their education and entering the workforce as an

RN. This grant opportunity tremendously helped our students with their transition to practice, and I

sincerely hope that it will continue. Thank you to all who have made this possible.”

Many students have also expressed exactly how instrumental the project has been to their success. Patrick

Kurdila received tuition assistance and supportive services to help him earn a degree, obtain his license,

and attain employment as an RN. He stated that Pathways “significantly impacted” his life because he

needed financial support to finish college “without significant debt.” Mr. Kurdila continued, “This grant

represents an investment in students like me to help facilitate our successful

transition into the working world. Without opportunities such as The Pathways

to The American Dream grant, many students in dire financial situations would

not have been able to finish the nursing program. I sincerely believe that this

grant makes a statement that the government cares about providing an

opportunity for hard-working individuals who pursue careers in healthcare. I

hope that the Department of Labor will continue to invest in students entering

the medical field. It is critical that we get competent nurses in the field as well as

give them opportunities such as The Pathways to the American Dream program.

I will not forget the opportunities provided by the grant that helped me achieve

my dream of becoming a RN.”

Gabrielle Bostic (right)

paused with a friend

during her clinical

rotation in the OR to snap

a picture to send to her

Navigator, Rita Perkins in

the Southwest region, to

say thank you and that

she was doing well in

clinicals.

Patrick Kurdila

3

Sharon Oliver was a 41-year-old mother of two working as a

hairdresser when she decided to change careers and become a nurse

so she could “hopefully make a difference in healthcare,” she stated.

With the help of Pathways, she recently graduated from New River

magna cum laud, earning her first college degree, and began

working as an RN at the Lewis Gale Hospital in Pulaski in the

intensive care unit. She plans to continue working as she furthers

her education at Radford University toward a bachelors in nursing.

“Thank you,” Ms. Oliver enthusiastically stated, “for helping me get

where I am today and making my American Dream come true!”

The Pathways to the American Dream project has two years

remaining on the America’s Promise grant but is currently working

on pursuing additional grant opportunities to sustain and increase

the efforts. The work has been invaluable to the workforce

development landscape, but there is much more work to be done so businesses can sustain and grow through

highly skilled employees. Coordinated efforts through teamwork are key, though.

Pathways provides one-half funding for Business Services Coordinators in each Workforce Development

Area who engage with business customers. Additionally, the project has a Curriculum & Instructional

Specialist who reviews the training and credentials and acts as a liaison between the participant and

business components of the project to ensure that the training and credentials meet the hiring specifications

of businesses so participants can more easily move into employment. There are a wide range of services

available to businesses, but, as stated by Marty Holliday, Executive Director of the New River/Mount

Rogers Workforce Development Board, “Our workforce agencies and partner organizations must continue

to build a network of seamlessly coordinated services

across the communities we serve.” The leadership of the

Workforce Development Boards is essential to helping to

ensure that the business customer has the skilled employee

it needs and the participant customer attains the skills

needed by the business. Ms. Holliday continued, “Having

the America’s Promise funding to support our work has

been vital to helping us identify priority industry sectors

like healthcare, convene and assemble appropriate

business development activities, and align resources to

more effectively address sector needs—in addition to

business and job-seeker needs. We have seen first-hand the

positive outcomes coming from the Pathways project and

truly hope to continue this work because it is making a

difference in the lives of people, for our businesses, and in

our region as a whole.”

May graduates in the RN program from

New River Community College

Lauren Hayward (top left), Director of Nursing for

Virginia Western Community College, poses with

Jill Quinlan (top right), Navigator for the Blue

Ridge region, and their cohort of graduating

nursing students.

2018 Workforce Development Board Meeting Schedule

February 28, 2018 April 25, 2018 June 27, 2018 August 22, 2018 October 24, 2018 December 12, 2018 (Joint with Elected Officials)

All meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of alternating months at the Wytheville Meeting Center (behind Wytheville Community College) beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Effective 1/1/18

Travel Reimbursement Request

I hereby certify that on ____________________ I traveled to attend a _______________________________________ meeting scheduled that same date. I am requesting travel reimbursement as follows: __________ X $0.545/mile = $ _______________________ Total Miles Reimbursement Requested ____________________________ Name ____________________________ ______________ Signature Date