Sponsor: Workforce Solutions
Title
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Appointments to the Workforce Innovation Board
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Recommendation
recommendation
Appoint the following individuals to represent Business on the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County for terms beginning November 17, 2020:
• Julie Thiel - term ends July 31, 2021
• Susan Jambor - term ends July 31, 2022.
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Background
background
Local workforce development boards are required entities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The Workforce Innovation Board (WIB) serves as the local workforce development board for Ramsey County and is responsible for setting strategic direction and providing oversight for the public workforce system. As a policy-making board, the WIB helps shape priorities for programs and services that support both job seekers and employers in our community. Thirty-three WIB members representing business, community-based organizations, one-stop center partners, labor, economic development, education, and elected officials are appointed by either the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners or the City of Saint Paul.
Currently, there are two Business openings on the WIB. Recently, applications were received from Julie Thiel of Schwan’s Co. and Susan Jambor of SPIRE Credit Union to fill the vacancies for terms beginning November 17, 2020 and ending July 31, 2021 and July 31, 2022 respectively.
It is the practice of the WIB’s Executive Committee to review membership applications and make recommendations to the appointing bodies. At its September 25, 2020 meeting, the Executive Committee reviewed the application of Julie Thiel and Susan Jambor and voted to recommend approval. The applications were forwarded to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on November 3, 2020 for review and recommendation.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The WIB is committed to advancing racial equity, a commitment that starts from within by intentionality recruiting a diverse board reflective of the racial and ethnic makeup of the community. The WIB’s Executive Committee routinely assesses vacancies and analyzes a dashboard that tracks members’ race/ethnicity and other demographics to identify gaps and inform the WIB’s recruitment strategies. Currently, 71 percent of WIB members are Caucasian, 18 percent African American, 4 percent Asian/Pacific Islander, 4 percent Native American and 4 percent Latinx.
The WIB acknowledges the need for further diversity among its members. A range of strategies have been implemented to advance this priority. The WIB created a Membership Committee to focus on strategic recruitment and outreach efforts. Connections have been made with several local ethnic chambers to cultivate relationships and increase awareness of the WIB’s work. The WIB’s Communication and Outreach Committee is also developing a culturally inclusive communication list that will allow the WIB to share messaging about membership opportunities, workforce services, and inclusive hiring resources.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The WIB harnesses the knowledge and expertise of its members, representing a wide variety of roles within the community, to collectively develop strategic solutions that address employer and job seeker needs. Broadening the pool of prospective members by leveraging community relationships is a key component of the WIB’s recruitment strategy. Membership opportunities are promoted online through the WIB, County and City of Saint Paul websites and by WIB members through their networks. Although Board membership criteria is legislatively mandated, the WIB seeks to bring additional community engagement and participation to its work through participation on its committees and workgroups. The WIB Executive Committee reviews membership applications and makes recommendations to the County Board. The WIB Chair appoints committee members.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the WIB swiftly established a Workforce Recovery Taskforce to provide support and guidance on Workforce Solutions’ community response efforts. The WIB’s Policy and Oversight Committee advocates for legislation and policies that benefit our community and address local business and workforce needs. Additionally, the WIB is engaging with the county’s Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Vision Plan as the Workforce Development Working Group with the goal of ensuring an aligned workforce system that meets local industry needs. The WIB’s strategic priorities and Ramsey County’s goals of well-being, prosperity, opportunity and accountability are aligned.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Representatives on the WIB do not receive County compensation; they contribute their time and expertise to the County to provide guidance and oversight to County workforce policies and programs. Members may request reimbursement for mileage and parking expenses.
County Manager Comments
The County Board is the appointing body for County seats on the Workforce Innovation Board. For more information on the WIB, please visit <http://rcwib.org/>.
Last Previous Action
None
Attachments
1.County Appointment Checklist