Workforce Florida

Workforce Florida Weekly Update 8-2-06

CONTENTS
The State & Regions
The Nation
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities
Upcoming Meetings, Conferences & Events
Odds & Ends

The State & Regions

Governor Bush announces agreement in principle with CSX Transportation. ORLANDO – Governor Jeb Bush today announced a comprehensive plan to improve freight service and bring commuter rail to Central Florida. Under the agreement in principle between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT), Florida will invest $491 million to improve infrastructure and expand capacity on two existing rail lines, one of which will be used to establish commuter rail service through a multi-county stretch in the region. “Establishing commuter rail will ease congestion, which will improve the quality of life of people both on and off the road,” said Governor Bush. “Improving the existing railways will enhance the safety and mobility of both goods and people, which will generate new economic opportunity for millions of Floridians.” In partnership with CSXT, Florida will invest $318 million to improve the infrastructure and expand capacity on existing train tracks, including:
• $198 million for projects on the CSXT rail line between Baldwin to Plant City, referred to as the “S” line,
• $59 million to build five road overpasses in Alachua, Sumter and Marion counties on this line,
• $52 million on other CSXT rail lines around the state, and
• $9 million to build access roads to the new Integrated Logistics Center in Winter Haven which will be built by CSXT.
The state will also purchase 61 miles of existing CSXT tracks between DeLand in Volusia County and Poinciana in Osceola County for $150 million. Another $23 million will be spent to relocate operations from Taft Yard in Orlando to the new Integrated Logistics Center. State planners are developing a plan to use the track during peak morning and evening periods, as well as some limited service during off-peak hours, to provide commuter service to region.
“ Today, our local, state and federal leaders have recognized that we can meet future freight transportation needs in a region that is growing by leaps and bounds while also addressing the urgent need for commuter service in and around Central Florida,” said Michael Ward, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSX Corporation. “The plan announced today is good for commuters, good for freight customers and compatible with the long-term goals of CSX Transportation.” A portion of rail freight through-traffic will be relocated to an alternate corridor which would be expanded in a joint public-private partnership between the state and CSXT. In coordination with the state and local partners, limited freight traffic will remain in operation on the proposed commuter line. Relocation of the freight traffic will begin upon completion of CSXT’s Integrated Logistics Center in Winter Haven. Planners expect to have the first phase operational in 2009, ahead of the start of the $2.3 billion reconstruction of I-4 between Kirkman Road and State Road 434. The commuter rail system is expected to carry as many passengers during peak hours as a single lane of I-4. For more information on commuter rail, visit http://www.dot.state.fl.us.

Governor Bush announces agreement in principle with CSX Transportation to improve commuter rail to South Florida. ORLANDO – Governor Jeb Bush today announced a comprehensive plan to expand commuter rail in Florida. As part of the plan, CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) will transfer maintenance and dispatch of trains along the 81 mile corridor of South Florida’s Tri-Rail to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA). “Today’s announcement will bring commuter rail to Central Florida and improve existing service in South Florida,” said Governor Bush. “Rising gas prices and road congestion make commuter rail increasingly attractive.”
Under the plan, the Florida Department of Transportation, in coordination with the SFRTA, will manage movement of both passenger and freight trains on the existing Tri-Rail corridor. Completion of double tracking will also alleviate delays, making commuter service more reliable and timely. In addition, the agreement allows cooperation between the parties to extend commuter rail service in South Florida from Miami International Airport to the terminus at Homestead. “This agreement in principle represents a long-anticipated resolution to the complex and important issue of how to meet freight and commuter rail desires in the robust Florida economy,” said Michael Ward, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSX Corporation.
“ This agreement will provide SFRTA with the necessary operational control to help deliver reliable commuter rail service,” said FDOT Secretary Denver Stutler. “This is the last critical link in the process that the SFRTA Board of Directors and the State have been working on for years and it will lead to a significant improvement in meeting the mass transit needs of South Florida. At a time when ridership is increasing by double digit percentages, it will truly benefit our passengers that we are finally able to prioritize commuter rail on the South Florida Rail Corridor,” said Commissioner James A. Scott, Chairman of the SFRTA. In addition to benefits for South Florida, the plan will provide significant benefits to Central Florida residents. The Central Florida agreement in principle opens the opportunity for commuter rail in Central Florida. Under the agreement, the state and local partners will provide commuter rail service along a 61-mile stretch between DeLand in Volusia County and Poinciana in Osceola County. For more information on the agreement in principle, please visit http://www.dot.state.fl.us.

AWI releases Florida's employment/unemployment report for June 2006 - Florida continues to lead other states in the nation in the number of new jobs created. Florida’s unemployment rate in June 2006 was 3.0 percent, down from May’s 3.2 percent and down 0.8 percentage points from 3.8 percent a year ago. Job growth in June continued to be robust, as the state added 270,900 jobs over the year, growing at 3.5 percent, more than twice the national rate. The national rate of growth was 1.4 percent for the same period. Based on the latest available data, Florida continues to lead other states in the nation in the number of new jobs created and has the fastest rate of job growth and the lowest unemployment rate among the ten most populous states. Florida's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June 2006 of 3.0 percent was 1.6 percentage points lower than the national rate of 4.6 percent. Job growth by sector was led by Professional and Business Services (+66,000 jobs), Construction (+43,500 jobs), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+40,700 jobs), and Leisure and Hospitality (+30,200 jobs). The construction industry had the fastest rate of growth of all sectors, growing by 7.5 percent over the year. The Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami Beach MSA led the state in employment growth (+60,500 jobs, +2.6 percent), followed by the Orlando-Kissimmee and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSAs with over-the-year job growth in June 2006 of +41,400 jobs and +33,000 jobs, respectively. In June 2006, Walton County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.1 percent. Hendry County was the highest at 7.5 percent. Access the full report at: http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/press/release.pdf.

RWB Veterans' Websites Locator Map added to AWI Veterans' web site. A user friendly map with hyperlinks to regional veterans’ services pages is now available at the AWI website veterans’ page at: http://www.floridajobs.org/PDG/veterans.html. The link to the map is located under “RWB Veterans' Program Websites”. In Regions with no veterans’ web site, link will default to their home page. Regions who wish to have their dedicated veterans/military websites on the AWI map can contact Mitch Collier the State Veterans' Program Coordinator at the Agency for Workforce Innovation via email at: Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. or phone at: (850) 245-7451.

Florida Turns to Geographic Solutions’ Virtual OneStop for Expanded Federal WIA and Wagner Peyser solutions. Workforce Florida, Inc. has engaged Geographic Solutions’ Virtual OneStop system to include case management tools to its labor exchange services under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Wagner-Peyser federal employment and training programs. The Employ Florida Marketplace, first introduced in March 2005, is a revolutionary job search tool associated with the Employ Florida network of workforce resources and solutions. The Employ Florida Marketplace uses Geographic Solutions’ proprietary VOSJobs spidering technology to aggregate job listings from web sites. In the first year, over 4 million jobs have appeared on the site and more than 500,000 referrals to jobs have been recorded. In an effort to enhance the state’s responsiveness to workforce needs Workforce Florida has expanded its contract with Geographic Solutions to include case management functionality for the Employ Florida Marketplace. The system, based on Version 8.0 of Geographic Solutions' Virtual OneStop System (VOS), will enhance the existing Employ Florida website and increase Florida’s ability to improve service delivery to businesses and citizens of Florida by providing leading-edge labor exchange solutions while streamlining the collection and federal reporting of required data. With the addition of the WIA and Wagner-Peyser case management, Employ Florida will provide fully integrated employment and training services for state and local agencies in Florida. The enhanced Employ Florida system will replace portions of and make more effective Florida’s in-house management information system. Workforce Florida, Inc. is the state workforce policy board and oversees policy, programs, and services carried out by the 24 business-led Regional Workforce Boards and the Agency for Workforce Innovation. Direct services are provided at nearly 100 One-Stop Centers throughout the state. Geographic Solutions is a privately owned company with corporate offices located in Palm Harbor, Florida. For over twelve years the company has specialized in providing innovative employment and training solutions to state and local agencies. Virtual OneStop is the leading operating system in the workforce development industry. The system is utilized by twelve states and twenty local areas throughout the country. For more information on Geographic Solutions, Inc. and Virtual OneStop, visit http://www.geographicsolutions.com/. Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI) is the state's chief workforce policy organization and principal architect in the efforts to meet the current and future workforce needs and challenges of Florida's businesses and citizens. The Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) is the lead state workforce agency and directly administers the state’s Labor Market Statistics program, Unemployment Compensation, Early Learning and various workforce development programs. WFI is a state partner, along with AWI, in the Employ Florida affiliate network of 24 business-led regional workforce boards and nearly 100 one-stop centers that provide employment solutions throughout Florida. Learn more about Florida’s workforce resources and solutions at www.EmployFlorida.com.

Suncoast Workforce Board (SWB) receives $5,000 grant for Career Pathways from Verizon Foundation. On July 27, 2006, Steve Mixson, Director of External Affairs at Verizon, and member of the Board of Directors of the Suncoast Workforce Board, presented a $5,000 grant toward the SWB’s Career Pathways project on behalf of the Verizon Foundation. This is the second grant awarded by the Verizon Foundation for this project. The Career Pathways project is an initiative undertaken by the SWB and is one of the key recommendations of the 21st Century Workforce Study. In February 2005, an initial $8,000 grant was received from the Verizon Foundation and was used to purchase LCD touch-screen flat monitors that were placed in middle and high schools highlighting career opportunities in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The goal of Career Pathways is to educate students about career paths in our community and to motivate them to stay here following graduation. “The grant from the Verizon Foundation was the springboard to implementing the Career Pathways project,” said Walter Spruck, CFO of the Suncoast Workforce Board. “We would not have made the progress we have today without that level of support. The goal is to have a monitor in every middle and high school in the Suncoast by the 2006/07 school year.” Contributions to date have been received from twelve companies and/or organizations that are supportive of workforce education. Financial support is used to purchase additional monitors and to maintain and update the project presentation. For more information, contact Allyson O’Connor at 941-361-6090, x128 or AOConnor@SWDB.org.

Marion Technical Institute (MTI) recognized by the US Department of Labor Employment. The Marion Technical Institute (MTI) was recognized by the US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration during its third annual Recognition of Excellence honors in Anaheim at Workforce Innovations 2006. The awards recognize talent development programs from around the nation that have achieved outstanding success. MTI received Honorable Mention for successfully demonstrating sustained partnerships among employment, educators, and economic development leaders – ETA’s “Power of e3.” “Recognition of Excellence honorees are proof the workforce system can develop new and innovative approaches to prepare workers for the global economy,” said Thomas E. Skinner, executive vice president of CLM Workforce Connection. “Locally, MTI is the product of a partnership between CLM Workforce Connection, Marion County Public Schools, the Ocala EDC and area businesses.” Representatives of the MTI partnership present in Anaheim to accept the award were Kathleen Woodring, senior vice president with CLM Workforce Connection, Mark Vianello, principal of MTI, and Brian O’Connor, MTI Task Force member from Lockheed Martin. “As a representative of the private business sector, I feel honored to be involved in the design and implementation of this community high school,” said O’Connor. “It is very rewarding to receive national recognition for the hard work and success MTI has achieved in its first year of operating.” MTI offers education in six academies including Information Technology, Building Construction, Culinary Arts/Bakery, Automotive Technology, Business and Finance, and Industrial Engineering Technology. These academies have a school-to-work focus that builds students’ technical and workforce skills. In its first year, MTI has garnered the following achievements:

88% graduation rate (72% state average)
66% graduates placed in training-related jobs
273 industry specific certifications awarded to students
31% students placed in paid, training-related internships
53% students placed in unpaid, training-related internships (Dual enrollment only)
17% placed in training-related, part-time jobs

CLM Workforce Connection is the local, business-led organization that plans and coordinates quality employment and training services for businesses and individual career seekers in Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties of Florida. CLM Workforce Connection sets policy and directs expenditures of approximately $5 million in funds that underwrite services provided through the One Stop Workforce Connection offices. In 2004-2005, approximately 1,500 businesses and 30,000 career seekers received services through the One Stop Workforce Connection. Services include professional and technical recruitment, training, job fairs and financial incentives.
Workforce welcomes those with disabilities. If you need special accommodations, please call 352-732-1700 ext 279. The One Stop Workforce Connection, a member of the Employ Florida network of workforce resources, is funded by and a program of CLM Workforce Connection...Employment solutions that work for business.

EDC's Young Professionals Program garners statewide attention. The EDC's Young Professional/New Grad Recruitment and Retention Program was featured as one of two "Best Practices" at the Florida Economic Development Council/Workforce Florida Summit, which took place June 25-27, 2006 in Orlando. More than 50 economic and workforce development professionals from across Florida attended the joint presentation given by Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC of Florida's Space Coast, and Lisa Rice, president/CEO of the Brevard Workforce Development Board, Inc. In addition to providing an overview of the EDC's YP/New Grad Program, the presentation included an examination of the factors that necessitated the creation of a YP/New Grad Program. These included low unemployment rates, increased hiring expectations, an aging workforce, an increasing skills gap as well as growing job markets.

Low Unemployment Rate

Florida's unemployment rate has been below the national average since mid-2002.
The unemployment rate in Brevard County has steadily declined since 2003.
The unemployment rate among college grads has steadily decreased since 2003.
Increased Hiring Expectations
66 percent of employers expected to hire more new college grads in 2005-06.
Those employers expected to hire 14.5% more new college grads in 2005-06 than in the previous year.

Aging Workforce
There are nearly twice as many soon-to-retire Baby Boomers as there are Generation Xers.
Even as Brevard County's population increases, we have seen a steady rise in our median age from 34.2 in 1980 to 36.2 in 1990 to 41.5 in 2000.
Increasing Skills Gap
90 percent of the fastest-growing jobs of the future will require some postsecondary education.
60 percent of all new jobs in the 21st century will require skills that are possessed by only 20% of the current workforce.
Hot Job Markets
Florida metropolitan areas dominated the 2005 Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index, and Melbourne-Palm Bay-Titusville claimed the top spot.
CNN Business 2.0 Magazine recently identified its Top 10 cities for job growth – three of the 10 cities are in Florida.

The combination of these factors is quickly leading to a great demand for young professionals and new college graduates by employers. The EDC, through its YP/New Grad Program, is committed to ensuring Brevard County employers have the knowledge and the resources to recruit and retain this highly sought after YP demographic. For more information go to: http://www.brevardjoblink.org/.

The Nation

From the CQ Today Midday Update (Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006 – 1:56 P.M. published by Congressional Quarterly www.cq.com):

Two analyses back democratic view of wage provision. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the Congressional Research Service each issued memos today supporting Democrats’ contention that an estate tax-minimum wage bill could lead to pay cuts for thousands of workers in seven states. The memos — a financial analysis of the bill by CBO that was released publicly, and a legal analysis of the minimum wage language by CRS that was sent to Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. — both conclude that the measure would preempt state minimum wage laws as they apply to tip-earning workers in seven states: Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Minnesota and Nevada, plus the territory of Guam. Those are the only states that currently require restaurants and other businesses with tip earners to pay tipped workers the full minimum wage. All other states allow businesses to count their employees’ tips against the minimum wage.
Border fencing edges into defense spending debate. The Senate was moving toward a vote this afternoon on an amendment that would add $2 billion dollars in emergency spending to the $453.5 billion Defense appropriations bill to build a fence along the southwest border with Mexico. A 2 p.m. vote was schedule on the proposal by Jeff Sessions, R-Ariz, and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz. The pair said the money could be attached to the defense bill because National Guard personnel would assist in constructing the fence. Meanwhile, Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., was pressing to add $1 billion to the bill to help repair and replace National Guard equipment worn out by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was not clear when the Senate would vote on his proposal. Tuesday, the Senate unanimously adopted a floor amendment adding $13.1 billion in emergency spending for repairs and replacement of Army and Marine Corps equipment worn down by the war. National Guard leaders have complained about similar equipment problems.Jack Reed, D-R.I., said the Guard has been forced to leave $1.2 billion in equipment overseas since 2003 to support continued war operations.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Chao Awards Nearly $260 Million for Senior Community Service Employment. WASHINGTON – July 31, 2006. U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced approximately $260 million in awards today to 18 organizations that will provide on-the-job experience and training to low-income workers age 55 and older. The grants, funded through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), will help subsidize part-time employment and training in community service positions so that older workers can move to unsubsidized, private sector jobs. “This investment in seniors will provide needed income assistance, community services and make possible a better quality of life for older, low-income workers and their families.” said Secretary Chao. “These funds are being awarded to organizations with a history of solid service as well as six new service providers who stood out in the grant competition.” The 18 grantees were selected through a competitive process based on the technical merit of each application. As required by law, Asian and Pacific Islander as well as Indian and Native American organizations were among the grantees selected. The variety of award-winning organizations will serve senior citizens in locales around the country. “Because of SCSEP, America’s low-income senior citizens can leverage the service they provide their communities to upgrade their skills and pursue new opportunities,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “Seniors participating in these projects will have access to a wide array of services to help qualify them for positions in today’s global economy.” Today’s announcement includes funding for a smooth transition from current to new service providers, which will start shortly and conclude by October 1, 2006. Services to seniors will continue throughout the transition. SCSEP is the only federal workforce program targeted to low-income older workers. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration through grant agreements with state and eligible organizations. For the complete release including a list of grant recipients go to: http://www.workforceatm.org/sections/pdf/2006/ETA-Scsep.pdf. For more information on the department’s employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

NASWA’s Workforce Bulletin - July 28, 2006
HEADLINES:

HOUSE VOTE TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE MIGHT OCCUR TODAY
CONFERENCE AGREEMENT ON PERKINS LIKELY TO BE SENT TO PRESIDENT BUSH FOR HIS SIGNATURE BY END OF TODAY
CONSIDERATION OF FY 2007 WORKFORCE SYSTEM SPENDING BILLS ON HOLD UNTIL AT LEAST SEPTEMBER
ETA PROVIDES INSTRUCTION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF ALTERNATIVE TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIES REPORT
NASWA DUES PAYMENTS REQUIRED BY AUGUST 7
NASWA LOSING EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AND SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
SAVE THE DATE: NASWA's 70th ANNUAL CONFERENCE, SEPTEMBER 5-8, 2006
Access the complete articles at: http://www.workforceatm.org/sections/members/bulletin/
bulltemp.cfm?results_art_filename=bu072806.htm.

Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities and Notices

For additional information go to, visit the External Grant Opportunities page.

Featured Opportunity:

(none)

State Grants

Workforce Florida issues Request for Proposals Titled, "Workforce Services for Targeted Groups". The RFP “Workforce Services for Targeted Groups” [Older citizens, individuals with disabilities, youth aging out of foster care; ex-offenders, juvenile offenders and the homeless] is available on the WFI website. The intent of this initiative is to provide ‘workforce services’ to persons that may be in need of special assistance. A list of what Workforce Florida defines as ‘workforce services’ is included in the RFP. Proposals need to address one or more of the targeted groups identified in the RFP and they need to address ‘workforce services’ provided to those persons. Proposals that address a group or groups not identified in the RFP or aim to provide services which are not identified in the RFP will not be considered. Proposals that are well partnered locally and endorsed by your local Regional Workforce Board will be considered more competitive than proposals for “stand-alone” services/involvement by a single entity. This RFP is similar to but not identical to the RFPs issued in 2005. Access this and all other WFI funding opportunities at: http://www.workforceflorida.com/wages/wfi/rfp/index.htm#requests. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM, Eastern, August 16, 2006.

Workforce Florida issues grant solicitation: ‘Florida WIRED – Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development.’ [NOTE: Only Regional Workforce Boards can apply for this grant.] This initiative follows very closely the WIRED initiative funded by the USDOL. There will be a single award not to exceed $1 million over a three-year period, ending June 30, 2009. Funding will be made available on a yearly basis with one-third available this year, one-third available in ‘07-‘08 & one-third available in ‘08-‘09. This initiative is very much about forming strong local partnerships to promote workforce development and economic development. This grant solicitation has been sent to the Department of Education, the Florida Economic Development Council, and the state Chamber. These organizations have been advised that only regional workforce boards may apply and that, if any of their members have questions, they should direct them to their area regional workforce board. RWBs will probably be getting calls from your local EDC or Chamber or training providers. Because of the nature of this solicitation, there is a 6-week response time. Access this and all other WFI funding opportunities at: http://www.workforceflorida.com/wages/wfi/rfp/index.htm#requests. Grant applications are due August 25.

Federal Grants

Community-Based Job Training Grants (Repeat)

2006 National Technical Assistance Program

Tier I University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program

Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) (REPEAT)

Foundation Grants

Grants for Disabled

Youth Rising Grants

Scholarships/Awards

Singing For Change Awards

Women of the Earth Awards

Upcoming Meetings, Conferences and Events

Workforce Florida Board and Related Meetings Schedule:

For up-to-date WFI board meeting info please check the calendar at the WFI website.

August 23, 2006
Executive Directors Meeting (Partners Meeting)
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville – Riverfront Hotel
Contact Peggy Dransfield at: pdransfield@workforceflorida.com

August 24, 2006
Board of Directors Meeting
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville – Riverfront Hotel
Contact Peggy Dransfield at: pdransfield@workforceflorida.com

Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:

August 9, 2006
Webinar: National Business Learning Partnership Opportunity
Time: 4:00pm Eastern (3pm/Central, 2pm/Mountain, 1pm/Pacific) Length: 60 minutes
NEW! Many states, local areas, and regions have made considerable progress in integrating talent and skills development into larger economic strategies and in transforming their workforce development, economic development, and educational systems into one which is both flexible and responsive to the needs of businesses and workers. The National Business Learning Partnership pairs local, regional, and state governance entities that have proven track records with areas seeking assistance on particular issues. Through this peer-to-peer learning structure, workforce practitioners learn from one another and replicate best practices across the system. Presenters:

Gay Gilbert, Office of Workforce Investment, ETA
Jack Rapport, Office of Field Operations, ETA
Kim Stein, Office of Workforce Investment, ETA
Diane Walton, Office of Field Operations, ETA
Lisa Nisenfeld, SW Washington Workforce Development Council

Bill Ward, Regional Employment Board of Hampden County Massachusetts
In 2003, the Employment and Training Administration started a national peer-to-peer mentoring project for the workforce investment system. The first round of the National Business Learning Partnership was a resoundingly successful collaborative effort among forty-four state and local workforce investment boards. Based on the great success of the first round, the Employment and Training Administration is pleased to announce this second round of the National Business Learning Partnership. The new opportunity will both build on the success of the first round and expand the project scope. Registration for this Webinar is limited and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please click the link below to login to Workforce3 One and register today!
http://www.workforce3one.org/public/skillbuilding/webinar_info.cfm?id=114.

August 21 –August 23, 2006
Florida Coalition for the Homeless 11th Annual Statewide Conference
Tampa, FL
The Florida Coalition for the Homeless 11th Annual Statewide Conference is moving. In order to increase our participation and maintain the many events and activities of the Conference, we have chosen to move the Conference to the Double Tree WestShore in Tampa. This move does not change the cost of registration or attendee room cost. We hope you can still join us for this exciting and informative annual event and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Conference Registration Fee: $250.00 before July 1st after July 1st $275.00
Daily Fee: 100.00
Hotel Fee: $99.00 per night.
You can book your hotel reservations now: Double Tree, Tampa Westshore: 1.800.222.8733
We are working diligently to finalize the agenda for the conference and we are lining up some great speakers and fun activities for this networking opportunity. The National Health Care for the Homeless will be providing two full days of training sessions. The Homeless Liaisons from the state will have a track for youth in school districts. We are working with several state agencies to provide some much needed training on workforce and health issues. We look forward to seeing you in Tampa! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our offices for more details. For more information on this conference contact Barbara Finnegan at: (813) 223-6115 or barbara@homelessofhc.org. Visit the website at: http://www.flacoalitionhomeless.com/.

August 24-25, 2006
The Florida Association for Persons in Supported Employment Annual State Conference
Marriott Hotel
Boca Raton, FL
NEW! The 2-day event will feature presentations by nationally know speakers in Customized Employment, Micro Enterprise, Supported Employment and more. State of the State with leaders from APD, VR, ADM and DOE. Specific information for consumers, families and providers on technology, work incentives, federal legislation, BLNs & transition.
For more information and to download a registration form, go to: http://www.flapse.org.

August 30 – September 1, 2006
Farm to Fuel Summit
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting a Farm to Fuel Summit to be held August 30 through September 1 in Orlando. This summit will help Florida take the next step in promoting the production, distribution, and use of renewable fuels, particularly ethanol. This high-profile event will feature speakers and panelists representing international, national and state perspectives on issues of research, production and distribution of biofuels. For room reservations, contact the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate at 1-800-843-6664 or (407) 390-6664, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, and ask for the Farm to Fuel Summit. The Summit group rate is $139 per night. Reservations must be made no later than Monday, July 28, 2006. For more information and registration go to: http://www.florida-agriculture.com/farmtofuel_summit.htm

October 12-13, 2006
2006 National Transitional Jobs Network Conference: Strengthening Communities - Building the Workforce of the Future - Transitional Jobs Work
Atlanta, Georgia
NEW! Join program administrators, policy advocates, government officials, and funders to discuss how to design, implement, evaluate and advocate for Transitional Jobs programs to meet the needs of hard- to- employ populations across the country. The conference will spotlight TJ programs working with ex-offenders, welfare recipients, youth, and other hard-to-employ populations. Conference participants will have the opportunity to customize their conference experience through the selection of breakout sessions and visit a Transitional Jobs program in Atlanta, GA. Conference speakers will include Michael L. Thurmond, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor; Dennis Schrantz, Director of Policy and Planning for the Michigan Department of Corrections; Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta; and Mason Bishop, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor. For more information go to: http://www.transitionaljobs.net/Events/Events.htm.

Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2006
2006 ACTE Convention and Career Tech Expo
Connecting Education and Careers:
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is gearing up for a great professional development experience. At the end of November, more than 5,000 career and technical educators will travel to the PeachPico Collection State to participate in the only professional development event dedicated to the entire career and technical education (CTE) field. From November 30 to December 2, career and technical educators will have their choice of workshops, seminars and sessions on a wide variety of CTE topics. Register today and you can get the best rates, your choice of hotel options, and first choice on the pre-Convention workshop. All of the information you need is located in the right-hand navigation bar. So, take some time, take a look, and then make the choice to join your colleagues in Atlanta. For more information and to register visit: www.acteonline.org.

December 2 – 5, 2006
2006 National Workforce Association’s 5th Annual Conference
St. Petersburg, FL
NEW! The 2006 NWA Conference is a tremendous opportunity for Workforce Development and Human Service stakeholders to address the vast range of issues that will shape the direction of workforce development and human services programs in our country for years to come. It will focus on the important themes which dominate the key discussions in our national capitol, state capitols and our local communities.
* Nationally recognized policy makers will detail the transient nature of the reauthorization process and the potential impacts on state and local areas.
* Local workforce directors and human services administrators from all over the country will share promising practices designed to assist you in coordinating your local activities in the context of the new consolidated Workforce System.
* Senior congressional staff will provide an insiders view of the congressional budget process and the finer points of the appropriations process.
* Learn about the new performance measures that have been proposed by the Department of Labor
* Hear from prominent national politicians about what to expect in the 110th Congress and the 2006 mid-term election results. And finally get first hand information from a leader in the United Sates Senate about their views of the congressional budget process and the funding challenges facing many domestic programs. For registration go to:
http://www.nwaonline.org/siteassets/documents/20061stFlyer.pdf.

Odds and Ends

CareerOneStop offers online Competency Model Clearinghouse. The Competency Model Clearinghouse is an online resource providing information on skill standards, certification criteria, competency-based curricula, and industry competency models. Discover resources for:

Emerging industry skill needs
Tools to develop competency models
Competency-based curriculum development
Career exploration and guidance
Skill-based job descriptions

Access this resource at: http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/.

Homeownership Experience of Low-Income and Minority Households (From HUD USER News). Owning a home is widely recognized as a way to accumulate wealth, to counter rising housing costs, and to provide a favorable climate for child development. While there have been several recent reviews of empirical evidence on the benefits of homeownership, HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research initiated a unique analysis of the homeownership experiences of low-income and minority households and the gains they derive from owning a home. The Homeownership Experience of Low-Income and Minority Families: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature reviews decisions regarding different types of homes to buy, neighborhoods to settle in, and housing costs to assume. In light of the persistent lag in homeownership rates related to income, race, and ethnicity, this study offers useful data for effective policymaking by highlighting the choices and subsequent outcomes for low-income and minority households. The report is available as a free download
at: http://www.huduser.org/publications/HOMEOWN/hisp_homeown9.html.

From the Florida Monitor Weekly-July 28, 2006 http://www.oppaga.state.fl.us/weekly/:

U.S. Government Accountability Office Assistance from Education Could Help States Better Measure Progress of Students with Limited English Proficiency. In the 2003-2004 school year, state data showed that Florida was among 31 of 48 states in which the percentage of students with limited English proficiency scoring proficient on a state's language arts and mathematics tests was lower than the state's annual progress goals. Further, data submitted by 49 states showed that in most states, these students generally did not perform as well as other student groups on state mathematics tests. Factors other than student knowledge, such as how a state establishes its annual progress goals, can influence whether states meet their goals. Access the report at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06815.pdf.
The Brookings Institution report: From Poverty, Opportunity: Putting the Market to Work for Lower Income Families. Lower-income families in the United States tend to pay more for the same consumer products than families with higher incomes. For example, lower-income consumers pay an average of 2% more in interest for an auto loan than higher income consumers, and between $50 to over $1,000 more per year in higher premiums for auto insurance. In addition, lower- income neighborhoods are 2.5 times more likely to have smaller grocery stores, which charge more for their products. Of identical food products sampled, 67% were more expensive in smaller grocery stores than larger stores. Reducing the costs of living for lower income families by just 1% would add up to over $6.5 billion in new spending power for these families. Access the report at: http://www.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20060718_PovOp.pdf.

Workforce Innovations 2006 conference materials now available online. Workforce Innovations 2006 was an overwhelming success. Thanks to all who contributed to this event through their participation! Materials from many sessions, including descriptions and handouts are now available for download on the Workforce Innovations web site. Also, new this year, you can experience an overview of Plenaries, Town Halls and selected sessions from all three conference days in the Workforce Innovations 2006 e-Journal! http://www.workforceinnovations.org.

New NCES report - The Postsecondary Educational Experiences of High School Career and Technical Education Concentrators. This report presents information on the postsecondary educational experiences of students from the high school class of 1992 who concentrated in career and technical education (CTE) while in high school, including their postsecondary enrollment, coursetaking, and degree attainment patterns. The report also describes the extent to which high school CTE concentrators pursued the same field at the postsecondary level. Using data from students’ secondary transcripts collected as part of the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS:88/2000), analyses reveal that about 20 percent of 1992 high school seniors were CTE concentrators. Of those students, roughly one-quarter were dual concentrators, completing both a CTE and college preparatory curriculum. NELS:88/2000 also collected students’ postsecondary transcripts. These data show that by 2000, the majority of CTE concentrators from the class of 1992 had enrolled in postsecondary education. More than half of these students began their postsecondary education at a community college, while 37 percent began at a 4-year institution, and 7 percent at another type of institution. Of the high school CTE concentrators who enrolled in a postsecondary institution, 50 percent earned a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2000, while 26 percent earned a bachelor’s or higher degree. About half of CTE concentrators who enrolled in a postsecondary institution earned postsecondary credits in a related field and 27 percent earned 12 or more credits in a related field, roughly the equivalent of one semester of full-time postsecondary study. About 30 percent of high school CTE concentrators who earned a postsecondary degree or certificate did so in a related field. To download, view and print the publication as a PDF file, please visit: http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2006309

Report suggests linking financial literacy & youth entrepreneurship programs. A new report from the Corporation for Enterprise Development recommends linking financial literacy and youth entrepreneurship programs. The paper notes that both types of programs help build a better sense of self-determination and positive attitudes among youth. They also make it easier for youth to start a new company. The study reports on preliminary pilot projects in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, and also offers suggestions for effectively integrating these programs in other communities. See the report, Linking Youth Savings and Entrepreneurship, at: http://www.cfed.org/publications/documents/
Linking_Youth_Savings_Entrepreneurship_final.pdf.

Quote for the Week:

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.”

Carl Sandburg