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Workforce Florida Weekly Update 8-9-06 |
CONTENTS The State & RegionsBronson to host first-ever alternative fuel summit in Florida -- Program to highlight ethanol, bio-diesel as alternative fuels. TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that he is taking steps to pave the way for alternative fuel production and use in Florida. He is hosting the first-ever Florida Farm to Fuel Summit, August 30 to September 1, at the Omni Orlando at Champions Gate. The summit will cover current research initiatives, future production and distribution of ethanol and bio-diesel in Florida, and incentives/financing opportunities for the alternative or renewable fuels industry. It is attracting high-level participants from the federal and state government, as well as representatives of private industry who will be a driving force in achieving a major alternative fuels program. Keynote speakers include Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner, USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Gale Buchanan, State Senator Lee Constantine and State Representative Adam Hasner. The program will also feature a special presentation on Brazil's effort at achieving petroleum independence. The summit is a component of Bronson's ambitious "Farm to Fuel" initiative, a comprehensive effort to promote alternative energy and help position Florida as a leader in the production of bio-fuels. "Since the passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, announcement of the President's Advanced Energy Initiative and passage of Florida's Energy Act, the interest in renewable energy has never been greater," Bronson said. "Our Farm to Fuel Summit is just one of many ways that we are trying to bring the necessary parties and stakeholders together to discuss using the state's renewable resources to reduce our dependency on foreign oil and other non-renewable sources of energy. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the market for, and promote the production and distribution of renewable energy from Florida-grown crops, agricultural wastes and residues, and other biomass. Bronson said that as fuel prices continue to skyrocket, all Florida citizens should be taking an interest in and supporting alternative fuels development. For registration information and agenda, visit http://www.florida-agriculture.com/farmtofuel_summit.htm. National Work Readiness Credential Launch in September
2006. The National Work Readiness Council (NWRC) has announced
the launch of the National Work Readiness Credential (WRC).
Development of the WRC over the past three years has been
an extraordinary, collaborative enterprise involving state
and national business and policy leaders, frontline workers
and their supervisors, education and workforce experts, and
a team of committed assessment and certification experts,
all brought together by our founding partners: the states
of Florida, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington,
the District of Columbia, and JA Worldwide. In June the last
critical step was taken: a contract for delivery of the WRC
assessments was awarded to CASTLE Worldwide, one of the nation's
leading certification and licensure testing companies. CASTLE
has been working closely with us since then to load the four
work readiness assessments into their secure delivery system
and to develop all the necessary supporting systems we need
to be ready for online delivery of the WRC. In September
NWRC will begin a targeted launch of the WRC in approximately
50 sites around the country. During this 'soft' launch, which
will extend through December 2006, it is estimated that up
to 10,000 individuals will take the assessment. NWRC is now
accepting applications from businesses and organizations
that want to participate in the soft launch. The full launch
of the WRC will begin in January 2007. NWRC will begin to
accept site applications for the full launch In December
2006. Businesses and organizations accepted as soft launch
sites will not need to reapply. To learn more about the launch
review the Guide to Becoming an Assessment Site for the National
Work Readiness Credential at: http://www.castleworldwide.com/nwrc/documentation/BecomingNWRCAssessmentSite.pdf. AWI’s most recent Florida Labor Market Trends newsletter available online. The feature article this month is on Wholesale Trade. This issue also provides detailed data on the June employment situation. http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/pubs/trends/trends-july212006.pdf. From Enterprise Florida’s August 2006 eNewsletter Developments:
Bodine named FEDC volunteer of year (by Daniel Carson News Herald Writer www.pcnh.com). Aug 3, 2006 - In her capacity as executive director of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, Kim Bodine works on behalf of the board with a long list of community and governmental partners. She has served in her current position since 1996, and for her volunteer efforts in assisting local economic development, Bodine received a prestigious statewide award in July. The Florida Economic Development Council honored Bodine and eight other recipients last month with the Richard L. McLaughlin Volunteer of the Year award. She received the award at FDEC/Workforce Florida Inc. summit in Orlando. Bodine said she has enjoyed her work with economic development agencies over the years. “It was a huge honor,” she said Wednesday, pointing out that she wasn’t aware of the award until her name was put forth for nomination. FEDC President and CEO Linda Chreno said McLaughlin was the second president of her organization, serving in 1965. She said the annual award, given out since 1974, was presented to people in nine Florida districts in recognition of their volunteer contributions to the state’s economic development. Bodine won this year’s award for FEDC’s District 1, which includes Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties. Bay County Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Ted Clem nominated Bodine for the award. He is a member of FEDC’s executive committee and served as the organization’s 2005-06 chairman of the board. Clem said Bodine had provided a great deal of assistance and resources to the EDA. “She’s been a big contributor to us,” Clem said. He said the last Bay County resident to be honored with the award was Tom Neubauer, owner of ERA Neubauer Real Estate. In addition to her work with the Workforce Board, Bodine also has served on the board of Florida’s Great Northwest. The NationUSDOL Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2006 — 2011
available online for public comment. The Department of Labor
has posted on its website a draft copy of the FY 2006–2011
Strategic Plan. The plan is available for public comment as
part of the strategic planning process under the Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA). This document integrates
the Department’s diverse missions and different program
objectives into a presentation of performance objectives under
four overarching strategic goals. Carl Perkins Legislation, Section 118 Passed By Congress; Sent To President for Signature. The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 was passed by Congress and sent to the President for signature on August 2, 2006. While included in this authorizing legislation, funding for Section 118 activities is missing in both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees' respective FY 2007 spending bills. Congress adjourned for its August recess without approving the spending bill to fund labor, health and education programs, leaving approval on the House and Senate floor as the last step before conference committee negotiations may begin. The new Section 118 of the Act entitled, Occupational and Employment Information in the 2006 Carl Perkins legislation can be accessed at: http://www.workforceatm.org/sections/pdf/2006/S250Carl%20Perkins.pdf. New employment training and job placement program
for disabled veterans. (July 27, 2006 Washington, DC) The chairman of the
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs expressed
strong support for a new program which is providing paid training
and, so far, 100 percent job placement for combat wounded and
disabled veterans. "These men and women come home, maybe
not whole physically, but mentally and physically they can
become phenomenally capable and productive citizens, and what
you’re offering does just that," said Chairman Larry
Craig (R-Idaho). "The Purple Heart Service Foundation
does something for America’s veterans that is important,
necessary and unique." Since its training program began
last year, the Foundation has trained nearly 100 disabled and
combat wounded veterans over the Internet, for jobs in the
information industry. The goal is to train and place into jobs
several thousand veterans by this time next year, and thousands
more in the coming years. Veterans who qualify for the training
receive $11 an hour during the 600-hour educational process – earning
$6,600. Qualifications are simple: A veteran must have a VA
assigned disability rating, and a copy of his or her DD-214.
A Purple Heart award is not required. Interested individuals
should call the Purple Heart Service Foundation at 1-800-720-9596
or go online at: http://www.purpleheartfoundation.org/job_training.asp.
After 15 weeks of training, veterans are able to work at home
via the Internet and earn from $15 to $22 an hour. Major companies
have been hiring veterans who have completed the program, including
HomeDepot, FedEx, JetBlue, and Dell Computer. The program is
accredited by Northern Virginia Community College and has the
support of the U.S. Department of Veterans of Affairs. "I've
always understood that government cannot be all things to all
people, but when you combine the private sector along with
government programs and opportunities, we can be all that we
need to be for these young veterans coming home," Craig
said. One veteran, Bill Edwards, was so impressed with the
effort he presented a check for $100,000 to the Foundation.
Edwards, a former U.S. Marine, was awarded the Purple Heart
for combat injuries sustained in Vietnam. He is now the CEO
of Mortgage Investors Corporation, based in St. Petersburg,
Florida, and is encouraging other companies to get involved.
Access this release and links to audio and more at: NASWA expresses concern with ETA's decision to take
over the WRIS. In a letter to Assistant Secretary Emily Stover DeRocco,
NASWA President JoAnn Hammill, expresses concerns about the
Employment and Training Administration decision to take over
the Wage Record Interchange System. Access the letter on the
Workforce ATM at: NASWA’s Workforce Bulletin – August 4,
2006
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities and NoticesFor additional information go to, visit the External Grant Opportunities page.Featured Opportunity:State GrantsWorkforce 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. The Farmworker Housing Recovery Program (FHRP) and the Special Housing Assistance and Development Program (SHADP) Federal GrantsProjects that Employ Innovative Technologies in Support of the Advanced Energy Initiative- Federal Loan Guarantees Pre-Applications 2007 Juvenile Drug Courts Program Evaluation 2007 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Grants Continuation Amendment AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) State AmeriCorps Child Care Cooperative Agreement 2006 Literacy Information and Communication Regional Resource Centers Multi-family and Single Family Housing Programs Foundation GrantsHumana Foundation Grants Boeing Foundation Grants Scholarships/Awards2007 Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year Award Celebrating Solution 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 August 24, 2006 Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
August 21 –August 23, 2006 August 24-25, 2006 August 30 – September 1, 2006 September 15, 2006 October 12-13, 2006 Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2006 December 2 – 5, 2006 December 4-7, 2006 Odds and EndsMore companies turn to workforce planning
to boost productivity and efficiency From the Florida Monitor Weekly - August 4, 2006 http://www.oppaga.state.fl.us/weekly/:
Job Boards Redux (from Workforce Week – Vol 7 Issue 33 www.workforce.com). Web sites geared toward job searches or career resources attracted nearly 51 million visitors across Europe, equivalent to about 30 percent of the continent's population. That's according to a recent analysis by comScore Europe, which analyzes Web users' behavior and browsing habits. Sites devoted to career advancement or resources received 22 percent more visitors in 2006 than they did a year ago. Activity was highest in Scandinavia. Those visiting job sites accounted for 47 percent of the online population in Norway and 45 percent in Sweden. Users in Portugal (15 percent) showed the least amount of interest. Community Workforce Housing Innovation Program (CWHIP). The 2006 Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1363 (Ch. 2006-69, s. 27, Laws of Fla.), a housing bill focused on addressing some of the affordable housing challenges the State currently faces. HB 1363 (Ch. 2006-69, s. 27, Laws of Fla.) includes $50 million for an affordable housing pilot program called the Community Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program (CWHIP). Florida Housing will administer CWHIP, and these funds will be awarded on a competitive basis through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to public-private entities seeking to build affordable housing for Florida’s workforce. Florida Housing will hold a CWHIP public meeting on Monday, August 21, 2006 at the Marriott Tampa Airport from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tampa International Airport, Tampa, Florida 33607. For more information including links to the bill, upcoming public meetings, program description and more go to: http://www.floridahousing.org/home/developers/WorkforceHousing. FloridaHousingSearch.org to Make Finding Affordable Housing Easier (FHFC NEWS RELEASE 7/19/06) Tallahassee, FL- Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is working with other housing partners to provide a free, online affordable housing locator service statewide available at: www.FloridaHousingSearch.org. This locator service will make it easier for affordable housing developments to list their vacancies and for consumers to find them. The locator is part of Florida Housing’s ongoing effort to respond to housing needs in general and specifically during natural disasters. FloridaHousingSearch.org currently allows Florida Housing funded properties and properties in Hillsborough County to post their vacancies. As the housing locator system is developed over time, other government subsidized and privately-owned affordable rental properties will be able to register their units. Florida Housing funded properties and properties in Hillsborough County are now able to list their vacancies, identify the features and amenities at the property, and provide information such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the location (with a map link), rent and deposit requirements, utilities and much more. Property owners and managers will also be able to update vacancy status immediately as units are being rented. Florida Housing is working with Socialserve.com, a national non-profit provider of housing locator services, on the development of the website. Socialserve.com created the software being used on the website and is responsible for maintaining the site. Socialserve.com also provides toll-free, bilingual call center support to property owners and managers, tenants, and housing service providers Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. FloridaHousingSearch.org is available online 24 hours a day. To register and list your properties with FloridaHousingSearch.org: Go to: http://www.socialserve.com/dbh/Registration.html?from=FL -OR- Call Toll Free 1-877-428-8844 and a customer support staff from Socialserve.com will assist you. New report on impact of it services outsourcing on U.S. economy (from SOUTHERN COMPASS -- AUGUST 8, 2006). According to the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), outsourcing and new software will displace some IT workers, but America’s total employment and GDP will increase as result. Under ITAA assumptions global IT sourcing added 257,000 net jobs to the U.S. economy in 2005 and increased wages by $0.06. The executive summary for ITAA’s recently published the report, The Comprehensive Impact of Offshore Software and IT Services Outsourcing on the U.S. Economy and the IT Industry is available at: http://www.itaa.org/itserv/docs/OffshoreITOExecutiveSummary2005FINAL.pdf. Quote for the Week:“The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.” Swedish proverb |
