CONTENTS
The State & Regions
The Nation
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities
Upcoming
Meetings, Conferences & Events
Odds & Ends
The State & Regions
Crist to Deliver State of the State Address. Florida Governor
Charlie Crist will present his first State of the State Address
Tuesday, March 6, 2007. Floridians can view the state of
the state address live on The Florida Channel or by web cast
at www.myflorida.com or www.flgov.com.
The details for this event are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Florida House Chamber, The Capitol
Precast concrete company to establish state-of-the-art
manufacturing center in Polk County. TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist
this week applauded Metromont Corporation, one of the largest
privately held precast/prestressed concrete companies in
the country, for selecting Haines City in Polk County as
the location of its newest manufacturing facility. Metromont
will build a state-of-the-art precast/prestressed concrete
manufacturing facility on an 83-acre site in Haines City.
The company will be investing several million dollars in
the new manufacturing facility, and will create 100 new,
high-wage jobs over the next three years. “The expansion
of Metromont Corporation is a success story for the company,
for the community and for Florida’s economy. I congratulate
Metromont on recognizing the strength of Haines City’s
workforce and infrastructure, and I commend Haines City for
their commitment to providing the necessary resources,” said
Governor Crist. “Metromont is precisely the type of
high-technology, quality manufacturing operation that we’re
so proud to welcome to the Sunshine State. We look forward
to working with them as they endeavor to create good jobs
for Floridians.” Metromont has manufacturing operations
in Greenville, South Carolina, as well as Atlanta, Nashville,
and Charlotte. The company, headquartered in Greenville,
is a recognized leader in the Southeastern construction industry
for its outstanding design, innovation and state-of-the-art
manufacturing and installation techniques. Their precast
concrete products, including architectural and structural
building systems, can emulate granite, limestone and marble.
Said Metromont President and CEO Rick Pennell, “We
have been serving the Florida market for a number of years
from our plant in Atlanta, and believe the time is right
to expand our business and build a state-of-the-art facility
in Haines City, located in Central Florida. Initially, we
will target the parking structures market and in the future
will target energy efficient needs in structures such as
schools, office buildings, medical office buildings and manufacturing
facilities.” Metromont is a leader in the construction
industry and is known for its Innovative Building Systems
for architectural and structural applications. Metromont’s
primary market segments include schools, parking structures,
office buildings, condominiums, retail and commercial, industrial
plants, justice facilities and stadiums. Metromont has built
more than 50 stadiums, including seven for the National Football
League and others for the National Hockey League, the National
Basketball Association and Major League Baseball – including
the Olympic Stadium in Atlanta. In addition, the company
has completed more than 100 public and private educational
projects and has built over 150 million square feet of parking
structures. The Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade,
and Economic Development worked closely with Polk County,
the Central Florida Development Council, Haines City, the
Haines City Economic Development Council, and Enterprise
Florida to successfully bring this project and these jobs
to Florida.
Crist Marks Conclusion of Black History Month. ST. PETERSBURG – Governor
Charlie Crist yesterday toured the Science Center of St.
Petersburg with fifth graders from the Academy Prep Center
for Education of St. Petersburg. After the tour, the Governor
presented each student a copy of the book Follow the Drinking
Gourd, donated by the Volunteer Florida Foundation. “Today
I gained an even greater appreciation for African-American
scientists and inventors as well as the struggle for equality
they endured,” said Governor Crist. “These great
Americans helped build our state and our country. As we toured
the exhibits displaying their work, I was reminded that we
should recognize their contributions not only during Black
History Month, but also throughout the entire year.”
The Science Center of St. Petersburg was founded in 1959
and serves as the leading science learning resource in the
area. The tour included an exhibit commemorating the contributions
of African-Americans including African tribal artifacts,
a hanging quilt representing the Underground Railroad quilt
codes, a commemorative wall honoring the Tuskegee Airman
and examples of the works of prominent scientists and inventors
such as George Washington Carver and Dr. Charles Drew.
Following the tour, the Governor joined students in a reading
lesson using the book Follow the Drinking Gourd, written
by Jeanette Winter. The book tells of the story of African-American
men and women who utilize constellations to guide their journey
to freedom along the Underground Railroad.
“
As we reflect on the events of Black History Month, we honor
the determination of those who stood against injustice,” said
Governor Crist. “We draw strength from the brave men
and women whose creativity and vision inspire and motivate
us.”
Academy Prep Center for Education: The Academy Prep Center
for Education is private middle school center for students
in fifth through eighth grades. Each student receives a need-based
full scholarship provided by individuals and organizations
in the local community. Students are selected based on an
application, interview, entrance exam and prior school records.
Black History Month: During Black History Month Governor
Crist and Lt Governor Jeff Kottkamp participated in various
events throughout the state to honor the contributions of
members of the African-American community. These events include:
•
Reverend H.K. Matthews Commemorative Event – Governor
Crist honored Reverend Matthews and other civil rights visionaries
who worked to desegregate Northwest Florida
•
Florida Legislative Black Caucus’ Distinguished Lecture
Series – Governor Crist discussed the importance of
Black History Month.
•
Meeting with Presidents of Florida’s historically black
colleges and universities – Governor Crist discussed
improving post-secondary education in Florida.
•
Riley House Heritage Presentation – Lt. Governor Kottkamp
presented the Riley House of Tallahassee a $350,000 check
from the Florida Legislature to support the Florida African-American
Heritage Preservation Network.
•
Edward Waters College Tour – Lt. Governor Kottkamp
toured Edward Waters College, in Jacksonville, one of Florida’s
historically black colleges.
•
Eluster Richardson Art Display – A variety of artwork
by Eluster Richardson, artist-in-residence at the Riley House,
was displayed in the Executive Office of the Governor during
Black History Month.
U.S. Chamber grades states in education – Florida
scores high and low. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce just released
its "Leaders and Laggards" report card on the state
of education in each state. The report assigns grades in
nine areas and gives Florida an "A" in the following
categories: "Academic Achievement in Low Income and
Minority Students"; “Return on Investment”; "21st
Century Teaching Force"; and “Data Quality”.
The report gives Florida low grades for "Academic Achievement" and "Postsecondary
and Workforce Readiness," ranking it a D in both areas.
For the full report, go to: http://www.uschamber.com/NR/rdonlyres/ej5ny2pjqrdchnsde2sqo2hj2ybch7xf7
gw2wjhwbxfvfxvpu7r54syv637naxtxbgqx3q73u74vaa/Resource1.pdf.
(See page 20 for the Florida data.)
Treasure Coast Workforce Board Receives Theodore E. Small
Workforce Partnership Award.
WASHINGTON DC- Monesia T. Brown, Director of the Agency for
Workforce Innovation, today joined Carrol Frischkorn, Chairwoman
of the Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast
as she accepted the Theodore E. Small Workforce Partnership
Award in Washington, D.C. The award honors pioneering business-led
community partnerships that uniquely address their community’s
workforce needs. The Workforce Development Board of the Treasure
Coast coordinates workforce services for Indian River, Martin,
Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. “I commend the
Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast for their
innovative approach to providing workforce services in their
region of the State,” stated Governor Charlie Crist. “Florida’s
workforce system plays an important role in meeting the needs
of our businesses for a highly skilled workforce. I am pleased
that Florida’s workforce system is receiving this national
recognition.” Due to changes in federal funding, the
Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast was forced
to close two One-Stop Career Centers. The Port St. Lucie
Center, one of the closed sites, was located near Aegis Communication
Group, a private employer and customer of the workforce board.
Communication between Aegis, Arbor Employment & Training
(the operator of the Career Centers) and the Workforce Board
resulted in a One-Stop Career Center within Aegis’ facilities,
providing opportunities for local residents to get the assistance
they need to find and keep jobs. “Creating partnerships
with our business community is an excellent way to expand
the reach of our services,” said Agency for Workforce
Innovation Director Monesia Brown. “The Workforce Development
Board of the Treasure Coast and their business partners serve
as an excellent model for other workforce boards in Florida
and throughout the country.” Since the partnership’s
inception a year ago, the local workforce placement rate
has increased by 15%, the cost per customer served has decreased
by 53% and the per placement cost has been reduced by 67%,
while Aegis reports substantial savings for recruitment costs.
The Theodore E. Small Workforce Partnership Award is presented
annually by the National Association of Workforce Boards
at their conference in Washington D.C. The Treasure Coast
partnership was chosen from numerous nominations submitted
from across the country. The Agency for Workforce Innovation
is the lead state workforce agency and is the lead agency
for implementing the state’s Voluntary Prekindergarten
program. AWI directly administers Early Learning, Labor Market
Statistics and Unemployment Compensation programs along with
various workforce development programs. To locate workforce
services anywhere in Florida go to: www.EmployFlorida.com.
The Nation
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) releases reports:
OMB Watch Launches First Series
of Upgrades on Fed.Spending.Org. On February 22, 2007, OMB Watch today launched the first in
a series of upgrades to its popular FedSpending.org website,
which is a searchable database of nearly all government spending
since FY 2000. Enhancements will make FedSpending.org more
comprehensive, more searchable, and more customizable. To benefit
from these upgrades are journalists, researchers, grant seekers,
and the public. http://www.fedspending.org/.
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities
and Notices
Featured Opportunity:
(none)
State Grants
Historic Preservation Projects
Federal Grants
Compassion Capital Fund Demonstration Program
Parent Information and Training Grant Program
Identification and Intervention Demonstration
Basic Center Program
NEA Big Read
Foundation Grants
Medical Assistance Grants
Staples Foundation for Learning
Scholarships/Awards
Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
New Freedom Initiative Award (repeat)
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.
Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
February 28 - March 2, 2007
Office of Urban Opportunity, Fla. Dept. of Community Affairs,
2007 Redevelopment Conference
Florida Mall Hotel in Orlando, Florida
http://www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/fpf/conference/index.cfm
March 5-7, 2007
2007 Road to Reentry
Defendant/Offender Workforce Development Conference
Charlotte, North Carolina
http://www.ncwp.uscourts.gov/owdconf/
March 13, 2007
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day
Florida Capitol, Second Floor Rotunda
Tallahassee, Florida
For more information go to: http://www.fddc.org/announcements/DD%20Day%202007%20Save%20the%20Date.pdf
April 2nd-5th, 2007
3rd ANNUAL National Offender Workforce Development Conference
Becoming A Second Chance Society Again
Charlotte, North Carolina
For conference registration call 314-209-9400 or go to www.proworkdev.com
April 2 - 6, 2007
National Association of Job Training Assistance (NAJA) – Annual
Conference
Developing America's Workforce
Tampa, Florida
NEW! A full agenda and registration available at www.NAJA.org
May 21-22, 2007
Rural Economic Development and Tourism Summit
Jackson County Agriculture Center
Marianna, Florida
For more information please contact Susan Estes at 877-467-7352
or susane@opportunityflorida.com
May 29-30, 2007
4th Annual Florida Tech Transfer Conference
The Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami, Florida
www.floridaresearch.org/index.php?src=gendocs&link=Tech%20
Transfer_Home&category=TechTransfer
May 30, 31 & June 1, 2007
National Unemployment Insurance Issues Conference
Dallas, Texas
Contact Cheryl Robinson at 202-637-3464 for additional information;
registration and specifics forthcoming.
June 23-26, 2007
Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) Annual Conference
“ Competing in a World of Change”
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Stay tuned! www.fedc.net
July 17-19, 2007
Workforce Innovations 2007
“ Beyond Boundaries”
Kansas City (MO)
www.WorkforceInnovations.org
Odds and Ends
The latest from the Opportunity and Ownership Project at
the Urban Institute:
- Have Middle-Income Parents Improved Their Economic Status?
(by Robert Lerman February 23, 2007). Between 1989 and 2004,
middle-income parents experienced moderate income growth,
but only married parents have gained net worth-a significant
fact given that the share of households headed by an unmarried
parent increased from 26 to 33 percent over the same period.
Using data from the Federal Reserve Board's Surveys of Consumer
Finances, income measures alone show that middle-income unmarried
parents gained some ground relative to married parents. However,
trends in net worth-the value of what households own minus
the value of what they owe-diverged by marital status, demonstrating
the importance of looking beyond income data. Access this
publication at:
http://www.urban.org/publications/311424.html.
- How Did Income and Wealth Change for Middle-Income Families
Over the Last Two Decades? (by Robert Lerman and Henry
Chen October 25, 2006) Over the last two decades, American
households
have generated healthy increases in wealth, but only
modest increases in income. Access this publication at:
http://www.urban.org/publications/901008.html.
- Given the opportunity, many low-income families can
acquire assets and become more financially secure. Conservatives
and liberals increasingly agree that government's role
in
this transition requires going beyond traditional antipoverty
programs to encourage asset-building and savings. The
Urban Institute's Opportunity and Ownership Project
conducts
policy
research on assets, ownership, and opportunity for
low- and middle-income families. For more on the Opportunity
and Ownership
project, please visit: http://www.urban.org/toolkit/issues/opportunity.cfm.
Free Tax Services. The IRS provides free publications, forms
and other tax material and information to help taxpayers
meet their tax obligations. Free help is available on the
IRS website, by phone, at local IRS offices and at many community
locations.
- IRS.gov - You can access free tax information at IRS.gov.
At 1040 Central on the Individuals page, you can obtain
forms, instructions and publications, learn about IRS e-file,
determine
your eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit, read
about the latest tax changes and find answers to Frequently
Asked
Questions. Most taxpayers can use Free File, available
only through the IRS.gov Web site, to electronically prepare
and
file their federal tax return – for free! You can also
check the status of your refund at www.IRS.gov by clicking
on Where’s My Refund, a service available 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.
Telephone - Call the IRS Tax Help Line for Individuals,
800-829-1040, to get answers to your federal tax questions.
To order free forms, instructions and publications call
800-829-3676. To hear pre-recorded messages covering various
tax topics
or check on the status of your refund, call 800-829-4477.
TTY/TDD users may call 800-829-4059 to ask tax questions
or to order forms and publications.
- Community Resources
- Free tax preparation is available through the Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling
for the Elderly programs in many communities. Volunteer
return preparation programs provided through IRS and its
partners
offer free help in preparing simple tax returns for low-
to moderate-income taxpayers. Call 800-906-9887 to find
the VITA or TCE site nearest you. This hotline is available
through
April 30, 2007.You may also call AARP — the largest
TCE participant — at 888-227-7669 (888-AARPNOW) or
access www.aarp.org to find the nearest Tax-Aide site.
- Taxpayer Assistance Centers - When you believe your
tax issue cannot be handled online or by phone, and you
want
face-to-face assistance, you can find help at a local
Taxpayer Assistance Center. Locations, business hours and
an overview
of services are at IRS.gov.
For more information about services provided by the IRS,
review Publication 910, IRS Guide to Free Tax Services
available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-829-3676.
From the Annie E. Casey Foundation Family Economic Success
(FES) February 2007 Newsletter:
- Education Tax Credits Addressed as Strategy for Workforce
Development. Education tax credits, including the Hope
Scholarship Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit,
can be utilized
as another tool for helping low-income families and individuals
move up the economic ladder. Unfortunately, many people
are not aware of the credits and the take-up rate is low.
Working
adult students claim the credits at much lower rates than
full-time students and dependents. The Casey Foundation
recently commissioned several reports and a toolkit to
examine the
credits and provide information on how they might be better
leveraged as a workforce development tool. The reports
include: A Workforce Development Triad: Federal Education
Tax Credits,
Community-Based Organizations, and Community Colleges;
and What Are They and How Do I Use Them? Strategies and
Tools
to Increase and Improve Filing of the Federal Hope and
Lifetime Learning Education Tax Credits by Low-Income Filers.
A Toolkit
to increase awareness of the credits, along with worksheets
and guidance on filing, also is available. In addition,
discussion notes from a recent meeting at Casey provide
an overview
of the credits and the perspectives of practitioners, tax
assistance site managers and policy analysts. Read the
reports, toolkit and meeting notes at: http://www.aecf.org/initiatives/fes/reading/education_tax.htm.
- EITC Provides a Critical Local Economic Development
Tool. Living Cities, a consortium of funders – including
Casey – that invest in cities and neighborhoods,
has published a new policy paper that describes how the
EITC
provides a concentrated cash infusion to local economies.
The large sums of EITC dollars claimed in urban areas can
be as high as one million dollars per square mile, in some
cities. Most EITC recipients spend their tax refunds on
short- to medium-term needs, so the credit creates a ripple
effect
throughout the local economy. Traditionally viewed as an
anti-poverty program, the EITC is increasingly regarded
as a federal investment in local and regional economies.
Using
the Earned Income Tax Credit to Stimulate Local Economies
relates how local leaders, with assistance from a growing
number of federal legislators, are raising awareness of
the EITC and helping to bring the benefits of the program
to
more qualified working families and their communities.
Read the paper at: http://www.livingcities.org/2006%20Files/2006_policy_series_v2_berube.html.
EITC Data by State Legislative District. The Metropolitan
Policy Program has assembled files in MS Excel format on
receipt of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for
tax year 2004 by state legislative district, including both
upper and lower chambers. Organizations wishing to conduct
outreach and education around the federal EITC and/or state
versions of the credit may find these data useful. Access
data at: http://www.brookings.edu/metro/eitc_legislativedistricts.htm. Quote for the Week:
“There is nothing
like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find
the ways in which you yourself have altered.”
Nelson Mandela
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