Annual Report Workforce Investment Act Title IB

Program Years 2006 and 2007

Providing workforce solutions to businesses and individuals

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The Phoenix Workforce Connection Mission and Vision Statement

Mission: To provide workforce solutions to businesses and individuals Vision Statement: Phoenix Workforce Connection will become a high value network of choice for building a workforce to keep business competitive and sustain economic growth.

Adopted by the Phoenix Workforce Connection Board on March 9, 2006

Mandated One-Stop Partners

Title I of WIA ♦ Adult ♦ Youth ♦ Dislocated Worker ♦ Native American Programs ♦ MSFW ♦ Veterans Workforce Programs ♦ Job Corps

Job Service Title V, Older Americans Unemployment Insurance Vocational Rehabilitation Welfare-To-Work HUD Employment and Training Community Service Block Grant Adult Ed and Literacy Post Secondary Voc Ed (Perkins) NAFTA/Trade Adjustment Veterans E & T Programs

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Table of Contents Phoenix Workforce Connection Mission and Vision ............................................. 2 Phoenix Workforce Connection Mandated Partners ............................................. 2 Message from the PWC Board Chair ................................................................... 4 Phoenix Workforce Connection Board Members 2006 ......................................... 6 Phoenix Workforce Connection Board Members 2007 ......................................... 7 Phoenix Workforce Connection Youth Initiatives Committee ................................ 8 Phoenix Workforce Connection One-Stop System

• System Service Locations .................................................................... 9 • Performance/Statistics ....................................................................... 11 • At A Glance ........................................................................................ 12 • Business Services .............................................................................. 14 • Industry Driven Initiative ..................................................................... 15

Phoenix Workforce Connection Youth Program

• Performance/Statistics ....................................................................... 17 • Youth Programs & Partnerships ........................................................ 18

Regional Efforts .................................................................................................. 19 Brownfields Project ............................................................................................. 20 Westside Revitalization Statistics ....................................................................... 20 Clear Path Internship Program ........................................................................... 21 Golden Bear Awards .......................................................................................... 21 Customer Comments .......................................................................................... 22

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The Vision of the Phoenix Workforce Connection is, “To become a high value network of choice for building a workforce to keep business com-petitive and sustain economic growth.” I am proud to say that in fiscal year 2008, we began to see this vision become reality in powerful ways within the business and workforce communities we serve. Our partnership with Maricopa Workforce Connection began to take

shape as both the PWC and MWC determined where our systems complemented one another in preparation for our combined efforts to meet regional workforce issues identi-fied at the Workforce Summit held in April of 2007. This internal systems analysis was key to avoid duplication of efforts to maximize the return on limited time and financial re-sources both boards have to invest. Subcommittee structures on both boards were func-tionally aligned in the areas of Systems, Business Services and Advocacy to drive the partnership from the ground up! In 2008, we invited the manufacturing industry to the Board and they responded with some of the most respected business people in the manufacturing sector. Their metric, data driven, continual process improvement approach to business insights has helped strengthen both the One-Stops and the Board. Additionally, they helped drive a work-force system- industry partnership effort that will be the model for similar collaborative ef-forts in the future. The PWC in partnership with the Arizona Tool and Machining Associa-tion, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Arizona Manufacturing Network, the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department along with 23 advance manufacturing businesses, put on the first Robotics Show Down and Internship Program! The program gave 35 youths training and real life paid work experience allowing high school students, teachers, and parents to see, most for the first time the rewarding ca-reers in advanced manufacturing with fantastic upside potential. In addition, students learn how manufacturing is key to the economic health and security of our nation. Simi-lar efforts continued as the PWC and CEDD partnered with Health Care industry and we continued to make progress in efforts to link workforce efforts to the six major targeted industry clusters of Heath Care, Advanced Manufacturing, Software and IT, Advanced Business services, Bio Science and Aerospace. Fiscal year 2008 was not without its challenges. The federal government rescinded carry over dollars, strapping a workforce system already under extreme financial pressure due to multi-year funding reductions. The need to supplement federal dollars with private sector investment sources, quickly, is vital to the sustainability of the workforce system throughout the region. Other major markets have done it. Our partnership with MWC provides a stronger compelling business case as we approach firms in the targeted in-dustry clusters to get involved in greater ways then ever before.

Message from Phoenix Workforce Connection Board Chair, Joseph Tuerff

Regional Director Manpower Professional

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Our facilities need to be upgraded. As we build the next generation workforce system in partnership with MWC, we need to operate in a “next generation workforce center,” one that is a centralized, world class operation uniquely designed to meet the needs of job seekers and the most sophisticated businesses alike. Greater use of technology is needed now and in the future to enable us to reach more of the people who need our ser-vices at less cost. Designing and implementing a robust, virtual platform must take place soon if our goal of becoming the premier network of choice for building the workforce to keep business competitive is to be fully realized. Under the direction of the Cynthia Spell, Deputy Director PWC, and One-Stop Coordina-tor, Stan Flowers, PWC performance measures met or exceeded all federal standards! But just as important, their teams, along with many others in CEDD, met Board expecta-tions which go well beyond federal measures; expectations that are directly tied to suc-cess in linking workforce efforts to the most important sectors of our regional economy. I want to thank Cynthia and Stan for their effective and skillful leadership of the PWC. The challenges facing the PWC in 2009 and beyond have never been greater, but the PWC board has never been stronger or empowered like they are today, with gifted and talented leaders from private, public, education and community-based organizations, ready and capable of taking head-on what lies ahead. If you are a job seeker in need of assistance, stop in, visit us and let us serve you. If you are a business leader in the community who has a passion about helping people succeed locally so we can compete with greater success in the global marketplace of today and tomorrow, I invite you to con-tact me, Chairman elect Michael Fisher, or any of the members of the PWC board to learn how you and the industry you represent can make an impact in your community that will benefit people and businesses today and for generations to come! Sincerely, Joseph D. Tuerff, Chair Phoenix Workforce Connection

Message from Phoenix Workforce Connection Board Chair, continued

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Phoenix Workforce Connection Board Members

2006-2007

Joseph Tuerff, Board Chair, Manpower Professional Julie Armstrong, Jobing.com Dee Cantoni, Union Representative John C. Corella, Corella Companies Michael Fisher, Westcor Roberto Franco, City of Phoenix, Community and Economic Development Department Eugene V. Giovannini, GateWay Community College Rick Hansen, Maricopa County Community College District Belinda Hanson, Arizona Department of Economic Security Janine Irons, Arizona Small Business Association Maxine M. Jones, Aimco Precision, Inc. Donna Kent, Televerde Anna M. Lira, DES Rehabilitation Services Fred Lockhart, Arizona Private School Association Cory Miller, C3IP Communications Roderick Miller, Greater Phoenix Economic Council Louise A. Moskowitz, APS Darlene Newsom, United Methodist Outreach Ministries Lisa S. Odle, Odle Management Group, L.L.C. Diana Pike, FOX Entertainment Group Karen F. Poole, Maricopa County Community College District Melanie Radford, Job Corps Maria Ramirez-Trillo, AARP Lynn Reed, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County Marureen Sterbach, St. Joseph’s Hospital Karen Thorn, Native Workforce Services Thomas F. Updike, Jewish Family and Children's Services Janice Washington, MCCCD Small Business Development Dee Wheeler-Cronin, City of Phoenix, Hope VI

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Phoenix Workforce Connection Board Members

2007-2008

Joe Tuerff, Board Chair, Manpower Professional Julie Armstrong, Jobing.com Tina Evangelista, Intel Michael Fisher, Westcor Roberto Franco, City of Phoenix, Community & Economic Development Department Eugene Giovannini, Ph.D., Gateway Community College Traci Gruenberger, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Jim Godfrey, Arizona MEP Belinda Hanson, Arizona Department of Economic Services Janine Irons, Arizona Small Business Association Maxine Jones, Aimco Precision Anna Lira, Arizona Department of Economic Services Fred Lockhart, Arizona Private School Association Paige Lund, The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa Xavier Morales, Ph.D., The Axios Group, LLC Louise Moskowitz, Arizona Public Service Lisa Odle, Odle Management Group, LLC Diana Pike, Fox Entertainment Group Karen Poole, Ph.D., Maricopa Community College District Melanie Radford, Phoenix Job Corps Center Maria Ramirez-Trillo, AARP Lynn Reed, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County Michelle Rider, Greater Phoenix Economic Council Maureen Sterbach, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Karen Thorne, Phoenix Indian Center, Inc. Mark Weathers, Excaliber Precision Dee Wheeler-Cronin, City of Phoenix Hope VI Project

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Phoenix Workforce Connection Youth Initiatives Committee Members

2006-2007 Louise Moskowitz, Arizona Public Service Dee Cantoni, Union Representative Manny Davila, City of Phoenix, Police Department Eugene V. Giovannini, Ph.D., GateWay Community College Frank Groenewold, Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Dept. Thomas Jenkins, Bostrom High School Robin Jordan, YMCA Nancy Konitzer, Arizona State Department of Education Xavier Morales, Ph.D., The Axios Group, LLC Darlene Newsom, United Methodist Outreach Ministries Zona Pacheco, City of Phoenix, Hope VI Karl Stephens, City of Phoenix, Clear Path

2007-2008 Eugene V. Giovannini, Committee Chair, GateWay Community College Xavier Morales, Ph.D., The Axios Group, LLC Louise Moskowitz, Arizona Public Service Manny Davila, City of Phoenix, Police Department Frank Groenewold, Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Dept. Traci Gruenberger, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Mawa Jabateh, Youth Representative Thomas Jenkins, Bostrom High School Nancy Konitzer, Arizona State Department of Education Darlene Newsom, United Methodist Outreach Ministries Melanie Radford, Phoenix Job Corps Zona Pacheco, City of Phoenix, Hope VI

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WIA Title IB—Adult and Youth System Service Locations

Arizona Call-A-Teen Youth Re-sources 649 N 6th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-252-6721 Chicanos Por La Causa 2916 N. 35th Avenue, Suite 5 Phoenix, AZ 85017 602-269-6485 Goodwill of Central Arizona 417 N. 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85006 602-416-6100 Child & Family Resources 700 W. Campbell Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85013 602-234-3941 Southwest Institute 5111 N. Scottsdale Road, #158 Scottsdale, AZ 85250 480-222-8800 Tumbleweed 950 W. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85013 602-264-6035 Valley of the Sun United Way 1515 E. Osborn Phoenix, AZ 85014 602-631-4800 Arizona Women's Education and Employment 3336 N. 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-223-4340

Arizona Opportunities Industriali-zation Center 39 E. Jackson Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-254-5081 Friendly House 802 S. 1st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85030 602-257-1870 Communities In School of Arizona 4520 N. Central Avenue, Ste. 560 Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-252-5312 Jobs for Arizona's Graduates PO Box 10937 Scottsdale, AZ 85271 480-441-6411 Phoenix Workforce Connection—North 9801 N. 7th Street Phoenix, AZ 85020 602-861-0208 Phoenix Workforce Connection—West 3406 N. 51st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85031 623-247-3304 Phoenix Workforce Connection—South 4732 S. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85040 602-534-4732

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Phoenix Workforce Connection One-Stop Career Centers Staff

Phoenix Workforce Connection West 3406 N. 51st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85031

Phoenix Workforce Connection South 4732 S. Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85040

Phoenix Workforce Connection North 9801 N. 7th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85020

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Friendly House 802 S. 1st Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85030

Arizona Call-A-Teen Youth Resources 649 N. 6th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85003

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Phoenix Workforce Connection One-Stop Performance 2006-2007 and 2007-2008

During the period of July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008 the Phoenix Workforce Connection Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs met or exceeded each of the negotiated performance meas-ures. Performance measures are determined through Federal and State negotiation. The Phoenix Workforce Connection is required to meet a minimum of 80 percent of the negotiated level of each measure. The Adult and Dislocated Worker Program met or exceeded each of the eight measures (100%) through the fourth quarter of each program year.

Measure PY 2006-07 PY 2007-08 Adult participants employed in the first quarter after exiting the pro-gram.

717 out of 889 (80.7%) 670 out of 814 (82.3%)

Dislocated worker participants were employed in the first quarter after exiting the program.

388 out of 444 (87.4%) 443 out of 483 (91.7%)

Adult participants remained em-ployed in both the second and third quarter after exiting the program.

872 out of 1,034 (84.3%) 813 out of 910 (89.3%)

Dislocated worker participants re-mained employed in both the second and third quarter after exiting the program.

352 out of 383 (91.9%) 394 out if 420 (93.8%)

Average Income Earned Adult Par-ticipants

747 adult participants: $12,281.20 during the sec-ond and third quarter after

exiting the program.

739 adult participants: $11,856.90 during the second and third quarter after exiting

the program.

Average Income Earned Dislocated Worker

307 dislocated worker par-ticipants: $16,806.60 during the second and third quarter

after exiting the program.

346 dislocated worker partici-pants: $15,672.20 during the second and third quarter after

exiting the program.

Adult participants earning a training credential and gaining successful employment.

289 out of 384 (75.3%) 266 out of 344 (77.3%)

Dislocated worker participants earn-ing a training credential and gaining successful employment.

233 out of 321 (72.6%) 213 out of 258 (82.6%)

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Occupation # of Individuals Trained Amount Spent to Train

PY 2006 PY 2007 PY 2006 PY 2007

Healthcare 262 355 $582,024 $714,854

Advanced Business Ser-vices

123 114 $241,394 $201,350

IT/Software 56 58 $223,936 $142,804

Bioscience 27 14 $80,252 $23,875

Hi-Tech Manufacturing 28 50 $85,182 $102,456

Aerospace 1 2 $1,295 $5,611

TOTAL 497 593 $1,214,083 $1,190,950

Industry Clusters Targeted

g)

Individuals visiting the One-Stop Center Resource Rooms

90,238 89,699

Individuals utilizing One-Stop Center as-sessments and workshops

2,945 5,773

Individuals enrolled and served WIA Ser-vices (core, intensive, and training)

2,955 2,665

Individuals receiving occupational skills training

753 853

Description PY 2006 PY 2007

One-Stop Facts

AT A GLANCE PY 2006 & PY 2007

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Occupation # of Individuals Trained

PY 2007 PY 2008 PY 2007 PY 2008

Transportation (Truck Drivers)

114 114 $360,913 $323,020

Personal Care/Services (Hairstylists)

47 12 $156,970 $39,096

Installations, Maintenance, Repair (Cable Installers, Telecomm)

21 18 $91,483 $62,949

Construction (Electricians, Inspectors, Welding)

13 6 $36,480 $17,680

Other (Management, Production,

Legal, Protective)

46 95 $45,615 $181,975

Education (Teachers)

9 7 $19,087 $10,248

Food Preparation 6 8 $17,360 $14,814

TOTAL 256 260 $727,908 $649,782

Amount Spent to Train

Demand Occupations

Rapid Response Rapid Response activities are described as the activities necessary to plan and deliver services to enable dislocated workers to transition to new employment as quickly as possible, following either a permanent closure or mass layoff, or a natural or other dis-aster resulting in mass job dislocation. Rapid Response is a required Workforce Investment Act activity carried out in conjunc-tion with the Local Workforce Investment Board (LWIB) and chief elected officials. In program years 2006 and 2007 the following businesses and their employees re-ceived Rapid Response services from the Phoenix Workforce Connection system:

Number of Companies

Number of Affected Workers

Workers provided Rapid Response

Services

PY 2006 10 158 1,072

PY 2007 16 2,751 1,318

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Connecting Business Services

During Program Years 2006 and 2007: ♦ 787 Businesses were contacted through the Business Retention and Ex-

pansion (BRE). ♦ 45 youth were trained in Workforce Investment Act Summer Youth

Healthcare and Bioscience Programs. Staff coordinated internships for the bioscience and pharmacy technician program students with: CVS Pharmacy, National Institutes of Health, and Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of State Laboratory Services.

♦ 58 Minority/Women Small Business Enterprise were assisted through

Management Technical Assistance, Information and referral, Business Retention and Expansion, Workforce and Outreach.

♦ 359 on-site recruitments ♦ 290 job fairs ♦ 26 employers engaged in employed worker training contracts ♦ 88 employers engaged in youth work experience contracts ♦ 26 employers received services from Layoff Aversion or Rapid Response

Activities

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Workforce - “Industry-Driven” Initiatives Cluster Coordination Team Implementation Phase Community and Economic Development Department divisions staff (Phoenix Workforce Connection, Small Business, and Maricopa Community Colleges) implemented an initia-tive that utilized effective and innovative ways to align PWC Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth Programs with demand industry clusters. The goal identified and developed re-cruitment and training solutions for the region's economic development clusters and de-mand industries. The two primary clusters served under this initiative were healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Highlights of this initiative are as follows: Healthcare • 140 adults and youth attended four healthcare forums coordinated and conducted to educate the community on educational and career opportunities in healthcare. Maricopa Community Colleges and major employers such as Mayo Clinic and Maryvale Community Hospital provided speakers at these events. • 18 employees entered into employed worker training programs to become patient care and monitor technicians through a pilot program with Abrazo Healthcare and training provided by GateWay Community College. • 14 Certified Nursing Assistants and Medical Assistants were trained under the Title V Healthcare Incentive Grant Proposal at a variety of training schools cho sen based on student’s proximity to the school. • 25 Youth were trained in WIA Summer Youth Healthcare and Bioscience Pro grams. Staff coordinated internships for the bioscience and pharmacy tech- nician program students with: CVS Pharmacy, National Institutes of Health, and Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of State Laboratory Services. BRE Visits were conducted with 31 healthcare companies and data was analyzed to help make resource allocation and other decisions. Manufacturing • Cluster Coordination Team members established a link between manufacturing associations, One-Stops, and the team to assist with recruitment and training for the industry. • 3 outreach presentations were made to manufacturing associations and groups to present training and recruitment services. • 9 employees from two manufacturing companies began training in a CNC Machinist Training Program at Maricopa Skill Center. More students will continue to be recruited in the first quarter of FY 07-08. • Staff attended the Aerospace Manufacturing Summit Meeting and will continue to participate in this group to remain aware of industry issues and contribute to developing solutions for the industry. • 29 Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visits were conducted with manufac

turing companies.

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Phoenix Workforce Connection Youth Program Staff

The Phoenix Workforce Connection Youth Development Services System works to improve the quality of life for youth by fostering youth employment and education, advance collaboration and cooperation among all agencies and organizations serving youth, and the employers that hire them.

Phoenix Workforce Connection Youth Development Staff

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Measure PY 2006-07 PY 2007-08 Older Youth participants em-ployed in the first quarter after exiting the program.

51 out of 64 (79.7%) 31 out of 39 (79.5%)

Older Youth participants re-mained employed in both the sec-ond and third quarter after exiting the program.

78 out of 91 (85.7%) 41 out of 48 ( 85.2%)

Older Youth attaining a diploma, GED, or certificate by the third quarter after exiting the program.

38 out of 83 (45.8%) 21 out of 51 (41.2%)

Older Youth average income earned during the second and third quarter after exiting the pro-gram.

82 Older Youth $3,376

42 Older Youth $3,681

Younger Youth remaining in edu-cation, training, or employment during the second and third quar-ter after exiting the program.

109 out of 175 (62.3%) 125 out of 159 (78.6%)

Younger Youth attaining a di-ploma, GED, or certificate by the third quarter after exiting the pro-gram.

70 out 101 (69.3%) 9 out of 109 (54.1%)

Younger Youth participants who are basic skills deficient and in-creased one or more educational functioning levels.

230 out of 318 (72%) 336 out of 462 (72.7%)

Phoenix Workforce Connection Youth Program Performance 2006-2007 and 2007-2008

During the period of July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008 the Phoenix Workforce Connection Youth Program met or exceeded each of the negotiated performance measures. Performance measures are determined through Federal and State negotiation. The Phoenix Workforce Connection is required to meet a minimum of 80 percent of the negotiated level of each measure. The Youth Program met or exceeded each of the eight measures (100%) through the fourth quarter of each program year.

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The summer youth program focuses on WIA youth by providing professional and educa-tional opportunities in targeted industry clusters. The goal of the program is to encourage youth to enroll in post-secondary education. Students obtain community college credits while gaining valuable work experience in the targeted cluster. All credits earned at local community colleges are transferable to a variety of short and long-term programs. A total of four programs have been created. The Summer Youth Pharmacy Technician Program prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's PTCB exam. After completion, staff assist the youth with job placement in local hospitals, community pharmacies, and other healthcare settings. 8 students enrolled, 3 completed The Summer Youth Biotech Program will introduce youth to biotechnology and its global impact on society. The course covers applications, laboratory techniques, limitations and the international economic benefits, risks, and legal and moral issues associated with bio-technology. 5 students enrolled, 2 completed The Summer Youth Advance Manufacturing Program introduces youth to the Advance Manufacturing field. Youth will be exposed to machines used to manufacture a large vari-ety of products from the molds used to produce pencils, to parts used to construct heli-copters. The credits earned by the youth are transferable to several credentialing pro-grams. 4 students enrolled, 3 completed The Summer Youth Healthcare Program focuses on providing professional and educa-tional opportunities in the healthcare industry. The program introduces youth to medical terminology used by healthcare professionals. Upon completion, students are eligible for immediate enrollment into short-term certification programs that include Hospital Central Service Technician, Health Unit Coordinator, and Certified Nursing Assistant. 20 stu-

YOUTH PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIPS PY 2006-2007

Achieving Vocational Education (AVE) Program. The WIA Youth Program partnered with Maricopa Skills Center (MSC) on the Achieving Vocational Education (A.V.E.) Pro-gram, which is available to any charter high school wanting to form a partnership with the MSC and any WIA Youth Program Provider. The program offers students the opportunity to complete their high school diploma in the morning while working toward an occupational certificate at Maricopa Skills Center in the afternoon. Precision High and Career Success High Schools are currently participating in the program. Helping Offenders Pursue Education/Employment (HOPE). Reintegrating youth offend-ers into society, including the workforce, can be challenging. In order to address these chal-lenges, HOPE was developed to leverage resource among Phoenix Workforce Connection, Chicanos Por La Causa, and the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. Depending on initial assessments, youth are referred to program activities based on interest and edu-cational levels. Youth will receive training in life management, work-readiness, and occupa-tional training. The program also offers support services to remove barriers that hinder self-sufficiency due to the many obstacles they face on a daily basis. The program’s overall goal is to provide occupational training in high-demand and cluster occupations, while at the same time providing meaningful employment opportunities for transitioning youth to reach self-sufficiency.

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2007 CEO Workforce Summit The Profit Factor: Connecting Talent to Business 2007 CEO Workforce Summit was held on April 10, 2007. This regional event was the product of collaboration between Phoenix Workforce Connection and Maricopa Workforce Connections. The primary goal of the summit was to build a strong economy and a strong workforce system through: 1) align-ing partners, leveraging resources and developing sustainable systems and solutions; and 2) developing strategies for competitive and economic growth. The event was de-signed to allow greater opportunities for the workforce system to engage with businesses and become a value-added resource for them. Approximately 200 stakeholders repre-senting various industries, community organizations and municipalities attended the event.

Regional Workforce Board Strategic Planning Event

Phoenix Workforce Connection and Maricopa Workforce Connections Boards held a joint strategic planning event in June 2007. The regional strategic planning session brought together 47 board members, representing large, medium, small, public and private busi-nesses and WIA mandated stakeholders. The Greater Phoenix Workforce Analysis Re-port findings were the basis for the discussion and development of regional workforce and economic development strategies. Five regional action items were developed as a result of the Greater Phoenix Workforce Analysis. The Maricopa Workforce Connection Board and the Phoenix Workforce Con-nection Board continue to meet and develop strategies to reach the goals.

Regional Capitol Hill Visit PWC and MWC board members attended the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Forum 2008, February 23-26, 2008 in Washing D.C. and visited Capitol Hill where they met with legislative staffers. With the pending reauthorization of the Work-force Investment Act and other legislative concerns and the workforce system facing con-tinued reductions in funding, it was important that representatives attend this conference to learn to utilize all available resources to continue to best serve our customers. PWC and MWC board members benefited from this conference by participating in roundtable discussions with workforce boards throughout the country where they shared information about what workforce boards and local workforce investment areas are doing across the nation. A congressional delegation attended this conference enabling the sharing of leg-islative issues regarding workforce policies. Participants engaged in facilitated discus-sions in which peers shared promising practices and innovative solutions. Knowledge and insights were gained from nationally and internationally recognized speakers.

Regional Efforts

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Brownfields Training Grant

West Phoenix Revitalization Statistics

Customers in the West Phoenix Revitalization Area were afforded a variety of staff as-sisted services through our One-Stop Center at Phoenix Workforce Connection West for Program Year 2006. Over 2,000 job orders were received for 8,986 openings. More than 11,000 individuals were referred for those openings. In addition, over 27,000 city resi-dents utilized the Resource Room for job search and various career and employment re-lated information.

The Workforce Connection Division partnered with the City Manager’s Office of Envi-ronmental Programs to develop and implement the $200,000 Brownfields Job Train-ing Grant. Staff completed the prescreening process for 111 potential candidates. Of the approximately 65 candidates who met the initial criteria, 26 were selected to start the first training session scheduled for August 2007. Individuals completing the training program will have the skill sets and credentials for entry-level positions in various environmental occupations, including positions offered by the City’s Water Services Department.

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Clear Path Job Internship Program Participation

Staff participated in the Clear Path Job Internship Program by mentoring by mentoring a clear Path intern for a period of three months (November 2007—January 2008) as a Cus-tomer Service Clerk with the City of Phoenix community and Economic Development De-partment, Workforce Connection Division. This internship was in collaboration with the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department. The intern was taught basic clerical tasks and customer service skills during his internship.

Phoenix College Golden Bear Awards On May 2, 2008, Tim Valencia was awarded the Phoenix College Golden Bear Award and recognized at a celebration luncheon at Phoenix College Culinary Café. The Phoe-nix College Golden Bear Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals who support the students, employees, programs, and services within Phoenix College. Mr. Valencia and Phoenix Workforce Connection, in partnership and collaboration with Phoenix College Custom Training and Education, were instrumental in providing a new and greatly needed summer youth, non-credit, Pharmacy Technician Program. The pro-gram provides career development planning and job opportunities for at-risk, minority, low income students into the pharmacy technician field. The students in the program obtain educational knowledge, background and on-the-job training skills.

On May 2, 2008, the Medical Assistant Scholarship Program, developed by Jill Buschbacher, Small Business Division, and Kathy Thiessen, Phoenix Workforce Connec-tion, were also awarded the Phoenix College Golden Bear Award. Kathy and Jill worked together with our regional partners from Maricopa Workforce Connections to create a Medical Assistance Program to train entry level employees of Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS) and Clinica Adelante, Inc. This partnership between the City of Phoenix, Phoenix College and two healthcare organizations is an example of a successful public/private partnership that has helped our healthcare industry to have more skilled/qualified employees. All partners in this effort were recognized at a celebration luncheon at the Phoenix College Culinary Café.

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Customer Comments

PWC North: From Sam Brown’s (career advisor) customer- “The insightful benefits I have received and all the people I have encoun-tered through the WIA program and its workshops have been in-credible! I am telling my family and friends about this wonderful experience and help that is avail-able. I hope this program will be available for quite some time. People need it.”

Goodwill: An e-mail from a par-ticipant providing an employ-ment update stated “…thanks to the help that Goodwill pro-vided, I was able to get back on my feet. The gas card helped a lot when I was trying to get to work and had to wait for my paycheck.”

Friendly House: “Hola Angela, este es mi resume, me gustaria agrade-cerla por el buen trato y la pronto respuesta que usted y su equipo tie-nen para con nosotros. De veras estoy muy agradecida y muy contenta de ser parte de su programa. Gracias y que tenga un buen fin de sema-na.” Translation: “Hi Angela, this is my resume; I would like to thank you for the kindness and quick response that you and the rest of the staff had for us. Truly, I am very happy and thankful to be part of this program. Thank you and have a good weekend.”

AWEE: “I just wanted to say thank you for helping me accomplish my goals. You have been such great sup-port for me and I am very thankful!”