Minnesota Rehabilitation Association Job Placement and Development Meeting

January 17 2008

Present: Sara Sundeen, Ashley Herman, Ross Keveles, Doris Illies, Robert Reedy, Holly Rogers, Heather Wisemiller, Felicia Amundsen, Christea Darley, Hollie Bartells, Amanda Jensen, Theresa Duncan, Tammy Radloff, Roxanne Ryan, Ryan Hoffman, Betsy Dupre, Liz Beurner, Justina Cloutier, Lindsey Cornell

1. Call to Order /Introductions

Welcome introductions call to order 10:05am

2. Host Update

Goodwill Easter Seals

Becky Brink-skills training update –gave brochures

Programs include: Automotive, Bank skills, Bank Reconciliation, Construction, and Retail                                                        

Go To www.goodwilleasterseals.org or call Carrie Owens, intake coordinator 651.379.5879 for more info

3. Training Opportunity

Rob Hope: Prison Re-Entry & Working with Ex-offenders

PowerPoint Presentation handouts shared.

***minutes to do not include training topic details…Come to JPD meeting for learning opportunities.

4. Good news to share

• Courage Center-new staff hired! Jennifer Bey-voc evaluator Lori Gravink service coordinator
• Ross Keveles-new job at MCIL coordinating services at MCIL coordinating services at the WFC
• Lindsey Cornell-transitioned to supervisor position
• Justina Cloutier-got funding for a new program help PWD start own business

5. Ask JPD

Question-about getting inexpensive used computers for clients?

• 211 First Call for help
• Computer shop on University
• Try calling small repair shops

Question-what do you put on application for felonies

• employers say put down what it is - Red Flag-for will discuss at interview
• Put down crime, year & clear explanation-could include brief clear follow up letter

6. Approve minutes

No December minutes there - Will do next month

7. President’s report - Lindsey Cornell

Change to agenda-have training at beginning to attract mine members & meeting attendees.  Exec team meets today-will share details next month. Introduced committee chairs.  Attended MRA board meeting: Spring Conference April 16-18 in grand rapids-LOOKING FOR SPEAKERS! Pre-conf by have RCAM on April 16^th.  Thursday keynote Ester Bloomsfield Adams

8. vice report- Ashley Herman

9. President-elect’s report-Doris Illies

No report

10. Secretary Report – Sara Sundeen

Working to set up JPD distribution list

11. Treasurer’s report- Tammy Radloff

Report giving income: $2.908 from trainings for 2007&have a few outstanding invoices

Current Balance $5.072.84    

12. Committee reports

Ross-G.A.

Training Feb. 19^th at MCIL 8:30-11:00 on How to interact with legislators may repeat again in March

Day at Hill in MN March 27^th (see attached)

Governmental Affairs Summit in Alexandria March 9-12-MN is sending seven delegates

Felicia-Membership

Made final decisions in membership drive flyers.  Drive will be Feb-April 18 Give $10.00 off JPD membership.  Goal is to recruit new members and target old/lapsed members to recruit & build more membership

Ashley-Training meeting today after meeting

Justina-Awards

Give employer of yr awards

Large & Small metro &non-metro

Give placement awards JPD & non JPD

13.  District Rep Reports

Northeast-Vacant-hoping to connect with Tyler Witzke

Northwest-Felicia

Referrals for placement are picking up lots more in retail openings.  March 25^th Monticello job fair

Lots of employers.  Roxanne-St Cloud is booming. Hospitality & retail

Metro-Ross Job Fair Jan 21^st 1-4 Diversity Job Fair at MPLS convention center.  Jan 23^rd Summit academy Job Fair 1-4.  O.P. Good January-4 placements.  Macy’s lay off will impact retail

Unemployment from 4.4 to 4.9

Southeast – Theresa

Placements have been good with retail.  Discussion about casino on MN Iowa boarder

Southwest – Vacant

Governmental Affairs-Nick Wilkie/Ross Keveles

Membership/marketing-Felicia Amundsen

14. Old business

None

15. New Business

Will discuss 2008 goals next month

16. Adjournment 

Motion by Ross, Second by Justina, motion carried, meeting adjourned at 11:55 am.

Next meeting is February 21, 2008 at Goodwill/Easter Seals in Elk River (19463 Evans Street NW, Elk