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Current Projects include:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporation of Workforce Wayne along with development of a sustainability business plan, including seeking foundation support, grants, as well as website fees and community investments. Community Compact Agreement to capture community pledges, centering on both financial commitments and integrating Workforce Wayne goals into partners’ Programs of Work.
- Planning and development study led by Dr. Clyde Hornberger for a Career & Technical Center (CTC) for Pike/Wayne (two of three counties in the state not served by a facility of this type). Ninety-six percent of parents recently surveyed want to see a CTC serving the two counties.
- Community outreach campaign (print, web, radio, events) underway regarding jobs and skills of the 21st century. Held Dr. Daniel Perna Community Forum, April 22, 2009, at Wayne Highlands High School and Dr. Willard Daggett Community Forum, November 23, 2009 at Woodloch Pines. Website features searchable employer profile database to connect job seekers to employers in Wayne and Pike Counties. July-August 2009 "I am Workforce Wayne" radio spots here. Fall 2009 radio spot and public service announcements here. In 2010-2011, using Community Career & Training sites to host "Explore Career Opportunities for the Future" programs.
- Pike/Wayne Business Education Partnership. Within this framework, all area K-12 schools planning for comprehensive career awareness and promotion activities, including use of the interactive, web-based Career Cruising, job shadowing/internship models, Career Pathways and Career Linking Academies. The partnership has also implemented MiniGrants for Teachers and Video Business Tours in addition to a Green CareerLinking Academy for adults.
- Opportunities to expand training and higher education opportunities in the short term. A study done by the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development at Wilkes University showed the need for expanded training and education services in the counties. The training areas of focus are: energy; hospitality/tourism; healthcare; and business/financial services, with an underpinning of entrepreneurship for all areas. Fourteen Colleges and Universities in the region have signed onto the Workforce Wayne's Memorandum of Understanding. In addition, recent expansion of training for businesses is demonstrated through a 2010-2011 grant here.
- Convener of key bi-county initiatives such as a proposed Lake Region Enterprise Center (supported by the January 2010 Silk Mill Incubator Program Feasibility Study) and efforts to expand broadband, especially for distance learning (supported by the December 2009 Wayne/Pike Broadband Improvement Plan). Both studies were completed during the Wall Street West timeline and have served to galvanize regional collaboration on these issues.
- Focused on Oil and Gas workforce development, bringing much needed Marcellus Shale training to the area. Chair of the Wayne County Oil and Gas Taskforce, Workforce Subcommittee.
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