I have contacted the food distribution site at Kerr of the Interfaith Ministries, and Barbara England there was so busy she said to call back on the first week after the new year. She said they are working on a gleaning program to get food to the hungry here.
Also, I am working up a short video with Carole Collins on their Walking Path, to submit to Oprah (and other possible funding sources, since it may be unlikely to be chosen by Oprah).
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Update from Debbie 12-20-2010
I contacted Beverly Hatcher of the Paradise Weed and Seed (which is morphing into the Modesto Community Development Corporation) and she was very happy to hear about our initiative. She would like to come to our meeting and mentioned several others who she thought would be interested too: Orin woods, Jeremiah Williams, Pastor Bridegroom and Carole Collins. Beverly said that they like to bring events into their community and they have two locations (both of which have kitchens): The Maddox Youth Center and a facility at Marshall Park.
I then left a message for Carole Collins who is the projects manager of the King Kennedy Collaborative which is already working with Kaiser on an childhood obesity initiative. To find out more see attached and read this Bee article: http://www.modbee.com/2010/09/24/1352786/walking-trail-benefits-health.html.
I then left a message for Carole Collins who is the projects manager of the King Kennedy Collaborative which is already working with Kaiser on an childhood obesity initiative. To find out more see attached and read this Bee article: http://www.modbee.com/2010/09/24/1352786/walking-trail-benefits-health.html.
Notes from 12-10-2010 Meeting on our Health Initiative
Stanislaus Solutions:
As Debbie said, today's meeting was sort of a back up and start over again meeting, but I think it was very productive. We firmed up our intentions and now we move on to involve more participants in the next meeting that we will hold on a still-to-be-determined Friday at 12:30 meeting (in January?). Our list of groups/people to contact, and who will do each:
• Amanda will contact Linus and select a date to gather at Richard's home, 916 Melinda Lane, 529-5182 on a good Friday noon. (Linus has contacts with people such as Interfaith Ministries.)
• Karl will contact Public Health.
• Pam will contact the (something with a name like) Central Valley Obesity Prevention Coalition, and
• Pam will contact Linda Smith, also a dietitian
• Michael will contact someone in Ag about the status of the Ag Truck, and
• Michael will contact Habitat For Humanity, possibly through Dan Onorato
• Richard will contact local Food Banks, and
• Richard will contact George Boodrookas, who was quite helpful at the start of the Employment symposium.
• Debbie will contact "Weed and Seed" (City of Modesto)
• Debbie will contact Kaiser about their Outreach and Education program.
For each of the above, the concept is to gather a group of idea-people who know who we should invite to move us to our next stage.
Each of us will explain to the people we contact something like this:
- Our Stanislaus Solutions Committee is exploring local health, wellness, and nutritional issues. We are in a fact-finding phase, to see how MJC can engage the community on these issues.
As we identify people who can help in this project, we will Email their contact information to the whole SS group.
Then we will schedule a Friday noon meeting for the larger group to gather to make our master plan. (in January?)
As Debbie said, today's meeting was sort of a back up and start over again meeting, but I think it was very productive. We firmed up our intentions and now we move on to involve more participants in the next meeting that we will hold on a still-to-be-determined Friday at 12:30 meeting (in January?). Our list of groups/people to contact, and who will do each:
• Amanda will contact Linus and select a date to gather at Richard's home, 916 Melinda Lane, 529-5182 on a good Friday noon. (Linus has contacts with people such as Interfaith Ministries.)
• Karl will contact Public Health.
• Pam will contact the (something with a name like) Central Valley Obesity Prevention Coalition, and
• Pam will contact Linda Smith, also a dietitian
• Michael will contact someone in Ag about the status of the Ag Truck, and
• Michael will contact Habitat For Humanity, possibly through Dan Onorato
• Richard will contact local Food Banks, and
• Richard will contact George Boodrookas, who was quite helpful at the start of the Employment symposium.
• Debbie will contact "Weed and Seed" (City of Modesto)
• Debbie will contact Kaiser about their Outreach and Education program.
For each of the above, the concept is to gather a group of idea-people who know who we should invite to move us to our next stage.
Each of us will explain to the people we contact something like this:
- Our Stanislaus Solutions Committee is exploring local health, wellness, and nutritional issues. We are in a fact-finding phase, to see how MJC can engage the community on these issues.
As we identify people who can help in this project, we will Email their contact information to the whole SS group.
Then we will schedule a Friday noon meeting for the larger group to gather to make our master plan. (in January?)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Notes from October 2010 meeting between Richard, Mike and Pam
Notes on Discussion, Pam Noonan, Michael Smedshammer, Richard Anderson
(Pam and Michael, I hope you can correct and fill this out. I will reorganize it then send it to the rest of the group)
Next Meeting of the Stanislaus Solutions group will be Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. (did we decide where?)
Pam is an RN was a Registered Dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Educator.
Existing related local programs:
Childhood Obesity Program- Stanislaus County
Nan mentioned acanthosis nigricans, a visible effect of diabetes type II and some other endocrine problems. The neck, underarms, umbilicus, forehead and groin may become darkened, so this is being used to screen for childhood obesity and diabetes.
Needed: a transportable way to show people how to purchase and cook inexpensive yet high quality meals, possibly with locally grown foods.
Sandy Cadra (how to contact her?) may be able to take a cooking demonstration out to sites.
CCROPP.org: “Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program are working to ensure that there are improved opportunities for San Joaquin Valley community members to have access to healthy food, potable water and physical activity opportunities. CCROPP’s sound efforts and testimonials have been captured in a series of articles known as the CCROPP-HEAC (Healthy Eating, Active Communities) StoryBank. The StoryBank Project was spearheaded by The California Endowment in an effort to help demonstrate successes to the media, key stakeholders and for advocacy efforts. The articles were written by journalist, Sylvia Sukop.”
Carol Craft is an MJC nutrition teacher. We can contact her to ask for her participation.
Mike: there should be two parts to the presentation:
• What is the problem?
• Cooking demonstration
We discussed the heady idea that Kaiser might endow an MJC chair for this program…
How can we hear from the people themselves? Take the programs to them- Legion Hall near the Airport District; Modesto High School; Kennedy-King Center.
Is it really true, as Dr. Loewenstein stated, that cheap, healthy food is available, if people are just educated to know what to buy and where, and to cook it well?
Dan Onorato lives quite close to Modesto High. Where doe HE shop?
We also need to address the other leg of the fit lifestyle: exercise. Getting enough exercise to balance caloric intake needs to be naturally programmed into the person’s habits, and be cheap or free.
This is where we can bring in MJC’s phys-ed folks.
(Pam and Michael, I hope you can correct and fill this out. I will reorganize it then send it to the rest of the group)
Next Meeting of the Stanislaus Solutions group will be Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. (did we decide where?)
Pam is an RN was a Registered Dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Educator.
Existing related local programs:
Childhood Obesity Program- Stanislaus County
Nan mentioned acanthosis nigricans, a visible effect of diabetes type II and some other endocrine problems. The neck, underarms, umbilicus, forehead and groin may become darkened, so this is being used to screen for childhood obesity and diabetes.
Needed: a transportable way to show people how to purchase and cook inexpensive yet high quality meals, possibly with locally grown foods.
Sandy Cadra (how to contact her?) may be able to take a cooking demonstration out to sites.
CCROPP.org: “Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program are working to ensure that there are improved opportunities for San Joaquin Valley community members to have access to healthy food, potable water and physical activity opportunities. CCROPP’s sound efforts and testimonials have been captured in a series of articles known as the CCROPP-HEAC (Healthy Eating, Active Communities) StoryBank. The StoryBank Project was spearheaded by The California Endowment in an effort to help demonstrate successes to the media, key stakeholders and for advocacy efforts. The articles were written by journalist, Sylvia Sukop.”
Carol Craft is an MJC nutrition teacher. We can contact her to ask for her participation.
Mike: there should be two parts to the presentation:
• What is the problem?
• Cooking demonstration
We discussed the heady idea that Kaiser might endow an MJC chair for this program…
How can we hear from the people themselves? Take the programs to them- Legion Hall near the Airport District; Modesto High School; Kennedy-King Center.
Is it really true, as Dr. Loewenstein stated, that cheap, healthy food is available, if people are just educated to know what to buy and where, and to cook it well?
Dan Onorato lives quite close to Modesto High. Where doe HE shop?
We also need to address the other leg of the fit lifestyle: exercise. Getting enough exercise to balance caloric intake needs to be naturally programmed into the person’s habits, and be cheap or free.
This is where we can bring in MJC’s phys-ed folks.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Comment from Amanda H. regarding our new project 11-7-2010
Yes, this topic relates directly to my new job at Green's Market. I know that Ann (our owner) met last week with Lynis Chaffey (our neighbor Richard) at Interfaith Ministries to discuss ways to get healthy food to low-income neighborhoods in the area. There is work already happening, we just need to join the discussion and participate. Also, the Great Valley Center had an amazing speaker from the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP) at their Valley Up conference last spring. Her name is Genoveva Islas Hooker and she explained the topic in detail and discussed the issue of poor access to food. We may consider inviting her back. I think this is a great topic for Stan Solutions and we actually have an opportunity to make a real impact in our community!
Genoveva Islas Hooker, Regional Program Coordinator for the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP)
Genoveva Islas Hooker, Regional Program Coordinator for the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP)
Comment regarding our new project by Mike S. 11-6-2010
I talked with Pam (my wife, the dietitian/nurse/diabetes-educator/superwoman) about our plans for a nutrition-based program. She suggested a speaker on the cost of food, which is a big issue in the profession right now. It seems that the public wants 1) low cost 2) fast and convenient. We could have a speaker on cost and a chef show how to prepare healthy foods quickly and well, we might have a nice package to offer. This issue also fits with Amanda's new job selling organics in the old Carrot.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Notes on Nov. 5, 2010 meeting at Thailand Restaurant
Karl, Troy, Debbie, Leah, Michael, and Richard were present. While partaking of the world’s best Tom Kha Gai we assessed the Employment forum and decided on our next forum topic.
A. Employment forum: how could we improve on the next forum?
• Time: put at night, 7-9 p.m.
• 2 people per evening max; if more people are needed to address the issue adequately, then more than one meeting—maybe one a month.
• Keep on Thursday nights
• utilize Facebook to advertise events
• As one of the many good effects of the Forum, Michelle has submitted a report on her community development thoughts to the mayor and city staff of Oakdale.
B. For the future forums:
Gaither Loewenstein had met with Debbi Gilbert, Michael Smedshammer, Bill Anelli, Richard Anderson on Oct. 29 and he discussed two routes of action Stanislaus Solutions might help him pursue. One is related to his goal of setting up a obesity/diabetes/fit/fat/healthy lifestyles program for MJC to extend to the community. His vision includes MJC hiring a full-time nutrition teacher, and taking the Ag van loaded with healthy foods to various low-income areas, teaching residents how to obtain, cook and enjoy healthy foods, the importance of physical work and exercise to burn off calories and avoid diabetes with all its harmful effects. Gaither wrote a Bee article printed Nov. 5 at:
www.modbee.com/2010/11/04/1414826_mjc-must-be-ready-to-help-residents.html
At our meeting, I believe we consolidated these ideas for us to act on:
1. Stanislaus Solutions to stage educational programs for the community on fitness, obesity, exercise, diet, and obtaining and cooking healthy foods that draws on the considerable resources within MJC and our community.
- Among the participants who might be essential are:
* nutritionist (an MJC nutrition teacher, or Mike’s wife Pam Noonan, who is an RN and dietitian.
* local community members to talk in the meetings. We need to hear from the people, not just lecture them.
* exercise physiologist (MJC Phys. Ed. Dept, or biology’s Michele Monlux)
* PE teacher from the nearest high school to where the meeting occurs
* physician explaining how diabetes is related to obesity, and how adult onset diabetes can often be treated merely by increasing physical work done (“exercise”) and decreasing calories eaten.
* Ag teacher who talks about growing one’s own food, and the Ag van. (I don’t really know what the Ag van is.)
- As part of this program, we should create a short (~ 10 min.) video of interviews with some experts whose statements we want, but whom we do not expect to be at the programs (e.g., a physician, who may want to make a statement but who doesn’t want to go out to the several productions of our program.) We might be able to get Wes Page to make this for us.
- We should offer this fit/fat program at several places: Kennedy-King Center; American Legion Hall near the Airport District; at high schools near any target areas.
2. Gaither has offered for us to help arrange a meeting of Gaither and the UC Merced president to establish a satellite of U.C. Merced at MJC. (This was one of the outcomes of the Oct. 29 meeting.)
I am excited about this effort, and the fact that we will be helping to implement the President’s goals.
A. Employment forum: how could we improve on the next forum?
• Time: put at night, 7-9 p.m.
• 2 people per evening max; if more people are needed to address the issue adequately, then more than one meeting—maybe one a month.
• Keep on Thursday nights
• utilize Facebook to advertise events
• As one of the many good effects of the Forum, Michelle has submitted a report on her community development thoughts to the mayor and city staff of Oakdale.
B. For the future forums:
Gaither Loewenstein had met with Debbi Gilbert, Michael Smedshammer, Bill Anelli, Richard Anderson on Oct. 29 and he discussed two routes of action Stanislaus Solutions might help him pursue. One is related to his goal of setting up a obesity/diabetes/fit/fat/healthy lifestyles program for MJC to extend to the community. His vision includes MJC hiring a full-time nutrition teacher, and taking the Ag van loaded with healthy foods to various low-income areas, teaching residents how to obtain, cook and enjoy healthy foods, the importance of physical work and exercise to burn off calories and avoid diabetes with all its harmful effects. Gaither wrote a Bee article printed Nov. 5 at:
www.modbee.com/2010/11/04/1414826_mjc-must-be-ready-to-help-residents.html
At our meeting, I believe we consolidated these ideas for us to act on:
1. Stanislaus Solutions to stage educational programs for the community on fitness, obesity, exercise, diet, and obtaining and cooking healthy foods that draws on the considerable resources within MJC and our community.
- Among the participants who might be essential are:
* nutritionist (an MJC nutrition teacher, or Mike’s wife Pam Noonan, who is an RN and dietitian.
* local community members to talk in the meetings. We need to hear from the people, not just lecture them.
* exercise physiologist (MJC Phys. Ed. Dept, or biology’s Michele Monlux)
* PE teacher from the nearest high school to where the meeting occurs
* physician explaining how diabetes is related to obesity, and how adult onset diabetes can often be treated merely by increasing physical work done (“exercise”) and decreasing calories eaten.
* Ag teacher who talks about growing one’s own food, and the Ag van. (I don’t really know what the Ag van is.)
- As part of this program, we should create a short (~ 10 min.) video of interviews with some experts whose statements we want, but whom we do not expect to be at the programs (e.g., a physician, who may want to make a statement but who doesn’t want to go out to the several productions of our program.) We might be able to get Wes Page to make this for us.
- We should offer this fit/fat program at several places: Kennedy-King Center; American Legion Hall near the Airport District; at high schools near any target areas.
2. Gaither has offered for us to help arrange a meeting of Gaither and the UC Merced president to establish a satellite of U.C. Merced at MJC. (This was one of the outcomes of the Oct. 29 meeting.)
I am excited about this effort, and the fact that we will be helping to implement the President’s goals.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Minutes, September 10, 2010
I. Review Aug. 24 Minutes
II. Confirmed Speakers
a. Lawrence Giventer (Professor, Politics and Public Administration, CSU Stanislaus)
b. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC Community and Economic Development (Bill)
c. David Hosley, Executive Director, Great Valley Center (Debbie)
d. Jim DeMartini, Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
e. Bill Bassit, Stanislaus Alliance
f. Brian Kline, Kline Organic Produce
g. Michelle Weber (Amanda will speak with Karl to see if she would be interested in speaking about microlending)
III. Logistics
a. Determine Schedule
Context: 1-2:30pm
-Larry Giventer (Present the problem, 20 minutes)
-Bill Bassit (What are the jobs, how has employment changed, what needs to happen, 20 minutes)
-George Bookrookas (Role of community colleges, what has MJC done in past, plan for future, 10 minute)
(1:50-2:30, Q/A, give speakers first dibs to question each other, then pass to audience
Break: 2:30-3:00pm
Solutions 3-5pm
-Jim DeMartini (What does he want to see happen, 15 minutes)
-Michelle Weber (explain microlending, 15 minutes)
-Brian Kline (Tell story, boutique farming perspective, what regulations have hurt his business, bring PowerPoint with pictures or website, 15 minutes)
-David Hosley (Speak to GVC’s role in stimulating jobs, UC Merced, 15 minutes)
(Last hour: Q/A)
*Maybe bring timer that the speakers can see
b. Location
i. Should we change location to the East campus, Science 2..? is available and has room for 120 people. We can also book the Auditorium. The concern is west campus will not draw the crowd.
c. Tech Order
i. Debbie provide update on conversation with Julie Berg
ii. Room Change?
d. Publicity
i. Press Release/Reminder (Linda Hoyle will do things, Michael)
1. Media outlets to include (Modesto Bee, Central Valley Business Journal, Central Valley Business Times, PSA)
2. We should contact reporters individually to see if they want to do an article
3. Local Section of Modesto Bee (Linda will need to email Mod. Bee)
ii. PSA going out Sept. 10
iii. Poster (Michael will check with Linda, Bill emailed Monica)
iv. Campus Email (Michael)
v. Marquis (Michael contact appropriate person)
e. Refreshments
i. Coffee/Tea (Debbie will order)
ii. Cookies (Hannah’s cooking house, Amanda will order)
IV. Nonprofits to invite to have booth/table (Bill will contact and invite)
a. Stanislaus County Workforce Investment Board (aka WIB aka workforce Alliance)
b. The Great Valley Center
c. Chamber of Commerce
d. Cardoza’s Office
e. CommonWealth Modesto
f. VocEd
g. Ask George if he wants a table
V. Plan of Action for End of August/Division of Duties
a. Everyone please send me 1-2 questions that you want each speaker to address during their presentation, I will forward to the speakers.
b. Michael- Publicity duties are listed above, I added the marquis section, please send me names of journalists to contact
c. Debbie- Please order coffee/tea, make tech orders, help Bill with nonprofits to invite (or at least pass on list)
d. Amanda- invite Michelle, will order cookies, will contact journalists after press release goes out
e. Bill-send email to nonprofits, make sure that they will have a table, determine whether we can trade for Forum 110, follow-up with Monica on poster and let Michael know)
II. Confirmed Speakers
a. Lawrence Giventer (Professor, Politics and Public Administration, CSU Stanislaus)
b. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC Community and Economic Development (Bill)
c. David Hosley, Executive Director, Great Valley Center (Debbie)
d. Jim DeMartini, Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
e. Bill Bassit, Stanislaus Alliance
f. Brian Kline, Kline Organic Produce
g. Michelle Weber (Amanda will speak with Karl to see if she would be interested in speaking about microlending)
III. Logistics
a. Determine Schedule
Context: 1-2:30pm
-Larry Giventer (Present the problem, 20 minutes)
-Bill Bassit (What are the jobs, how has employment changed, what needs to happen, 20 minutes)
-George Bookrookas (Role of community colleges, what has MJC done in past, plan for future, 10 minute)
(1:50-2:30, Q/A, give speakers first dibs to question each other, then pass to audience
Break: 2:30-3:00pm
Solutions 3-5pm
-Jim DeMartini (What does he want to see happen, 15 minutes)
-Michelle Weber (explain microlending, 15 minutes)
-Brian Kline (Tell story, boutique farming perspective, what regulations have hurt his business, bring PowerPoint with pictures or website, 15 minutes)
-David Hosley (Speak to GVC’s role in stimulating jobs, UC Merced, 15 minutes)
(Last hour: Q/A)
*Maybe bring timer that the speakers can see
b. Location
i. Should we change location to the East campus, Science 2..? is available and has room for 120 people. We can also book the Auditorium. The concern is west campus will not draw the crowd.
c. Tech Order
i. Debbie provide update on conversation with Julie Berg
ii. Room Change?
d. Publicity
i. Press Release/Reminder (Linda Hoyle will do things, Michael)
1. Media outlets to include (Modesto Bee, Central Valley Business Journal, Central Valley Business Times, PSA)
2. We should contact reporters individually to see if they want to do an article
3. Local Section of Modesto Bee (Linda will need to email Mod. Bee)
ii. PSA going out Sept. 10
iii. Poster (Michael will check with Linda, Bill emailed Monica)
iv. Campus Email (Michael)
v. Marquis (Michael contact appropriate person)
e. Refreshments
i. Coffee/Tea (Debbie will order)
ii. Cookies (Hannah’s cooking house, Amanda will order)
IV. Nonprofits to invite to have booth/table (Bill will contact and invite)
a. Stanislaus County Workforce Investment Board (aka WIB aka workforce Alliance)
b. The Great Valley Center
c. Chamber of Commerce
d. Cardoza’s Office
e. CommonWealth Modesto
f. VocEd
g. Ask George if he wants a table
V. Plan of Action for End of August/Division of Duties
a. Everyone please send me 1-2 questions that you want each speaker to address during their presentation, I will forward to the speakers.
b. Michael- Publicity duties are listed above, I added the marquis section, please send me names of journalists to contact
c. Debbie- Please order coffee/tea, make tech orders, help Bill with nonprofits to invite (or at least pass on list)
d. Amanda- invite Michelle, will order cookies, will contact journalists after press release goes out
e. Bill-send email to nonprofits, make sure that they will have a table, determine whether we can trade for Forum 110, follow-up with Monica on poster and let Michael know)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
MINUTES, August 24, 2010
In Attendance: Bill, Michael, Stephen, Amanda, Debbie
Next Meeting: September 10 at 10am, Morris A
I. Discuss Confirmed Speakers/Determine Last Two Slots
a. Confirmed
i. Bill Bassit, Stanislaus Alliance
ii. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC Community and Economic Development (Bill)
iii. David Hosley, Executive Director, Great Valley Center (Debbie)
iv. Jim DeMartini, Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors)
b. To Be Determined/Ideas
i. Larry Giventer (Amanda will call again)
ii. John Fiscalini, Fiscalini Cheese (local entrepreneur)
iii. Jeff Burda, Modesto Commerce Bank (Amanda will contact)
iv. Savemart-
v. Chamber of Commerce
vi. Brian Kline, organic farmer (Amanda will speak)
vii. Common Wealth Modesto (Amanda will contact)
viii. Gallo
*If we confirm more than 6 speakers, we will reorganize the format
c. Audience
i. Students
ii. People from community, unemployed residents, neighborhood associations, business owners
II. Go over protocol for organizing symposium (See film protocol)
III. Publicity
i. Title: “Employment in Stanislaus County: Where have we been, where are we going?” Subtitle: “Towards a bright economic future”
ii. Save the Date email- Bill will draft and send to Linda Hoile, List people invited
iii. Michael will draft text for email/poster/psa
iv. Poster Design- Monica will be contacted by Bill
v. PSA- Debbie will send to capital public radio
vi. Modesto Bee- Amanda and Michael will scan paper
b. Food- Bill said there is money in the budget for coffee
c. Tech Order- panels should be filmed, computer for power point presentations, etc.
IV. Nonprofits to invite
V. Divide up duties/Plan next meeting
Next Meeting: September 10 at 10am, Morris A
I. Discuss Confirmed Speakers/Determine Last Two Slots
a. Confirmed
i. Bill Bassit, Stanislaus Alliance
ii. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC Community and Economic Development (Bill)
iii. David Hosley, Executive Director, Great Valley Center (Debbie)
iv. Jim DeMartini, Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors)
b. To Be Determined/Ideas
i. Larry Giventer (Amanda will call again)
ii. John Fiscalini, Fiscalini Cheese (local entrepreneur)
iii. Jeff Burda, Modesto Commerce Bank (Amanda will contact)
iv. Savemart-
v. Chamber of Commerce
vi. Brian Kline, organic farmer (Amanda will speak)
vii. Common Wealth Modesto (Amanda will contact)
viii. Gallo
*If we confirm more than 6 speakers, we will reorganize the format
c. Audience
i. Students
ii. People from community, unemployed residents, neighborhood associations, business owners
II. Go over protocol for organizing symposium (See film protocol)
III. Publicity
i. Title: “Employment in Stanislaus County: Where have we been, where are we going?” Subtitle: “Towards a bright economic future”
ii. Save the Date email- Bill will draft and send to Linda Hoile, List people invited
iii. Michael will draft text for email/poster/psa
iv. Poster Design- Monica will be contacted by Bill
v. PSA- Debbie will send to capital public radio
vi. Modesto Bee- Amanda and Michael will scan paper
b. Food- Bill said there is money in the budget for coffee
c. Tech Order- panels should be filmed, computer for power point presentations, etc.
IV. Nonprofits to invite
V. Divide up duties/Plan next meeting
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
MINUTES from Stanislaus Solutions meeting, August 16, 2010
IN ATTENDANCE: Amanda Hughes, Bill Anelli, Mike Smedshammer, Richard Anderson, Stephen Turitzin, Karl
NEXT MEETING: August 24rd, Morris A, 12pm
I. Review July 19- Minutes
II. Review Mission Statement
The purpose of Stanislaus Solutions is to offer MJC students, community members, elected officials and other stakeholders a platform to discuss and solve local issues that pertain to Stanislaus County and the greater San Joaquin Valley region. The committee researches potential topics in collaboration with local experts and invites qualified speakers to present as part of a symposium panel, lecture series, or forum.
III. Confirm Speakers
a. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC Community and Economic Development (Bill) (confirmed)
b. David Hosley, Executive Director, Great Valley Center (Debbie), met with Dave on Aug. 13 for informational interview, waiting response
c. Teresa Kinney Cardoza’s Economic Development/Grants Coordinator (Karl), not returning calls, but will go through a friend, PLAN B: Virginia Medueno or Tom Berryhill, Jim Demartini
d. Dan Costa (Amanda)- Spoke with secretary, she is waiting for his response, will have confirmation this week, PLAN B: someone from Gallo? Wine Group? Foster Farms? Bronco?
e. Larry Giventer (Amanda), sent email and left message, he has been out of town for 3 weeks, will have confirmation this week, PLAN B: invite Jeffrey Michaels from UOP
f. Bill Bassit (Richard), Stanislaus Alliance (confirmed)
g. California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (Steven), CAMEO has not responded, PLAN B: Karl knows organization in Fresno that does microlending, will ask
h. Valley First Credit Union (Karl), letter sent to CEO, didn’t think that he was appropriate b/c they don’t have business lending, will get back with a name of someone he thinks is more appropriate, PLAN B: Modesto Commerce Bank
IV. Logistics:
a. Context: 1-2:30pm
i. George Boodrookas
ii. Larry Giventer
iii. Bill Bassit
b. Break: 2:30-3:00pm
c. Solutions 3-5pm
i. Dave Hosley
ii. Dan Costa
iii. Teresa Kinney
iv. Micro-lending or Small Business Expert
V. Nonprofits to invite
In addition to sending someone to speak, should these big-picture groups be asked to have tables or posters (or powerpoint slides for intermission)?
1. Stanislaus County Workforce Investment Board (aka WIB aka workforce Alliance) – They are a public agency. I couldn’t find their mission statement.
2. The Great Valley Center – from their mission statement: “We believe that the region can successfully support important natural resources, productive agriculture, a healthy economy and livable communities…We encourage strategic thinking about the future of the region and support policies and actions that will enhance its sustainability.”
3. Congressman Cardoza and his economic development and grants coordinator, Teresa Kinney, work with most non-profit agencies in the community to solve local problems
None of these groups deal with the big picture of local employment/unemployment. However, I think we want them in the room to provide any info and resources related to employment and to hear what gets said so that they might better address the community’s needs.
· Should we vote the six most relevant?
· Can we each contact one or two?
· Before contacting them, though, we want to agree on what we’re asking for: a poster, handouts, a powerpoint to advertise their employment-related activities?
· I think we should also have a press release before contacting them.
1. The Salvation Army provides services (such as resume writing) for people in need of jobs
2. Habitat for Humanity – they focus on housing but I think they train people to work in construction and related fields
3. Center for Human Services provides many services for families but none seem to be employment related
4. The United Way website is an umbrella group with 26 partner agencies like Haven Women’s Center that helps one in three county residents. As near as I can tell the United Way itself does not provide services other than fundraising.
5. Neighborhood Stabilization Project – I think it’s a federal grant that Modesto will use to buy foreclosed houses directly, hire contractors to fix them up and also to help individuals buy foreclosed homes. They focus on the Weed and Seed neighborhood (South of Paradise Road in West Modesto) and the Airport district.
6. Modesto Mission – a colleague recommended them as a good, local non-profit, but I don’t know what they do and I can’t find info online
7. Aspiranet – foster home in Turlock
8. Modesto Weed and Seed -- grant-funded project that’s working in one neighborhood South of Paradise Road in West Modesto but they seem mostly concerned with improving the look of the neighborhood
9. Housing Authority of Stanislaus County – they help people find housing
10. Stanislaus County Literacy Center
11. Parents Resource Center
12. 1st Light Energy – the owner is Justin Krum, and they do solar panel installation and job placement
13. Manufacturer’s Council (contact, Jan Marie Ennenga) – they do training and provide industry tours
14. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (contact, Mark Bowden) – a labor union
VI. Plan of Action for End of August/Division of Duties
NEXT MEETING: August 24rd, Morris A, 12pm
I. Review July 19- Minutes
II. Review Mission Statement
The purpose of Stanislaus Solutions is to offer MJC students, community members, elected officials and other stakeholders a platform to discuss and solve local issues that pertain to Stanislaus County and the greater San Joaquin Valley region. The committee researches potential topics in collaboration with local experts and invites qualified speakers to present as part of a symposium panel, lecture series, or forum.
III. Confirm Speakers
a. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC Community and Economic Development (Bill) (confirmed)
b. David Hosley, Executive Director, Great Valley Center (Debbie), met with Dave on Aug. 13 for informational interview, waiting response
c. Teresa Kinney Cardoza’s Economic Development/Grants Coordinator (Karl), not returning calls, but will go through a friend, PLAN B: Virginia Medueno or Tom Berryhill, Jim Demartini
d. Dan Costa (Amanda)- Spoke with secretary, she is waiting for his response, will have confirmation this week, PLAN B: someone from Gallo? Wine Group? Foster Farms? Bronco?
e. Larry Giventer (Amanda), sent email and left message, he has been out of town for 3 weeks, will have confirmation this week, PLAN B: invite Jeffrey Michaels from UOP
f. Bill Bassit (Richard), Stanislaus Alliance (confirmed)
g. California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (Steven), CAMEO has not responded, PLAN B: Karl knows organization in Fresno that does microlending, will ask
h. Valley First Credit Union (Karl), letter sent to CEO, didn’t think that he was appropriate b/c they don’t have business lending, will get back with a name of someone he thinks is more appropriate, PLAN B: Modesto Commerce Bank
IV. Logistics:
a. Context: 1-2:30pm
i. George Boodrookas
ii. Larry Giventer
iii. Bill Bassit
b. Break: 2:30-3:00pm
c. Solutions 3-5pm
i. Dave Hosley
ii. Dan Costa
iii. Teresa Kinney
iv. Micro-lending or Small Business Expert
V. Nonprofits to invite
In addition to sending someone to speak, should these big-picture groups be asked to have tables or posters (or powerpoint slides for intermission)?
1. Stanislaus County Workforce Investment Board (aka WIB aka workforce Alliance) – They are a public agency. I couldn’t find their mission statement.
2. The Great Valley Center – from their mission statement: “We believe that the region can successfully support important natural resources, productive agriculture, a healthy economy and livable communities…We encourage strategic thinking about the future of the region and support policies and actions that will enhance its sustainability.”
3. Congressman Cardoza and his economic development and grants coordinator, Teresa Kinney, work with most non-profit agencies in the community to solve local problems
None of these groups deal with the big picture of local employment/unemployment. However, I think we want them in the room to provide any info and resources related to employment and to hear what gets said so that they might better address the community’s needs.
· Should we vote the six most relevant?
· Can we each contact one or two?
· Before contacting them, though, we want to agree on what we’re asking for: a poster, handouts, a powerpoint to advertise their employment-related activities?
· I think we should also have a press release before contacting them.
1. The Salvation Army provides services (such as resume writing) for people in need of jobs
2. Habitat for Humanity – they focus on housing but I think they train people to work in construction and related fields
3. Center for Human Services provides many services for families but none seem to be employment related
4. The United Way website is an umbrella group with 26 partner agencies like Haven Women’s Center that helps one in three county residents. As near as I can tell the United Way itself does not provide services other than fundraising.
5. Neighborhood Stabilization Project – I think it’s a federal grant that Modesto will use to buy foreclosed houses directly, hire contractors to fix them up and also to help individuals buy foreclosed homes. They focus on the Weed and Seed neighborhood (South of Paradise Road in West Modesto) and the Airport district.
6. Modesto Mission – a colleague recommended them as a good, local non-profit, but I don’t know what they do and I can’t find info online
7. Aspiranet – foster home in Turlock
8. Modesto Weed and Seed -- grant-funded project that’s working in one neighborhood South of Paradise Road in West Modesto but they seem mostly concerned with improving the look of the neighborhood
9. Housing Authority of Stanislaus County – they help people find housing
10. Stanislaus County Literacy Center
11. Parents Resource Center
12. 1st Light Energy – the owner is Justin Krum, and they do solar panel installation and job placement
13. Manufacturer’s Council (contact, Jan Marie Ennenga) – they do training and provide industry tours
14. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (contact, Mark Bowden) – a labor union
VI. Plan of Action for End of August/Division of Duties
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Useful links posted by Steve Turitzin
1. Micro Lending Action Plan For California (prepared by the California Association For Micro Enterprise Opportunity, CAMEO) http://www.microbiz.org/micro-lending-action-plan.pdf CAMEO website is http://www.microbiz.org/
2. The University of North Carolina has a library with online resources. http://www.sog.unc.edu/library/guide/institutes.html One of their publications that I mentioned briefly at the meeting is, "Clusters and Competitive Advantage: Finding a Niche in the New Economy" http://www.sog.unc.edu/pubs/electronicversions/pg/pgspsm04/article6.pdf
3. One fairly local endeavor is the Truckee Meadows Tomorrow project. It includes economic health as part of a broader quality of life initiative. http://www.truckeemeadowstomorrow.org/about
4. The article I circulated from Forbes showed how Modesto ranks economically (not well) but was light on suggestions for action http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/cities-recovery-unemployment-lifestyle-real-estate-top-ten.html
5. A book that was recommended to me was, "Results That Matter - Improving Communities by Engaging Citizens, Measuring Performance and Getting Things Done" by Paul D. Epstein, et al. There is a preview available on Google books. I haven't tried to read it. It was described to me "a bit of a slog." There is a preview on Google Books. If anyone of you with Interlibrary Loan access through the MJC library wants to request a copy it might interesting to look at.
6. Another paper "Third Tier Cities: Adjusting to the New Economy" is perhaps less useful because it was published in 2001 and may be a bit dated. Also the cities discussed are somewhat smaller than Modesto (up to 100,000 pop) and are in slow or no growth regions. Nevertheless, it may have some useful stuff. I have given it only a cursory look. The link is http://www.geoearth.uncc.edu/people/iheard/4000_5000Readings/ThirdTierCities.pdf
2. The University of North Carolina has a library with online resources. http://www.sog.unc.edu/library/guide/institutes.html One of their publications that I mentioned briefly at the meeting is, "Clusters and Competitive Advantage: Finding a Niche in the New Economy" http://www.sog.unc.edu/pubs/electronicversions/pg/pgspsm04/article6.pdf
3. One fairly local endeavor is the Truckee Meadows Tomorrow project. It includes economic health as part of a broader quality of life initiative. http://www.truckeemeadowstomorrow.org/about
4. The article I circulated from Forbes showed how Modesto ranks economically (not well) but was light on suggestions for action http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/cities-recovery-unemployment-lifestyle-real-estate-top-ten.html
5. A book that was recommended to me was, "Results That Matter - Improving Communities by Engaging Citizens, Measuring Performance and Getting Things Done" by Paul D. Epstein, et al. There is a preview available on Google books. I haven't tried to read it. It was described to me "a bit of a slog." There is a preview on Google Books. If anyone of you with Interlibrary Loan access through the MJC library wants to request a copy it might interesting to look at.
6. Another paper "Third Tier Cities: Adjusting to the New Economy" is perhaps less useful because it was published in 2001 and may be a bit dated. Also the cities discussed are somewhat smaller than Modesto (up to 100,000 pop) and are in slow or no growth regions. Nevertheless, it may have some useful stuff. I have given it only a cursory look. The link is http://www.geoearth.uncc.edu/people/iheard/4000_5000Readings/ThirdTierCities.pdf
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
July 19th 2010 meeting
In Attendance: Amanda Hughes, Bill Anelli, Deborah Gilbert, Mike Smedshammer, Richard Anderson, Stephen Turitzin
Next Meeting: August 16th Morris A, noon
I. Review July 8th Minutes
II. Discuss Wish Lists
a. Bill’s wish list for speakers :
CAUSES/CONTEXT SESSION
1. Rates of employment/unemployment for past 100 years (i think this will be covered by Larry?) vs. California employment/unemployment rates...
2. % of adults with High school-only education in CV vs. California as a whole in past 50 years??
3. Top 5 industries in Stanislaus county - in terms of #jobs and WAGES - what's the median wage of largest group of employed workers? (for instance, 30% make a median wage of xx dollars... ).
4. What would be considered to be a LIVING WAGE in Stan county?
5. Employer surveys? What are employers "top 5" requests/concerns when it comes to workers, hiring?
6. COHORT INFO: what other counties in california are similar to ours in terms of geography, demographics, and industry (AG). Do any these other counties have significantly LOWER unemployment rates? If so, why? what's the relevant difference? Public policy differences?
7. % of jobs in local, family-owned small businesses (less than 25 employees?) vs. large/non-local/corporate owned? How have these figures changed over time?
8. Prior/recent history of inviting new businesses to Stan County - how many specific "invites" vs. specific successes? Zoning issues/enterprise zones - any attempts there?
9. Key county supervisor votes or key ballot propositions or court rulings that have affected employment directly or indirectly?
SOLUTIONS
1. Is employment growing in any areas? which areas? types of businesses?
2. Case examples of someone who has started a successful business with only $5,000 in personal assets? type of business? how were they able to get a loan? educational background of entrepreneur? prior business background of entrepreneur?
3. case examples of successful micro loans here in stan county OR in a cohort county?
III. Confirm Speakers for Each Session
a. Larry Giventer and Bill Bassitt in first session, will be invited to sit on panel in second session for Q/A
b. Debbie stated that the Workforce Investment Alliance, Great Valley Center, and Congressman Cardoza’s office are the only organizations that are actively working on long-term planning around employment issue.
i. Audience Members: nonprofits who have interest in putting people to work, MJC students, community members, business owners, policy makers
ii. Schedule/Speakers:
1. Panel 1 on Context (1pm-2:15)(1:15 minutes total, 20-25 minute each plus discussion)
a. Larry Giventer (Amanda), can explain how unemployment rates are calculated and clarify some of the common misconceptions about them, share
b. Bill Bassit (Richard Anderson)
2. Break 2:15-2:25
3. Panel 2 (2:30-5pm)
a. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC of MJC’s Community and Economic Development (Bill) (10 minutes)
b. David Hosley, Executive Director, Great Valley Center (Debbie) (25 minutes) (can speak from perspective that Agriculture is a competitive advantage, what needs to happen to make bring ag better jobs)
c. Teresa Kinney Cardoza’s Economic Development/Grants Coordinator (Karl) (25 minutes)
d. Dan Costa-what is preventing him from growing business, what does he want policy makers to change (Amanda) (25 minutes)
e. California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (Steven will contact) (25 minutes)
f. Valley First Credit Union (Karl)
IV. Plan of Action for August/Division of Duties
a. For next meeting, please contact designated speaker and confirm whether they can attend, make sure to emphasize that the speaker needs to address specific solutions
b. Invite nonprofits to have tables
c. Coffee/Dessert served during break? Bill will find out about food restriction with Sherri Suarez
d. For next meeting discuss publicity/media/poster
Next Meeting: August 16th Morris A, noon
I. Review July 8th Minutes
II. Discuss Wish Lists
a. Bill’s wish list for speakers :
CAUSES/CONTEXT SESSION
1. Rates of employment/unemployment for past 100 years (i think this will be covered by Larry?) vs. California employment/unemployment rates...
2. % of adults with High school-only education in CV vs. California as a whole in past 50 years??
3. Top 5 industries in Stanislaus county - in terms of #jobs and WAGES - what's the median wage of largest group of employed workers? (for instance, 30% make a median wage of xx dollars... ).
4. What would be considered to be a LIVING WAGE in Stan county?
5. Employer surveys? What are employers "top 5" requests/concerns when it comes to workers, hiring?
6. COHORT INFO: what other counties in california are similar to ours in terms of geography, demographics, and industry (AG). Do any these other counties have significantly LOWER unemployment rates? If so, why? what's the relevant difference? Public policy differences?
7. % of jobs in local, family-owned small businesses (less than 25 employees?) vs. large/non-local/corporate owned? How have these figures changed over time?
8. Prior/recent history of inviting new businesses to Stan County - how many specific "invites" vs. specific successes? Zoning issues/enterprise zones - any attempts there?
9. Key county supervisor votes or key ballot propositions or court rulings that have affected employment directly or indirectly?
SOLUTIONS
1. Is employment growing in any areas? which areas? types of businesses?
2. Case examples of someone who has started a successful business with only $5,000 in personal assets? type of business? how were they able to get a loan? educational background of entrepreneur? prior business background of entrepreneur?
3. case examples of successful micro loans here in stan county OR in a cohort county?
III. Confirm Speakers for Each Session
a. Larry Giventer and Bill Bassitt in first session, will be invited to sit on panel in second session for Q/A
b. Debbie stated that the Workforce Investment Alliance, Great Valley Center, and Congressman Cardoza’s office are the only organizations that are actively working on long-term planning around employment issue.
i. Audience Members: nonprofits who have interest in putting people to work, MJC students, community members, business owners, policy makers
ii. Schedule/Speakers:
1. Panel 1 on Context (1pm-2:15)(1:15 minutes total, 20-25 minute each plus discussion)
a. Larry Giventer (Amanda), can explain how unemployment rates are calculated and clarify some of the common misconceptions about them, share
b. Bill Bassit (Richard Anderson)
2. Break 2:15-2:25
3. Panel 2 (2:30-5pm)
a. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC of MJC’s Community and Economic Development (Bill) (10 minutes)
b. David Hosley, Executive Director, Great Valley Center (Debbie) (25 minutes) (can speak from perspective that Agriculture is a competitive advantage, what needs to happen to make bring ag better jobs)
c. Teresa Kinney Cardoza’s Economic Development/Grants Coordinator (Karl) (25 minutes)
d. Dan Costa-what is preventing him from growing business, what does he want policy makers to change (Amanda) (25 minutes)
e. California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (Steven will contact) (25 minutes)
f. Valley First Credit Union (Karl)
IV. Plan of Action for August/Division of Duties
a. For next meeting, please contact designated speaker and confirm whether they can attend, make sure to emphasize that the speaker needs to address specific solutions
b. Invite nonprofits to have tables
c. Coffee/Dessert served during break? Bill will find out about food restriction with Sherri Suarez
d. For next meeting discuss publicity/media/poster
Saturday, July 17, 2010
July 8th, 2010 MINUTES – CEP - Stanislaus Solutions
Attendance: Amanda Hughes, Bill Anelli, Deborah Gilbert, Mike Smedshammer, Richard Anderson, Stephen Turitzin
Next Meeting: Monday, July 19, at noon
I. CEP Stanislaus Action Items Approved or Denied
a. No action items were voted upon
II. Stanislaus Solutions – follow-up status from prior meeting (HW)
a. Agreed to one day symposium on October 15th, MJC West Campus, Debbie booked room
III. Meeting/Discussion
a. General comments, suggestions, concerns
i. Given our limited time and need for community participation and discussion amongst panelists, we must be careful to limit the number of speakers in each panel.
ii. Publicity, publicity, publicity!
iii. Speakers usually prefer to be given a roadmap – where we want them to go, etc…
iv. SOLUTIONS PANEL…
1. Consider breaking down solutions-discussions into SHORT-TERM solutions and LONG-TERM solutions since these are probably quite different and require different sorts of resources and knowledge…
2. Given the challenges, we should focus on “out of the box” solutions. Examples of short-term out of the box solutions: MICRO LENDING; MORE GRANTS APPLICATIONS (can we identify groups that have successfully implemented these solutions either here or in our “cohort” community? (which towns/areas would fit as our cohort?)
b. Breakdown of Panel Presentation
i. Panel #1 (Context/Background to Employment) – from 1 pm to 2:30 pm?
1. The point was made that the context/background panel will most likely require less discussion than the subsequent “solutions” panel… so shorten the first panel?
2. Proposed speakers for Panel #1 – Causes/Context
a. Lawrence Giventer, Professor, Politics and Public Administration, CSU Stanislaus
b. Bill Bassett or Jeff Rowe
c. Jeffrey Michaels – University of the Pacific
d. Invite non-profits from Modesto as well as the airport district (suggested by Deborah/Dan)
e. Invite a good speaker who happens to be unemployed-with-skills and can offer a direct perspective (suggested by Bill)
ii. Panel #2 – Employment Solutions – from 3 pm to 6 pm?
1. Proposed speakers for Panel #2 – Employment Solutions
a. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC’s Community and Economic Development, can provide intro/set the stage
b. Michelle Weber, PH.D. in Political Economy, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments (she offered interesting ideas on the potential role of micro lending)
c. Dan Costa?
d. Invite a good speaker who happens to be unemployed-with-skills and can offer a direct perspective (suggested by Bill)
iii. MC for the event? - Bill Anelli/coordinator of CEP or ??
iv. Non-profit participation
1. Table display for non-profits who are actively addressing employment issues in the valley
2. Invite these non-profits to submit power point slides to be projected before each panel and during breaks…
3. List of possible non-profits
a. Great valley Center
b. Stanislaus Alliance
c. Habitat for Humanity
d. City of Modesto
IV. HOMEWORK FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS (DUE NEXT MEETING)
a. Bill –
i. Minutes
ii. email Amanda five “wish list” items that panelists should cover – for both panels
b. Mike
i. contact George – would he like to be on a solutions panel? (we did speak with George at the end of the meeting – and he tentatively said yes… ??)
ii. Research: non-profit groups, speakers, ??
iii. Public Relations - ??
iv. email Amanda five “wish list” items that panelists should cover – for both panels
c. Deborah
i. Will research non-profits to invite
ii. email Amanda five “wish list” items that panelists should cover – for both panels
d. Richard
i. Will contact Bill Bassett, Jeff Rowe – are they available?
ii. email Amanda five “wish list” items that panelists should cover – for both panels
iii. Research…
e. Amanda
i. Research…
ii. Compile wish list items for speakers (and bug us if we haven’t submitted these via email to her… : ) )
V. EMPLOYMENT PANEL SYMPOSIUM INFO, CONTACTS, RELEVANT WEBLINKS
a. When: October 15, Friday, 1 to 6 pm in Sierra 132
b. POSSIBLE SPEAKERS/EXPERTS
i. Keith Griffith, Senior Manager for Education, Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance, 567-4985; griffitk@stanalliance.com
ii. Lawrence Giventer, Professor, Politics and Public Administration, CSU Stanislaus, (209) 667-3509, LGiventer@csustan.edu
iii. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC's Community and Economic Development , 575-6714 boodrookasg@mjc.edu
iv. Michelle Weber, Ph.D. (political economy) Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 848-4496 mweberphd@gmail.com
v. Randall Svedbeck, Research Manager, Stanislaus Economic Development & Workforce Alliance, 567-4636 SvedbeR@stanalliance.com
vi. Balvino Irizary
vii. Virginia Medueno
viii. Carla Strong
ix. Bill Bassett
x. Jeff Rowe
xi. Dennis Cardoza
xii. Rich Homer (?)
xiii. Bill Lyons
xiv. Ann Venomen
xv. Curtis Clark
xvi. Someone from Stoobies Organic Dairy
xvii. Hans Bjornsen, UC Merced (he has experience creating alternate business models)
c. WEBLINKS
i. Cisco De Vries/PACE - http://www.renewfund.com/ ; http://www.grist.org/article/2010-04-22-cisco-devries-renewable-funding-earth-day-40-people
Next Meeting: Monday, July 19, at noon
I. CEP Stanislaus Action Items Approved or Denied
a. No action items were voted upon
II. Stanislaus Solutions – follow-up status from prior meeting (HW)
a. Agreed to one day symposium on October 15th, MJC West Campus, Debbie booked room
III. Meeting/Discussion
a. General comments, suggestions, concerns
i. Given our limited time and need for community participation and discussion amongst panelists, we must be careful to limit the number of speakers in each panel.
ii. Publicity, publicity, publicity!
iii. Speakers usually prefer to be given a roadmap – where we want them to go, etc…
iv. SOLUTIONS PANEL…
1. Consider breaking down solutions-discussions into SHORT-TERM solutions and LONG-TERM solutions since these are probably quite different and require different sorts of resources and knowledge…
2. Given the challenges, we should focus on “out of the box” solutions. Examples of short-term out of the box solutions: MICRO LENDING; MORE GRANTS APPLICATIONS (can we identify groups that have successfully implemented these solutions either here or in our “cohort” community? (which towns/areas would fit as our cohort?)
b. Breakdown of Panel Presentation
i. Panel #1 (Context/Background to Employment) – from 1 pm to 2:30 pm?
1. The point was made that the context/background panel will most likely require less discussion than the subsequent “solutions” panel… so shorten the first panel?
2. Proposed speakers for Panel #1 – Causes/Context
a. Lawrence Giventer, Professor, Politics and Public Administration, CSU Stanislaus
b. Bill Bassett or Jeff Rowe
c. Jeffrey Michaels – University of the Pacific
d. Invite non-profits from Modesto as well as the airport district (suggested by Deborah/Dan)
e. Invite a good speaker who happens to be unemployed-with-skills and can offer a direct perspective (suggested by Bill)
ii. Panel #2 – Employment Solutions – from 3 pm to 6 pm?
1. Proposed speakers for Panel #2 – Employment Solutions
a. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC’s Community and Economic Development, can provide intro/set the stage
b. Michelle Weber, PH.D. in Political Economy, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments (she offered interesting ideas on the potential role of micro lending)
c. Dan Costa?
d. Invite a good speaker who happens to be unemployed-with-skills and can offer a direct perspective (suggested by Bill)
iii. MC for the event? - Bill Anelli/coordinator of CEP or ??
iv. Non-profit participation
1. Table display for non-profits who are actively addressing employment issues in the valley
2. Invite these non-profits to submit power point slides to be projected before each panel and during breaks…
3. List of possible non-profits
a. Great valley Center
b. Stanislaus Alliance
c. Habitat for Humanity
d. City of Modesto
IV. HOMEWORK FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS (DUE NEXT MEETING)
a. Bill –
i. Minutes
ii. email Amanda five “wish list” items that panelists should cover – for both panels
b. Mike
i. contact George – would he like to be on a solutions panel? (we did speak with George at the end of the meeting – and he tentatively said yes… ??)
ii. Research: non-profit groups, speakers, ??
iii. Public Relations - ??
iv. email Amanda five “wish list” items that panelists should cover – for both panels
c. Deborah
i. Will research non-profits to invite
ii. email Amanda five “wish list” items that panelists should cover – for both panels
d. Richard
i. Will contact Bill Bassett, Jeff Rowe – are they available?
ii. email Amanda five “wish list” items that panelists should cover – for both panels
iii. Research…
e. Amanda
i. Research…
ii. Compile wish list items for speakers (and bug us if we haven’t submitted these via email to her… : ) )
V. EMPLOYMENT PANEL SYMPOSIUM INFO, CONTACTS, RELEVANT WEBLINKS
a. When: October 15, Friday, 1 to 6 pm in Sierra 132
b. POSSIBLE SPEAKERS/EXPERTS
i. Keith Griffith, Senior Manager for Education, Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance, 567-4985; griffitk@stanalliance.com
ii. Lawrence Giventer, Professor, Politics and Public Administration, CSU Stanislaus, (209) 667-3509, LGiventer@csustan.edu
iii. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC's Community and Economic Development , 575-6714 boodrookasg@mjc.edu
iv. Michelle Weber, Ph.D. (political economy) Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 848-4496 mweberphd@gmail.com
v. Randall Svedbeck, Research Manager, Stanislaus Economic Development & Workforce Alliance, 567-4636 SvedbeR@stanalliance.com
vi. Balvino Irizary
vii. Virginia Medueno
viii. Carla Strong
ix. Bill Bassett
x. Jeff Rowe
xi. Dennis Cardoza
xii. Rich Homer (?)
xiii. Bill Lyons
xiv. Ann Venomen
xv. Curtis Clark
xvi. Someone from Stoobies Organic Dairy
xvii. Hans Bjornsen, UC Merced (he has experience creating alternate business models)
c. WEBLINKS
i. Cisco De Vries/PACE - http://www.renewfund.com/ ; http://www.grist.org/article/2010-04-22-cisco-devries-renewable-funding-earth-day-40-people
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Minutes: Stanislaus Solutions Meeting -- June 9th, 2010
Amanda welcomes everyone and explains who we are: “Stanislaus Solutions: Town hall meetings to discuss and solve local issues.”
The following people are at the table and introduce themselves: Amanda Hughes, Keith Griffith, Randall Svedbeck, Larry Giventer, Karl Reitz, Michelle Weber, George Boodrookas, Debbie Gilbert, Bill Anelli, Richard Anderson, Mike Smedshammer -- and his kids, Samantha and Calvin
1. Keith Griffith, Senior Manager for Education, Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance, 567-4985; griffitk@stanalliance.com
2. Lawrence Giventer, Professor, Politics and Public Administration, CSU Stanislaus, (209) 667-3509, LGiventer@csustan.edu
3. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC's Community and Economic Development , 575-6714 boodrookasg@mjc.edu
4. Michelle Weber, Ph.D. (political economy) Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 848-4496 mweberphd@gmail.com
5. Randall Svedbeck, Research Manager, Stanislaus Economic Development & Workforce Alliance, 567-4636 SvedbeR@stanalliance.com
Richard explains how Stanislaus Solutions came about: he wanted a program, like MAPS, but with more of a sociological approach to local problems.
Amanda requests presentation for those prepared to do so.
Larry shows us a set of interactive maps that visually present the changes in national and local unemployment rates over the last five to ten years. The documents are called:
•“When Did Your County’s Jobs Disappear”
•“The Decline: The Geography of a Recession”
•“Unemployment in California”
-->They can be found at blackboard.csustan.edu, search course name “American Government” then go to topics – employment, education, social services
Larry summarizes his findings: The San Joaquin Region has always had about 5% worse employment than California, even in good times, as well as dramatic seasonal shifts. We have a weak manufacturing sector and more annual, dramatic seasonal shifts than other regions; this situation is only partly due to agricultural rhythms. It’s hard to know exactly what’s going on since we don’t keep track of employment rates according to industry. The San Joaquin Region is a severe pocket of unemployment comparable to three other regions in the U.S.: the Iron Range, the Deep South and Appalachia. Something distinct is going on in our region vis-a-vis California at large, but no one really knows why it is so anomalous.
Keith says that we have isolated three main reasons for the high unemployment:
•low education rates – Stanislaus County has a 68.1% high school graduation rate
•high illiteracy rates – Stanislaus County has 23.8% functional illiteracy
•drugs
George reads from a document entitled “Central Regional Economic Overview” prepared by Michelle Marquez, director of MJC’s Center for Excellence; it’s a twelve-page report that provides an industry and occupational overview of the Central Region and includes a one-page cover sheet that lists growth sectors. (I think we can email George for it.)
Michelle says that one solution would be to incentivize entrepreneurial activity. 15,000 out of the 45,000 unemployed are skilled and/or have other credentials; they are potential entrepreneurs. She thinks that we need to focus on providing entrepreneurial opportunities – what she calls organic economic growth or incubator projects – rather than trying to get big companies to relocate here. She is looking for similar projects in cohort-type regions to study so as to predict and plan out the future.
Minimum job qualifications in the region have shifted in the last 40 years: less than 10% of jobs in Stanislaus County can be done without a high school diploma; in the 1970’s 68% of jobs could be done without one.
George points out that a lot is being done already to train people and prepare the workforce but the picture isn’t changing much. His question is: What can we do differently to be more effective?
Keith believes that a major problem is that we don’t provide incentive to companies to move here. He drew a comparison to a county that gave Hyundai $100 million to build a factory.
George asks: What kind of jobs do we want? That’s another question for this panel.
Larry mentions two projects with potential: a UC Merced teaching hospital and a transfer center at Crows Landing (stuff would be shipped from Oakland and warehoused there). Both would create ancillary jobs
Keith thinks that the Crows Landing plan has potential especially when considering that 16.7% nationwide are in moving goods. The relevant curriculum is called logistics.
He mentions two more projects with potential: Riverbank Army Plant and a VA Corrections Hospital.
He then points out that the state spends $7,000 to keep a public student in school per year and $52,000 to keep a prisoner in jail for a year; spending money on education is cost effective.
Michelle fears that if we don’t create opportunities now, when the economy starts to improve we’ll have mass relocation of the skilled unemployed who will leave for jobs in the Bay Area or elsewhere making our situation worse yet.
The problem, when considering green jobs is that, most probably, new jobs wouldn’t be created. Instead, workers will simply retool by adding green skills to their qualifications.
At this point in the meeting, the conversation turns to assets of the local region including:
•affordability
•good schools (see cde.ca.gov for education statistics including local school ratings)
•available land
•cheap water
•sun
•agriculture
•an aging population (thus providing job opportunities)
A good analysis will look at assets versus obstacles.
Two major growth industries are: geriatric goods and service, education.
George makes the comment that what we’re doing in this meeting is important and novel because faculty is asking for it. He summarizes what we are doing as “raising awareness to lead to potential solutions.”
Google analytics can determine where money and demand are and may be a good tool for determining what kinds of businesses make sense locally.
Stanislaus County only has 529,000 residents which prevents some companies, like Nordstrom, from considering setting up shop.
George makes a request: Since what we’re doing – incremental adaptation – has not worked, he would like part of a session devoted to thinking completely out of the box.
Michelle suggests that in the first session we discuss context and causes including opportunities.
Dan points out that we should decide who we want our audience to be and be sure to let our speakers know.
Larry suggests a one-day, six-hour session.
Possible speakers for our series:
•Dan suggest we invite non-profits from the Airport District who are trying to get people into jobs and unemployed people with innovative ideas
•Balvino Irizary
•Virginia Medueno
•Carla Strong
•Bill Bassett
•Jeff Rowe
•Dennis Cardoza
•Rich Homer (?)
•Bill Lyons
•Ann Venomen
•Curtis Clark
•Someone from Stoobies Organic Dairy
•Hans Bjornsen, UC Merced (he has experience creating alternate business models)
Amanda, Bill and Debbie decide on October 15th from 1-6 and book Sierra Hall 132 for that day.
The following people are at the table and introduce themselves: Amanda Hughes, Keith Griffith, Randall Svedbeck, Larry Giventer, Karl Reitz, Michelle Weber, George Boodrookas, Debbie Gilbert, Bill Anelli, Richard Anderson, Mike Smedshammer -- and his kids, Samantha and Calvin
1. Keith Griffith, Senior Manager for Education, Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance, 567-4985; griffitk@stanalliance.com
2. Lawrence Giventer, Professor, Politics and Public Administration, CSU Stanislaus, (209) 667-3509, LGiventer@csustan.edu
3. George Boodrookas, Dean of MJC's Community and Economic Development , 575-6714 boodrookasg@mjc.edu
4. Michelle Weber, Ph.D. (political economy) Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments 848-4496 mweberphd@gmail.com
5. Randall Svedbeck, Research Manager, Stanislaus Economic Development & Workforce Alliance, 567-4636 SvedbeR@stanalliance.com
Richard explains how Stanislaus Solutions came about: he wanted a program, like MAPS, but with more of a sociological approach to local problems.
Amanda requests presentation for those prepared to do so.
Larry shows us a set of interactive maps that visually present the changes in national and local unemployment rates over the last five to ten years. The documents are called:
•“When Did Your County’s Jobs Disappear”
•“The Decline: The Geography of a Recession”
•“Unemployment in California”
-->They can be found at blackboard.csustan.edu, search course name “American Government” then go to topics – employment, education, social services
Larry summarizes his findings: The San Joaquin Region has always had about 5% worse employment than California, even in good times, as well as dramatic seasonal shifts. We have a weak manufacturing sector and more annual, dramatic seasonal shifts than other regions; this situation is only partly due to agricultural rhythms. It’s hard to know exactly what’s going on since we don’t keep track of employment rates according to industry. The San Joaquin Region is a severe pocket of unemployment comparable to three other regions in the U.S.: the Iron Range, the Deep South and Appalachia. Something distinct is going on in our region vis-a-vis California at large, but no one really knows why it is so anomalous.
Keith says that we have isolated three main reasons for the high unemployment:
•low education rates – Stanislaus County has a 68.1% high school graduation rate
•high illiteracy rates – Stanislaus County has 23.8% functional illiteracy
•drugs
George reads from a document entitled “Central Regional Economic Overview” prepared by Michelle Marquez, director of MJC’s Center for Excellence; it’s a twelve-page report that provides an industry and occupational overview of the Central Region and includes a one-page cover sheet that lists growth sectors. (I think we can email George for it.)
Michelle says that one solution would be to incentivize entrepreneurial activity. 15,000 out of the 45,000 unemployed are skilled and/or have other credentials; they are potential entrepreneurs. She thinks that we need to focus on providing entrepreneurial opportunities – what she calls organic economic growth or incubator projects – rather than trying to get big companies to relocate here. She is looking for similar projects in cohort-type regions to study so as to predict and plan out the future.
Minimum job qualifications in the region have shifted in the last 40 years: less than 10% of jobs in Stanislaus County can be done without a high school diploma; in the 1970’s 68% of jobs could be done without one.
George points out that a lot is being done already to train people and prepare the workforce but the picture isn’t changing much. His question is: What can we do differently to be more effective?
Keith believes that a major problem is that we don’t provide incentive to companies to move here. He drew a comparison to a county that gave Hyundai $100 million to build a factory.
George asks: What kind of jobs do we want? That’s another question for this panel.
Larry mentions two projects with potential: a UC Merced teaching hospital and a transfer center at Crows Landing (stuff would be shipped from Oakland and warehoused there). Both would create ancillary jobs
Keith thinks that the Crows Landing plan has potential especially when considering that 16.7% nationwide are in moving goods. The relevant curriculum is called logistics.
He mentions two more projects with potential: Riverbank Army Plant and a VA Corrections Hospital.
He then points out that the state spends $7,000 to keep a public student in school per year and $52,000 to keep a prisoner in jail for a year; spending money on education is cost effective.
Michelle fears that if we don’t create opportunities now, when the economy starts to improve we’ll have mass relocation of the skilled unemployed who will leave for jobs in the Bay Area or elsewhere making our situation worse yet.
The problem, when considering green jobs is that, most probably, new jobs wouldn’t be created. Instead, workers will simply retool by adding green skills to their qualifications.
At this point in the meeting, the conversation turns to assets of the local region including:
•affordability
•good schools (see cde.ca.gov for education statistics including local school ratings)
•available land
•cheap water
•sun
•agriculture
•an aging population (thus providing job opportunities)
A good analysis will look at assets versus obstacles.
Two major growth industries are: geriatric goods and service, education.
George makes the comment that what we’re doing in this meeting is important and novel because faculty is asking for it. He summarizes what we are doing as “raising awareness to lead to potential solutions.”
Google analytics can determine where money and demand are and may be a good tool for determining what kinds of businesses make sense locally.
Stanislaus County only has 529,000 residents which prevents some companies, like Nordstrom, from considering setting up shop.
George makes a request: Since what we’re doing – incremental adaptation – has not worked, he would like part of a session devoted to thinking completely out of the box.
Michelle suggests that in the first session we discuss context and causes including opportunities.
Dan points out that we should decide who we want our audience to be and be sure to let our speakers know.
Larry suggests a one-day, six-hour session.
Possible speakers for our series:
•Dan suggest we invite non-profits from the Airport District who are trying to get people into jobs and unemployed people with innovative ideas
•Balvino Irizary
•Virginia Medueno
•Carla Strong
•Bill Bassett
•Jeff Rowe
•Dennis Cardoza
•Rich Homer (?)
•Bill Lyons
•Ann Venomen
•Curtis Clark
•Someone from Stoobies Organic Dairy
•Hans Bjornsen, UC Merced (he has experience creating alternate business models)
Amanda, Bill and Debbie decide on October 15th from 1-6 and book Sierra Hall 132 for that day.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Minutes from April 9th meeting
CEP’s new lecture committee met on Friday, April 9th, and we decided on a name and tag line: Stanislaus Solutions, Town hall meetings to discuss and solve local issues.
Richard Anderson, Amanda Hughes, Karl Reitz, Dan Onorato, and Debbie Gilbert continued planning for our first lecture series -- around the issue of Local Unemployment -- which will take place Fall 2010.
Our strategy is to schedule one more meeting to which we will invite key community members involved in solving the local unemployment crisis. We will invite:
· Keith Griffith of Stanislaus Alliance;
· someone from the Chamber of Commerce;
· a city council member;
· someone from the Public Policy Institute of California;
· Michele Weber, a local micro-financing specialist;
· Lawrence Giventer, a Stan State political scientist who has done quantitative analysis around local unemployment;
· Dave Hosley of the Great Valley Center;
· someone from Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors;
· someone from Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission (or LAFCO).
We each agreed to contact one or two people from the above list and invite them to a brown bag lunch meeting from 12-2 on Wednesday, June 9th or Friday, June 11th; the ultimate goal is to plan out a series of town hall meetings, each focused on key elements of the local unemployment crisis.
Finally, Dan recommended the current issue of National Geographic which is about water: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/. And Amanda recommended Paul Krugman’s NYT cover story, “Building a Green Economy,” about the economic implications of carbon reduction: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/magazine/11Economy-t.html
Richard Anderson, Amanda Hughes, Karl Reitz, Dan Onorato, and Debbie Gilbert continued planning for our first lecture series -- around the issue of Local Unemployment -- which will take place Fall 2010.
Our strategy is to schedule one more meeting to which we will invite key community members involved in solving the local unemployment crisis. We will invite:
· Keith Griffith of Stanislaus Alliance;
· someone from the Chamber of Commerce;
· a city council member;
· someone from the Public Policy Institute of California;
· Michele Weber, a local micro-financing specialist;
· Lawrence Giventer, a Stan State political scientist who has done quantitative analysis around local unemployment;
· Dave Hosley of the Great Valley Center;
· someone from Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors;
· someone from Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission (or LAFCO).
We each agreed to contact one or two people from the above list and invite them to a brown bag lunch meeting from 12-2 on Wednesday, June 9th or Friday, June 11th; the ultimate goal is to plan out a series of town hall meetings, each focused on key elements of the local unemployment crisis.
Finally, Dan recommended the current issue of National Geographic which is about water: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/. And Amanda recommended Paul Krugman’s NYT cover story, “Building a Green Economy,” about the economic implications of carbon reduction: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/magazine/11Economy-t.html
Thursday, March 25, 2010
(Partial) Announcement of April 1st panel discussion, 7pm in Forum 101, MJC's East Campus:
MID is considering contracting with SunPower Corporation to make a 25 megawatt solar panel project on 160 acres of land just north of Al's Furniture. The CEP Film and Lecture Series has arranged for several authoritative speakers to explain the project, and also describe another solar project proposed by another company (Sol Orchard) for the now-closed Geer Rd. Landfill.
MID is considering contracting with SunPower Corporation to make a 25 megawatt solar panel project on 160 acres of land just north of Al's Furniture. The CEP Film and Lecture Series has arranged for several authoritative speakers to explain the project, and also describe another solar project proposed by another company (Sol Orchard) for the now-closed Geer Rd. Landfill.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Check out this great short
This little video video suggests one way we might structure one of our events:
http://www.songofacitizen.com/songofacitizen.com/8.html
http://www.songofacitizen.com/songofacitizen.com/8.html
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Ideas for our Local Unemployment event(s)
Please share your ideas for specific speakers on the topic of Local Unemployment and specific ideas you have regarding the format (e.g. three speakers for 20 minutes each followed by an hour of Q&A). You should be able to simply click on the word "comments" below this post in order to enter the conversation.
I will compile the comments and they will provide a starting point for our next meeting.
I will compile the comments and they will provide a starting point for our next meeting.
Highlights from our first meeting
We were unanimously in favor of beginning with a panel on the issue of local unemployment. Many people had ideas of possible speakers -- an economist, someone from the chamber of commerce or the small business bureau, someone from a local community that has created jobs successfully. Amanda pointed out the importance of emphasizing job creation without adding to sprawl. And Steve pointed out that 60% of Americans are employed in local businesses which, to me, says that we should have someone address the importance of consumer choice and consumer power.
Generally, people seemed to favor having a "local economy" theme for the first semester where we couple an event dealing with jobs with an event dealing with either foreclosures or education rates and funding. Troy reminded us that Modesto is known, not only for high unemployment, but also for low education levels and that their coexistence is no coincidence.
We also talked about quickly organizing a panel around the photovoltaic option on North McHenry for April 1st; Bill's April first CEP event will have to be cancelled so we have a room booked already (FH101 not 110). Mike and Amanda both said they would work on that (ideally with you).
We each shared other topics we would like to address next year: I think water and air quality are the next priority.
We discussed the optimal meeting day; people made good arguments for Thursday and seemed to prefer that option.
Finally, Bill said he would draft some protocols.
Generally, people seemed to favor having a "local economy" theme for the first semester where we couple an event dealing with jobs with an event dealing with either foreclosures or education rates and funding. Troy reminded us that Modesto is known, not only for high unemployment, but also for low education levels and that their coexistence is no coincidence.
We also talked about quickly organizing a panel around the photovoltaic option on North McHenry for April 1st; Bill's April first CEP event will have to be cancelled so we have a room booked already (FH101 not 110). Mike and Amanda both said they would work on that (ideally with you).
We each shared other topics we would like to address next year: I think water and air quality are the next priority.
We discussed the optimal meeting day; people made good arguments for Thursday and seemed to prefer that option.
Finally, Bill said he would draft some protocols.
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