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