WIOA Overview on the County Board of Supervisors Meeting

October 2024

WIOA Overview on the County Board of Supervisors Meeting

During the October 1 County Board of Supervisors meeting, Workforce Development Board Executive Director Billy Francis presented an overview of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to the supervisors and the public. He also introduced the county's One-Stop Operator, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC), and Title 1B service provider, Eckerd Connects, which oversees programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth. This presentation served as a valuable opportunity for the community to learn more about the available workforce development programs.

Full Presentation

Coconino County Minimum Wage Study Focus Groups for employers and workers Nov. 13 & 14

The Coconino County Workforce Development has partnered with Northern Arizona University Economic Policy Institute to comprehensively understand and analyze the impacts of higher minimum wages on workforce development and economic development within the county. This collaboration reflects our commitment to grounding our strategies in robust, data-driven insights that will ultimately support a thriving, sustainable economy for all.

The insights from this study will provide critical guidance to the Workforce Board as we shape future policies and program decisions. However, to ensure our approach reflects the true experiences and needs of our local businesses and workers, we need to hear directly from you.

We invite business owners and employees to participate in upcoming virtual focus groups. Discussions with business owners to share perspectives on how the wage increase has influenced business operations, workforce, and business decisions. Discussions with employees will focus on how the wage increase has affected work, hours, and quality of life.

Your input will be invaluable in helping us develop well-informed and balanced policies that drive positive outcomes for businesses and workers alike. Please sign up for the upcoming focus group discussions scheduled for November 13 & 14.

Employees Register

Business Owners Register

October Recap: Key Events and Highlights

Arizona Digital Inclusion Summit 2024

Coconino Workforce Executive Director Billy Francis has been invited to join the panel at the 3rd Annual Arizona Digital Inclusion Summit. Mr. Francis shared valuable insights into the critical role digital literacy plays in advancing the mission of the local Workforce Development Board.

Arizona Digital Inclusion Summit

Indigenous Peoples Day: Reflecting, Honoring Resilience: Voices for Land and Community

Our ARIZONA@WORK Coconino team participated in the Indigenous Peoples Day: Reflecting, Honoring Resilience: Voices for Land and Community” organized by Flagstaff City Indigenous Commission and Initiative held October 14. We connected with our indigenous neighbors and business owners about workforce and talent development.

Highlights of the celebration include the “Local Indigenous Business Owners” discussion led by Darren Lance and Healing cultural share through dances and songs led by Hualapai "People of the Tall Pines" and Havasupai "People of the blue-green water" members.

Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network meeting

ARIZONA@WORK Coconino Assistant Director Regina Salas joined the Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network (NAJGN) meeting held October 17 at the Camp Verde Business Resource & Innovation Center. Network partners in attendance including Local First Arizona, Center for the Future of Arizona, White Mountain Economic Development Center, Coconino Community College, Mohave Community College, Northland Pioneer College, Yavapai County Workforce Development, North Country Healthcare, Mohave Economic Development, Navajo County Workforce Development, and Yavapai College.

NAJGN Phase 2 "Design for Training Programs" has commenced. This phase aims to create impactful training programs specifically targeting: Construction and Entrepreneurship, Food Services, Non-Technical Skills, Medical Assistant Accelerator, Manufacturing and Outdoor Hospitality. These focus areas were selected based on a careful assessment of regional workforce needs and aim to equip participants with practical skills that align with industry demands.

We look forward to ongoing collaboration with our network partners as we collectively drive the development of these training programs. Further updates on the progress and potential areas for partner involvement will be communicated in the coming months.

NAJGN Blueprint

Shaping the Future: Educating the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals

Staff recently joined Coconino Workforce Development Board Vice-Chair Gail Jackson and board members Julie Pastrick, Brent Nielson, Brenda Sipe, and John Saltonstall, participating in the Northern Arizona Healthcare Workforce Forum, hosted by Northern Arizona University (NAU) College of Health and Human Services last October 29^th. Bringing together key stakeholders the forum centered on collaborative solutions for building a robust healthcare workforce in Northern Arizona.

Highlights include remarks from NAU President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera and educational initiatives across Coconino Community College, NAU, and Northland Pioneer College, emphasizing programs designed to address regional healthcare workforce needs.

Group discussions explored critical themes, including:

Supporting healthcare organizations to address current recruitment needs to ensure availability of preceptors and mentors.
Strengthening educational pathways and partnerships.
Expanding access to shadowing, internships, and mentorship programs.
Enhancing outreach to underserved populations and communities and increasing awareness of healthcare options.

Organized by the Center for the Future of Arizona and Colorado Plateau Center for Health Professions at North Country HealthCare, this forum underscored the need for strong partnerships across educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community leaders to address the healthcare workforce challenges in Northern Arizona. By aligning efforts, we are well-positioned to foster a future-ready healthcare workforce that meets the region's needs. Here’s to active engagement in these collaborative initiatives to help drive impactful, long-term workforce solutions.

Center for the Future of Arizona

Eckerd Connects Introduction

Welcome to an exciting new chapter in workforce services for Coconino County! We are pleased to introduce Eckerd Connects as the new service provider for Career Development programs in our community. Eckerd Connects brings extensive expertise, with a proven track record in 20 states, including Arizona programs in Pinal and Mohave Counties.

Currently, Eckerd Connects is assembling a dedicated local team consisting of a Program Manager, three Career Coaches, and a Business Services Representative. We look forward to collaborating with workforce system stakeholders and embedding our team within local networks to deliver top-notch service to job seekers and employers alike. With a strong commitment to service excellence, Eckerd Connects is excited to support the growth and success of Coconino County's residents and businesses. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this journey together!

Eckerd

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